Bat Pagoda

Chua Doi, the bat pagoda, is a Khmer Theravada monastery founded some four hundred years ago on the edge of Soc Trang, with the tiered roofs and naga gables of that tradition, and its garden of old trees holds a roost of flying foxes - large fruit bats that hang visibly through the day and leave at dusk to feed. The monks protect them and the bats have used the site for generations, though the colony has declined as habitat around the town has gone. The monastery also keeps painted coffins of pigs with five claws, born occasionally in the district and buried here rather than eaten.

What to look for

• A Khmer monastery of about four hundred years - tiered roofs and nagas.
• A flying fox roost - large bats hanging in the trees by day.
• Protected by the monks - though the colony has declined.
• Graves of five-clawed pigs - buried rather than eaten.

When to go

November to April; dusk for the bats leaving. An hour.

Good to know

The colony is smaller than it was and there are days with few bats visible. Disturbing them is discouraged. It is a working monastery with dress expectations. Soc Trang is well off the main routes.

Nearby

Soc Trang's other Khmer pagodas are in the town; Bac Lieu is south.

Key facts