Som Rong Pagoda

Som Rong Pagoda, with its full name Wat Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông (Khmer: វត្តបទុមវង្សាសំរោង), is a Khmer pagoda located in Sóc Trăng ward, Cần Thơ city. The pagoda attracts thousands of visitors and Buddhists for pilgrimage, and is famous for having the largest reclining Buddha statue in the country.

Som Rong Pagoda is located at 367 Tôn Đức Thắng Street, Area 18, Sóc Trăng ward, Cần Thơ city.

According to the monks, Som Rong Pagoda was built in 1785 and has gone through 12 generations of abbots. Initially, it was a temporary structure made of bamboo and leaves, but after many renovations, it has become as spacious as it is today.

The name Som Rong comes from the fact that in the past, this area had many wild trees called Som Rong growing around the pagoda, and so the pagoda has borne the name of this tree for hundreds of years. Currently, only two Som Rong trees remain, both growing very well.

Som Rong Pagoda is built in the distinctive Southern Theravāda architectural style of the Khmer people, covering an area of 5 hectares. After many renovations and expansions, the pagoda now features characteristic Khmer architecture, harmoniously combined with modern elements.

The highlight that has made Som Rong Pagoda famous is the reclining Buddha Shakyamuni statue. Measuring 63 metres long, 22.5 metres high, and weighing 490 tonnes, the statue is placed on a pedestal 28 metres above ground level, enhancing its majestic and solemn appearance. Beneath the statue is a building for the monks to live and study. Construction of this work began in October 2017 and was completed in 2021.

The pagoda grounds are divided into several areas, with the most prominent being the stupa located right at the entrance. The stupa's construction began in December 2010 and was completed in March 2012, with an area of 100 m², 11 metres wide, about 25 metres high, and a total cost of over 1.2 billion VND, contributed by benefactors and Buddhists. The stupa has four directions corresponding to four entrances, representing loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. Both sides of the stairway to the stupa are decorated with images of the Naga serpent deity and traditional Khmer patterns. The stupa's grey paint is a distinctive feature compared to the yellow colour commonly seen in Khmer religious buildings, giving it both a modern and dignified, ancient appearance. The stupa is a must-visit spot for young people visiting the pagoda.

The entire main hall is supported by six rows of pillars, and the roof structure is special, consisting of three overlapping roof systems. The corners of the roof levels are decorated with Khmer dragon motifs. The section of the roof adjoining the pillars is adorned with images of the goddess Kâyno and the Garuda bird deity.

Another impressive structure is the Sala assembly hall, built from 2013 to 2017. With a two-storey design and multiple roof layers, this hall serves for traditional rituals and teaching activities, and is also a gathering place for the community.

With its unique, exquisite architecture and tranquil space, the pagoda is not only a spiritual destination but also an attractive tourist site. Som Rong Pagoda is not just a pagoda but also a unique cultural symbol of the Khmer community.

Visiting and Pilgrimage: Visitors can explore the architectural works, admire the artistic beauty, and learn about Khmer culture.

Festivals: Som Rong Pagoda regularly organises traditional festivals of the Khmer people, attracting large numbers of locals and tourists to participate.

Learning and Cultural Exchange: The pagoda also organises Khmer language classes and cultural exchange activities between different ethnic groups.