Clay Pagoda (Buu Son Tu)

Clay Pagoda (Buu Son Tu), commonly called Chua Dat Set, is a Buddhist pagoda in Ward 5, Soc Trang City, Can Tho Municipality, Vietnam. Initiated in the early 20th century by Ngo Kim Tong and continued by his son Ngo Kim Chieu, it is notable for thousands of handcrafted clay statues, pillars, miniature pagodas and a pair of large clay candles. The site is an active place of worship and a distinctive example of folk Buddhist art in the Mekong Delta.

Visitors can expect a compact temple compound with a main worship hall densely decorated with thousands of small clay Buddha statues, animals and miniature stupas, plus 24 large clay pillars supporting the structure. The interior displays intricate clay reliefs, altars with offerings, and two large unburned clay candles. The setting is urban-residential, quiet and devotional, with areas for prayer, incense offering and viewing the detailed clay craftsmanship up close.

Originally built in the early 20th century by Ngo Kim Tong, the pagoda was extensively expanded and decorated by his son Ngo Kim Chieu over about 42 years. Using locally sourced clay, the family created thousands of statues, pillars and miniature structures without formal art training, turning a small family shrine into a nationally recognized folk-art temple.

An active Mahayana Buddhist pagoda and example of Vietnamese folk religious art, revered by local devotees for its devotional clay craftsmanship. It reflects Mekong Delta Buddhist traditions and the cultural heritage of the Kinh, Khmer and Hoa communities in Soc Trang, and is a protected cultural and tourist site in the region.