Overview of Bat Pagoda

Bat Pagoda, also known as Mahatup Pagoda (Ma Toc), is not only an ancient pagoda over 400 years old but also a mysterious spiritual destination, where the beauty of sophisticated Khmer architecture and the magic of wild nature intersect.

Bat Pagoda

Mahatup Pagoda was started construction from around 1569. In Khmer, "Mahatup" means a great resistance battle. In the new administrative context, Bat Pagoda is now located in Phu Loi Ward area. Through many restorations, especially after a major fire in 2007, the pagoda still retains its majestic and ancient appearance and has been recognized as a National Art Monument since 1999.

Outstanding attractions at Bat Pagoda

Main hall - Masterpiece of Khmer painting and sculpture

Main Hall

As the heart of the architectural complex in Phu Loi Ward, Bat Pagoda Main Hall is the place with the highest concentration of Khmer fine arts. The pagoda's roof is designed in a typical three-step structure, decorated with Nagar dragon images curving at the ends of the blades. Inside, the space is bright with murals covering the walls, vividly recreating the life of Shakyamuni Buddha from his birth until his enlightenment. The biggest highlight is the monolithic Buddha statue sitting on a lotus throne about 2 meters high, radiating a majestic and calm atmosphere, attracting thousands of visitors to worship each year.

Star tree garden and the "Territory" of crows and bats

Star tree garden

The temple is surrounded by a large garden Large with hundreds of towering star trees and ancient oil trees, creating a "green lung" right in the heart of the new city. This is the home of tens of thousands of rare crow bats. Visitors can directly observe bats with wingspans ranging from 1m to 1.5m hanging from high tree branches like bunches of dark ripe fruits. The interesting thing is that even though bats live in large numbers, they never eat fruit in the temple garden or lose the inherent tranquility, creating a mysterious symbiosis between nature and Buddha's place.

The "Five-hoofed Pig" grave site - Mysterious features in folk culture

Heo grave site 5 hooves"

Behind the temple grounds is a special area associated with thrilling stories about the "5-toed pig" (a variation of a normal pig but has spiritual significance for Khmer people). According to local beliefs, these are spiritual animals, so when they die, temples and people organize burials and set up separate graves. The tombs are painted with characteristic colors and placed in a solemn area, becoming a curious stop for tourists who want to learn about the unique indigenous beliefs in Soc Trang.

Sala House and traditional Five-tone music stage

Sala House

Sala House is the place Rest area for monks and also a community living space for Buddhists in Phu Loi Ward. Here, visitors can often enjoy live Pin Peat music performances from Khmer artists. The bustling music from musical instruments made of bronze, iron and wood such as gongs, Sampho drums and Roneats not only adds to the festive atmosphere but is also a way for the pagoda to preserve the nation's intangible cultural heritage in the midst of modern life.

Tomb tower system (Stupas)

Tower system

Along the entrance and around the main hall is a system of tomb towers (Stupas) built meticulously to store the ashes of abbots and people who have contributed to the pagoda. Each tower is a separate work of art with embossed patterns of lotus flowers, the god Krud bird and mascots in Hindu mythology. Under the typical golden sunlight of the land of Soc Trang, these towers glow with the main yellow tone, creating a beautiful background for photography and imbued with the breath of the land of Theravada Buddhism.

In addition to the main areas, Bat Pagoda also possesses other unique details:

  • Relaxation aquarium: Located right at the entrance, a clear blue lake with fish Big fish swim, this is where tourists often stop to enjoy the cool breeze.

  • Specialty display area: Small stalls on the premises offer Pia cakes, sausages and local Khmer handicrafts.

  • Mahatup Welcome Gate: A majestic structure with symbols and protectors, marking the boundary between the bustling world outside and the tranquility inside pagoda.

Best time to travel

From November to April next year 

This is the most ideal time for tourists to visit Bat Pagoda. During the dry season months, the sky in Soc Trang is often clear and blue, bright yellow sunlight shines on the dragon-scale tiled pagoda roofs and gilded tomb towers (Stupas). This natural light highlights the exquisite sculptural details and colorful frescoes in the main hall, making it easy for visitors to capture impressive frames without worrying about being interrupted by the sudden rains of the Mekong River region.

Full moon of the 10th lunar month (Around November of the Gregorian calendar)

If you want to immerse yourself in the spiritual life of the city's people new city, come to Bat Pagoda on the occasion of Ok Om Bok (Moon Worshiping Ceremony). This is the biggest festival of the year for the Khmer people of Soc Trang. During these days, Bat Pagoda becomes more splendid than ever with activities of releasing wind lanterns, performing five-syllable music and traditional worship rituals. After visiting the pagoda, visitors can go to the nearby Maspero River to watch the Ngo boat race - a dramatic sports activity that attracts thousands of participants.

Transportation information

Can Tho International Airport

Can International Airport Tho

Can Tho International Airport is located in Thoi An Dong ward, the most important aviation gateway leading tourists to Khmer cultural heritage. From the airport, it takes visitors about 90 minutes to travel (about 65km) along National Highway 1A to reach Bat Pagoda in Phu Loi ward. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways currently operate dense flight frequencies, helping to connect tourists from all over the country to the city conveniently.

  • From the North & Central Region: Direct connection from Noi Bai, Cat Bi, Vinh and Da Nang airports with many flexible time frames, helping to save time for the journey to explore the center Linh.

  • International route: Pick up flights from major tourist centers in the region, creating favorable conditions for foreign visitors to access the unique architecture of Mahatup Pagoda.

  • Note: Tourists can use the airport taxi service or contract car to take them directly to Phu Loi ward with prices ranging from 600,000 VND - 800,000 VND depending on the type of vehicle.

Passenger bus to Can Tho City (Phu Loi Ward)

Inter-provincial bus station system 

Soc Trang bus station located in the center of Phu Loi ward is the main gathering point for high-quality passenger buses from Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast provinces. This is an important intersection, located very close to the Bat Pagoda complex, helping visitors easily access the attraction as soon as they get off the bus. Reputable bus companies such as Phuong Trang, My Duyen or Mai Linh maintain a frequency of 30 - 60 minutes/trip, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey with a system of modern sleeper buses and Limousine buses.

Transfer stations in Vi Thanh ward and the city center bus station act as satellites connecting tourists. From the northern areas of the city, visitors can easily catch inter-ward buses or intra-city buses to Phu Loi ward area. The My Thuan - Can Tho expressway system and national highways have been upgraded synchronously, helping to shorten travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to only about 3 hours.

Move within the city to Bat Pagoda

To visit Bat Pagoda, visitors have many flexible vehicle options, suitable for the city's dynamic lifestyle:

  • Motorbike taxis and technology taxis: Applications such as Grab and Xanh SM operate strongly in central wards such as Phu Loi ward and My Xuyen ward. You can easily book a car to get to the temple gate on Le Hong Phong street quickly with costs transparently displayed on the application.

  • Tourist tram: This is a popular service connecting relic sites in the inner city of Phu Loi ward. Sitting on the tram, visitors can leisurely admire the street landscape and typical local architecture in the most relaxing way.

  • Self-driving motorbike rental: For tourists who like to explore on their own, motorbike rental services at Phu Loi ward accommodation establishments are very developed. Driving a motorbike yourself gives you the flexibility to watch the moment when the bats go out to feed at sunset or return at dawn.

To proactively explore nearby attractions within the city, visitors can contact reputable transportation units:

  • Mai Linh Taxi (Phu Loi Area): ☎ 0299 3 68 68 68 | 24/7 service with a team of drivers who understand shortcuts and delicious places to eat around Bat Pagoda.

  • Green Taxi SM: ☎ 1900 2088 | Choose a modern, noiseless electric car, suitable for the quiet space of the temple area.

  • Travel car service: ☎ 0945 097 599 | Providing contract cars from 7 - 29 seats for family groups or tour groups who want to fully visit Bat Pagoda and surrounding areas.

Accommodation information

Luxury (4–5 stars)

Satraco Royal Hotel located at 198 Duong Le Hong Phong, belongs to Phu Loi ward. This is the most luxurious hotel in the area, located right on the main road leading to Bat Pagoda, providing a classy resort space with a harmonious combination of modern architecture and sophisticated Khmer decorative patterns. Guests staying here only take about 5 minutes to walk to visit the pagoda and see the crows and bats. According to data from 2025 - 2026, room prices here range from 1,800,000 to 3,500,000 VND/night.

Satraco Royal Hotel

Que Huong Hotel is located in a busy area of Soc Trang ward. The hotel impresses with its professional service style and spacious rooms, with panoramic views of the new city center from above. With a system of restaurants specializing in serving local specialties and modern conference rooms, this place regularly welcomes international delegations and businessmen. The average room price in 2026 is between 1,200,000 and 2,800,000 VND/night depending on room type.

If you want more options for luxury stays in neighboring areas, you can consider:

  • Thuan Phat Hotel - Phu Loi Ward - Price approx. 1,100,000 - 2,200,000 VND/night.

  • Khanh Hung Hotel - Soc Trang Ward - Price about 1,000,000 - 1,900,000 VND/night.

  • Thien Hotel An - Phu Loi Ward - Price about 900,000 - 1,800,000 VND/night.

Resort (City Resort & Boutique Hotel)

Thien An Resort is nestled in a green campus on Le Hong Phong street, Phu Loi ward, providing a quiet and secluded space. with the bustle of the city. The resort is designed in a garden model with an outdoor swimming pool and suites surrounding an artificial lake, creating a feeling of absolute relaxation for visitors after a long day of exploring. Guests can experience breakfast service right on the balcony overlooking the ancient garden where bats often fly past. Reference room prices in 2026 range from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND/night.

Thien An Resort

Satraco Resort is located on Hung Vuong street, in Soc Trang ward. This place has a large campus with many green areas and a separate traditional bungalow system. This is an ideal stop for visitors to enjoy fresh air and experience spa services using local herbs. The price to stay here usually ranges from 1,300,000 to 2,500,000 VND/night for a green resort experience in the heart of the city.

For diverse options for quality resort space, you can refer to:

  • Ngoc Thu Hotel - Phu Loi Ward - Prices from 950,000 – 1,700,000 VND/night.

  • Hung Vuong Hotel – Soc Trang Ward – Price from 850,000 – 1,500,000 VND/night.

Experience (2–3 stars, Homestay, Hostel)

Minh Phuong Hotel located in the central area of Soc Trang ward, is a familiar place to stay for tourists who love convenience and affordable prices. The hotel provides full basic amenities, is clean and is located near night food markets, very convenient for discovering local specialties such as noodle soup or banh cul. Friendly staff are ready to guide tourists on tram routes to visit inner-city temples. Room prices here are about 500,000 to 900,000 VND/night.

Minh Phuong Hotel

Duy Linh Hotel offers a modern accommodation model right near the area of Le Hong Phong street, Phu Loi ward. Here, visitors will experience the hospitality of local people in a minimalist but fully functional room space. The hotel's location allows you to easily walk to famous garden cafes and see the simple life of the area around Bat Pagoda. Reference prices in 2026 range from 450,000 to 800,000 VND/night.

For travelers who love flexibility and optimal costs, the following locations are suitable suggestions:

  • Phu Quy Hotel – Phu Loi Ward – Price from 400,000 – 750,000 VND/night.

  • Phong Lan Hotel – Soc Trang Ward – Price from 350,000 – 650,000 VND/night.

  • Tongon Doan Hotel – Phu Loi Ward – Price from 300,000 – 600,000 VND/night.

Festival cuisine and culture 

High-class restaurant

Satraco Royal Restaurant 

Satraco Royal Restaurant is located within the hotel of the same name in Phu Loi ward, providing the most luxurious culinary space with a unique combination of European and Asian menus and exquisite Khmer specialties. Diners coming here can enjoy dishes from fresh seafood or traditional stews meticulously prepared in an architectural space with a royal breath. With a view of ancient trees where bats often fly around at sunset, this is an ideal location for classy banquets with prices starting from 500,000 VND/person.

Khanh Hung Restaurant  

Restaurant Khanh Hung

Khanh Hung Restaurant is a long-standing culinary destination specializing in banquet dishes and regional specialties located in the center of Soc Trang ward. The restaurant space is designed to be spacious and airy, famous for its processing of dishes from river fish and especially clay-grilled chicken with rich local flavors. Located in a prime location connecting the main roads leading to Bat Pagoda, diners can enjoy an exquisite lunch while feeling the diverse cultural life of the city's people with costs ranging from 300,000 - 600,000 VND/person.

Some other high-class culinary places you can refer to near the center:

  • Thuan Phat Restaurant - Phu Loi Ward - Price from 350,000 VND/person.

  • Thien An Restaurant - Phu Loi Ward - Price from 300,000 VND/person.

  • Ngoc Thu Restaurant – Phu Loi Ward - Price from 400,000 VND/person.

Local Cuisine

Phuong Noodle Soup

Phuong Noodle Soup is a stop not to be missed, where the original flavor of the region's "national soul" dish is preserved. This land is right near the gate of Bat Pagoda. The broth is made from premium beef sauce combined with wormwood vermicelli and lemongrass to create a unique sweet and fragrant taste, served with fresh shrimp, fish and crispy roasted meat. Visitors can fully feel the cultural interference of Kinh - Khmer - Chinese in each white noodle strand and basket of fresh vegetables picked from local vegetable gardens with prices starting from only 45,000 VND/portion.

Dai Tam tribute cake 

Dai Tam sewer cake is a famous culinary brand located along the route leading into the city's inner city, standing out with golden cakes, fragrant with the smell of soybeans and ground shrimp. The unique feature of Banh Tre here is that the crust is crispy but the inside still retains the softness of rice flour and the taste of whole green beans. The proper way to enjoy the cake is to roll the cake with various leaves and silk leaves and dip it in a specially made sweet and sour fish sauce, bringing a rustic culinary experience but extremely stimulating to the taste buds with prices from 15,000 VND/piece.

Dai Tam sewer cake

Some other quality local cuisine addresses around the area Area:

  • Co Hang old vermicelli salad - Soc Trang Ward - Price from 40,000 VND/portion.

  • Quang Tran Fresh Pia Cake - Phu Loi Ward - Price from 60,000 VND/box.

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    Tan Hue Vien Sausage - Phu Loi Ward - Price from 150,000 VND/kg.

Experiential Cuisine

Doi Pagoda Food Street

A culinary experience right in front of the Bat Pagoda gate is An exciting journey of taste discovery with stalls close together serving visitors from dawn. The bustling sound of invitations mixed with the aroma of baked cakes and baked potatoes creates an atmosphere typical of a Western country market. In particular, "fresh palm palm juice" served in cool glasses is a great refreshing drink after visiting the pagoda, helping visitors clearly feel the favor of nature and the hospitality of the people of Phu Loi ward.

Some other unique culinary experiences that tourists should try in the area:

  • Sifted cake (Pineapple cake): Type Traditional Khmer cakes are made directly on a hot pan - Price from 10,000 VND/piece.

  • Flat green rice mixed with coconut: A fragrant, greasy snack that often appears during the festival season - Price from 20,000 VND/package.

  • Garden lotus tea Pagoda: Enjoy hot tea under the canopy of ancient star trees when the bats return to their nests - Usually served for free or optionally at rest stops.

Cultural Experience & Festivals

Ok Om Bok Festival & Ngo Boat Race 

Ok Om Bok Festival

Ok Om Bok Festival takes place on the full moon day of the 10th lunar month every year and is the largest cultural event, honoring the Moon God and praying for a good harvest. The highlight of the festival is the dramatic Ngo boat race on the Maspero River in Soc Trang ward, attracting hundreds of thousands of people and tourists to cheer along the river banks. This is an opportunity for visitors to admire the gorgeously carved Ngo boats and immerse themselves in the vibrant and heroic atmosphere of the Khmer nation's martial spirit.

Sene Dolta Ceremony

Sene Dolta Ceremony (Grandparents Worshiping Ceremony) taking place at the end of the 8th lunar month is a ritual imbued with humanity and morality of "remembering when drinking water". source" of local people. At Bat Pagoda, the festival space becomes solemn but no less cozy with rituals of offering rice to monks and praying for the deceased. Visitors participating in this occasion will learn about traditional customs, watch Ram Vong dance performances and enjoy community meals right at the temple's Sala house.

Other annual festivals and cultural events in the central area:

  • Chol Chnam Thmay Tet: Takes place in April with the Buddha bathing ceremony and busy folk games clearly at the temple yard.

  • Kathina Ceremony (Scared Offering Ceremony): An important religious event showing Buddhists' devotion to the Sangha takes place in the 10th lunar month.

  • Ethnic Culture Festival: A series of unique exhibition and art activities held at the Khmer Museum near the area Phu Loi ward area.

Amusement area

Satraco Cultural Tourist Area 

Satraco Cultural Tourist Area

Tourist Area Satraco Culture located in Phu Loi Ward, Can Tho City is a unique cultural entertainment complex located right next to the ancient Bat Pagoda complex. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the green space of ancient star fruit gardens, admire Ram Vong dance performances, Chhay-dam dance performances or experience trying on traditional Khmer costumes. With a system of typical stilt houses, a display area for traditional musical instruments and peaceful landscape lakes, this place provides an ideal relaxing space, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the local lifestyle during their journey to explore the city.

The area around Bat Pagoda also owns many entertainment venues and diverse cultural experiences, bringing unique entertainment colors to visitors:

  • Khmer Culture Museum in Phu Loi Ward - Can Tho City: Large-scale art and history exhibition space with thousands of rare artifacts, from traditional costumes to unique ethnic musical instruments, located in architecture bearing bold traditional Khmer imprints.

  • Freshwater Lake Park in Soc Trang Ward - Can Tho City: "Green lung" of the central area with a large lake area, where duck-riding activities, exhibition fairs and bustling outdoor play areas for all ages take place.

  • Bach Dang Square in Soc Trang Ward - Can Tho City: Modern walking and "check-in" place along the river with system Brilliant art fountain, regularly organizes street cultural performances and community events every evening.

  • Soc Trang Night Market in Soc Trang Ward - Can Tho City: A bustling nighttime entertainment and shopping paradise with hundreds of handicraft stalls, typical souvenirs and a street food area converging the quintessence of ethnic cultures.

Suggested tour

Experiential tour

Tour "Dawn of the Land of Buddha" - Dance of the Bats 

Exploring the Bat Pagoda at dawn is a unique experience to watch tens of thousands of bats and crows spread their wings and fly back to their nests in a quiet spiritual space quiet. Visitors will enjoy a rich bowl of noodle soup and learn about the typical glass painting art of local people in 2026.

  • Itinerary: Bat Pagoda (Phu Loi ward) - Mahatup ancient tree garden - Observe bats returning to their nests - Enjoy Phuong noodle soup - Experience painting on glass.

  • Transportation: Electric car for inner city travel.

  • Reference tour price: 350,000 - 550,000 VND/person.

  • Organization: Satraco Tourist.

Discovery tour

Tour "Colors of Khmer Heritage" – Spirituality and Art 

The journey takes you to admire the brilliant beauty of Mahatup Pagoda architecture and discover precious antiques at the Khmer Culture Museum. This is an ideal trip to learn about the exquisite Buddhist frescoes and traditional Buddha statue casting art of this land.

  • Itinerary: Bat Pagoda (Phu Loi ward) - Khmer Cultural Museum - Kh'leang Pagoda - Visit the Five-Sound musical instrument workshop - Chen Kieu Pagoda (My Xuyen ward).

  • Method of transportation: Tourist car or motorbike.

  • Reference tour price: 750,000 - 950,000 VND/person.

  • Organizer: Soc Trang Travel.

Family tour

>Tour "Heritage journey and craft village experience" 

Tour traveling by modern electric vehicle through green streets, very suitable for families There are children and elderly people visiting. The whole family will explore the mysterious "Five-hoofed Pig" grave and experience making Pia cakes yourself at a famous long-standing craft workshop.

  • Itinerary: Bat Pagoda (Phu Loi ward) - Satraco amusement park - Quang Tran Pia cake factory - Experience making cakes yourself - Have a specialty lunch at the restaurant.

  • Transportation: Electric car for inner city travel combined with walking.

  • Reference tour price: 400,000 - 650,000 VND/person.

  • Organization unit: Satraco Royal Hotel & Spa Resort.

Eco-tourism

Tour "Phu Loi Country Road" - Explore the gardens of the sea

Experience cycling through small peaceful canals to help you enjoy the fresh air of the purple star apple garden in Phu Loi ward. Tourists can also visit handicraft weaving facilities and enjoy fresh, cold palmyra water right in the garden under the canopy of ancient star trees.

  • Itinerary: Bat Pagoda gate (Phu Loi ward) - Cycling along the garden dike road - Visiting the purple star apple garden - Explore the water hyacinth cushion weaving facility - Enjoying palmyra water at the garden.

  • Transportation: Mountain bike and walking.

  • Reference tour price: 500,000 - 750,000 VND/person.

  • Organizer: Mekong Smile Tours.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Pia cake specialties and Khmer handicrafts at Bat Pagoda

Pia cake specialties

The area in front of the gate of Bat Pagoda is like a miniature "gift world", where visitors can find all the culinary and fine arts of this land. The stalls close together display all kinds of fragrant Pia cakes, bright red sausages and beautifully packaged printed cakes and sesame cakes, ready for tourists to buy as gifts with the best quality. Walking directly among the colorful space of souvenirs shaped like pagoda symbols, bat statues or Khmer bandanas brings an interesting shopping experience, helping visitors retain unforgettable memories of a meaningful spiritual journey.

For more options to shop for prestigious specialties and gifts in the city in 2026, you can refer to the following addresses:

  • Quang Tran Specialties - 192 Le Hong Phong, Phu Loi Ward: Specializing in high-quality fresh handmade Pia cakes, rich durian filling and delicate packaging, very suitable for gifts luxury gift.

  • Tan Hue Vien - Le Hong Phong Street, Phu Loi Ward: Modern shopping destination, diverse types of confectionery, shrimp sausage, beef jerky and professional door-to-door packaging service support.

  • Mahatup souvenir counter - Phu Loi Ward: Located located right in the temple grounds, providing paintings on glass, lucky bracelets and carved bat symbols imbued with Khmer culture.

  • Mrs. Che's Sausage - Soc Trang Ward: A famous heirloom brand with low-fat sausages, carefully vacuum-sealed, ensuring the traditional flavor is preserved when transported long distances.

Support information and other information

>Doi Pagoda Relics Management Board

  • Address: Le Hong Phong Street, Phu Loi Ward, Can Tho City.

  • Support phone number: 0299.382.1764

  • Functions: Responsible for managing sightseeing activities, preserving crow bats and supporting visitors with information about religious rituals at the temple. This is the focal point to receive reports about order within the relic grounds and assist in finding lost belongings for pilgrims.

Phu Loi Ward Police

  • Address: No. 301 Le Hong Phong Street, Phu Loi Ward, Can Tho City.

  • On-duty phone number: 0299.382.1324

  • Emergency phone number: 113

  • Function: Ensuring security and order in the relic area and receiving reports on incidents related to personal safety or property 24/7. The unit directly manages Phu Loi ward, ensuring a civilized tourism environment and supporting tourists in emergency situations.

Soc Trang General Hospital

  • Address: No. 378 Le Duan Street, Soc Trang Ward, Can Tho City.

  • Emergency phone number: 0299.382.1154

  • Functions: Providing 24/7 emergency services and handling health problems that arise for visitors during their journey to explore the city. This medical facility possesses modern equipment and is located in the central ward, so it is very convenient for timely treatment and intensive medical care.

Soc Trang Bus Station

  • Address: Le Van Tam Street, Phu Loi Ward, Can Tho City.

  • Phone number: 0299.382.2355

  • Function: Main road traffic hub connecting the city city with other areas, providing schedule information and support for booking high-quality bus tickets. Visitors can contact the hotline for advice on inner-city bus routes or reputable taxi companies to travel to the gate of Bat Pagoda.

Wish you a peaceful journey of worship, fully feel the beauty of sophisticated Khmer architecture and enjoy moments of immersion in the wonderful nature at Bat Pagoda - a colorful spiritual symbol of Can Tho City!