One of the oldest Khmer temples to see in Soc Trang city is Bat pagoda – A beautiful Soc Trang Khmer pagoda in Mekong Delta Vietnam. This 452-year-old pagoda is not only famous for mysterious landscape sheltering colonies of bats but also for its unique and majestic architecture.

By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Soc Trang Visitor Guide

1. Better to know as a tourist

Ticket: Free

Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)

Hours: All day

Address: It is located approximately 3 km southeast of Sóc Trăng City, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Recognition(s): Since 1999, Doi pagoda has been recognized as a national relic for architectural art by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.  

Site beauties: There are many charming Khmer people are selling their own farm products at this area. And perhaps, the most special thing in Bat Pagoda is the bats. Any traveler after visiting the temple, listening to music, also focused in the backyard of pagoda to look at a lot of bats. Occasionally, bats spread their wings to fly from branch to another branch.

2. Travel guide to Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi)

Dơi pagoda’s architecture exhibits both Vietnamese and Cambodian features. It was initially named “Serây tê chô mahatúp”, which means a blessing of good virtue. It was called Mã Tộc by the local. The pagoda is commonly known as “Dơi means Bat” because it is home to a big colony of bats. According to the bibliography, this is one of the most intact examples of pagodas in the Mekong Delta.

At the entrance, visitors will be overwhelmed by the bright and shiny yellow colour that nearly covers the entire Bat Pagoda. While the main gate is simply decorated, the sub-gates are decorated with five-head giant snakes. The walls of the main hall are comprised of bricks. The four corners of its tile roof are curved and engraved with Naga snake god. A tower rises in the middle. Pillars along the corridor surrounding the main hall are adorned with Kemnar statues with palms pressed together chest-high in a prayerful gesture to all visitors.

Inside the hall is a stone statue of the Buddha sitting high on a 2-meter lotus throne and another statue of the Buddha riding on the snake genie Muchalinda. The curved walls feature pictures depicting the lifecycle of the Buddha from birth to enlightenment and entering into Nirvana. The pagoda preserves sutras written on palmyra leaves and rare and precious treasures of the Khmer belief system.

The pagoda courtyard is shaded by ancient trees. There are several stupas and a stilt house where monks rest and study. The eye-catching brown and black bats which live in the pagoda weigh about 1.5 kilograms each with an average wingspan of 1.5 meters, the fastest cruising speed is from 50-60 kmh. They hang up-side-down from the trees during daytime and look like clusters of ripe fruit. It’s still mysterious why the bats live here. Some people think the reasons may include the nearby fruitful gardens, the high ancient trees, and the peaceful atmosphere of Dơi Pagoda.

Oddly, the bats live in the fruit trees but never the eat fruit growing in the pagoda grounds. When it begins to get dark, they leave the pagoda to find food elsewhere and return early the next morning. It is also unknown why there are many other tranquil pagodas in Sóc Trăng province but the bats only inhabit in this particular one. Another mystery is that the bats don’t fly straight but avoid the roof of the main hall. The locals consider them auspices that always protect them.

According to the temple’s ancient bibliographies have left: Bat pagoda started construction since 1569 in the solar calendar, Mr. Thach Ut organized to build the pagoda and has undergone 19 lifetimes of Venerable. In 1960, the pagoda was repaired in the main hall. In August 2007, an unfortunate incident caused the temple to burn down the main hall. Soc Trang provincial government has helped to rebuild the main hall of Bat pagoda with a budget of 4 billion VND.

Less than 2 years, the new and magnificent main hall was finished in the joy of thousands of Buddhists. The heart of people in the hamlet and local government helped each painting, each pattern array of the temple more brilliant and beautiful. In 2013, Chua Doi tourist area in Soc Trang was put into operation as a unique part of Mekong delta tours. Although the budget is not abundant. But the tourist area is opposite the pagoda gate with spacious parking, other services like restaurants and electric cars… it’s more convenient for visitors.

Bat Pagoda is an overall architecture consists of: The Main Hall, Sala, the synagogue of monks and believers, living room, bed rooms of the abbot and the other monks, the tower to put ashes of the dead… The works housed in a big campus with many ancient trees, an area of about 4 hectares. Overall, the entire of architectural ensemble is balance, it makes us think that’s a pattern forest with harmony and neat layout, smooth and impressive contours… exudes the spirit of industriousness and creativity through skillful hands of the Khmer.

3. Better to go with google maps of Mahatup (Bat – Chua Doi) pagoda

4. Better to see our short latest video indvance (4k)

5. Pro tips:

Bat (Chua Doi) or Mahatup Pagoda in Soc Trang is a solemn place, so you should choose beautiful clothes that are still polite and discreet. In the temple grounds, there are many animal statues such as elephants, snakes, etc. If you go with the children, please remind them not to climb because these are sacred symbols of the Khmer people.

The monks don’t ask for money, although donations won’t hurt.

Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.

If you plan to extend your tour to Soc Trang homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.

When visiting the Soc Trang or doing any customized tours, choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets. Safety is a priority!

Soc Trang tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Bat pagoda, Chen Kieu (Bowl) pagoda, Dung islet, Ghe Ngo boat race festival, pink trumpet tree road, Clay pagoda (Chua Dat Set), Khleang pagoda, Nga Nam floating market, Phat Hoc 2 pagoda, Soc Trang central market, Soc Trang museum, Som Rong pagoda, popular and clean homestays and hotels in Soc Trang…

Soc Trang food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Soc Trang cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Cong Cake, Pia Cake, Bun Nuoc Leo Soc Trang’s Noodle Soup…

Bring the raincoat if you travel to Soc Trang in the rainy season, as Soc Trang always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.

Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Soc Trang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!

“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.

Thank you