The old Soc Trang (currently merged to Can Tho City) is the home of many Chinese pagodas and temples. Among them, La Han Pagoda, Ba Hoa Temple (Hoa Duc Pagoda), Lady Thien Hau Temple of Teochew and Guangzhou people are the most famous spiritual spring destinations in the province.
La Han Pagoda
Located in the lower reaches of Hau River, the old Soc Trang has a cultural exchange between the Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer ethnic groups, in which many Chinese pagodas have a long history, contributing to the diversity of spiritual and cultural tourism.
La Han Pagoda in Old Soc Trang (currently merged Can Tho City).
The view of La Han Pagoda on the morning of the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, located on Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Soc Trang Ward. The pagoda was built in 1952 and managed by the Teochew people. After many constructions and renovations, the pagoda is majestic and solemn with 2 separate floors and 4 overlapping roof systems. On each corner of the roof are decorative patterns according to Chinese architectural art.
statues in La Han Pagoda
The pagoda worships Buddhas, including 18 Arhats. The upper floor worships Buddha Shakyamuni, the lower floor worships Mazu. The pagoda attracts a large number of Buddhists and tourists to worship, especially on holidays, Tet, and the full moon of January.
Ba Hoa Temple
One of the special temples in old Soc Trang that does not worship Buddha but worships “Ba Hoa” (Lady God of Fire) is Hoa Duc Pagoda. Local people have always called it Ba Hoa (Lady God of Fire) temple, which is a small temple located at the corner of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Phan Dinh Phung intersection, Phu Loi Ward.
inside Ba Hoa temple
According to legend, more than 100 years ago, at the ancient tree at the intersection above, on dark nights, people often saw sparks of fire flying up from the top of the tree. They believed that Lady God of Fire had appeared, so they built a small temple to worship her, hoping to avoid risks and misfortunes caused by fire. Over time, more and more people from all over the province came to worship Ba Hoa, especially the Chinese, Kinh and Khmer people.
Right in front is the altar of God of Fire with colorful lights and a statue of her in a splendid costume. Offering at Ba Hoa Temple is also a reminder for everyone to always pay attention to fire prevention and fighting in daily life.
Lady Thien Hau Temple
The old My Xuyen District, Soc Trang Province (currently merged to Can Tho City) is a famous land in the whole of the six provinces of the South. There was a time when this place was called Bai Xau, associated with the famous delicious rice variety and one of the largest trading ports in the West. There are many pagodas, temples, and Chinese Assembly Halls here, including a religious structure called Lady Thien Hau Temple, which is quite famous and has unique architecture.
In the photo is Lady Thien Hau Temple with the image of two dragons wriggling and fighting over a gourd on the roof, in front of the temple are the two Chinese words meaning to increase luck. The temple is located on Phan Dinh Phung Street, My Xuyen Ward.
Local people usually visit Lady Thien Hau Temple on the morning of the 5th day of Tet. Inside the temple is bright red with lanterns hanging from the ceiling and around. According to historical records, Lady Thien Hau, whose family name is Lam and whose given name is Mac, was from Fujian province, China, born on March 23, year 960 (AD).
According to historical records, since she was a child, she showed an innate talent in astronomy, often looking at the stars to predict the weather, helping fishermen in the area. Later, people who went to sea remembered her, often saw her wearing a red shirt flying over the sea and saving people in distress, so they drew her portrait to worship and pray for her safety.
Going to the pagoda at the beginning of the year, tourists can visit Soc Trang to attend the Lady Thien Hau festival held on March 23 of the lunar calendar.
In addition, in My Xuyen ward, there is also the Thien Hau Temple of Guangzhou located on Vinh Chau ward. Above the main door hang the messages with the meaning “moderate wind, suitable rain” and “peaceful country, peaceful people”.
Inside the temple, there are also red lanterns decorated in the style of Chinese temple construction. In addition to visiting the pagoda at the beginning of the year, visitors can visit Chinese Pagodas in Old Soc Trang to participate in the festival of Lady Thien Hau held on the 23rd day of the third lunar month.
Source: collected by An
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