Kh’leang Pagoda is an ancient pagoda of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. The space here is very ancient, tinged with time. The pagoda is also a place for cultural and religious activities of many local people. Therefore, this will be one of the destinations you should not miss when traveling to Soc Trang.

General information about Kh’Leang Pagoda

Kh’Leang Pagoda is located on Ton Duc Thang Street, Group 5, Ward 6, City. Soc Trang. According to documents still stored at the pagoda, in the early 16th century, the King of Chenla, Ang Chan, organized a trip through this remote territory. The king was a devout Buddhist, so when he came to this land and saw no pagoda. Then he had ordered the construction of a pagoda here.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

At the result, in 1532, local people contributed to building a Buddhist pagoda, and named it Khléang Pagoda (the name of this land at that time). There is no trace of the first pagoda remains today. The main hall and sala (Buddhist meeting place) today were built of bricks and tiles in the 19th century.

On April 27, 1990, the Ministry of Culture and Information recognized Kh’Leang Pagoda as a National Artistic Architectural Monument. 

Classical architecture of the pagoda

The current pagoda architecture such as the main hall and Sala were newly built in 1918. The pagoda has an architecture similar to Theravada Buddhist pagoda in Thailand and Cambodia, decorated with many patterns, motifs, and the brilliant colors. The pagoda grounds have many palm trees and are surrounded by a fence.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

The main gate faces East, decorated with elaborate patterns and vibrant colors. On the front of each column is a statue of a Ken naarr dancer with her arms supporting the roof, and on the roof are three small towers.

KhLeang Pagoda

The main gate of Kh’Leang Pagoda

The architectural complex of Khleang Pagoda includes: the main hall, sala, monk’s house, ash storage towers… arranged harmoniously on high ground. Most of these works in Kh’leang Pagoda are built in the traditional stilt house style of the ancient Khmer people in the Mekong Delta River, each work was sculpted, carved with patterns, exquisite details.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

The main hall, with a total area of about 200m2, is located in the center and is divided into three levels, each about 1 meter high and surrounded by a fence.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

Main hall of Kh’Leang Pagoda

The main hall’s roof is also built in a three-level format, and each level has 3 folds. The edge of the roof has a dragon statue with a curving body, head spreading out into a fan shape, tail curved up and interacting with other dragon tails.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

The corner of the main hall’s roof is shaped like the Naga God Snake

On the tops of the columns in the corridor surrounding the main hall, there are statues of Krud extending his arms to support.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

The image of god Krud or god bird Garuda supports the roof of the main hall. This is a type of magical bird with a human body; The bird’s head, legs and wings, with a ruby in its beak, originate from Indian culture.

In addition, around the main hall there are also decorated statues of the god Teahu and Yeak statues.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

Statue of Yeak – the mascot protecting the pagoda

Inside the main hall, the roof frame is supported by 12 large pillars (circumference of 1.10 m), built in the Greek Corinthien style, covered with glossy black paint and painted with dragons; gorgeous yellow curvy fish shape.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

Decorative patterns on the pillars

The main hall has a 6.8 m high statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the 2.7 m high body of the statue was cast in 1916, and on the wall is a fresco depicting the Buddha’s life from birth to enlightenment.

Kh'Leang Pagoda

The doors of the main hall are made of wood, engraved with a battle scene between a fairy and a Yeak on a frame decorated with patterns in every detail.

Useful information