Bánh In Soc Trang: A Sweet Cultural Delight of the Mekong Delta

Soc Trang, a vibrant cultural hub in the Mekong Delta, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, is a culinary treasure trove located 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its rich Khmer, Vietnamese, and Chinese heritage, Soc Trang attracts over 3 million visitors annually with its diverse food scene. Bánh In, a sticky, white glutinous rice cake with a sweet mung bean filling, is a cherished Khmer specialty, offered during the Ooc Om Bok Festival to thank the moon for bountiful harvests and good health. Its delicate texture and cultural significance make it a must-try delicacy. Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, through the “Mekong Green” initiative, ensures an eco-friendly culinary experience. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, offers immersive food tours to savor Bánh In and explore Soc Trang’s gastronomic heritage. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your flavorful adventure!

Legend Travel Group specializes in authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian experiences across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Our Soc Trang tours use eco-friendly transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-vans—guided by local experts who share the region’s culinary and cultural stories. Supporting communities in Soc Trang’s central ward and Nga Nam, 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 taste Soc Trang responsibly!

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 markets and vendors are easily accessible, offering a vibrant culinary landscape for exploration.

Bánh In, meaning “pressed cake” in Vietnamese, is a traditional Khmer dessert in Soc Trang, symbolizing gratitude and community during festivals. This round, white cake, made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and coconut cream, encases a yellow mung bean filling, creating a sticky, sweet texture with a nutty, aromatic core. Variants include green fillings dyed with pandan leaf juice for added flavor. Priced at $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND) per cake, Bánh In is a staple at the Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November, lunar calendar) and Tet, often paired with tea. Its simplicity and cultural significance make it a beloved treat, reflecting Soc Trang’s Khmer heritage and agricultural traditions.

Bánh In’s origins are deeply rooted in Soc Trang’s Khmer community, dating back centuries as a ceremonial offering during lunar festivals. The cake’s white exterior symbolizes the moon, revered in Khmer culture for ensuring bountiful harvests, while the mung bean filling represents prosperity. Influenced by the region’s agricultural abundance, Bánh In uses local glutinous rice and mung beans, crafted by Khmer families for rituals like Ooc Om Bok. Over time, Vietnamese and Chinese communities embraced the cake, integrating it into broader Mekong Delta celebrations like Tet celebrations. Its enduring role in festivals, especially at pagodas like Kh’leang, underscores its cultural significance. Today, Bánh In remains a handcrafted delicacy, sold by artisans at markets and festivals, preserving Soc Trang’s Khmer traditions.

Crafting Bánh In is a meticulous process that highlights Soc Trang’s culinary artistry. Here’s a traditional recipe for a small batch (10–12 cakes):

1. Prepare the Glutinous Rice Mixture:

   • Sun-dry 500 g white glutinous rice for 1–2 days to ensure purity, then roast over medium heat (120–140°C) for 15–20 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Cool and grind into a fine powder.

   • Mix 400 g rice flour with 200 g white sugar and 100 mL coconut cream to form a sticky, pliable dough. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes.

2. Make the Mung Bean Filling (Optional):

   • Soak 200 g mung beans for 4 hours, cook until soft, then mash with 100 g sugar and 1 tbsp coconut cream until sticky. Cool and form into small balls (1 cm diameter).

   • For green filling, blend 5 pandan leaves with 50 mL water, strain, and mix juice into the mung bean paste for color and aroma.

3. Assemble the Cakes:

   • For plain Bánh In: Press the rice dough into round molds (5–6 cm diameter), filling completely.

   • For filled Bánh In: Press a 1-cm layer of rice dough into the mold’s base, add a mung bean ball, then cover with another layer of rice dough. Press firmly to seal.

   • Remove cakes from molds and wrap in banana leaves or plastic for freshness.

Cooking Classes: Learn Bánh In techniques in Soc Trang workshops, costing $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND), often including market visits for ingredients.

Tip: Roast rice carefully to avoid burning, ensuring a pure white cake. Use fresh coconut cream for authentic flavor.

Soc Trang Central Market (Ward 2)

A bustling hub where vendors sell fresh Bánh In, especially during festival seasons, ideal for tasting or gifting.

• Cost: $0.50–$1/cake (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Visit during Ooc Om Bok (October–November) for the freshest batches. Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).

Kh’leang Pagoda Stalls (Ward 6)

During Ooc Om Bok Festival, vendors near this historic Khmer pagoda offer Bánh In as ceremonial offerings, rated 4.5/5 for authenticity.

• Cost: $0.50–$1.50/cake (12,500–37,500 VND).

• Hours: Festival-dependent, typically 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Tip: Buy from temple vendors to support Khmer cultural initiatives. Included in our Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).

Local Specialty Shops

• Quán Đặc Sản Sóc Trăng (Ward 2, 25 Mau Than 68): Offers year-round Bánh In with mung bean or pandan fillings, rated 4.3/5. $0.80–$1.50/cake (20,000–37,500 VND). Open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Tiệm Bánh Dân Gian (Ward 3, 50 Lê Hồng Phong): Known for handcrafted cakes, rated 4.2/5. $0.50–$1/cake. Open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
  Tip: Choose banana leaf-wrapped cakes for eco-friendly packaging and freshness.

Nga Nam Floating Market (Nga Nam Ward)

Morning boat vendors sell Bánh In alongside other snacks, offering a unique riverine experience, 30 km from downtown.

• Cost: $0.50–$1.20/cake (12,500–30,000 VND); boat rental $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: 4:00 AM–8:00 AM daily.

• Tip: Arrive at 5:00 AM for peak market activity. Included in our Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80).

• Tea Pairing: Savor Bánh In with lotus or green tea ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) at markets or eateries, balancing its sweetness with tea’s bitterness, a Mekong Delta tradition.

• Festival Rituals: Enjoy Bánh In during Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November, lunar calendar), where it’s offered to the moon, enhancing cultural immersion at Kh’leang Pagoda.

• Cooking Classes: Learn to make Bánh In in workshops, mastering glutinous rice roasting and mung bean filling ($25–$45 or 625,000–1,125,000 VND).

• Market Tasting: Sample Bánh In at Soc Trang Central Market, pairing with Bánh Pía ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for a sweet contrast.

• Cultural Gifting: Buy Bánh In as a festival gift, wrapped in banana leaves, to share Khmer traditions sustainably.

Tip: Eat Bánh In fresh for its sticky texture and store in a cool, dry place to maintain flavor for up to a week.

The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for market visits and festival dining, with February–April offering pleasant weather. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) provides fewer crowds and 15–25% discounts, though August–October flooding may affect rural access. The Ooc Om Bok Festival (14th–15th of the 10th lunar month, typically October–November) is the peak time for Bánh In, used as offerings, with prices rising 10–20%. Tet (January–February, lunar calendar) also features Bánh In at celebrations. Visit markets early mornings (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) for fresh cakes or evenings (5:00 PM–10:00 PM) during festivals for vibrant stalls. Check AccuWeather for weather updates.

Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks in advance for Ooc Om Bok to secure spots. Visit Kh’leang Pagoda during the festival for an authentic Bánh In experience.

• 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) or Hanoi ($100–$180 or 2,500,000–4,500,000 VND). Eco-van transfers to Soc Trang cost $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City (5–6 hours, $6–$15 or 150,000–375,000 VND) or Can Tho (1–1.5 hours, $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• By Private Transfer: Eco-vans from Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City cost $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) for 2–4 passengers.

Tip: Book eco-van transfers via Legend Travel Group for sustainable travel. Download MyCanTho app for bus schedules.

Bánh In Costs:

• Markets/Festivals: $0.50–$1.50/cake (12,500–37,500 VND).

• Specialty Shops: $0.80–$1.50/cake (20,000–37,500 VND).

• Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 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).

Dining (Other Dishes):

• Street Food (e.g., Bún Nước Lèo, Bánh Pía): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Restaurants: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).

• Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 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 (Bánh In, street food, bike rental).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (restaurants, taxi, hotel).

• Luxury: $70–$110 (upscale dining, resort, private boat).

Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for market stalls. Bargain gently for bulk Bánh In purchases.

• 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 or Ooc Om Bok.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Central wards are walkable; use bikes or boats for rural markets like Nga Nam (30 km).

• Sustainability: Choose bicycles or electric boats; buy Bánh In from temple vendors or local shops using banana leaf wraps; carry reusable bags to align with Mekong Green initiatives.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors or guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); respect festival rituals by not handling offerings.

• Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for evening festival visits; stay hydrated; ensure Bánh In is freshly made to avoid stickiness.

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets or festivals; avoid flooded rural routes in August–October.

Savor Bánh In and Soc Trang’s culinary heritage with our sustainable tours:

• Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Soc Trang Central Market, Nga Nam Floating Market, Bánh In tasting, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers and meals.

• Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Hau River cruise, Bánh In vendors. Includes electric boat transfers and lunch.

• Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Bánh In stalls, Kh’leang Pagoda, Khmer Museum. Includes bike rentals and snacks.

• Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Bánh In offerings, Ooc Om Bok Festival, Ngo boat races. Includes eco-transfers and dining.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Bánh In, Bún Nước Lèo, pagodas, markets, and eco-tours across Soc Trang. Includes all activities, meals, and eco-transfers.

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!

Bánh In, Soc Trang’s sweet symbol of Khmer gratitude, is a sticky, white glutinous rice cake that shines during the Ooc Om Bok Festival. Its delicate texture and mung bean filling captivate visitors, reflecting the Mekong Delta’s cultural richness. From temple stalls to market vendors, Bánh In offers a taste of tradition and community. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly Soc Trang Tours guide you to savor Bánh In sustainably, ensuring a Soc Trang Travel experience that supports local artisans and preserves Soc Trang’s heritage. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Bánh In adventure today!
Ready to taste Soc Trang’s iconic Bánh In? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a sweet cultural journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, 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.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group