Kom Pong Chrai pagoda (or Hang pagoda) was built about 300 year ago in Chau Thanh ward of Tra Vinh province and attracts many visitors for its architecture and wood sculptures made by its monks.
Hang Pagoda is 10km from Tra Vinh Town. The gate is designed to look like a cave, so it is called the Hang (cave) pagoda. The pagoda attracts many birds and storks to shelter, and has a workshop where skills in wood carving practiced.
Monk Thạch Suông said 10 years ago, craftsman Thạch Buôl in Vinh Long province was invited to the pagoda to make some sculptures for the main worshiping palace. Many young monks were interested in learning woodwork, so they asked for Thạch Buôl to teach them. Local residents also come to the workshop to learn and carving skills. More than 1,000 sculptures have been made at the pagoda.
The 12 animals of the Lunar cycle to be completed
Unique sculptures made by the monks
Most of the woods carving works are closely linked to the culture of southern Khmer people such as Naga snake and 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Most of them were made on customer requests or for sale to visitors.
Visitors visit the pagoda
Wood sculptures by monks in the pagoda create jobs for locals and unique features of Hang Pagoda, and contribute to preserve the culture of the Khmer people in Tra Vinh province.
Minh Giang
