Wherever there are Khmer people, there are Khmer pagodas. One of the best pagodas to see in Soc Trang city is Bowl (Chen Kieu) pagoda – A colorful Soc Trang Khmer pagoda in Mekong Delta Vietnam. Chen Kieu Pagoda (also known as Sa Lon Pagoda) is one of ancient pagodas with the most unique architecture in Soc Trang Province.
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: Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District, Soc Trang Province. About 10km from SocTrang city center, the pagoda is on the way from SocTrang to Bac Lieu province, about 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
Recognition(s): was recognised as a province-level historical and cultural relic in 2012.
Site beauties: There are many charming Khmer people are selling their own farm products at this area. Real local life of the Khmer!
2. Travel guide to Bowl (Chen Kieu) pagoda
According to a member of the pagoda’s management board, the pagoda was erected in 1815 in a spacious area with lots of trees. It was damaged at war. During the rebuilding, due to a lack of construction materials, monks came up with the inspiration of calling for donations of bowls and plates from local people for use in decorating the main building. The name of “Chen Kieu” pagoda is originated from the monks tiled old “Porcelain” bowls, plates to the pagoda’s walls, stairs and many other locations to create extremely impressive motifs during the process of pagoda reconstruction in 1969.
The gate is emphasized by 3 towers designed with the traditional architecture of the southern Khmer people. Along the main entrance is two lines of Fairies Kayno – symbolizing for beauty and strength. The sanctum of the pagoda has 3-layer roof that is smaller from lower to top, of which the top layer has the triangular shape with sharp high peak. Inside the sanctum, there are about 20 Shakyamuni Buddha statues with different meditation position surrounded by paintings of the life of Shakyamuni Buddha from his birth until Nirvana.
In the residence of the pagoda there is a set of chairs and a bed made from ebony, donated by the family of Tran Trinh Huy, commonly known as Cong Tu Bac Lieu, son of one of the richest families in Bac Lieu province in the first years of the 20th century.
To the Khmer, pagodas are similar to communal houses in northern Việt Nam or long houses in the Central Highlands, but their bond with the local community is even closer. They are also schools teaching Buddhist principles and the Khmer language to local people. Khmer male youngsters often spend a couple years in the pagodas to be recognised by society. Their first school is the pagoda. These pagodas have stood the test of time, showing their beauty and supporting the local communities. Visiting Khmer pagodas in Sóc Trăng is not only a serene getaway but also an intriguing way to encounter one of the most unique communities in the heart of the Mekong Delta.
3. Better to go with google maps of Bowl (Chen Kieu) pagoda
4. Better to see our short latest video indvance (4k)
5. Pro tips:
The Bowl (Chen Kieu – Sa Lon) Soc Trang Pagoda is a solemn place, so you should choose beautiful clothes that are still polite and discreet. There are many decorations with porcelain bowls, plates to the pagoda’s walls, stairs and many other locations, if you go with the children, please remind them not to climb or touch for the respections and safety.
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 and boats equipped with lifebuoys and jackets. 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
