Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang - The Pearl of Soc Trang
When talking about or travelling to Soc Trang, you must know that this place has its own unique charm when it comes to pagodas, and one of those you cannot miss is the Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang. Its uniquely designed architecture and sacredness have garnered praise from countless tourists. Let's explore more about it with Vietnam Budget Car Rental right now.
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A Brief Introduction of Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang
Address: 367 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 5, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province.
Nowadays, the Khmer minority lives in Soc Trang, a heavily populated area with impressive Khmer pagodas and century-old Buddhist monuments. Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang is the most striking of the hundreds of Khmer pagodas in the city and is regarded by many tourists as the main source of pride for the locals.
The full name of the Som Rong Pagoda in Khmer is Wat Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông. Legends from the area claim that the pagoda has been around for many generations, having begun as a little, thatched-roof temple that was passed down through numerous historical periods.
Following more than two decades of building, the Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang has emerged as the most revered spiritual haven in this area. This pagoda is a proud representative of Soc Trang tourism, presenting the image of the Khmer pagoda in Southern Vietnam and bringing attention to the beauty of Vietnamese temples worldwide through these remarkable constructions.
How do you get to Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang?
You have to stop at Soc Trang in order to get to Som Rong Pagoda. Experienced travellers frequently choose to rent a car from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang, utilising either a coach or a limousine... traversing a distance of around 231km, approximately a 6-hour journey, if they're starting from Saigon and headed towards the region of golden pagodas. For such relatively long journeys, this method of transportation saves time and labour due to its overall remarkable efficiency.
As recommended by Vietnam Budget Car Rental, some respectable bus companies you might think about using for your trip are Mai Linh or Phuong Trang. With departures available from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, these bus companies provide you the freedom to plan a timetable that works for your travel without having to worry too much about running out of time. Depending on the type of vehicle, tickets cost between 130,000 and 180,000 VND per passenger for each 1.5-hour trip.
Best Time to Visit Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang
Given its reputation for extreme heat and blistering sun, visitors should make an informed decision about when to visit Soc Trang. It's advisable to schedule your visit between 7 and 9 in the morning or between 3:30 and 5:30 in the afternoon if you're thinking about the time of day to escape the strong sunshine.
From March through July, this place experiences scorching summer temperatures. Periodic rains relieve the intense heat from August till the conclusion of the season. It's a good idea to bundle up for the scorching sun before visiting Som Rong Pagoda or any other location in Soc Trang.
History of Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang
Building work started in 1785, and this location has a 600-year history that includes 12 generations of abbots. At first, bamboo, leaves, and other locally available materials were used to briefly create the temple. Today, following a number of restorations and improvements, the historic Som Rong temple has a magnificent and alluring aspect.
You'll eventually learn the story associated with this holy architectural wonder through the stories told by the locals. There was formerly an abundance of wild Som Rong trees in the area where the temple currently sits, according to legend.
In order to maintain the spirit of the unusual name's genesis, two Som Rong trees remain in the temple grounds among a grove of hundred-year-old trees, making for a very unusual and captivating focal point.
What to explore at Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang?
1. Pagoda Tower
The Pagoda Tower, which stands directly at the entrance, is magnificently decorated in greyish-white and has four sides and four rising paths. This tower has a three-tiered base and is seven storeys tall, tapering down from large to small. The tower's centrepiece is a picture of Buddha Shakyamuni perched atop a lotus pedestal.
The Pagoda Tower's beautiful carvings enthral visitors with their detailed depictions of stylized lotus blossoms, snaking vines around every corner, artistic patterns, and celestial figures. Apart from its amazing sculptures, the Pagoda Tower is decked out with vibrant flags on significant holidays.
2. Main Hall
Graciously decorated in colours of brown-red and golden tones, the solemn Main Hall is located opposite the Pagoda Tower and to the left of the entry. The hall is more than 20 metres long and 5 metres wide.
The Main Hall's colourful external decorations, curved paths, antique motif-adorned columns, and murals portraying the life and teachings of Buddha make for an impressive sight. A depiction of the Buddha's birth, walking on a lotus, is located at the front peak of the hall.
There are two side hallways that flank the Main Hall. The statue of the Buddha in meditation is located in the right hallway, which also offers views of the Pagoda Tower and the Sala. This is a very lovely location that many tourists might miss.
3. Sala Assembly Hall
The construction of the magnificent Sala Assembly Hall spanned more than four years, from 2013 to 2017. It is roomy and intended for conventional temple functions, including preaching and monks' meetings.
The majesty, size, and vivid colours of the Sala's architecture enthral visitors. It's not well recognised that this building combines a modern interior design with several practical functions, all while adhering strictly to traditional architecture.
The Sala, which has two storeys and several roof layers, uses vibrant colours to give it a standout look. The Sala is embellished with ancient decorative arts that represent the elegance of Khmer temples.
The celestial Apsara is featured on the second-floor roof, while the Naga god is portrayed on the first-floor roof and the divine dragon decoration is visible when entering through the stairway. Birds and dragons are portrayed around the periphery of the tile roofs. Sharp mountain peaks that resemble Xome peaks can be seen at each roof end.
Five parallel towers, two in front and three at the back, with five levels apiece, rise to the top of the temple's roof. The picture of Buddha Shakyamuni sitting atop a nine-headed celestial serpent and giving blessings is at the centre.
4. Largest Giant Buddha Statue in Vietnam
The outdoor statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, standing 29 metres tall, 73 metres long, and 40 tonnes in weight, is definitely not to be missed. When compared to the other buildings in the Som Rong temple complex, this monument has the greatest operating costs.
This well-known Buddha statue is situated on a 28-meter-high pedestal, symbolising Buddha's relationship with sentient beings and his seeming understanding of their suffering when viewed from above. From a higher vantage point, the statue's design also depicts Buddha's protection over humans, watching over them always and helping them overcome all obstacles.
The two primary colours of the statue's craftsmanship—blue and white—create an air of purity and grace on both the head and torso. Large areas are constructed for the activities, gatherings, and meditation of monks and followers beneath the Buddha statue. The location is also referred to as the Sóc Trăng Buddha Temple since the statue was installed, in addition to the well-known Som Rong moniker.
Owing to its enormous scale, this statue's majesty and magnificence are immediately apparent when one enters the gate. When you go closer, every feature of the Buddha's body, including his stance and the moods that alternate between calm and majestic, stuns those who are lucky enough to see it.
Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang along with the colossal statue of Buddha Shakyamuni promises to leave you with unforgettable emotions. Vietnam Budget Car Rental has to say that you should definitely mark this place on your list of places to explore whenever you have the chance to visit the Soc Trang region for a trip.
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