Visiting the land of temples and pagodas.

The former Soc Trang province (now Can Tho City) is known for its large Khmer ethnic population. This community has brought with it a unique culture encompassing beliefs, architecture, customs, traditions, music, and cuisine. This cultural fusion makes it an attractive destination for tourists seeking to learn about, experience, and engage in pilgrimage and spiritual tourism.

Som Rong Pagoda

In Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of the Mekong Delta, there are almost all bus routes to this region. This area has many Khmer temples built in the Theravada Buddhist architectural style, bearing the distinct mark of the centuries. A prominent landmark that tourists cannot miss when visiting this area is Som Rong Pagoda.

In Khmer, the full name of the temple is Wat Pătum Wôngsa Som Rong. Built in 1785, it was initially a simple thatched-roof temple supported by bamboo and reed beams. Over nearly 300 years, the ancient temple has been restored, rebuilt, and renovated into a unique architectural masterpiece combining art and religion, a symbol of the extremely sophisticated and distinctive architectural skills of the Khmer people. Notable features include the triple-arched gate, adorned with bas-reliefs such as the mythical bird Krud and the serpent Naga, and above the gate are five towers symbolizing Mount Meru, where five deities are said to reside. Upon entering the temple grounds, walking under the shady trees, I was overwhelmed by the majestic reclining Buddha statue in the central courtyard.

The exquisite and unique Khmer architecture at Som Rong Pagoda.

This is a reclining Buddha statue, measuring 63 meters long and 22.5 meters high, considered the largest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam. In addition, visitors can explore the stupa, the main hall, and the Sala meeting house. The gray-white stupa has four sides with four entrances, and at the center is a majestic and dignified statue of the Buddha seated on a lotus pedestal.

As a place for practicing traditional rituals, learning, and organizing important festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Sen Dolta, Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony, and the Moon Worship Festival, the pagoda is closely associated with the spiritual life and is intimately connected to the Khmer community.

During your exploration of the land of temples, another must-see is the Bat Pagoda (also known as Mahatup Pagoda), with a history of over 400 years. Nestled amidst ancient trees, this venerable pagoda with its traditional architecture appears even more serene. More than just a place for Buddhist events, the harmonious blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty has transformed the Bat Pagoda grounds into an ecological space attracting visitors from near and far.

The ancient star trees and oil trees in the temple grounds are home to thousands of bats, creating a unique and distinctive sight. However, since the fire at the temple in 2007, the bat population has steadily declined due to hunting and abandonment. Nevertheless, visitors are captivated by the mystical stories about bats and the five-toed pig tombs at the temple. In 1999, Bat Temple was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument.

The Bat Pagoda shines brightly amidst the lush green forest.

Buu Son Pagoda is also a famous landmark in the land of temples, best known as the Clay Pagoda, built in the early 20th century by the Ngo family. It is famous for its thousands of statues and pillars made of clay. With an area of ​​only about 400 square ^meters , the pagoda has a simple and unpretentious architectural style.

Although not associated with festivals or cultural events, the pagoda still attracts a large number of pilgrims and visitors due to its unique and unparalleled features. Here, in addition to admiring the scenery, visitors can also hear fascinating stories surrounding the fourth abbot who renovated and expanded the pagoda to its current form – Venerable Ngo Kim Tong.

Legend has it that when he was young, he suffered from a serious illness that could not be cured by any treatment. He was then taken to a temple to pray, and after taking medicine and meditating, he gradually recovered. Afterward, he became a monk and a unique clay sculptor, despite having no formal training. His large and small Buddha statues, mythical creatures, the Da Bao Pagoda, the Lotus Throne, and other sculptures have become works of exceptional historical, artistic, and religious value.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the four pairs of giant candles, each weighing around 200kg and standing 2m tall, which have made this temple famous. Each candle is estimated to burn continuously for 70 years. Alongside them are smaller candles that can still burn continuously for half a decade.

It would be a great oversight to visit this region and miss the Khmer Museum. Located in a quiet corner of the city, each exhibit seems to tell its own story. Visitors can enjoy everything from the Dù kê stage to the Rô băm melodies. Unique musical instruments, from the five-instrument ensemble to the ceremonial music, seem ready to be played, heralding the start of the festival season.

Soc Trang's cuisine is diverse, and visitors simply cannot miss the famous snakehead fish noodle soup. The broth is made entirely with fresh coconut water, offering a delicate sweetness blended with the flavor of fermented fish sauce. This dish reflects the cultural exchange between the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer ethnic groups. Besides snakehead fish and shrimp, the noodles are served with roasted pork and various vegetables such as banana blossom, bean sprouts, chives, and basil leaves. Just one taste and you'll surely remember its unique flavor, wanting to return to this place whenever you have the chance.

Perhaps all the places mentioned share one thing in common: the value of time. Culture is always a nation's soft power, and experiential travel is always necessary for each person to discover the beauty of the culture of each region.

Hien Duong

Source: https://baolongan.vn/tham-dat-chua-chien-a202774.html