Discover the best activities in Soc Trang! Explore Khmer pagodas, vibrant festivals, and local cuisine with our guide. Book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group now!
Capture the spiritual beauty of Soc Trang’s cultural gem (Source: Internet)Soc Trang, a cultural and natural treasure 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. Welcoming over 3 million visitors annually, Soc Trang captivates with its Khmer-influenced pagodas, lively festivals, and diverse cuisine shaped by Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese communities. From the iconic Ooc Om Bok Festival to the serene Tan Long Stork Garden, the region offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Committed to sustainable tourism through the “Mekong Green” initiative, Soc Trang is perfect for eco-conscious travelers. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, curates eco-friendly tours to immerse you in these activities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your adventure
Legend Travel Group specializes in authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian travel, offering curated tours 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 heritage. Supporting communities in Nga Nam and Vinh Chau Wards, we align with Can Tho City’s vision to preserve its cultural and natural assets. 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 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 attractions are more accessible than ever, ideal for immersive activities.
Experience Soc Trang Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Soc Trang is home to over 200 pagodas, many reflecting Khmer architectural brilliance with intricate designs and spiritual significance. These sacred sites showcase the region’s multicultural heritage, blending Khmer, Vietnamese, and Chinese influences.
Doi Pagoda (Mahatup Pagoda, Soc Trang Central Ward): Known as Bat Pagoda, this Khmer temple houses a colony of bats in its trees, adding a unique natural element. Admire its seven-story tower and vibrant murals.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Visit at dusk to see bats take flight. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Chen Kieu Pagoda (Sa Lon Pagoda, Dai Tam Ward): Famous for its porcelain-clad walls and stairs, crafted in 1969 using donated bowls and plates, this Khmer temple is a visual masterpiece.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees). Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Clay Pagoda (Buu Son Tu, Vinh Chau Ward): Renowned for its thousands of handmade clay statues, this Chinese-Khmer temple reflects artistic devotion.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Ideal for photography enthusiasts. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Kh’leang Pagoda (Soc Trang Central Ward): A 500-year-old Khmer temple with stunning architecture and murals, offering a deep dive into Soc Trang’s spiritual heritage.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Join guided tours for historical insights. Included in our Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75).
Activity Tip: Combine pagoda visits with meditation sessions or calligraphy workshops ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) to connect with local Buddhist practices.
Soc Trang’s festivals, rooted in its multicultural population of over 1.3 million, celebrate the unity of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese communities. These events offer a chance to experience traditional sports, dances, and spiritual rituals.
Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November, Lunar Calendar): Held on the 14th–15th of the 10th lunar month, this Khmer festival features Ngo boat races, water lamp releases on the Maspero River, and moon-worshipping ceremonies. Cultural activities include folk dances, chess competitions, and traditional cooking contests.
Cost: Free; nearby dining $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: All day, main events 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Tip: Book tours early for prime viewing spots. Included in our Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Mid-Year Festival (May–June, Lunar Calendar): Celebrated in My Phuoc Ward on the 4th–5th of the 5th lunar month, this festival showcases fruit contests, dragon boat races, and culinary competitions, highlighting Soc Trang’s orchard bounty.
Cost: Free; activities $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Tip: Sample local fruits ($1–$5/kg or 25,000–125,000 VND). Included in our Con My Phuoc Festival Tour ($65–$85).
Vu Lan Festival (August, Lunar Calendar): A Buddhist event honoring ancestors, featuring lantern releases and temple ceremonies at pagodas like La Han.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: Event-dependent, typically 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Tip: Join for spiritual reflection. Included in our Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Activity Tip: Participate in traditional dance or cooking challenges during festivals ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND) for an immersive cultural experience.
Soc Trang’s cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influences, using fresh Mekong Delta ingredients. From street food to cooking classes, foodie activities are a highlight.
Nga Nam Floating Market (Nga Nam Ward): Sample Bún Nước Lèo, Bánh Cóng, or fresh fruits from food boats at this bustling market, open 4:00 AM–8:00 AM.
Cost: Dishes $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); boat rental $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND).
Tip: Try Bánh Gừng ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) for a sweet treat. Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare Khmer dishes like Nom Banh Chok or Vietnamese Pía cake with local families or chefs.
Cost: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND, includes ingredients and meal).
Hours: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, book in advance.
Tip: Ideal for food enthusiasts. Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
Vinh Chau Night Market (Vinh Chau Ward): Enjoy grilled seafood, Vĩnh Châu onions, and dried fish, paired with lotus tea ($0.50–$3 or 12,500–75,000 VND).
Cost: Meals $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.
Tip: Bargain gently for bulk purchases. Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
Activity Tip: Pair market visits with a food tour to taste specialties like Bún Thịt Nướng ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and buy Pía cake ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) as souvenirs.
Soc Trang’s natural landscapes, from mangroves to stork sanctuaries, offer eco-friendly activities for nature lovers.
Tan Long Stork Garden (Long Binh Ward): Observe thousands of storks, herons, and cormorants from a 10-meter tower, surrounded by bamboo groves.
Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND, includes entry).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Visit at dawn for active birdlife. Included in our Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85).
Vinh Chau Mangrove Forest (Vinh Chau Ward): Explore a 200-hectare coastal ecosystem via boat or walking tours, spotting birds and marine life.
Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, guided tour).
Hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.
Tip: Wear mosquito repellent. Included in our Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85).
Ho Be Ecological Tourism Area (Vinh Hai Ward): Enjoy 5 km of white-sand beaches, seafood harvesting, and mangrove walks along a 20-km coastline.
Cost: Free entry; activities $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: Open 24/7; guided tours 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Bring sunscreen (SPF 50+). Included in our Ho Be Eco-Tour ($60–$80).
Activity Tip: Combine eco-tours with camping ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) at Ho Be or Tan Long for a nature-immersed overnight experience.
The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for outdoor activities like pagoda visits, eco-tours, and festivals, with February–April offering mild weather. The Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November) and Tet (January–February) are peak cultural times, but expect crowds and 10–20% higher prices. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) suits indoor activities like cooking classes or museum visits, with May–June offering moderate rainfall and 15–25% discounts. August–October may bring flooding, impacting rural access. Check AccuWeather for forecasts.
Tip: Book 3–5 weeks in advance for November–April or festivals to secure better rates.
Start your Soc Trang Travel with tranquil vistas (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) 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, $10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 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.
Entrance Fees:
Pagodas, Festivals: Free; donations $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Nga Nam Floating Market: Free; boat rental $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Tan Long Stork Garden, Vinh Chau Mangrove, Ho Be: $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
Activities:
Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Guided Tours: $5–$40 (125,000–1,000,000 VND).
Private Tours: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND).
Camping: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Transport:
Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Taxi/Grab (within Soc Trang): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Eco-Van (VCA to Soc Trang): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Dining:
Street Food: $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:
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:
Budget: $15–$40 (free attractions, street food, bike rental).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, dining).
Luxury: $70–$110 (private tours, upscale dining).
Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for small transactions. Book early for festival seasons to save up to 20%.
Chances to try special food (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 (November–April, Ooc Om Bok, Tet).
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Soc Trang is bike- and boat-friendly.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or electric boats; support local vendors; carry reusable items to align with Mekong Green initiatives.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly for pagodas (covered shoulders, knees); say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides/vendors ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for eco-tours; bring sunscreen (SPF 50+); stay hydrated during festivals.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets or festivals; avoid rural paths during August–October floods.
Experience Soc Trang’s top activities with our sustainable tours:
Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Doi Pagoda, Chen Kieu Pagoda, Clay Pagoda, Kh’leang Pagoda. Includes bike rentals, eco-transfers, and snacks.
Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Ooc Om Bok Festival, Ngo boat races, water lamp releases. Includes eco-transfers and dining.
Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Vinh Chau Night Market, cooking classes. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85/person): Tan Long Stork Garden, Vinh Chau Mangrove Forest, Ho Be Ecological Area. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Pagodas, festivals, 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
Soc Trang offers an unforgettable blend of spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and natural adventures. From wandering ancient pagodas to joining vibrant festivals and savoring Mekong Delta cuisine, every experience celebrates its rich heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours guide you through these treasures, ensuring a sustainable Soc Trang Travel journey that supports local communities and preserves Soc Trang’s heritage. Don’t wait—browse our featured tours and book your Soc Trang adventure today to dive into the heart of the Mekong Delta! Contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com for personalized itineraries.
Ready to uncover Soc Trang’s treasures? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and create lasting memories in the Mekong Delta!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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