Sro Loun Pagoda (Chùa Chén Kiểu) in Soc Trang province, Viet Nam.

In the precious post, I have introduced a special Khmer pagoda on my journey tempheading to the Southwest of Viet Nam. Today, I would love to write another Khmer temple which is very colorful, and it has a long history.

This pagoda is where the local peole gather for spiritual activities as well. The name of pagoda is Sro Loun, vietnamese name is Chùa chén kiểu.

As other typical feature of Khmer pagoda, this one also has the main hall, the flag tower and inside the yard. I have been noticed by the statues of some goddess

Normally, they have used the ciment and stone to do it, right? Before . Actually, the most outstanding trait of the pagoda is about the wall. The wall was created and decored by the fragments of bowl, clay, grazed terra-cotta since 1969, and the warmest thing that time was about the solidarity. To be honest, it was built in 1815 by using the normal material in the first time.
I love the colorful pattern on the wall and pillars, the abstract painting in each door of the main hall. The painter are very good at skill and soul, I think.

There are some hawkers and beggers standing in front of the gate and inside the yard. They sell all kind of typical local food for visitors such as coconut cake, syrups with ice, durian cake and so on. Some of the beggers are almost the age, they move forward the visitors and ask money for smoking. I have no idea why this situation can take place for a long period of time like this.

Behind the temple I have seen the small area of some tombs, they were built solemnly as well. This area looks quite sacred and mystery.

You can look at the beauty of this pagoda via some pictures that I have taken that time. For me, Soc Trang province is the island of Khmer pagoda, you do not need to go farther to pray or visit. They have everywhere around you. So, if you want to get the deeper inside into the culture of Khmer ethnic or life style of the local citizens, do not miss out Soc Trang province.

I am so happy to share this great experience to you via picture. Nothing more I need to say about this one. Have a great weekend, Hivers!