The old Soc Trang (now merged with Can Tho City in 2025) is known as the “capital” of pagodas and towers. In addition to serving as spaces for cultural and religious activities of the Khmer people, the pagodas are also destinations not to be missed by tourists exploring the Mekong Delta region. Each pagoda has a completely different style, giving visitors one surprise after another. Among them, it is impossible not to mention Som Rong Pagoda.
General information about Som Rong Pagoda
The pagoda is located at 367, Ton Duc Thang Street, Soc Trang Ward.
Som Rong Pagoda’s full name in Khmer is Bôtum Vong Sa Som Rong. Construction began in 1785; this pagoda has a history of more than 600 years. Initially, the pagoda was built temporarily using materials sourced locally, such as bamboo, leaves… At present, after many restorations and embellishments, the ancient pagoda of Som Rong has taken on a new, more spacious and eye-catching appearance.
Regarding the name Som Rong: in the past, many wild trees of this name grew around the pagoda, from which the pagoda took its name. To mark the origin of the unique name, there are still 2 Som Rong trees in the middle of the hundreds-of-years-old forest, creating an extremely distinctive and interesting highlight.
Impressive architecture of the ancient pagoda
In front is a pagoda gate decorated with many Khmer cultural symbols such as the Naga god snake, Krud god bird, traditional patterns… covered with gold emulsion. Above the gate are 5 towers, symbolizing Mount Meru, where, according to Buddhist teachings, five Buddhas in the future will attain enlightenment, and where, according to Brahmanic doctrine, five gods often reside.
From the main gate to the yard is about 100m, but there are many ancient trees, some dozens, others hundreds of years old.
Som Rong Pagoda was also built in the same architectural style as other Southern Khmer pagodas, covering 5 hectares and including a main hall, a sala (a meeting place for Buddhists), a house for monks, and a library. The architectural elements within the pagoda are harmoniously combined.
The main hall is the primary place of worship for Buddha among the pagoda’s architectural features. The entire main hall is supported by 6 rows of pillars, with a distinctive roof structure comprising 3 overlapping roof systems spaced at a set distance. The roof adjacent to the column is decorated with images of the goddess Keynor and the god bird Krud, enhancing the solidity and strength of the columns supporting the massive roof and increasing the beauty and prestige of the facilities for the project.
On both sides of the entrance to the main hall are fierce images of Unicorns, guarding the door to prevent evil and protect the Buddha. On the walls and ceiling of the main hall are murals depicting the life of Shakyamuni Buddha.
The altar in the main hall places many statues of Shakyamuni Buddha. Among them, two ancient Shakyamuni Buddha statues were crafted from trees in 1785, the year the pagoda was founded. These two Buddha statues stand with arms outstretched and red palms facing forward, reminding people not to commit evil deeds but to accumulate blessings and virtue by doing good.
The pagoda grounds are divided into several areas, the most prominent of which is the stupa located right at the entrance to the pagoda, parallel to the main hall. The stupa has four directions and four paths, representing love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Along both sides of the path leading up to the stupa are images of the Naga (god snake) and ancient Khmer motifs, carved very delicately and sharply.
The tower’s unique feature is its paint color. Instead of the traditional yellow, the tower is painted gray, exuding both modernity and majesty, as ancient as monolithic stone architecture.
If Sa Lon Pagoda excites you with its walls and pillars decorated with scraps of cups and plates, Som Rong Pagoda promises eye-catching moments with a huge Shakyamuni Buddha statue measuring 63 meters long and 22.5 meters high, placed about 28 meters above the ground.
Wat Patum Wongsa Som Rong Pagoda becomes more poetic in the late afternoon. Visitors coming here at this time not only worship the pagoda and pray for peace, but can also buy an impressive, unique photo album.
Som Rong Pagoda
- Best for: solo, family, student, Buddhist…
- Entrance: Free
- Tourist spots nearby: Four Faces Pagoda, Bat Pagoda, Kh’Leang Pagoda, Chen Kieu Pagoda, Nga Nam Floating Market, Khmer Museum, Clay Pagoda…
Source: collected by An
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