Where is Som Rong Pagoda? Directions & Travel Tips

Famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue and the stunning architecture of a Southern Khmer Theravāda temple, Som Rong Pagoda is a must-visit spiritual destination. So where exactly is Som Rong Pagoda? How do you get there? Let Vietjet guide you through a visit to Som Rong Pagoda in the article below!

The reclining Buddha statue at Som Rong Pagoda is solemnly placed at the center of the temple grounds.

1. Where is Som Rong Pagoda?

Som Rong Pagoda (known in Khmer as Wat Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông) is a Southern Khmer Theravāda Buddhist temple located in Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province. It is one of the most significant spiritual sites in southern Vietnam, known for its Buddhist architecture that reflects centuries of history.

For the local Khmer community in Soc Trang, Som Rong Pagoda is a symbol of pride, showcasing Khmer religious architecture to visitors. Besides being a place for worship and spiritual practice, the pagoda is also a popular tourist destination in Soc Trang, attracting numerous visitors each year.

Address: 367 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 5, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang ProvinceOpening hours: Open all day

2. How to Get to Som Rong Pagoda, Soc Trang

Som Rong Pagoda is located in Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province. To reach the temple, travelers must first get to Soc Trang and then continue by local transport.

2.1 How to Get to Soc Trang

Soc Trang is a province located in the southwestern region of Vietnam, about 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City and around 60 km from Can Tho. Therefore, for travelers from the northern, central, or Central Highlands provinces, you can take a flight or train to Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City, then continue to Soc Trang by road.

By plane: This is the fastest mode of transportation. Currently, many airlines operate domestic routes with convenient and quick flight schedules. You can check out tickets from Vietjet, which frequently offers flight promotions. Accordingly, flight tickets to Can Tho start from only 217,500 VND, and tickets to Ho Chi Minh City start from just 50,000 VND (Prices do not include taxes and fees).

Travelers can shorten the distance to Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang by flying to Can Tho.

By train: From train stations in some northern and central provinces, passengers can easily purchase train tickets to Ho Chi Minh City, with average ticket prices ranging from 850,000 to 1,300,000 VND/person.Once you arrive in Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City, you can catch a passenger coach from stations like Mien Tay Bus Station (Ho Chi Minh City) – fare around 200,000 VND/person, or Can Tho Bus Station (Can Tho City) – fare around 80,000 VND/person, to go directly to Soc Trang Bus Station (Soc Trang City).

If you prefer to travel independently, you can also ride a motorbike:

From Saigon, follow National Highway 1A through Long An and Tien Giang provinces, then continue via National Highway 60 from Ben Tre to Soc Trang.
From Can Tho, follow National Highway 1A for about 60 km to reach Soc Trang City directly.

See more: Must-visit attractions in Can Tho

2.2 Directions to Som Rong Pagoda

Som Rong Pagoda is located at No. 367, Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 5, Soc Trang City. Once in Soc Trang, you can take a taxi, a traditional motorbike taxi, or book a ride via ride-hailing apps to get to Som Rong Pagoda. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike from rental services or your accommodation and ride there on your own. For easier navigation, the pagoda is conveniently located along National Highway 60.

3. History of Som Rong Pagoda

Som Rong Pagoda is one of the most iconic architectural works representing Khmer culture. It was originally built in 1785, made simply from bamboo and palm leaves by the local Khmer community. Over generations and with ongoing development, the pagoda has been gradually renovated and rebuilt into a more solid structure.

In 1960, under the leadership of Venerable Ly Duc, a new and more spacious main hall was constructed on a larger plot of land. In 2000, the pagoda rebuilt its main hall once again. Then in 2013, Sala Hall, the stupa tower, and especially the most symbolic construction of Som Rong Pagoda – the giant Reclining Buddha statue – were added. This is the largest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam.All of these constructions feature exquisite carvings and decorations that reflect the traditional artistic style of the Khmer ethnic culture. Since then, Som Rong Pagoda has become not only a major pilgrimage site but also a famous tourist attraction in Soc Trang.

4. Discover the Sacred Beauty of Som Rong Pagoda

4.1 Admire the Reclining Buddha Statue at Som Rong

Mentioning Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang, one cannot miss the massive reclining Buddha statue. This is the Reclining Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana, with a height of 22.5 meters and a length of 63 meters. With its impressive size, this statue is considered the largest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam.

The Reclining Shakyamuni Buddha statue impresses with its immense scale and intricately carved details.

Visiting Som Rong Pagoda and witnessing this spiritual masterpiece, visitors are left feeling humbled by the grandeur of this religious icon. With its monumental scale and artistic value, the Reclining Buddha at Som Rong is not only a spiritual attraction but also a unique work of art that promotes tourism and preserves the cultural identity of the Khmer community.

4.2 Admire the Beauty of Traditional Khmer Temple Architecture

One of the unique highlights of Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang is its beautiful traditional Khmer architecture. As a Southern Khmer Theravāda temple, it features many impressive structures:

Stupa (Bao thap): Right at the entrance of the pagoda, visitors will be amazed by the grandeur of the stupa. This tower has four sides with four stairways leading up, featuring a striking gray-white tone accented by the golden color of Buddha statues and relics inside. The stupa consists of a total of 7 levels, with 3 additional tiers at its base. At the center sits a solemn statue of Shakyamuni Buddha atop a lotus throne. Every detail of the stupa is intricately carved with vivid religious imagery and symbols, rich in Khmer cultural elements.

The Reclining Buddha at Som Rong Pagoda overlooks the Sala hall and the Main Hall.

Main Hall (Chanh dien): Opposite the stupa is the main worship hall of Som Rong Pagoda. Measuring around 5 meters wide and over 20 meters long, it stands out with vibrant colors, a soaring tiled roof, and finely carved traditional motifs on its columns. Along the path leading to the main hall, visitors can explore Buddhist teachings and stories illustrated through paintings and murals on the walls. From the outside, one can see the image of the newborn Buddha taking his first steps on lotus flowers.
Sala Hall (Nha hoi Sala): Constructed between 2013 and 2017, the Sala Hall is used for teaching and studying Buddhist doctrine, as well as hosting cultural and community activities for local Khmer people. With its impressive color palette, traditional exterior, and modern interior layout, the Sala leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Along the entrance, guests can see decorative images of various deities: dragon gods along the staircase, the Naga serpent on the first-floor eaves, Apsara dancer reliefs on the second-floor eaves, Garuda birds running along the rooftop edges, and Mount Meru symbols on each gable. At the center of the Sala stands an image of Shakyamuni Buddha seated on a nine-headed Naga serpent, bestowing blessings.

4.3 A Venue for Traditional Khmer Cultural Festivals

In addition to being a place of Buddhist worship for the local Khmer community, a pilgrimage site, and a tourist destination, Som Rong Pagoda is also a venue for many traditional Khmer festivals held annually, such as:

Chol Chnam Thmay Festival – Khmer New Year: This is the Khmer traditional New Year celebration, observed in early Pôsăk month (around mid-April on the Gregorian calendar).
Ok Om Bok Festival – The Rice Flake Offering Festival: Also known as the Moon Worship Festival, it takes place annually around the full moon of the 10th lunar month.
Kathina Robe Offering Festival (also called the Robe and Flower Offering Ceremony): This festival represents a unique cultural expression of giving and receiving within the Khmer community, bringing great joy and merit to lay Buddhists. It is held between the 15th day of the 9th and 15th day of the 10th lunar month.
Sen Dolta Festival: This traditional Khmer festival is similar in meaning to Vu Lan (Ghost Festival), meant to honor and remember the gratitude owed to ancestors, parents, and deceased loved ones. It is typically celebrated on the 15th day of the 10th month in the Khmer calendar.

5. Tips for Visiting Som Rong Pagoda

Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang is a major spiritual destination in the region. To ensure a smooth and fulfilling visit, here are some useful tips for travelers:

The best time to visit Som Rong Pagoda is between October and April, which is the dry season with less rain. This is also when many traditional Khmer festivals take place.
It’s ideal to visit the pagoda between 7:00–9:00 AM or 4:00–6:00 PM when the weather is cooler and less sunny.
Soc Trang’s weather can be quite hot, so dress respectfully and wear breathable clothing. Don’t forget sun protection like hats, sunglasses, or sunscreen.
Avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing when visiting the temple.
Do not litter; dispose of trash in designated areas within the pagoda grounds.
Keep noise to a minimum; avoid loud talking or any disturbances, especially in meditation areas and sacred spaces.

With its religious significance and unique Khmer cultural architecture, Som Rong Pagoda is a meaningful destination on any journey to the Mekong Delta and Soc Trang in particular. Plan your visit to this iconic pilgrimage site and admire the solemn beauty of one of the most majestic temples in the region. Don’t forget to hunt for 0 VND Vietjet tickets during the golden hours of 12 PM – 2 PM daily to reach this spiritual site! HERE

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