Bat Pagoda

Chua Doi, also known as Mahatup Pagoda or Bat Pagoda, is one of the most distinctive Khmer Buddhist temples in the Mekong Delta. Located in the former Soc Trang area of Can Tho City, the temple is known for its ornate Khmer architecture, peaceful grounds, and the large fruit bats that traditionally roost in the old trees around the pagoda.

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Overview

• Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VYMrMGxAEd9dNKCA9
• Address: Van Ngoc Chinh Street, Phu Loi, Can Tho
• Province: Can Tho
• Category: Khmer Buddhist Temple / Cultural Heritage
• Opening Hours: Open during daylight hours; access to some religious areas may vary
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Visit Duration: 45-90 minutes
• Best For: Khmer culture, architecture, photography, religious heritage, quiet walks

Pronunciation

Chùa Dơi

Why Visit Chua Doi?

• A distinctive Khmer Buddhist temple: The pagoda provides an introduction to the Theravada Buddhist tradition and Khmer cultural heritage of southern Vietnam.
• Ornate Khmer architecture: The main buildings feature characteristic Khmer decorative elements, including Naga serpents, floral motifs, and richly decorated roofs.
• Large fruit bats: The mature trees around the temple have traditionally provided shelter for large fruit bats, giving the pagoda its popular Vietnamese name, Chua Doi.
• A peaceful temple environment: The spacious grounds and mature trees create a noticeably different atmosphere from the busy streets of central Soc Trang.
• A gateway to Khmer culture: Chua Doi works well as part of a wider visit to Soc Trang's Khmer temples, including Som Rong and Kh'leang.

Things To Do

Explore the Khmer Architecture

Take time to look closely at the main sanctuary and surrounding structures. Khmer decorative traditions can be seen in the curved rooflines, carved details, mythical figures, and colorful religious ornamentation.

Look for the Fruit Bats

The trees around the pagoda are the main reason for its popular name. Large fruit bats may be seen hanging from branches during the daytime. Visitors should observe them quietly and avoid disturbing the animals.

Walk Around the Temple Grounds

The pagoda occupies a spacious compound with mature trees, religious buildings, stupas, and shaded areas. A slow walk around the grounds is often more rewarding than treating the temple as a quick photo stop.

Learn About Khmer Buddhism

Chua Doi is an active religious site rather than simply a historical monument. Observing the architecture and temple layout offers visitors an opportunity to understand part of the religious and cultural life of the Khmer community in the Mekong Delta.

History and Cultural Background

Mahatup Pagoda is traditionally regarded as an old Khmer Buddhist temple in the Soc Trang area, with origins dating back centuries. Today, it remains an important religious and cultural space for the local Khmer community.

The temple is particularly significant because Khmer pagodas in southern Vietnam function as more than places of worship. They can also serve as community spaces where religious ceremonies, traditional festivals, education, and cultural activities take place. In Soc Trang, Khmer temples are closely connected with celebrations such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Sen Dolta, and Ok Om Bok.

The temple's architecture reflects the broader artistic traditions of Khmer Theravada Buddhism in southern Vietnam. Its combination of religious buildings, decorative motifs, mature vegetation, and resident bats gives Chua Doi a character that is difficult to find elsewhere in the region.

Best Time To Visit

Late afternoon is a comfortable time to visit because the weather is usually less hot and the temple grounds become more pleasant for walking. Daytime visits are also suitable if your main interest is seeing the architecture and looking for bats resting in the trees.

If you are visiting several Khmer temples in Soc Trang, Chua Doi can easily be combined with other cultural sites in the city during the same day.

How To Get There

Chua Doi is located in the urban area of Soc Trang, in the former Soc Trang province and now part of Can Tho City. It can be reached by road from central Soc Trang and is most conveniently visited by taxi, private vehicle, or motorbike.

Travel Tips

• Dress respectfully because Chua Doi is an active Buddhist temple.
• Keep your voice low around the religious buildings.
• Do not feed, touch, chase, or intentionally disturb the bats.
• Photography is generally suitable in the outdoor areas, but ask before photographing religious ceremonies or people engaged in worship.
• Combine the visit with other Khmer temples in Soc Trang to better understand the region's cultural landscape.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chua Doi is one of the most distinctive cultural stops in the Soc Trang area, combining Khmer Buddhist architecture, a peaceful temple setting, and the unusual sight of large fruit bats. It is a worthwhile addition to a Can Tho itinerary focused on the cultural diversity of the Mekong Delta.

Nearby attractions

(Distances shown are straight-line estimates, not actual travel distance.)

• Kh’Leang Pagoda - A 500-Year-Old Khmer Buddhist Temple in Can Tho (about 4 km north)
• Mua Xuan Eco - Tourism Area - Forests and Birdlife in Can Tho (about 27 km northwest)
• Ho Be Eco Tourism Area - A Natural Beach in Can Tho (about 29 km southeast)
• Nga Bay - The Seven-River Confluence in Can Tho (about 31 km northwest)
• Cu Lao Dung Mangrove Forest - Coastal Nature in Can Tho (about 34 km east)
• Công Tử Bạc Liêu House - A French-Style Mansion from Southern Vietnam's Golden Age (about 43 km southwest)

• Can Tho Travel Guide