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Destinations >> Mekong River Delta :> Mekong River Delta - Soc Trang Soc Trang province is located in the Mekong River Delta near the mouth of the Bassac River (Hau Giang River). It is bordered on the northeast by Tra Vinh, on the southwest by Bac Lieu, on the Southeast by the South China Sea, and the northwest by Can Tho. The province is the center of an intensive rice-growing region and is also a communications hub for highway and canal traffic with a population of 59,000. Influenced by oceanic weather, the province has two seasons: the rainy season lasts from May to November and dry season lasts from December to April. Annual average temperature is 27ºC. Annual rainfall is 1,840mm. Soc Trang is homeland to Viet (Kinh), Khmer, Hoa ethnic groups. The province has 89 pagodas of Khmer group, 47 pagodas of Hoa people in which Ma Toc (Bat), Khleang, Chruitim Chas, Chen Kieu, and Buu Son Tu (Set) are famous ones. :> Doi Pagoda Tam Doi Pagoda, also known as Mahatup Pagoda, is around 2 kilometers from downtown Soc Trang. It is believed that the pagoda was built during the 16th century, and it has been renovated several times since. The pagoda is famous for its beautiful architecture, especially its very large roof that houses millions of bats. Interestingly enough, the presence of the bats has not affected the plants growing in and around the pagoda. In 1999, the pagoda was recognized by the government as a National Cultural and Historic Heritage Site. Unfortunately, in August 2007, the pogad was burned down due to a candle accident. It is said that the pagoda will be rebuilt very soon but dozens of Buddha statues dating back hundreds of years ago were burned to the ground. :> Ooc Om Boc Festival The Ooc Om Boc Festival is a religious ceremony that worships the moon deity of the Khmer minority group and prays for good luck, happiness, good weather and bumper crops. Dictated by the moon, the festival begin as the full moon appears on the 14th evening of the 10th lunar month when the dry season begins and rice are ripening on the fields. The ceremony is held in the yards of the pagoda or of residents’ houses. People erect bamboo poles with a crossbar on which they decorate with flowers and leaves. Below is a table of offerings that include green rice flakes, potatoes, bananas, coconuts, grapefruits, oranges and cakes. People sit on the ground with crossed legs, clasping their hands before the altar and look up the Moon. An old master of ceremonies says his prayers, asks the moon deity to receive the offerings and bless people with the best. Many people also light lanterns which are set afloat in rivers, the belief being that darkness and impurity is swept away. Visitors can also enjoy the spectacle of the boat race as teams of rowers battle it out in traditional wooden “ngo” boats.
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