Discover the top 10 things to do in Soc Trang, from Nga Nam Floating Market to Ooc Om Bok Festival! Explore activities, costs, and sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for an unforgettable Mekong Delta experience.
Capture the unique charm of Soc Trang’s attractions (Source: Internet)
Nga Nam floating market (Source: Internet)Soc Trang, a vibrant cultural hub in the Mekong Delta, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, is a captivating destination 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Renowned for its rich Khmer, Vietnamese (Kinh), and Chinese heritage, Soc Trang draws over 3 million visitors annually with its bustling floating markets, ancient pagodas, and vibrant festivals. From savoring Bún Nước Lèo to exploring the serene Tân Long Stork Garden, Soc Trang offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. Committed to sustainable tourism through the “Mekong Green” initiative, Soc Trang ensures eco-friendly experiences. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates sustainable tours to immerse you in these unforgettable activities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your adventure
Pagoda of Bat "Chùa Dơi" (Source: Internet)Legend Travel Group specializes in authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian experiences across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Our Soc Trang tours use low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-vans—guided by local experts who share the region’s cultural and natural stories. Supporting communities in Soc Trang’s central ward and Vinh Chau, we align with Can Tho City’s vision to preserve its heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Soc Trang responsibly
Khmer Museum (Source: Internet)Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, making Can Tho City Vietnam’s largest by landmass. Enhanced by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Soc Trang’s attractions are easily accessible, offering a perfect blend of cultural and eco-tourism exploration.
Tan Long stork garden (Source: Internet)Soc Trang’s diverse attractions and activities cater to cultural enthusiasts, food lovers, and nature explorers. Below are the top 10 must-do experiences, with updated costs and tips for a sustainable visit.
Dive into the heart of Mekong Delta life at Nga Nam Floating Market in Nga Nam Ward, 30 km from Soc Trang’s central ward. Open from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM, this market at the confluence of five rivers bustles with boats selling fruits, dried goods, and snacks like Bún Nước Lèo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Boats display goods on “bẹo poles,” creating a vibrant riverine trade scene.
Cost: Free entry; boat rentals $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND, 4–6 passengers); food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
How to Get There: Taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND, 45 minutes) or motorbike ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND) from central ward. Legend’s eco-vans cost $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Best Time: Dawn (5:00 AM–7:00 AM) for peak activity; dry season (November–April) for calm waters.
Experience: Bargain for mangoes or dried fish, photograph the market’s colorful chaos, or savor a boat-cooked meal.
Sustainability Tip: Use eco-friendly boat operators; carry reusable bags for purchases.
Included in: Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80), Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
Discover the mystical Bat Pagoda (Mahatup Pagoda) at 73B Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 3, a 456-year-old Khmer temple built in 1569. Home to over 1,000 fruit bats and unique five-clawed pig tombs, this national relic features vibrant yellow architecture with Naga snake motifs and Kemnar fairy statues.
Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
How to Get There: 3 km from central ward; walk (30 minutes), bike ($1–$2/day or 25,000–50,000 VND), or taxi ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND).
Best Time: Spring (February–April) for Khmer New Year; dusk (5:00 PM–6:00 PM) to see bats fly out.
Experience: Explore the main hall’s murals, observe bats respectfully, or join meditation sessions.
Sustainability Tip: Maintain distance from bats to protect wildlife; support temple preservation through donations.
Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75), Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Located at 23 Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street, Ward 6, opposite Kh’leang Pagoda, the Khmer Museum, built in 1938, showcases Soc Trang’s Khmer heritage with over 13,000 artifacts, including traditional costumes, agricultural tools, and palm-leaf scriptures. Its pointed-roof architecture reflects Khmer aesthetics.
Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); workshops $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
How to Get There: 1 km from central ward; walk (10 minutes), bike ($1–$2/day), or taxi ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND).
Best Time: November–April; October–November for Ooc Om Bok cultural events.
Experience: Study artifacts, attend Dù Kê opera ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), or try palm-leaf calligraphy.
Sustainability Tip: Purchase Khmer crafts from nearby vendors to support artisans.
Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Experience nature at Tân Long Stork Garden in Long Bình Commune, Nga Nam Ward, 40 km from central Soc Trang. This 1.5-hectare sanctuary, managed by the Huỳnh Văn Mười family, hosts thousands of storks, including white storks, gongs, and rare species, amid bamboo groves.
Cost: $1–$2 entry (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
How to Get There: Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND, 1 hour) or motorbike ($5–$10/day). Legend’s eco-vans cost $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Best Time: Dawn or dusk (5:00 AM–7:00 AM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM) for bird activity; November–April for clear skies.
Experience: Photograph storks, listen to their calls, or relax in the tranquil setting.
Sustainability Tip: Avoid disturbing birds; support conservation through entry fees.
Included in: Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85).
Explore Cồn Mỹ Phước, a lush islet on the Hậu River in Nhơn Mỹ Commune, Kế Sách Ward, 30 km from central Soc Trang, known for its orchards of oranges, mangoes, longans, and durians. The Mid-Year Festival (5th lunar month) features fruit contests and dragon boat races.
Cost: Free entry; boat crossing $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); fruit-picking $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 VND); festival events free, donations $1–$2.
How to Get There: From Soc Trang, take Highway 1A to An Trạch, then Provincial Highway 1 to Kế Sách (28 km), and ferry (1 km). Or, via Highway 60 to Đại Ngãi, then Provincial Road 11 to Nhơn Mỹ ferry (35 km). Taxi $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); motorbike $5–$10/day.
Best Time: May (lunar 5th month) for ripe fruits; November–April for mild weather.
Experience: Pick fresh durians, join festival boat races, or learn local fruit-picking traditions.
Sustainability Tip: Buy directly from farmers; use reusable bags.
Included in: Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80), Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Visit Kh’leang Pagoda at 71 Mậu Thân Street, Ward 6, Soc Trang’s oldest Khmer temple, built in 1532 and a national relic since 1990. Its three-tiered main hall, rebuilt in 1918, houses 45 Shakyamuni statues and blends Khmer, Chinese, and Vietnamese motifs.
Cost: Free entry; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); workshops $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
How to Get There: 1 km from central ward; walk (10 minutes), bike ($1–$2/day), or taxi ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND).
Best Time: February–April for Khmer New Year; October–November for Ooc Om Bok.
Experience: Admire gilded statues, join meditation, or learn Khmer calligraphy.
Sustainability Tip: Respect sacred spaces; donate for temple upkeep.
Included in: Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75), Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Join the Ooc Om Bok Festival, Soc Trang’s largest Khmer celebration, held on the full moon of the 10th lunar month (typically October–November). This national intangible heritage features moon-worshipping rituals, Ngo boat races, water lantern releases, and Dù Kê opera.
Cost: Free entry; premium boat race seats $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); lanterns $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
How to Get There: Main events at Maspero River and Bạch Đằng Square, central ward; walk, bike ($1–$2/day), or taxi ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND).
Best Time: Festival peak (14th–15th lunar month); evening for ceremonies.
Experience: Release eco-friendly lanterns, cheer at boat races, or taste Bánh In ($0.50–$1.50 or 12,500–37,500 VND).
Sustainability Tip: Use biodegradable lanterns; support local vendors.
Included in: Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Indulge in Bánh Pía, Soc Trang’s iconic flaky pastry with mung bean, salted egg yolk, and durian filling, a Chinese-Khmer fusion. Available at markets or specialty shops like Tân Huê Viên, it’s a perfect tea-time treat or souvenir.
Cost: $1–$3/pack (25,000–75,000 VND, 200–500g); cooking classes $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Where to Find: Soc Trang Central Market (Ward 2), Vĩnh Châu Night Market (Vinh Chau Ward), Tân Huê Viên (149/8 Mậu Thân 68, Ward 2).
Best Time: Year-round; Ooc Om Bok for festival offerings.
Experience: Pair with lotus tea ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), learn to make it in workshops, or buy vacuum-sealed packs.
Sustainability Tip: Choose eco-friendly packaged Bánh Pía from Tân Huê Viên.
Included in: Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
Relish Bún Nước Lèo, Soc Trang’s signature rice vermicelli soup, an Asian Record dish in 2023, featuring a spicy, clear broth with snakehead fish, shrimp, and herbs. A Khmer-Vietnamese-Chinese fusion, it’s a must-try comfort food.
Cost: $1–$3.50/bowl (25,000–87,500 VND); cooking classes $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Where to Find: Quán Quế Nhi (44 Phú Lợi, Ward 2), Soc Trang Central Market, Nga Nam Floating Market.
Best Time: Rainy season (May–October) for warmth; year-round at markets.
Experience: Savor at dawn markets, add chili to the broth, or learn its recipe in classes.
Sustainability Tip: Support family-run eateries using local fish.
Included in: Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70), Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80).
Unwind at Binh An Ecological Tourism Area at 71 Mậu Thân 68 Street, Ward 2, a 5-hectare eco-park along the Maspero River with lotus ponds, gardens, and Khmer cultural activities. Ideal for families, it offers cycling and fishing.
Cost: $1–$2 entry (25,000–50,000 VND); activities $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND); meals $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
How to Get There: 1 km from central ward; walk (10 minutes), bike ($1–$2/day), or taxi ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND).
Best Time: November–April; October–November for Khmer festivals.
Experience: Cycle paths, fish in ponds, or enjoy Chhay Yam dances ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Sustainability Tip: Use reusable water bottles; buy from local vendors.
Included in: Binh An Eco-Tour ($50–$70), Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Con My Phuoc (Source: Internet)The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for markets, pagodas, and eco-parks, with clear skies and mild weather. February–April aligns with Khmer New Year (mid-April) for vibrant ceremonies. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) offers lush greenery and 15–25% discounts, but August–October flooding may affect rural sites like Nga Nam. Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November) is a cultural peak, with prices rising 10–20%. Visit markets early (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) or eco-areas at dusk (5:00 PM–7:00 PM) for optimal experiences. Check AccuWeather for forecasts.
Kh’leang Temple (Source: Internet)By Air: Fly to Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 60 km away, from Ho Chi Minh City ($70–$140 or 1,750,000–3,500,000 VND, 45 minutes) or Hanoi ($100–$180 or 2,500,000–4,500,000 VND, 2 hours 10 minutes). Eco-van transfers to Soc Trang cost $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours).
By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City (5–6 hours, $6–$15 or 150,000–375,000 VND) via Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) from Mien Tay Bus Station. From Can Tho (1–1.5 hours, $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Book via Baolau or Vexere.
By Private Eco-Van: From Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City, $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) for 2–4 passengers, arranged through Legend Travel Group.
Tip: Book early for festival seasons; use eco-vans for sustainability. Download Maps.me or MyCanTho app for navigation.
Que Toi Hotel (Source: Internet)Activity Costs:
Nga Nam Market, Bat Pagoda, Khmer Museum, Kh’leang Pagoda, Ooc Om Bok: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Tân Long, Binh An: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Cồn Mỹ Phước: Boat $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); fruit $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cooking Classes/Workshops: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Food: Bánh Pía $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); Bún Nước Lèo $1–$3.50 (25,000–87,500 VND).
Transport in Soc Trang:
Taxi/Grab (1–5 km): $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $1–$2/liter (25,000–50,000 VND).
River Boat: $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND, shared).
Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Van (rural sites): $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Accommodation (Soc Trang Central Ward):
Hostels/Guesthouses: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$100/night (750,000–2,500,000 VND).
Resorts: $120–$300/night (3,000,000–7,500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Excluding Tours):
Budget: $15–$40 (free sites, street food, bike rental, guesthouse).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, restaurants, hotel).
Luxury: $70–$110 (premium tours, upscale dining, resort).
Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for vendors. Book early for festivals to save 15–20%.
Ooc Om Bok Festival (Source: Internet)Book Early: Reserve flights, hotels, and tours 3–5 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or Klook for peak seasons like Ooc Om Bok.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Central wards are walkable; use bikes for rural sites like Nga Nam or Tân Long.
Sustainability: Choose bicycles or electric boats; buy from local vendors; use reusable bags and bottles to align with Mekong Green initiatives.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at pagodas (covered shoulders, knees); say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides/vendors ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); avoid touching artifacts or wildlife.
Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for rural sites; bring sunscreen (SPF 50+); stay hydrated during festivals.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets or festivals; avoid flooded rural routes in August–October.
Pia Pie "Bánh Pía" (Source: Internet)Experience Soc Trang’s top activities with our sustainable tours:
Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Bat Pagoda, Kh’leang Pagoda, Khmer Museum, cultural workshops. Includes bike rentals, eco-transfers, and snacks.
Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Cồn Mỹ Phước, Hậu River cruise. Includes electric boat transfers and lunch.
Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85/person): Tân Long Stork Garden, Binh An Eco-Area, Vĩnh Châu mangroves. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Ooc Om Bok Festival, Cồn Mỹ Phước Mid-Year Festival, boat races. Includes eco-transfers and dining.
Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Nga Nam Market, Bánh Pía, Bún Nước Lèo, cooking classes. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page
Rice Vermicelli "Bún Nước Lèo" (Source: Internet)Soc Trang’s top 10 activities, from exploring Nga Nam Floating Market’s riverine trade to celebrating Ooc Om Bok’s vibrant rituals, offer an unforgettable journey through the Mekong Delta’s cultural and natural wonders. Whether savoring Bánh Pía or marveling at Bat Pagoda’s bats, each experience reflects Soc Trang’s rich Khmer-Vietnamese heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours guide you through these treasures, ensuring a sustainable Soc Trang Travel experience that supports local communities and preserves Soc Trang’s legacy. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Soc Trang adventure today!
Ready to experience Soc Trang’s unmissable attractions? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a cultural and culinary journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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