About Soc Trang
Soc Trang, a vibrant province in the southern Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, is a melting pot of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese cultures. Its location along the Hau River has historically made it an important trading hub, contributing to its cultural and architectural diversity. The provincial capital, also called Soc Trang, reflects this blend with its colorful pagodas, bustling markets, and traditional festivals.
Today, Soc Trang is known for its serene countryside, floating markets, and cultural landmarks, particularly its numerous Khmer temples. While not as heavily visited as some neighboring provinces, it offers an authentic glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Mekong Delta, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Is Soc Trang worth to visit?
Soc Trang is worth visiting for travelers looking to explore a less-touristy part of the Mekong Delta and experience its unique cultural mix. With several stunning pagodas, vibrant local markets, and peaceful rural landscapes, it provides a more authentic and tranquil alternative to busier destinations like Can Tho.
However, its relative remoteness and lack of major infrastructure might deter some travelers. For those on a broader Mekong Delta trip, combining Soc Trang with the highlights of Can Tho creates a balanced mix of popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences, offering a memorable journey through the region.
Best time to visit Soc Trang
Soc Trang is located in the southern Mekong Delta, sharing a tropical climate similar to Can Tho and other nearby provinces. The dry season, which runs from December to April, is the best time to visit, offering pleasant weather and easier travel conditions.
During the rainy season from May to November, heavy downpours occur but often in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for exploration. While this period brings lush greenery and vibrant rice paddies, flooding in low-lying areas can make travel challenging. Travelers should plan their visit based on their preferences, but the dry season remains the most convenient and enjoyable time for exploring Soc Trang.
Ghe Ngo Boat Race Festival in Soc Trang
The Ghe Ngo Boat Race Festival is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant events in Soc Trang, held during the Khmer Oc Om Bok Festival. Traditionally celebrated in October or November, this race takes place on the Maspero River and features long wooden boats paddled by teams of up to 50 rowers. The event not only showcases the athleticism and teamwork of the Khmer community but also provides an exciting spectacle for visitors.
How to travel to Soc Trang
Soc Trang City is the main hub of its namesake province, located in the southern Mekong Delta. While it doesn’t have its own airport, the nearby city of Can Tho, just over an hour’s drive away, offers the closest airport with connections to major cities in Vietnam. Despite its relatively remote location, Soc Trang is conveniently accessible via express highways, making it roughly a 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, depending on traffic conditions.
Bus options
Although not a major urban center, Soc Trang has plenty of bus options connecting it to other parts of Vietnam. From Ho Chi Minh City, several bus operators provide 5-hour rides to Soc Trang, with both sleeper and standard seating options. These buses are an affordable and practical way to reach the city, especially for those traveling on a budget.
Private car with driver
For travelers seeking flexibility and convenience, renting a private car with a driver is an excellent choice. While more expensive than buses, this option provides door-to-door service and allows for sightseeing stops along the way. Additionally, the car can be utilized to explore Soc Trang’s highlights once you arrive, making it a versatile and comfortable option. For those staying in Can Tho, a day trip to Soc Trang by private car is another practical option.
For more details on renting a car with a driver, check out this guide: Vietnam Car Rental.
Things to Do in Soc Trang
Soc Trang offers a fascinating mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, making it an intriguing destination for those exploring the Mekong Delta. With a rich Khmer influence, vibrant floating markets, and stunning pagodas, the province provides unique opportunities for cultural immersion. Here are some of the most interesting things to do in Soc Trang.
1. Nga Nam Floating Market
Nga Nam Floating Market is one of the few remaining traditional floating markets in Vietnam, offering a more authentic experience compared to the heavily touristed Cai Rang market in Can Tho. Located at the confluence of five rivers (hence the name “Nga Nam,” meaning “Five Corners”), this market plays a vital role in local trade and life.
Vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and household goods directly from their boats, and the early morning hours (5–7 AM) are the best time to visit to see the market in full swing. The colorful display of boats loaded with fruits and vegetables and the lively interactions between traders make for fantastic photo opportunities. To fully experience the market, hire a small boat to navigate through the bustling activity and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of this traditional trade hub.
2. Som Rong Pagoda
Som Rong Pagoda, also known as Patum Wongsa Som Rong Pagoda, is a stunning Khmer-style Buddhist temple built in 1785. Recently renovated, it now features Vietnam’s largest reclining Buddha statue, measuring 63 meters in length and weighing 490 tons. Visible from afar, the statue is a significant highlight of Soc Trang and draws visitors from across the region.
The pagoda’s architecture showcases intricate Khmer patterns and colorful detailing. Its stupa, painted a distinctive gray rather than traditional yellow, holds the ashes of monks and devotees. Visitors can marvel at the serene spiritual atmosphere, explore the beautiful gardens, and learn about Khmer Buddhist traditions.
3. Kh’leang Pagoda
Built in 1533, Kh’leang Pagoda is one of the oldest Khmer pagodas in Soc Trang. Initially constructed with wood and a thatched roof, it has since been rebuilt with bricks and tiles while retaining its traditional Khmer architectural style. Surrounded by sugar palm trees and stilt houses, the pagoda provides an authentic glimpse into Khmer culture. Inside, Kh’leang Pagoda preserves ancient manuscripts, including Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves, and serves as an educational center for Khmer language studies.
4. My Phuoc Island
Located in the middle of the Hau River in Nhon My Commune, My Phuoc Island is a lush oasis known for its diverse fruit orchards. The island is a perfect destination for visitors to experience authentic Mekong Delta rural life while enjoying freshly picked fruits such as durian, mango, longan, and citrus.
Weekends are particularly lively, with locals and tourists gathering to savor the seasonal produce right in the gardens. Accessible by boat, a trip to My Phuoc Island offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing travelers to connect with the slower pace of delta life.
5. Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi)
Bat Pagoda, officially known as Mahatup Pagoda, is one of Soc Trang’s most iconic landmarks. This Khmer-style pagoda gets its name from the thousands of fruit bats that roost in the surrounding trees. Built over 400 years ago, the pagoda features traditional Khmer architectural elements, including vibrant murals, intricate carvings, and a peaceful courtyard.
Visitors are drawn to the pagoda not only for its spiritual significance but also to witness the unusual sight of bats flying in and out of the temple grounds. Despite their large size, these bats are harmless and are considered sacred by the locals.
6. Soc Trang Market
Soc Trang Market is a vibrant hub of local life, offering a mix of fresh produce, seafood, and traditional handicrafts. Known as a cultural melting pot, the market reflects the diverse heritage of the region, showcasing goods from the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese communities.
In addition to everyday items, visitors can find unique souvenirs such as Pia cake, dried shrimp, and Khmer sesame seeds. The market is best visited early in the morning, when it is most lively and cooler.
7. Cycling Through Rural Khmer Villages
For an authentic glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the Khmer community, cycling through Soc Trang’s countryside is a must. The province is dotted with small Khmer villages, where stilted houses, sugar palm trees, and Buddhist temples form a picturesque backdrop.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely rides along shaded paths, passing lush rice fields and friendly locals who might invite you to experience their culture. This activity is best suited for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure and an opportunity to connect with the local community.
8. Ho Be Beach
Ho Be Beach, located in Vinh Chau District, may not match the idyllic white-sand beaches of Vietnam’s coastline, but it offers a unique experience for nature lovers. The beach’s concave shape, formed by sedimentation, creates an unusual and tranquil landscape with nearly 5 kilometers of smooth sand.
At dawn, the beach is bustling with locals catching clams, crabs, and blood cockles. Adventurous travelers can walk barefoot on the sand and explore nearby green forests. While not a mainstream tourist destination, Ho Be Beach is a fascinating spot for eco-tourism enthusiasts curious about the region’s natural dynamics and aquaculture practices.
9. Tan Long Stork Garden
This 1.5-hectare family-run ecological reserve is home to a variety of stork species, including white storks, buffalo storks, and other local birds. The garden was founded and nurtured over three decades by Huynh Van Muoi, who created a sanctuary where birds can coexist peacefully.
Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the stork garden, especially at dawn or sunset when flocks of birds take to the skies or return to their nests, creating a spectacular display. A 10-meter-high viewing tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the garden and its surroundings. The garden can be accessed by a 5km drive from Nga Nam township or via a scenic canoe ride down the river.
Travel Tip: Visit between 4-6 pm to see the most bird activity. Entry is affordable, but plan your trip in advance to ensure optimal timing.
10. Quan Am Linh Ung Pagoda
Quan Am Linh Ung Pagoda is one of Soc Trang’s prominent spiritual landmarks. Dedicated to Quan Am, the goddess of compassion, this temple is an important site for Buddhist pilgrims and visitors interested in Khmer-influenced architecture.
The pagoda features intricate carvings, colorful motifs, and a serene atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore the harmonious blend of Khmer and Vietnamese cultural elements while soaking in the spiritual ambiance.
11. Khmer Museum
The Khmer Museum in Soc Trang Town is an excellent introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer people in the Mekong Delta. The museum, designed in traditional Khmer architectural style, is home to more than 800 artifacts that showcase the daily life, spiritual practices, and artistic traditions of the Khmer ethnic community.
Visitors can explore displays of traditional musical instruments, costumes, and household items, along with models of Khmer pagodas and festivals like the Ooc-Om-Boc and Kathina ceremonies. The museum also organizes events and performances that offer insights into Khmer traditions, making it a great spot for cultural exploration.
Travel Tip: Guided tours are available but may lack detailed international language support, so consider visiting with a translator or guide for a deeper understanding.
12. Clay Pagoda (Chua Dat Set)
The Clay Pagoda, officially named Buu Son Tu, is a unique spiritual site in Soc Trang. Built in the early 20th century, the pagoda is famous for its thousands of clay-crafted statues, animal figures, and ornate stupas. Notably, it houses four pairs of giant candles, each weighing over 200kg and designed to burn continuously for up to 70 years.
The pagoda’s intricate claywork reflects the creativity and devotion of its creator, Ngo Kim Tong, who dedicated 42 years to its construction. Despite being a smaller temple, the Clay Pagoda offers a distinctive experience that sets it apart from more traditional Buddhist sites.
Where to stay in Soc Trang
Some of Soc Trang’s highlights can be visited as a day trip from Can Tho. However, the province offers enough unique sights to justify an overnight stay. If you’re planning to visit the Nga Nam Floating Market, which is most vibrant in the early morning, staying nearby can be more convenient too.
Accommodation options in Soc Trang are mostly concentrated in Soc Trang Town. Hotels here are typically geared toward local travelers, offering basic facilities that are sufficient for a short stay. Outside the town, options are nearly nonexistent, so plan accordingly if you intend to explore the rural areas.
Travel itinerary for Soc Trang
This itinerary helps you make the most of a day in Soc Trang, covering its key highlights while efficiently navigating the province. Starting with the early morning activities in Nga Nam and progressing through the town’s cultural sights, it ends with a relaxing visit to a beach or an optional stop en route back to Can Tho.
Very early morning
Visit Nga Nam Floating Market, the province’s most iconic attraction, when it is bustling with trade and activity.
Around sunrise
Head to Tan Long Stork Garden, a short distance from the market, to enjoy the serene beauty of birds at their most active time.
Mid-morning to early afternoon:
Drive to Soc Trang Town to explore its cultural and historical landmarks:
- Som Rong Pagoda
- Chua Dat Set (Clay Pagoda)
- Kh’leang Pagoda (Wat Kleang)
- Soc Trang Market
- Quan Am Linh Ung Pagoda
- Khmer Museum
Late afternoon:
- If staying in Soc Trang, visit Ho Be Beach, a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy coastal activities.
- If heading back to Can Tho, consider stopping by My Phuoc Island on the way back for a taste of rural charm and fresh fruit orchards.
