The mystery of the 'five-toed pig' in Soc Trang: Why do so many people still fear its name?

In Soc Trang, the appearance of "five-toed pigs" in ancient Khmer temples is not only a strange biological phenomenon but also steeped in legend. It's a spiritual haunting that leaves many both curious and fearful whenever it's mentioned.

The story of the 200kg "beast" listening to Buddhist scriptures at the temple.

At Pôthi Sattha Ram Pagoda (Ward 7, Soc Trang City), visitors were astonished to see a "giant" pig weighing up to 200kg leisurely roaming the grounds. Unlike its counterparts, this animal possesses an extra hoof on one of its front legs, creating a bizarre five-toed foot. Venerable Thach Sal, the abbot of the pagoda, said that the pig was abandoned by its owner at the pagoda's gate in 2022 when it weighed only 20kg.

Strangely, despite not eating feed or growth hormones, and only following a strict diet dictated by the monks (no eating after 12 noon), the pigs grew incredibly fast and reached their maximum size. According to the monks, these pigs possess astonishing intelligence and intuition. They know sadness, anger, and even, upon hearing that the temple intended to move them elsewhere, the herd once left for a month before finding their way back. These "human-like" behaviors have fueled the legends about the five-toed pigs, making them even more mysterious.

A unique cemetery and the fear of "human karma"

Why are people in the Mekong Delta so terrified of and never dare to slaughter or raise this type of pig in their homes? According to the folk beliefs of the Khmer people, the five-toed pig is not simply an animal, but a "spirit" or "reincarnated human being." The image of the five-toed foot is likened to a human hand, alluding to those who died unjustly or carried heavy karma that has not yet been able to transcend, thus having to borrow the body of an animal to exist. People believe that if they raise this type of pig, the family will face great misfortune and constant disturbance.

The fear is so great that at Mahatup Pagoda (Bat Pagoda), a "cemetery" has been created specifically for five-toed pigs. Here, pigs like "Miss Five-Toed Pig" are cremated after death, buried in sturdy graves, and have tombstones bearing their names and dates of death, just like human beings. Local people spread the word that anyone who accidentally eats the meat of a five-toed pig will be plagued by bad luck for life. For this reason, these poor, abandoned pigs are often brought to the pagoda to "calm" their temperament through chanting scriptures, hoping to erase their past sins.

From folklore to the big screen

The haunting power of the five-toed pig extends beyond oral traditions and has become a source of inspiration for filmmakers. Bringing this image to the big screen not only aims to exploit its horror and mystery elements but also to showcase the beauty of the spiritual life of the people of Southern Vietnam.

It can be seen that the "five-toed pig" is a symbol of the intersection between instinctive fear and human compassion. Despite being labeled a "monster" or a "curse," upon entering the Buddhist temple, they are cared for and respected until their last breath. The story of the unique pig cemetery in the Mekong Delta continues to attract the curiosity of tourists, serving as a reminder of the mysterious law of karma in the minds of the local people.

Shivering about the 5-clawed pig understanding human voices and sacred rumors at the Bat Pagoda An Nhiên16:47:55 05/02/2026Not only possessing ancient Khmer architecture and a huge flock of bats, the Bat Pagoda (Soc Trang) also makes visitors spine-chilling with anecdotes about the 5-clawed pig, an animal known as reincarnation.