Having a history of more than 400 years, Doi Soc Trang pagoda has a unique and rare ancient and wild features.
Having a history of more than 400 years, Doi Soc Trang pagoda has a unique ancient and wild features. This important temple to Khmer people is the ideal tourist destination with many unique things to explore.
1. Information about Doi Soc Trang pagoda
Location, way of going
Doi Pagoda is currently located in ward 3, about 2km from the center of Soc Trang city. Because the journey is quite short, you can choose from many ways to get here.
Unique patterned entrance to the temple. Photo: Mekong Smile
The fastest way is to follow Hai Ba Trung street towards Tran Hung Dao, about 800 meters when you see the roundabout, turn to Le Hong Phong Street. After that, go back to 850 meters to meet Van Ngoc Chinh street, then turn to go for another 1km to go to Doi pagoda .
Important historical milestones
Built in the sixteenth century, more than 400 years ago, it can be said that this temple is one of the oldest structures. Initially, due to low cost, the temple was built only temporarily with bamboo that roofed. But later it was rebuilt with bricks, the roof is covered with yellow tiles. 
The pagoda has been repaired many times to have the appearance today
The majestic and quiet temple has gone through many ups and downs with many great events. Some important historical landmarks that Doi Soc Trang pagoda has experienced:
– In 1999: certified as a national historical and cultural monument. Since then, the local government has also had many policies to preserve and embellish the site to promote the value of this place.
– 1960: The main hall underwent a major overhaul from inside to fly out.
– 2008: The temple was burnt down in the main hall and in 2009 it was renovated to look like the original one.
– In 2013: a tourist area right in front of the pagoda gate with full utilities was put into operation for the purpose of serving visitors to visit Doi pagoda.
2. Architecture of Doi Soc Trang pagoda
Bold features of ancient Khmer. Initially called Ma Troc, but later it was found to be the residence of thousands and tens of thousands of bats, so that special name was born and called to this day. 
The pagoda is the famous place of worshiping Buddha in Soc Trang
For the Khmer ethnic people in Soc Trang, this spiritual space is important because this temple is the only place to worship Buddha. Hidden in a pure 3ha campus and divided into many different areas such as: main hall, meeting room, living room, ashes room, living room, … with 2-storey roof. The roof is meticulously designed with mighty Cayno birds.
The pagoda is surrounded by unique columns
The main area of Doi Soc Trang pagoda is surrounded by columns with a statue of the goddess Kemnar clasped in front of her chest. Inside there is a statue of Shakyamuni made of monolithic stone, perched on a 2 meter high lotus, Buddha statue riding on a god snake, paintings depicting the life of the Buddha.
Gold color with sophisticated motifs. Photo: Le Ha Truc
The decorative colors are eye-catching and sophisticated, the temple precinct also has a multitude of intricately carved statues, the sacred Black Lady shrine, … Or especially there are the tombs of 5-nailed pigs, after The temple was buried here.
3. When should I travel to Doi Soc Trang pagoda?
During the year, the most bustling time of bat pagoda is in spring, Thanh Minh New Year, full moon day, 1st day. Buddhists and tourists come to make pilgrimages and worship a lot. Not only that, at the beginning of the year, this temple also has festivals bearing a unique cultural identity, you should come to enjoy. 
Evening time in the evening, the bats flock to eat
The ideal time of day to go to Doi pagoda is in the afternoon, when the sunlight is not too strong. You can walk around to visit the temple and take photos as you please. Then, at dusk, you will admire the scenery of falling herds flying away to eat.
The temple is always crowded with visitors
4. Special experiences
Until now, people still cannot explain in Soc Trang there are many other places, but why bats are only parked in the premises of this temple. Coming here during the day, you will see firsthand the fallen birds perched on the branches. They flew out for food at night and returned early the next morning.
Buddha Tower in Bat Pagoda
Not only that, at Doi Soc Trang pagoda there are also extremely rare sutras recorded on palm leaves, artifacts, history books, … with cultural values characteristic of the people of the southwestern region. exist. Enjoy the performance of the five-syllable amazement, watching the traditional Khmer boat on display in the temple.
Green campus in the temple
After visiting all the temple grounds and burning incense at Ba Den Temple, you can sit on the bench under the tree to enjoy a calm and cool space. The trees of mango, star, durian, … are planted perennial in a peaceful space. 
The stupa is brilliant
Is a living museum possessing great values from history, culture to spirituality. Doi Pagoda deserves to be an interesting destination to explore in the Western tourist itinerary you must definitely come.