How to Get Around Soc Trang: Taxi, Motorbike, River Boat & Eco-Tour Guide

Soc Trang, a cultural and natural gem in the Mekong Delta, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, is a vibrant destination 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its Khmer pagodas, bustling Nga Nam Floating Market, and eco-tourism sites like Tan Long Stork Garden, Soc Trang attracts over 3 million visitors annually. Navigating this riverine province is an adventure, with diverse transport options like taxis, motorbikes, and river boats offering unique perspectives of its landscapes and heritage. Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, through the “Mekong Green” initiative, ensures eco-friendly travel. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, enhances your journey with sustainable eco-tours. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Soc Trang exploration!

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 travel experience. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore 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 transportation network is efficient, offering easy access to its attractions.

Soc Trang’s compact urban center and sprawling rural wards, crisscrossed by rivers and canals, offer diverse transport modes tailored to different travel styles. Below, we detail the main options—taxi, motorbike, and river boat—with updated costs, providers, and tips for a sustainable journey.

1. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are convenient for short trips within Soc Trang’s central wards or to nearby attractions like Kh’leang Pagoda (1 km from downtown) or Bat Pagoda (3 km). They’re ideal for travelers seeking comfort, especially during the rainy season (May–October).

• Providers:

  • Mai Linh Taxi: Reliable, with metered fares and a 24/7 hotline (+84 299 368 6868). Rated 4.0/5 for service.

  • Soc Trang Taxi: Local operator, popular for city and inter-ward trips (+84 299 382 2822). Rated 3.8/5.

  • Grab: Offers GrabCar (taxis) and GrabBike (motorbike taxis) via its app, with transparent pricing and cashless payments. Highly rated (4.5/5) for convenience.

• Costs:

  • City center trips (1–5 km, e.g., Soc Trang Central Market to Binh An Eco-Area): $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

  • Longer trips (10–30 km, e.g., downtown to Nga Nam Floating Market): $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

  • GrabBike: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), 30–50% cheaper than cars.

• Booking: Call Mai Linh or Soc Trang Taxi directly, or use the Grab app for real-time booking and fare estimates. Pre-book for early morning or festival periods like Ooc Om Bok (October–November).

• Pros: Air-conditioned comfort, ideal for groups or families, no parking hassles, reliable during rain.

• Cons: Higher costs than motorbikes or bicycles, limited availability in rural wards like Vinh Hai.

• Sustainability Tip: Choose Grab’s shared rides or eco-friendly vehicles when available to reduce emissions. Carpool with fellow travelers to lower your carbon footprint.

• Tip: Download the Grab app for transparent pricing and cashless payments. Carry VND for cash-only taxis. Confirm fares before starting rural trips.

2. By Motorbike

Motorbikes are the most flexible and popular way to explore Soc Trang, offering freedom to visit urban sites like Clay Pagoda and rural attractions like Tan Long Stork Garden (30 km). They’re perfect for adventurous travelers comfortable navigating Vietnam’s traffic.

• Rental Providers:

  • Hotels/Guesthouses: Many in Soc Trang Central Ward (e.g., Quynh Nhi Hotel, Phong Lan 2) offer rentals. Rated 4.0/5 for convenience.

  • Local Shops: Stores like Xe May Thuan Phat (Ward 2, +84 299 361 6161) provide well-maintained bikes. Rated 3.9/5.

  • Online Platforms: Apps like Klook or local rental sites list trusted providers with delivery options.

• Costs:

  • Standard scooters (Honda Wave, Yamaha Sirius): $5–$8/day (125,000–200,000 VND).

  • Semi-automatic bikes (Honda Air Blade): $8–$10/day (200,000–250,000 VND).

  • Fuel: $1–$2/liter (25,000–50,000 VND), sufficient for 50–100 km.

  • Helmet: Included; extra helmet $0.50/day (12,500 VND).

• Booking: Reserve through hotels, rental shops, or online platforms. Provide a passport copy or deposit ($50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND, refundable). Check bike condition (brakes, tires) before renting.

• Requirements: A valid international driving permit (IDP) or Vietnamese motorbike license is legally required, though enforcement is lenient in Soc Trang. Wear helmets (mandatory) and carry insurance details.

• Pros: Affordable, flexible for rural exploration (e.g., Vinh Chau Mangrove Forest), immersive experience of local life.

• Cons: Requires driving confidence, risky in heavy rain or unfamiliar roads, limited for groups.

• Sustainability Tip: Rent fuel-efficient bikes (e.g., Honda Wave, 50–60 km/liter) and plan routes to minimize fuel use. Avoid idling to reduce emissions.

• Tip: Practice driving in quieter areas like Ward 8 before heading to busy markets. Use offline maps (Maps.me) for navigation. Park securely at attractions to avoid theft.

3. By River Boat

River boats are a quintessential Soc Trang experience, offering scenic journeys along the Hau River and its canals to iconic sites like Nga Nam Floating Market (30 km) or My Phuoc Islet (30 km). They’re a must for experiencing the Mekong Delta’s waterway culture.

• Providers:

  • Local Boat Operators: Available at piers like Nga Nam Wharf or Soc Trang Pier (Ward 2). Rated 4.2/5 for authenticity.

  • Tour Companies: Legend Travel Group and local agencies like Soc Trang Tourism offer guided boat tours with English-speaking guides. Rated 4.5/5 for organization.

  • Private Rentals: Negotiate with boatmen at piers for custom trips, ideal for groups.

• Costs:

  • Shared Boat Tours (Nga Nam Floating Market, 1–2 hours): $10–$20/boat (250,000–500,000 VND, 4–6 passengers).

  • Private Boats (1–3 hours, e.g., My Phuoc orchards): $15–$30/hour (375,000–750,000 VND, up to 6 passengers).

  • Guided Tours with Legend Travel Group: $60–$80/person (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND), including boat, guide, and snacks.

• Booking: Book shared or private tours through Legend Travel Group or local agencies for reliability. At piers, negotiate fares upfront to avoid overcharges. Pre-book for early morning market tours (4:00 AM–8:00 AM).

• Pros: Scenic views of riverside villages, immersive cultural experience, access to remote sites, group-friendly.

• Cons: Weather-dependent (avoid August–October flooding), higher costs for private rentals, limited evening availability.

• Sustainability Tip: Choose electric or low-emission boats when available through tour operators. Avoid littering in rivers to protect the ecosystem.

• Tip: Wear a life jacket (provided) and bring sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a hat. Arrive at piers by 5:00 AM for market tours to catch peak activity.

4. By Bicycle

Bicycles are an eco-friendly option for short trips within Soc Trang’s central wards or to nearby sites like Binh An Ecological Tourism Area (1 km). They’re ideal for leisurely exploration and aligning with sustainable travel goals.

• Rental Providers: Hotels (e.g., Ngoc Ha Hotel, Ward 2), guesthouses, or shops like Thue Xe Soc Trang (Ward 3) offer rentals. Rated 4.0/5 for affordability.

• Costs: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); electric bicycles $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Booking: Rent directly from accommodations or shops; no deposit usually required. Check brakes and tires before riding.

• Pros: Cheap, eco-friendly, easy to navigate flat urban areas, great for short distances (1–5 km).

• Cons: Not suitable for long trips (e.g., Ho Be, 55 km) or heavy rain, physical effort required.

• Sustainability Tip: Cycling reduces your carbon footprint significantly. Use designated bike paths in Soc Trang’s central wards for safety.

• Tip: Stick to main roads like Le Hong Phong or Mau Than for smoother rides. Carry a reusable water bottle for hydration.

5. By Local Bus

Soc Trang’s local bus network connects the city center to nearby wards like Nga Nam or Vinh Chau, though it’s less tourist-friendly due to limited English signage and fixed schedules.

• Routes: Bus No. 1 (Soc Trang Bus Station to Nga Nam) and Bus No. 2 (Soc Trang to Vinh Chau) cover key wards.

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

• Booking: Pay onboard; no advance booking needed. Departures from Soc Trang Bus Station (38 Le Duan, Ward 3).

• Pros: Cheapest option, connects rural wards, authentic local experience.

• Cons: Infrequent schedules (every 30–60 minutes), crowded during peak hours, limited tourist information.

• Sustainability Tip: Public buses reduce emissions compared to private vehicles. Travel during off-peak hours to minimize overcrowding.

• Tip: Download the MyCanTho app for approximate schedules. Have exact change in VND for fares.

The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for all transport modes, with clear roads and calm rivers, especially February–April. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) can cause flooding, particularly August–October, affecting motorbike and boat travel; taxis or buses are better then. Festivals like Ooc Om Bok (October–November) increase transport demand, raising taxi and boat prices by 10–20%. Early mornings (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) are best for market visits or cool bike rides, while evenings (5:00 PM–7:00 PM) suit scenic boat tours. Check AccuWeather for real-time weather updates.

Tip: Book transport early during festivals to secure availability. Avoid rural motorbike trips during heavy rain.

Transportation Costs:

• Taxi/GrabCar: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND, 1–5 km); $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND, 10–30 km).

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

• Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $1–$2/liter (25,000–50,000 VND).

• River Boat: Shared tours $10–$20/boat (250,000–500,000 VND, 1–2 hours); private $15–$30/hour (375,000–750,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); electric $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Local Bus: $0.50–$1/trip (12,500–25,000 VND).

Dining (Soc Trang):

• Street Food (e.g., Bún Nước Lèo, Mè Láo): $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 Transport Cost (Excluding Tours):

• Budget: $5–$15 (bicycle, bus, GrabBike).

• Mid-range: $15–$30 (motorbike, taxi, shared boat).

• Luxury: $30–$50 (private boat, frequent taxis).

Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for small transactions. Bundle transport with Legend’s tours to save on logistics.

• Book Early: Reserve taxis, boats, or tours 3–5 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or Klook for peak seasons or festivals.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Soc Trang’s central wards are flat and bike-friendly; rural roads may be narrow.

• Sustainability: Prioritize bicycles or electric boats; carpool taxis; support local boatmen and rental shops to align with Mekong Green initiatives.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip drivers or boatmen ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); respect traffic rules on motorbikes.

• Health Precautions: Wear helmets on motorbikes; apply mosquito repellent for boat trips; bring sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a reusable water bottle.

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets; lock motorbikes at attractions; avoid rural boat trips during floods (August–October).

Enhance your Soc Trang exploration with our sustainable tours, seamlessly integrating transport:

• Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Kh’leang Pagoda, Clay Pagoda, Khmer Museum. Includes bike rentals, eco-transfers, and snacks.

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

• Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85/person): Tan Long Stork Garden, Vinh Chau Mangrove Forest, Binh An Eco-Area. Includes eco-vans and meals.

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

• Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Soc Trang Central Market, Vinh Chau Night Market, 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

Soc Trang Region, Can Tho City, a vibrant Mekong Delta destination 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, offers an adventure through its diverse transport options, including taxis, motorbikes, and river boats, immersing travelers in cultural and natural wonders. From zipping to the iconic Bat Pagoda on a motorbike ($1–$2 per ride, 25,000–50,000 VND) to cruising the Hau River by sampan to the bustling Nga Nam Floating Market in Nga Nam Town, each mode connects you to Soc Trang’s rich Khmer heritage and lush waterways. Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours ensure a sustainable Soc Trang Travel experience, using eco-friendly practices like low-emission boats and supporting local communities, with visits to sites like Sa Lon Pagoda and Tan Long Stork Garden. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Soc Trang’s vibrant landscapes? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and discover the Mekong Delta’s heart!

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.

Sources:

• Soc Trang Transportation Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, originvietnam.com, mekong-delta-tours.com, vemekong.com