Soc Trang Travel Guide

1. Where is Soc Trang?

Soc Trang is a coastal province in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. It is located in the lower reaches of the Hau River, where the Hau River flows into the East Sea at two estuaries, Dinh An and Tran De. It is about 210 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and about 1,870 km south of the capital Hanoi. With its geographical location:

• The East and Southeast border the East Sea.
• The Northeast borders Tra Vinh and Vinh Long provinces.
• The Southwest borders Bac Lieu province.
• The North and Northwest borders Hau Giang province.

2. How is Soc Trang unique?

The terrain in Soc Trang province is low and relatively flat. It is basin-shaped, high on the Hau River and East Sea sides, gradually decreasing inwards. The lowest areas are in the West and Northwest. In addition, Soc Trang also has a canal system affected by the tidal regime, rising and falling twice a day. With an average tide level fluctuating from 0.4 m to 1 m. The sea tide is closely linked to the production and living activities of local residents. At the same time, it also brings many interesting things to tourists when they come to visit, travel and learn about the natural forest ecosystem. In particular, with a unique and quite distinct culture that can be called: “culture of the land of the fields”. It is reflected in all aspects of the daily life of Soc Trang people. From language, social relationships, land names, village names. To religious beliefs, cuisine and festivals of the Kinh, Hoa, Khmer and a few Cham people. In addition, Soc Trang is a province with more than 200 ancient pagodas with unique architecture of all three ethnic groups Kinh, Hoa, Khmer. Moreover, this land is also the place to hold large festivals, famous throughout Vietnam.

3. When is the best time to visit Soc Trang?

Soc Trang located in a tropical climate zone influenced by the monsoon. The weather in Soc Trang is quite pleasant so you can go there almost every time of the year. Soc Trang climate is divisive into 2 seasons: dry season and rainy season.

• Rainy season: usually starts from May to October.
• Dry season: lasts from November to April next year. The average annual temperature is about 26 degrees Celsius and very few storms and floods occur.

According to the travel experience of Soc Trang of tourists who have been here. The ideal time to travel here is during the dry season, from November to April of the next year. Especially in October of the lunar calendar every year. During this time, the weather is cool, pleasant, with mild sunshine and little rain. It is convenient for traveling, sightseeing, exploring and participating in outdoor activities and experiences. In addition, when coming here on this occasion, not only visit or discover famous places with a pleasant atmosphere. But you have the chance to participate in the Ooc-Om-Bok festival, which is the biggest festival of the Khmer community. On the occasion of the festival, you can participate in two main activities: Boat racing and water lamp drop.

4. How to get to Soc Trang?

4.1 Means of transportation to Soc Trang

4.1.1 From Hanoi:

You can take a plane, or a bus to Ho Chi Minh City then follow the directions. Ho Chi Minh City – Soc Trang will be more convenient.

4.1.2 From Ho Chi Minh City:

Bus to Soc Trang: You can buy a bus ticket at the Western bus station, address 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac, District Binh Tan, HCMC. Prices seem to range from VND 160,000 – 200,000, and travel time is about 4-5 hours. You should choose a reputable car company such as Phuong Trang or Mai Linh to ensure service quality. Travel Soc Trang by private transfer: If you use private vehicles as a private car or motorbike to Soc Trang. You can go from Saigon – Can Tho bridge, cross Can Tho bridge to turn left and run another 67km to Soc Trang.

4.2 Means of transportation in Soc Trang

You can easily move around Soc Trang city and surrounding areas by means such as motorbike, bus or taxi,… Some taxi companies in Soc Trang that you can refer to:

• Mai Linh Soc Trang: 0299 ​​3686868.
• Vinasun Soc Trang: 0299 ​​3888888.

5. Sightseeings in Soc Trang

Not only famous for delicious food. But also Soc Trang tourist destinations are very attractive for tourists to explore. You will be amazed with the beauty of the ancient temples. That it brings unique architecture to the beautiful landscapes of ecotourism sites bestowed by nature.

5.1 Nga Nam floating market

Also a province in the river region, Soc Trang has an extremely famous Nga Nam floating market. This is a market on the river with an extremely favorable position, is the intersection of five rivers emitting five paths: Ca Mau and Vinh Quoi. Long My, Thanh Tri passed and Phung Hiep went down. Floating market in Nga Nam town, Thanh Tri district, Soc Trang province. This place is fully traded, especially the fruits. Come here, visitors will enjoy the specialties as well as understand more about the local daily life.

5.2 Bat Pagoda

This is an architectural work typical of Khmer ethnic architecture in Soc Trang. Bat Pagoda is located at 73B, Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 3, Soc Trang City. The architecture of the pagoda is to represent the architecture of the Khmer Southern Theravada Buddhist line. It’s been built since about the sixteenth century until now and still retains quite its beauty. Inside the temple is extremely designed to blend in between the pagoda and the outer space. Especially when you come here, you will see thousands of pretty bats hanging from trees on the temple grounds.

5.3 Cu Lao Dung

Cu Lao Dung is a district located at the end of the Hau River, near the Tran De estuary and Dinh An estuary. Cu Lao Dung owns a natural canal system with many rare and rich flora and fauna. When visiting Cu Lao Dung, you will participate in many activities such as walking on a bamboo bridge through the forest, catching snails, and fishing for sea crabs. Or enjoy honey coconut water and cycling to visit the mudskipper beach, …

5.4 Khmer Museum

If you have the opportunity to come to Soc Trang then definitely do not ignore this place, visit here you will partly understand the cultural beauty of Khmer ethnicity. Khmer Museum is located in Ward 6, Soc Trang Town, Soc Trang Province. This is a building according to the architecture of Khmer pagoda and inside it contains many artifacts reflecting the spiritual life as well as the daily and unique life of Khmer ethnic people. In addition, this place also exhibits extremely special types of costumes, musical instruments, etc. If you are a person who likes to explore cultural values ​​or simply do not know anything about Khmer people. This is the place you should visit.

5.5 Som Rong Pagoda

Som Rong Pagoda has the full name of Botum Vong Sa Som Rong. This is a pagoda with unique Khmer cultural colors, combined with the mark of modern architecture to create an impressive beauty. In addition, the campus of Som Rong Pagoda is divisive into many different areas. But the most prominent is still the main tower. The pagoda has a rather poetic beauty in the afternoon under the sunset. This is an ideal Soc Trang tourist destination for religious tourists.

5.6 Tan Long stork garden

With quite favorable natural conditions, Soc Trang is a suitable place for many species of plants and animals to grow, especially here. There is Tan Long stork garden which is home to many rare storks. Tan Long stork garden is located in Long Binh commune, Nga Nam district, Soc Trang province. It’s managed by Huynh Van Muoi’s family. Coming to this place, you can feel the peaceful and relaxing space with an area of ​​1.5 hectares. Many species of birds and storks are here. Such as: chicken stork, white stork, buffalo stork, gongs, etc., live in harmony in this place. Every day at dawn or dusk, this stork garden chirps by the sound of birds, the wings of wings flying away, returning. In addition, when coming to this place. You can also enjoy a variety of rustic specialties of Soc Trang or the river region in general.

5.7 Sour Kieu Pagoda

To go to the Chua Kieu pagoda is very simple. Because this pagoda is located on Highway 1A, about 12 km from Soc Trang city, on the way to Bac Lieu. What makes this pagoda special compared to other temples in Soc Trang? Although it is also designed according to Khmer pagoda architecture, colorful cups, porcelain plates and patterns are decorated on the walls. Also it was built according to Khmer architecture, the main hall roof is built in three levels and painted yellow.

5.8 Pink trumpet flower road

From National Highway 1A towards Soc Trang, when you reach Hung Vuong street near the center of Chau Thanh district, you will have the opportunity to admire two rows of pink trumpet trees on the roadside showing off their splendid colors. However, you need to pay attention to the time if you want to visit this place. Pink trumpet flowers here usually only bloom from February to June.

5.9 Temple of Clay

This temple is located at 286 Ton Duc Thang, Ward 5, Soc Trang city. Clay Temple also has another name: Buu Son Tu and has a life of more than 200 years. At present, each day, there are about 200 visits. The famous Clay Temple with 1901 Buddha statues, over 200 summoned beasts, stupas, incense sticks, etc. made of clay. Also here along with 200kg candles can burn for decades. Da Bao Tower here is 13 storeys high, each floor has up to 16 doors, each door will be placed a Buddha statue. There is also the Stupa Tower and many other beautiful buildings. Until now, this Clay Temple is still preserved and protected carefully by the descendants of the Ngo family to preserve the great merit of his father’s time.

5.10 Kh’leang Pagoda

Kh’leang Pagoda is located at 71 Mau Than Street, Hamlet 5, Ward 6, Soc Trang City. This is the oldest pagoda in Soc Trang, with a lifespan of nearly 500 years. It was built around 1553. It is also a place to celebrate religious rituals. This is also a place to keep many Buddhist teachings, where many cultural festivals are typical of Khmer people. According to legend, at the beginning the pagoda. It’s built with bamboo, wood and leaf materials, from the contributions of the people in the area.

5.11 Provincial Party Committee

When referring to the famous Soc Trang tourist sites. This is a historical site you should visit. Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee is based in a Melaleuca forest in My Phuoc commune, My Tu district. This base area was built from the resistance war against France with an area of ​​up to 310 hectares. This is one of the important bases that contributed to the victory of the national resistance. It is covered by interlacing trees and canals. Inside the base area, there are many items. Such as a conference room, cellar, military camp, radio station, protection, etc. This is a tourist destination, educating revolutionary traditions for the people, especially a younger generation to better understand the resistance of the nation.

5.12 Ong Bon Pagoda

Ong Bon Pagoda is a special pagoda in Soc Trang City. In the middle of the land bearing the mark of Southern Buddhism, Ong Bon Pagoda evokes the colors of East Asia. The parallel sentences on the wall and the red lanterns hanging in front of the gate have extremely great spiritual significance.

5.13 My Phuoc Islet

Referring to the river area. It is impossible to ignore the middle river with all kinds of fruit trees. My Phuoc is one of the most famous places in Soc Trang. Located in the middle of Hau river, in Nhon My commune. This place has all kinds of fruits from durian, citrus to Siamese, mango, longan, etc. At this place, visitors can enjoy delicious fresh fruit. Sweet and sweet at the garden with the specialties of the local people here. Weekends are spent gathering with friends to have fun, picking fruits right in the middle of the river is also a memorable experience.

5.14 Binh An ecological tourism area

Binh An eco-tourism area is one of Soc Trang’s favorite tourist sites. It’s located at 71, Ward 2, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province. This is one of the favorite eco-tourism areas in this place. Binh An eco-tourism area is full of activities, entertainment games, restaurants, stage performances … to meet the needs of tourists when coming here. In addition, the campus is arranged with many green trees, swimming pools, fish ponds… It’s great to spend a weekend tour from Ho Chi Minh City. This is an interesting choice for you, If you are too familiar with the architectural works of Khmer people, then this will be the place to show the development and modernity of Soc Trang.

5.15 Mo O Beach

Mo O Beach is one of the places that still retains its wild and pure beauty. When you come here, you can experience many activities such as fishing, mud sliding, catching crabs. In addition, you also have the opportunity to explore the primeval flooded forest which is home to rare species of flora and fauna.

5.16 Ho Be ecological tourism area

With favorable natural conditions, Soc Trang has developed a type of ecotourism. This Ho Be tourist site is located at Nam Song Hau, Vinh Chau, Soc Trang. This is the place you should definitely try when coming to Soc Trang. It is adjacent to the sea and the sea here and still retains its inherent wildness. The beach is extremely clean with long white sandy beaches. If you want to camp near the sea or just travel during the day, the Ho Be eco-tourism area is an extremely suitable choice. Another plus point for this place is that the place has extremely cheap seafood and the people are extremely happy and enthusiastic.

5.17 Truc Lam Soc Trang Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Soc Trang Zen Monastery has a fairly large area, about 6 hectares. This is a spiritual destination visited by many Buddhists. In addition, Truc Lam Soc Trang Zen Monastery is also an architectural attraction with massive works of art, depicting a sacred space for Buddhists to worship.

5.18 Chén Kieu Pagoda

Chén Kiều Pagoda is also known as Sa Lon Pagoda. This pagoda has an architectural style that bears the mark of Theravada Buddhism and unique Khmer culture. As the name suggests, what makes this pagoda special is the wall covered with pieces of porcelain taken from cups and plates with unique patterns. This type of cup painting has created a unique beauty for Sa Lon Pagoda. When visiting Sa Lon Pagoda, you will have the opportunity to admire the unique architectural mark with the cultural exchange of Kinh, Khmer and Hoa ethnic groups. This is a suitable destination for cultural tourism enthusiasts who love to explore Theravada Buddhism.

6. Specialties when traveling to Soc Trang

If you have to travel to Soc Trang, then you should not ignore the delicious food specialties famous here. Being an intersection of ethnic groups, Soc Trang delicacies are also diverse and rich. Each ethnic group in Soc Trang has different ethnic specialties. But some items you should not ignore when coming here include:

6.1 Noodle soup with fish:

The characteristic of this dish is stewed soup. with pig bones for a long time. Do not add grease. And the noodles here only use the fish to get the meat with shrimp, fresh squid and pork. Soc Trang noodle soup has the sweetness of the soup, the fat and crunchy fleshy taste of the pig, and the fatty fish meat is sweet and spicy.

6.2 Vermicelli rice salad:

A variation of salad dish with main ingredients. Such as shrimp, vermicelli, vegetables, and price … And the people here change by putting all the ingredients into 1 bowl, mixed with water dots then enjoying rice.

6.3 Pia cake:

A unique combination of Chinese cuisine and Western cuisine. The cake is made from wheat flour, inside the durian kernel, salted eggs or other flavors such as taro, green beans,…The cake is soft, flexible, and delicious.

6.4 Cake with jelly:

This kind of cake has many names. Such as bau, sau, trau … The jelly cake is made from rice flour mixed with green beans and eggs. It is multiplied with chopped pork marinated with thick spices inside. The dumplings eat very well if they are served with vegetables of the region. Such as: Basil, lettuce, cabbage, ginger …

6.5 Sesame Apple:

Sesame is made from thin taro and then dried under the sun for about 3 days. When eating, cut a rectangular piece of taro and mix it with the sugar water that has been won into candy. Then roll it over ripe roasted sesame. The crispy, crispy sesame has the aroma of sesame and the sweetness of the malt covering the outer layer.

6.6 Braised star goby with lemongrass and chili:

Star goby usually appears around June and July every year. If you travel to Soc Trang at this time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy it. People can process Star goby into many dishes. However, the most delicious is the braised goby with lemongrass and chili.

6.7 Banh Khot:

Banh Khot is made from rice flour, wheat flour, turmeric powder, coconut milk and chicken eggs. The filling includes steamed beans and stir-fried shrimp with a little seasoning. The cake is poured into a mold placed on a hot oven, covered for 2-3 minutes and cooked. In addition, when cooked, Banh Khot has a turmeric yellow color, is crispy and has the sweetness of rice, the fatty taste of coconut water, and the aroma of turmeric and green onions. They served this cake with vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts and herbs, coconut milk, sweet and sour fish sauce and a little chili.

6.8 Shrimp crackers:

The main ingredients include wheat flour, shrimp or shrimp meat ground with a little crushed pepper. After mixing together, the above ingredients will be stuffed into long, tube-shaped cloth bags. After steaming, people cut them into rectangular or round slices and dry them. Before eating, the cake must be fried with boiling cooking oil, the cake will expand.

6.9 Duck noodle soup with pepper:

Actually, the Chinese brought this dish to Vietnam. Later, the Soc Trang people harmonized the spices in the duck noodle dish to better suit the Vietnamese taste. But still retain the characteristic flavor of the dish.

6.10 Soc Trang grilled veal:

After cleaning the veal, leave it whole and take an iron bar to skewer it along the body. Then, people put it on an X-shaped rack that is nailed diagonally to the ground. Below is a charcoal stove to grill the veal until the meat is just cooked. They wrapped meat with rice paper, vermicelli, raw vegetables, green banana, star fruit and dipped in fish sauce with a little sesame. This is a delicious dish that the locals often call “cross-shaped beef” or “fresh beef”.

7. Soc Trang specialties for gifts

7.1 Ke Thanh five-leaf pomelo

The five-leaf pomelo is the main fruit of Ke Sach district. It is famous to everyone for its delicious appearance and quality. With the characteristics of a thin skin, a bright, beautiful yellow color, a very rich sweet taste, not bitter to eat, and no seeds when ripe. Therefore, Ke Thanh pomelo is very popular with consumers

7.2 Vinh Chau purple onion

Vinh Chau purple onion is popular with consumers because it contains many essential oils and active ingredients that are beneficial to health. They used it as food, additives and medicinal herbs. If you have the opportunity to come here, buy some Vinh Chau purple onion as a gift for friends and relatives!

7.3 Flattened rice

Flatten rice is no longer too strange to people in the Southwest, especially Soc Trang. The rice used to make flattened rice must be long, fragrant and sticky. Then, people roasted it over an even heat and pounded until it is just right to eat. Remove all the green rice and sift it to remove the husks and bran so that the green rice is delicious and let it dry out. But to make it more delicious, people have to mix the flattened green rice with grated coconut, a little coconut water and white sugar.

7.4 Thanh Tri buffalo jerky

Buffalo jerky is available in many areas in Soc Trang, but to have a juicy piece of jerky when grilled, you can only find it in Thanh Tri buffalo jerky. To get buffalo jerky, it must be an extremely arduous process: cleaning, cutting the sedge into bite-sized pieces, pounding it thinly and marinating it with garlic, sugar, pepper and MSG. Let the meat absorb the spices, after 2 hours, dry it for 3 days in the sun.

8. Accommodation when traveling to Soc Trang

Soc Trang is still a province with a relatively simple tourism industry. So guesthouses and hotels are relatively few and the quality is only average. Therefore, you should reserve the hotel in advance so you can find out more about the quality and price of the hotel you choose. Some recommend hotels you can refer to:

• My Que Hotel. Address: 278 Phu Loi, Ward 2, Soc Trang.
• Khanh Hung Hotel Soc Trang. Address: 17 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 3, Soc Trang.
• Minh Phuong Hotel. Address: 294 Phu Loi, Ward 2, Soc Trang.
• Ngoc Thu Hotel. Address: Km 2127 Highway 1A, An Hiep Commune, My Tu District, Soc Trang.
• Thien An Hotel. Address: 293 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 3, Soc Trang City.
• Satraco Royal Hotel. Address: 198 Van Ngoc Chinh, Ward 3, Soc Trang.
• My Hang Hotel. Address: 478 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 2, Soc Trang.
• Ngoc Lan Hotel. Address: 182 Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 3, Soc Trang.
• Ngoc Thu Hotel. Address: Km 2127, QL1A, An Hiep, Chau Thanh, Soc Trang.
• Xuan Huynh 3 Hotel. Address: 34A Huynh Phan Ho, Ward 6, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang.
• Hai Yen Hotel. Address: 290 QL1A, Ward 7, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang.

9. Some important notes when traveling to Soc Trang

To make your trip to Soc Trang a complete joy. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:

• Dress politely and discreetly when visiting sacred destinations such as pagodas, temples.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, umbrella, sunscreen, … fully before visiting to avoid sunburn.
• You should ask the price before buying or using any service.
• Remember to maintain order and hygiene in public places. Protect the natural landscape, the destination is always green, clean, and beautiful. Do not litter.

Traveling to Soc Trang is to return to the peaceful river area and you will be welcomed by the warmth, joy and friendliness of the people here. When coming to Soc Trang, you will be immersed in the vast and peaceful natural space. Join Origin Vietnam – a reliable tour operator. We will accompany you on the Mekong Delta tour to explore the beautiful land of Soc Trang with endless joy.

Note: Soc Trang is currently a separate province from Can Tho. However, according to the upcoming administrative adjustment, Soc Trang will officially be merged into Can Tho province starting Sep 2025. For this reason, we’ve included Soc Trang attractions as part of the Can Tho guide to help travelers plan more seamlessly.