Peacefully located on a corner of the road, although small, Soc Trang clay pagoda impresses with its centuries-old age with unique Buddha statues and candles.
History of Dat Set Soc Trang pagoda
Dat Set Pagoda is a dear name that people here often call Buu Son Tu. This unique ancient temple is located on Luong Dinh Cua street in Soc Trang city. From many generations now, although small, this place contains a unique architectural space. And especially the fascinating story about the first lead man, about the records and extraordinary artifacts that this place holds.
The temple is located peacefully on a street corner
According to the descendants of the Ngo family, Dat Sat Soc Trang pagoda was formed in the early 20th century. Initially, this was just the place for the grandfather of Vo Kim Tong, who made the statues. Unique clay is later cultivated at home. Later, when Mr. Tong was born sick and thin, his relatives brought him to the temple to chant prayers, recite Buddha’s name and cure his illness every day.
However, his health gradually improved, so Mr. Tong decided to practice to stay in the temple. In 1928, during the renovation of the pagoda Ong Ngo Kim Tong was dreamed of by the Buddha. Following the instructions, he went west to look for clay and tinkered to make statues to worship with all different shapes. The process of making statues was also difficult due to the need to dry, pound and filter out the roots, mixed with mangrove lava powder, …
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After that, in the years 30-40 of the 20th century in Dat Set pagoda in Soc Trang , two more unique towers of Da Bao and Bao To appeared. The strange thing is that when he completed all the decoration in the temple as well as completed the Buddha statues to worship and display, he passed away as if he had closed his eyes fully with what he did. Today, the temple is looked after every day by the elderly brother.
Cool campus
Unique architecture of Soc Trang clay pagoda
Not as majestic and spacious as other temples often see. At first glance outside the clay pagoda is similar to the architecture of the houses here. Next to Chen Kieu pagoda , inside, you will find an attractive colorful space. With only 400 m2, but each corner is neatly and firmly decorated. The space is harmonious, so tourists will not feel cramped.
Hundreds of statues from Buddha to animals are made of clay. Photo: Thanh Nguyen
Worship place of Mr. Ngo Kim Tong – the creator of the unique clay statues
The main gate area of Dat Set Soc Trang pagoda is divided into three offices, the roof is tiled above. The main hall, facing the East, has the altar of artist Ngo Kim Tong. The pagoda turns its face inside, the back facing out, the front is impressive with columns made of clay. Going inside you will see the pavilions of Buddhas, Jade Emperor, …
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The details of the dragon phoenix pattern are put up quite vividly. Most prominent are the statues of all shapes imagined by Mr. Tong are made of clay. All the statues and especially the 24 pillars supporting the entire temple are made of clay with the talented hands of Mr. Ngo Kim Tong. 
The summoned beast statues are meticulously crafted and soulful
To make sure he attached the soil to the glue and mangrove charcoal powder, then painted a coat of oil paint to be stable over time. The scene of Dat Set Soc Trang pagoda is also quite simple and simple. Picture with 2-storey corrugated iron roof, other parts made of wooden planks. The striking red and yellow colors in the decoration make this place extremely prominent but equally rustic. 
The main colors of red and gold create the warmth in the temple
The “unique” things of Soc Trang clay pagoda
Thousands of statues are made of clay
Although he is not an artist, but with passion and a heart towards Buddha. Mr. Tong has been diligent in making extremely delicate and unique statues. They are not only ordinary statues that are worshiped or displayed in Dat Set temple, but have become eternal works. Along with the simple but attractive architecture, this place makes this place a favorite. 
Long Ma statue is created from clay in the temple precinct
Not natural, through loudspeaker, every statue in Dat Set Soc Trang pagoda was put his whole heart in each line during 42 long years until the end of his life. The statues have unique shapes, sizes and colors, including human, god and beast, lotus tower, … with the number of thousands of statues. Can be mentioned as: Bodhisattva Guan Yin, Guru Shakyamuni, Confucius, White Tiger, …
Unique white tiger statue. Photo: Lam Linh
In addition to more than 1900 statues of various shapes, there are also Da Bao tower and Bao Tru tower, the alternate wheel of dharma with 1000 gods sitting on 1000 lotus petals. Eight bowls of heaven and earth, each with 2 fairies standing under the lotus. This is an eloquent testament to not only creative and devoted labor, but also an enhancement of art that makes everyone admire.
The delicate flower courtyard
8 pairs of giant candles
Along with thousands of statues worshiped in Dat Set Soc Trang pagoda , when tourists come here, visitors can also admire 8 huge pairs of candles cast by Mr. Tong himself since 1940. Each candle is over 2 meters high , the diameter of a person can not hold. A smaller pair was burned when he farewell to earth and burned continuously for 50 years but still more than a third. 
Giant candle at Dat Set pagoda
Throughout the years, this temple is still taken over by the Ngo family members, taking care of and smelling incense. Statues, candlesticks, … have always been preserved, not only private property but now also known by many people. The temple does not charge a fee, people and tourists often come here to visit and worship. 
Photo: @ jambon300941
Journey to the West through interesting and attractive destinations. Do not forget to visit this symbolic temple to hear about a unique story and witness first-hand an impressive architecture.