Clay Pagoda

A unique pagoda with thousands of clay-molded statues and giant candles that have burned for decades.

Clay Pagoda, officially named Buu Son Tu, is a one-of-a-kind pagoda in Soc Trang and all of Vietnam. For several decades, a member of the family that tends the pagoda painstakingly molded thousands of statues of Buddha, sacred beasts, towers and ritual objects entirely from clay mixed with incense powder, meticulously painted. Standout works include the imposing Da Bao Tower and Lien Hoa altar with thousands of clay lotus petals. The pagoda also keeps giant candles weighing hundreds of kilograms, some burning continuously for decades and still not spent, along with towering incense sticks. Every detail is the crystallization of devotion and extraordinary patience, leaving visitors in awe.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Clay Pagoda?

Year-round, coolest in the dry season from November to April

How long do you need at Clay Pagoda?

1 hour

What are the opening hours of Clay Pagoda?

07:00 - 18:00 daily

Did you know

Its official name is Buu Son Tu, famous for statues molded entirely from clay.
It holds thousands of statues of Buddha, sacred beasts and towers, painstakingly hand-molded.
It keeps giant candles weighing hundreds of kilograms, burning continuously for decades.
The Da Bao Tower and Lien Hoa altar are the pagoda's two signature clay works.

Travel tips

Look closely at the giant candles and incense sticks, the pagoda's most unique feature.
Combine your visit with the nearby Bat Pagoda for a day of exploring Soc Trang.