Vietnam’s largest reclining Buddha: the icon of Som Rong Pagoda

Som Rong, a Khmer pagoda in southern Vietnam, is home to a 63-meter-long Buddha statue that draws visitors seeking spirituality and cultural heritage.

Soc Trang is about 209 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and is home to Som Rong Pagoda, formally known as Botum Vong Sa Som Rong, located on Ton Duc Thang Street in Ward 5, Soc Trang City.

Established in 1785, the pagoda was originally a structure built from wood and thatched leaves. Over centuries, it has undergone restorations, evolving into a spiritual site.

According to local residents, the pagoda’s name Som Rong comes from a tree species that once grew around the area.

The pagoda’s most iconic feature is a 63-meter-long, 22.5-meter-high reclining Buddha statue, weighing 490 tons. The statue, painted in shades of white and pale blue, rests on a 28-meter-high pedestal. Beneath the statue, an area provides space for Buddhist monks to study and engage in daily activities.

Construction of the statue began in October 2017 and was completed in 2021.

According to Tran Minh Ly, Director of the Soc Trang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, this is officially the largest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam, built to enhance spiritual life and promote tourism in the province.

Venerable Ly Minh Duc, the head monk of Som Rong Pagoda, said that “This structure serves as a highlight of the pagoda, attracting a large number of Buddhist followers and visitors from both within and outside the province.”

He also noted that the statue features details that are characteristic of Khmer culture.

The Buddha’s head and body are finely crafted, with a calm and kind expression. Due to its size, the statue is visible even from within Soc Trang City.

A child in traditional Khmer attire poses for a photo with the reclining Buddha statue at Som Rong Pagoda.

Som Rong Pagoda spans about 5 hectares. Its weathered walls add to its beauty, while the spacious grounds are shaded by Hopea trees.

The sala hall, a place for Buddhist ceremonies, was expanded in 2013 to accommodate more worshippers. Covering over 1,000 square meters, the structure cost nearly VND16 billion (US$629,400) and was inaugurated in January 2017.

The structure consists of one ground floor and one upper floor, showcasing traditional Khmer architecture while blending heritage and modernity through its color scheme. A key highlight of the new sala is the statue of Buddha standing on nine dragons, symbolizing his compassion and guidance for all beings.

Next to the new hall stands the restored original sala, now functioning as a library with over 1,500 books, serving monks, students, and local residents.

The structure features patterns with symbolic motifs like the Naga serpent, a multi-headed snake symbolizing protection and wisdom, and the Garuda bird, an eagle-like creature representing strength, speed, and protection from evil.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a towering stupa, built between 2010 and 2012. Covering an area of 100 square meters, the stupa is 11 meters wide and approximately 25 meters high, built at a cost of over VND1.2 billion ($47,150), funded by donors and Buddhist followers.

The stupa has four entrances, representing kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. The stairways leading up to it are adorned with Naga serpent sculptures and Khmer motifs. Its gray color distinguishes it from the traditionally golden-hued Khmer religious structures. The stupa has become a must-visit spot for travelers exploring the pagoda.

Opposite the sala halls stands the main pagoda hall.

The main hall is supported by six rows of massive columns, and its roof features three overlapping layers.

The corners of the roof are decorated with Khmer dragon motifs, while the sections near the columns showcase sculptures of the goddess Keynor – a celestial half-woman, half-bird symbolizing grace and devotion, and the Garuda bird – an eagle-like creature representing strength and protection against evil.

Nguyen Quang Toan (L), from Long An Province, visited Som Rong Pagoda for the second time with a group of friends. He is a fan of Khmer culture and was impressed by the pagoda’s architecture and atmosphere.

“I’ll definitely come back many more times,” Toan said.

Credit: VnExpress