TRAVEL GUIDE TO SOC TRANG: TOP ATTRACTIONS THAT YOU WOULD NOT MISS

Soc Trang is a province rich in cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating traditions. Known for its harmonious blend of Khmer, Kinh, and Chinese influences, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking authentic Vietnamese culture. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Soc Trang, as well as the top attractions that you would not miss in this city.

1. Where is Soc Trang?

Soc Trang is located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, approximately 230 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. It is bordered by the provinces of Hau Giang to the north, Bac Lieu to the east, and Tra Vinh to the west. The province is crisscrossed by rivers and canals, making it a picturesque destination that showcases the beauty of rural Vietnam. Soc Trang is easily accessible by road, with several bus services operating from Ho Chi Minh City and other nearby cities.

Soc Trang

2. How to get there?

To get to Soc Trang, you have a few options depending on where you’re coming from. If you’re traveling from Ho Chi Minh City:

-By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate services from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang. The journey typically takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Buses usually depart from Mien Tay Bus Station (Bến Xe Miền Tây) in HCMC. You can choose between day or night buses.

-By Car: You can drive from HCMC to Soc Trang, which is about 230 kilometers to the southwest. The drive will take roughly 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic. You’ll take National Route 1A (Ql 1A) heading towards the Mekong Delta.

3. The ideal time to visit Soc Trang

The ideal time to visit Sóc Trăng is during the dry season, which typically lasts from December to April. During these months, you’ll experience pleasant weather, with less rainfall and more comfortable temperatures (around 25°C to 30°C), making it easier to explore the area.

-Tết (Lunar New Year): This is a popular time to visit, especially if you want to experience local cultural traditions, festivals, and vibrant decorations. Tết usually falls between January and February. However, it can be quite busy, and some places may close for the holidays.

-Rainy Season (May to November): The rainy season in Soc Trang can bring frequent showers, especially in the afternoons. While this can make the landscapes lush and green, it may also limit outdoor activities. However, if you don’t mind the rain and want to avoid crowds, this could still be a good time to visit.

In my experience, December to April is your best bet for pleasant weather and fewer interruptions to your travel plans.

4. Top attractions in Soc Trang

4.1. Four Face Pagoda

Built nearly 500 years ago, Buôl Pres Phek Pagoda (Four-Faced Pagoda) is an architectural masterpiece characteristic of the Khmer ethnic community in the Southern region of Vietnam, and it is a cultural and historical heritage site.

Four-Faced Pagoda in Soc Trang has an ancient beauty.

The pagoda covers an area of 6.5 hectares and is located in Phuoc Thuan hamlet, Phu Tan commune, Chau Thanh district. When mentioning the pagoda, people often talk about the legend of a Buddha statue with four faces facing four directions, with each direction having five Buddhas that the Khmer people discovered during the process of clearing the land. This was considered an auspicious sign, leading the locals to build the pagoda and enshrine the statue in 1537.

Four-Faced Buddha Statue in Stone in the Legend of Temple Construction.

Address: Chau Thanh District, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.2. Doi Pagoda

Doi Pagoda (also known as Ma Toc Pagoda or Mahatup Pagoda) is located in Ward 3, Soc Trang City. It is a typical architectural complex representing the beliefs of the Khmer ethnic community. This site was recognized as a national artistic heritage site in 1999 and serves as a community gathering place for organizing traditional festivals of the Khmer people.

Doi Pagoda

Address: Van Ngoc Chinh Street, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

4.3. Khmer Museum Soc Trang

Khmer Museum was established in 1938 and consists of two main areas: the Xamacum Exhibition Hall and the Office Area. The museum houses nearly 13,000 valuable cultural artifacts, more than half of which are contributions from the Khmer community living in the region.

Khmer Museum

The museum currently holds a large number of artifacts.

Each year, the museum attracts over 200,000 visitors, both domestic and international, who come to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the three ethnic groups: Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer, as well as their shared tradition of patriotism and resistance against foreign invasions.

Address: No.53, Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 6, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday).

4.4. Nga Nam Floating Market

Nga Nam Floating Market is located in Nga Nam Town, approximately 60 kilometers from Soc Trang City. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. To reach the market, visitors can travel from the city center along National Route 1A to Phu Loc, then turn right onto Provincial Road 42.

Nga Nam Floating Market

The name “Nga Nam” originated when the French dug the Phung Hiep canal. This canal, along with the Xang canal, intersects with the Xeo Chinh canal, creating five river branches that flow in five directions: Ca Mau, Vinh Quoi, Long My, Thanh Tri, and Phung Hiep.

On regular days, the market operates in the morning. However, during the Tet holiday, especially after the 23rd day of the last lunar month, Nga Nam Floating Market is bustling from morning until evening, creating a lively atmosphere.

Address: Nga Nam Street, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.5. Tan Long Bird Garden

Tan Long Bird Garden, located in Long Binh commune, Nga Nam Town, is an ecological tourism destination managed by a local resident. When visiting the bird garden, tourists can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and observe various types of birds such as herons, white storks, buffalo herons, and open-billed storks.

Tan Long Bird Garden

The sight of these birds flying in the sunset creates a beautiful scene. This is one of the scenic spots in Soc Trang that many travel enthusiasts visit and experience.

Address: Long Binh Ward, Nga Nam District, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

4.6. Som Rong Pagoda

The pagoda was built in 1785 and is fully named Botum Vongsa Som Rong. It is located at 367 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 5, Soc Trang City. This is one of the pagodas that attracts a large number of pilgrims and visitors for photos.

Som Rong Pagoda

Within the pagoda grounds, there is a majestic and benevolent statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni entering Nirvana, measuring 63 meters in length and 22.5 meters in height, elevated about 28 meters above the ground.

Som Rong Pagoda is known as a famous spiritual discovery stop in Soc Trang.

A unique feature of the pagoda is the main tower, which is painted gray instead of the traditional gold. Inside the tower is a statue of the Buddha seated on a lotus pedestal. The main hall is adorned with many colors and details characteristic of Southern Theravada Buddhism.

The image of the giant reclining Buddha statue made the name of the ancient temple Som Rong.

Address: No. 367, Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 5, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.7. My Phuoc Ecotourism Area

My Phuoc Ecotourism Area is located in Ke Sach District. The head of the island faces Hau Giang, while the tail extends towards the East Sea, bordering Cu Lao Dung district, and is about 25 kilometers from the center of Soc Trang City.

My Phuoc Ecotourism

Visitors must take the Nhon My ferry to reach the island. My Phuoc Island covers a total area of over 1,000 hectares, with approximately 300 hectares dedicated to growing tropical fruit trees such as rambutan, longan, durian, and mango. Additionally, the area is developing a model for beekeeping and honey production.

You will experience the unique garden culture.

Address: Nhon My Ward, Ke Sach District, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.

4.8. Ho Be Beach

This is a beach located at the lower reaches of the Hau River. Ho Be Beach is different from other natural beaches as it was formed from sedimentation and the encroachment of seawater, creating a wide, low-lying lagoon.

Ho Be Beach

This beach features a long stretch of white sand. It is a popular spot for watching the sunrise and camping among both tourists and local residents. The area retains its pristine and natural beauty, providing a sense of peace and freedom for visitors.

Address: Vinh Hai Ward, Vinh Chau District, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.9. Dung Island

Dung Island offers a variety of tourism activities and attractions, including beautiful islands like Thom Island and Cat Cat Village, as well as opportunities for community tourism and high-end resort services. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the natural landscapes.

Dung Island

Cù Lao Dung is a district located at the end of the Hau River, near the Tran De and Dinh An estuaries. It possesses a natural system of canals and a rich variety of rare flora and fauna.

Shrimp pond of the local people.

When visiting there, you can participate in many activities such as walking on bamboo bridges through the forest, catching snails, fishing for crabs, enjoying honey coconut water, and cycling to explore the mudskipper beach.

Walking on the bamboo bridge.

Address: Doan The Trung Street, Cu Lao Dung, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4.10. Pink Trumpet Flowers Street

Pink trumpet flowers in Soc Trang typically begin to bud at the end of February or early March. They bloom around this time and can last until June, creating beautiful pink landscapes.

Pink trumpet flowers

From National Route 1A heading towards Soc Trang, when you reach Hùng Vương Street near the center of Châu Thành district, you will have the opportunity to admire two rows of pink trumpet trees along the road showcasing their splendid colors. However, you need to pay attention to the timing if you want to visit this location. The pink trumpet flowers here usually only bloom from February to June.

Address: Hung Vuong Street, Chau Thanh, Soc Trang.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.