The Mekong Delta is not only captivating with its lush natural landscapes and sweet fruit orchards but also with its diverse culture imbued with national identity. Among them, Khmer culture is an indispensable part, adding unique beauty to this land. Soc Trang, a province in the Mekong Delta, is famous for its ancient Khmer pagodas and unique traditional festivals, promising visitors unforgettable experiences when exploring Khmer culture in the Mekong Delta.
Coming to Soc Trang, you will not only admire the unique architecture and learn about the history of the formation and development of the pagodas but also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere and enjoy Khmer specialties. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover the fascinating destinations and experience the unique culture of the Khmer people in Soc Trang, Mekong Delta!
Sa Lon Pagoda (Chen Kieu Pagoda): A Masterpiece of Ceramic Art
Located about 12km from the center of Soc Trang city, Sa Lon Pagoda, also known as Chen Kieu Pagoda, is one of the most unique and famous Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta. What makes this pagoda special is its extremely unique decorative architecture, created from thousands of pieces of bowls and porcelain plates of different colors and sizes.
Courtyard of Sa Lon Pagoda featuring unique ceramic architecture.
The ceramic pieces are skillfully arranged, forming intricate and colorful patterns and motifs, depicting stories in Buddhism and Khmer culture. From the three-tower gate with its characteristic towers to the walls, pagoda roofs, and pillars, all are covered with sparkling ceramic pieces, creating a brilliant and impressive space.
Not only is it a unique architectural work, Sa Lon Pagoda is also a ceramic art museum, preserving the cultural and spiritual values of the Khmer people. Coming here, visitors will admire the creative talent of the artisans, learn about the history and meaning of the ceramic pieces, as well as feel the solemn and peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda.
Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông Pagoda: Harmony Between Tradition and Modernity
Located right in the center of Soc Trang city, Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông Pagoda is another famous Khmer pagoda, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture and spacious grounds. This pagoda is a harmonious combination of traditional Khmer architecture and modern style, creating a beauty that is both majestic and ancient, and fresh and impressive.
Grey stupa tower at Patum Wôngsa Som Rông Pagoda.
The highlight of Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông Pagoda is the towering stupa with typical Khmer architecture, painted in a unique ash gray color, creating a mysterious and solemn beauty. In addition, the pagoda is also famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue, over 60m long, one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Vietnam.
The space of Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông Pagoda is spacious and airy, decorated with many trees, flowers, and other unique architectural works, creating a peaceful and tranquil space. Coming here, visitors can visit and admire the architecture, learn about Khmer history and culture, as well as enjoy the fresh and relaxing atmosphere.
Oóc Om Bóc Festival: Recreating Ancient Khmer Rituals
Oóc Om Bóc Festival, also known as the Moon Offering Festival, is one of the largest and most important festivals of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. The festival is usually held on the full moon of the 10th lunar month every year, to thank the Moon God for giving a bountiful harvest, and to pray for a new year of favorable weather and good crops.
During the Oóc Om Bóc festival, the Khmer people perform many unique traditional rituals, such as offering cốm dẹp (flattened young rice), bananas, coconuts, and other fruits to the moon. After the ceremony, people will parade wind lanterns and release sky lanterns, creating a shimmering and magical scene.
Pătum Wôngsa Som Rông Pagoda, pride of the Khmer people in Soc Trang.
One of the indispensable activities in the Oóc Om Bóc festival is the ghe ngo boat race, a traditional sport of the Khmer people. Ghe ngo teams from all over the provinces flock to Soc Trang to participate in the competition, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere.
Oóc Om Bóc Festival is not only an occasion for the Khmer people to express their gratitude to the Moon God and pray for a good new year, but also an opportunity to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values of the nation. Coming to Soc Trang during the Oóc Om Bóc festival, visitors will immerse themselves in the joyful and bustling atmosphere, as well as learn more about the unique customs and traditions of the Khmer people.
Khmer Cuisine: Unique Flavors of the Mekong Delta
Khmer cuisine is an important part of the culture of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. Khmer dishes often have a rich, distinctive flavor, prepared from fresh ingredients from the river region. Some famous Khmer dishes that visitors should not miss when coming to Soc Trang are bún nước lèo (noodle soup with fermented fish), bánh pía (durian mung bean cake), cốm dẹp (flattened young rice), and dishes made from mắm bò hóc (fermented mudfish paste).
Bún nước lèo is a signature dish of the Khmer people, with a rich flavor of mắm bò hóc, combined with raw vegetables, seafood, and roasted pork. Bánh pía is a famous sweet cake of Soc Trang, with a thin crust, mung bean, durian, and savory salted egg yolk filling. Cốm dẹp is a dish made from young sticky rice, roasted and mixed with sugar and shredded coconut, often used in the Oóc Om Bóc moon offering ceremony.
Khmer cuisine is not only delicious food but also a part of the culture, history, and life of the Khmer people. Enjoying Khmer cuisine, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional cultural values of this ethnic group.
Exploring Khmer culture in the Mekong Delta, especially in Soc Trang, is a fascinating and meaningful journey. From ancient Khmer pagodas to unique traditional festivals and unique dishes, Soc Trang promises to bring visitors unforgettable experiences, helping visitors better understand the culture and people of Khmer in the Mekong Delta. Come to Soc Trang to discover and experience these wonderful things!