Chùa Đất Sét (Bửu Sơn Tự): Discover Sóc Trăng's Unparalleled Clay Temple
Chùa Đất Sét, officially known as Bửu Sơn Tự (Buu Son Temple), offers a profoundly unique spiritual and artistic experience in Sóc Trăng City. This pagoda distinguishes itself from all others in Vietnam, not through grand scale or ancient materials, but through the thousands of intricate religious artifacts and monumental candles meticulously crafted by a single dedicated monk.
Address: 286 Tôn Đức Thắng, Phường 5, Sóc Trăng, Vietnam.
I. History and The Legacy of Ngô Kim Tòng
The temple’s history traces back to the early 20th century, when the Ngô family established it as a small, private place for home worship. However, its current form and fame stem from the incredible 42-year dedication of Mr. Ngô Kim Tòng (1909–1970), the fourth-generation caretaker and a devout Buddhist.
A One-Man Artistry: Mr. Ngô Kim Tòng dedicated his life to creating nearly 2,000 statues, urns, and architectural decorations entirely out of clay, earning the temple the popular name “Clay Pagoda.”
The Craftsmanship: He meticulously sourced the clay locally, mixing it with incense powder and resin before molding it onto wire frames. This technique resulted in durable, detailed sculptures that showcase his profound imagination and unwavering devotion.
II. Unique Artifacts and Architectural Wonders
The small temple houses an astonishing collection of clay works and other unique items. Visitors observe an overwhelming display of faith and artistry.
Thousands of Clay Statues: Inside the Main Hall, you find over 1,900 statues of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Fairies, and mythical creatures. The sculptures include the Đa Bảo Tower (Da Bao Pagoda), a 4-meter tall structure with 13 floors, 208 doors, and 208 small Buddha figures, and the Bảo Tòa Liên Hoa (Lotus Throne), featuring 1,000 lotus petals, both recognized as the largest clay Buddhist artifacts in Vietnam.
The Giant Candles: The temple’s most famous feature is four pairs of colossal wax candles (đèn cầy) and three huge incense sticks. Three of the large pairs weigh approximately 200 kg each, totaling 1.4 tons of wax. These monumental candles are estimated to burn continuously for 70 to 80 years. Since they were lit following Mr. Ngô Kim Tòng’s passing in 1970, they continue to burn today, symbolizing eternal faith.
Clay-Covered Pillars: The central columns of the hall are also covered in clay, decorated with delicately winding dragon figures.
III. Visitor Information and Accessibility
The pagoda is easily accessible, located centrally in Sóc Trăng City.
Entrance Fee (Giá vé): The pagoda offers free admission (miễn phí). However, voluntary donations are welcomed to support the maintenance of the unique, fragile artifacts.
Operating Hours (Giờ mở cửa): The temple is open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It draws a significant number of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.
Note on Artifacts: Given the nature of the clay statues, tourists must avoid touching the artifacts, respecting the long years of labor and the sacred materials. Always choose modest attire when visiting this spiritual site.
Contact: While a public phone number is not always listed, you can use the address for navigation, finding the temple easily in the city center.
