Clay pagoda (Chua Dat Set) is one of Soc Trang tourist attractions. Pay a visit to Clay Pagoda, the travelers can see 1,901 small and large Buddha statues and a great number of prayer objects made of clay.
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 in the center of Sóc Trăng City, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Recognition(s): as a historical and cultural relic of the Mekong Delta Province of Soc Trang.
Site beauties: The pagoda is also well-known for having four pairs of giant candles, each of which can be as heavy as 200kg and as tall as 2.6m, 200 animal statues, along with other worshipping items made of clay by Mr. Ngo Kim Tong during his 42 years of life.
2. Soc Trang Travel Guide to Clay Pagoda (Chua Dat Set)
The pagoda’s real name is Buu Son Tu, but pilgrims usually call it Chua Dat Set (Clay Pagoda). Clay Pagoda was built of wood as a small temple to pray at home by Ngo ancestry in the 20th century. In 1928, the pagoda was enlarged and built newly with bricks by Mr. Ngo Kim Tong (Mr. Nam Tong). The pagoda is also well-known for having four pairs of giant candles. These candles were made in 1940. Two of the candles have burned continuously since the death of head priest of the pagoda, Ngo Kim Tong, in 1970. The pagoda patrol said that each candle will take about 70 years to burn.
The pagoda campus has an area of 400m2. The three-arched-entrance gate is built according to oriental architectural style, but neater. On the top of the gate are 2 dragons looking at a pearl. Above the main entrance has 2-word lines: one in Chinese, one in Vietnamese to show the pagoda name. The 4 pillars have word lines in Chinese. All make hoariness for the pagoda.
The front of the main hall is built of modern materials, 2 main pillars are skillfully carved winding dragon shapes. The part left of the temple is only wood pillars, tile roofs, one floor, and has a simple structure. The 2 temple roofs are supported by 24 pillars, each one is decorated with a winding dragon shape made of clay. Inside the temple has over 1,900 statues of Buddha, Fairies, Saints, and Mascots. The way of pagoda worship shows the view of three religions, the same one originating from oriental countries.
3. Better to go with google maps of Clay Pagoda (Chua Dat Set)
4. Pro tips:
Clay Pagoda (Chua Dat Set) 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 clay statues and objects. If you go with the children, please remind them not to touch because these are sacred symbols of the locals.
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
