Soc Trang 4 Day Intinerary: We will be able to halt at the province of Soc Trang en route from Can Tho to Ca Mau. The historic Theravada Buddhist Khmer pagodas and Nga Nam Floating Market, which will provide us with an absolutely great experience, make this location particularly intriguing. Other provinces are significantly different from Soc Trang.
Time: Between December and February, when it is cold and dry at night, is the ideal time to visit Soc Trang. Avoid the months of March through June if you don’t enjoy the heat. From July through September, rainstorms are most frequent; a week of flooding may occur in August, and whirlwind occurrences typically take place in July. 2,000 mm of rain falls annually on average. There are 3 months every year with an average temperature of 30 o C, with February being the coldest. The yearly average temperature ranges from 24 o C to 37 o C.
Accommodation: Cons: Because tourism has not yet been extensively established in Soc Trang Province, there are relatively few hotels and homestays there. Pros: Because there hasn’t been much tourism growth, Soc Trang still upholds a lot of traditional traditions, which is particularly appealing to travelers who are eager to explore and conquer new terrain.
Water: We ought to drink bottled water to prevent unforeseen gastrointestinal issues.
Internet: From hotels to coffee shops, there is truly Wi-Fi available everywhere. You ought to be allowed to utilize your own data plan if you are an EU citizen.
Hidden gems: Hidden gems: Discover the hidden gems in Soc Trang that even a native would skip.
Learning a little Vietnamese: We can learn some Vietnamese: Hello = xin chào (sin chow), thank you = cám ơn (kahm uhn), I’m sorry = tôi xin lỗi (toy sin loy), yes = dạ vâng, no = không (khom), no problem/you’re welcome = không có gì (khong koh zi), , I’m vegetarian = tôi ăn chay (toy an chayh), goodbye = tạm biệt (tarm byeet), How much? = bao nhiêu? (baow nyew), spicy/hot = cay
What we liked: One of the top things to see and do in Soc Trang City is the Som Rong Pagoda. The pagoda is well recognized for its remarkable architecture in addition to housing the biggest reclining Buddha statue. The non-touristy Nga Nam Floating Market is also for me the most authentic thing to do in Soc Trang.
What we didn’t like: There are just a few decent hotels in Soc Trang, not many restaurants to eat at, and not many local businesses to “see, love, and purchase” (but I like the local homestays).
Soc Trang 4 Day Intinerary
Day 1 – Morning
We will visit Khmer pagodas in Soc Trang. You should wear beautiful, modest clothing since the Soc Trang Khmer pagodas are serious places. There are several animal statues, including snakes, elephants, and others, on the temple grounds. Please tell your children not to climb on these sacred Khmer icons if you are traveling with them.
Som Rong Pagoda
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Address: 367 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 5, southern Soc Trang Town, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Patum Wongsa Som Rong Pagoda is another name for Som Rong Pagoda. Since there have been several Som Rong trees in this location for a very long time, it is well-known as the Som Rong Pagoda. It was constructed in the 1785s using the traditional Khmer style and has undergone several restorations.
There is Vietnam’s largest enormous reclining Buddha statue there. It is 63 meters in length, 22.5 meters in height, and weighs 490 tons. The Somrong pagoda’s entire architecture is harmoniously beautiful.
More than 400 jars containing the ashes of the monks, vows, and temple abbot are kept in the stupa, which is opposite the main hall and situated at the entrance of the pagoda. The stupa is 100 m2 in size and 25 m high. Instead of being painted in the typical yellow, the tower now appears big and ancient, as if it were carved out of solid rock. The carvings on this four-sided tower, which has four paths, represent the emotions of love, compassion, joy, and release. A statue of the Naga snake God stands at the stupa’s entrance. A statue of Gautama Buddha in meditation is located on the tower.
The Som Rong Pagoda prefers to check in at this location. The Stupa has an oddly lovely appearance and exudes a magical spiritual aura. The kids decide to check in around dusk when the orange light transforms into a whimsical purple hue covering each design. You can snap incredibly lovely pictures if you come while the pigeons on the tower’s top are flapping their wings.
Clay Pagoda (Chua Dat Set)
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Address: It is located in the center of Sóc Trăng City, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Recognition(s): as a historical and cultural relic of the Mekong Delta Province of Soc Trang.
200 animal figurines, four pairs of enormous candles that can weigh up to 200 kilograms each and stand up to 2.6 meters tall, and other objects used for worship that were made of clay during the 42-year life of Mr. Ngo Kim Tong are also among the pagoda’s other notable features.
Although most tourists call it Chua Dat Set, the pagoda’s real name is Buu Son Tu (Clay Pagoda). The Clay Pagoda was built in the 20th century by individuals of Ngo ethnicity as a modest shrine for solitary worship. In 1928, Mr. Ngo Kim Tong increased its size and built a brand-new brick pagoda. Mister Nam Tong The four sets of gigantic candles in the pagoda are its most famous feature. These candles were created in 1940. Two of the lamps have been burning continuously since Ngo Kim Tong, the main priest of the pagoda, died away in 1970. The pagoda patrol estimates that it will take each candle almost 70 years to go out.
Soc Trang 4 Day Intinerary
Day 1 – Afternoon
It’s time to continue the tour after eating lunch at one of the Soc Trang restaurants (or you should “Bun nuoc leo cay me” in the center).
Soc Trang Museum
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: From Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30-11:00, 13:30-17:00
Address: 04 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 6, Soc Trang City.
The 1992-founded Soc Trang Provincial Museum began construction in early 2006, received funding, and was completed in 2007. It has been available to the public since November 18, 2010, and it has more than 1,000 pictures, objects, and documents. The museum now houses and exhibits several relics from the resistance battle as well as those from the three ethnic groups of Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa. These items are on exhibit in accordance with various themes, including:to
The natural resources, history, and cultural traits of the three ethnic groups—Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa—as well as their traditional livelihoods and worldviews—are displayed on the first floor.
Soc Trang Central Market
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Address: Mac Dinh Chi street. Ward 4, Soc Trang city.
Site beauties:
The local market is regarded to be the best place to learn about a place and its people.
All different products from the Kinh, Chinese, and Khmer ethnic groups, as well as handicrafts, fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and fish, are available in the major market in Soc Trang. local delicacies including xá pu, pia cake, sausages, sesame seeds, dried fish, dried shrimp, and dried shrimp… These are the essential gifts that visitors leave behind after visiting this province.
To meet the demands of the people for parking, a 4-wheel automobile parking lot has just been established in the central market in Soc Trang. The number of merchants and customers that come to purchase and sell is relatively high due to the location and reputation. Additionally, there is a retail center for electrical appliances, electronics, refrigeration, gold, silver, jewels, and other services on Hai Ba Trung street, which is close to the market. Additionally, this location is surrounded by a lot of hotels. Learn more.
Day 1 – Evening
After a long day of touring, you’re undoubtedly exhausted, but there are still a ton of incredible things to do on this Soc Trang 3-day schedule, so it’s not time to go to bed just yet.
Cong Cake (Banh Cong)
Cong Cake (Banh Cong) in Soc Trang
Find them: Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District, Soc Trang City
Best time: After 2 pm
Don’t miss: Bun nuoc leo cay me
Local’s pick: Banh Cong vendors, 500m from Bowl pagoda
Tourist’s pick: Many Cong cake local restaurants in Soc Trang city center.
Cong Cake is among the top Soc Trang Street Foods (Banh Cong). The dish is a hot, crispy drain cake with shrimp, green beans, and other ingredients. It is served with sweet and sour sauce, vegetables, and fatty pork.
To maintain Banh Cong soft and crispy, rice flour and wheat flour are combined during preparation. Making Banh Cong requires either rice flour or soaking and grinding rice. Because it retains a pleasant flavor, freshly ground rice flour is always preferable to rice flour purchased from the market. If you don’t know how to choose rice flour in the market, it’s simple to pick up old, musty flour, which can turn your cake sour and bitter.
Day 2 – Morning
We will visit the non-touristy Nga Nam floating market. Due to its charm, natural splendor, incredible sampan experiences, and breathtaking setting, this market reminds many tourists of the Mekong Delta floating market from thirty years ago. It is a must-see for everyone interested in learning about the authentic floating market of the neighborhood Vietnamese people as well as their traditional way of life on the Mekong River.
Make sure to get up early today to enjoy a beautiful dawn before continuing your exploration of the Soc Trang tiny canals.
Nga Nam Floating Market
Anyone who comes to the Southwest region without going to the floating market is a mistake. This place is not only a place to trade but also an ideal destination for visitors to learn the unique cultural features of the Western region. In the Mekong Delta, there are many floating markets, but Nga Nam floating market is still boldly simple and idyllic and is one of the oldest floating markets with a history of more than a hundred years and a large scale in the region.
Nga Nam Floating Market usually opens quite early and lasts until 8 o’clock, then gradually dissolves. The most crowded is usually from 5 am to 6 am with the scene of hundreds of boat gathering, bustling the river wharf. This is the best time to experience the floating market. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, Nga Nam floating market almost meets from morning to night, making the atmosphere even busier.
Day 2 – Afternoon
Soc Trang wetland conservation area
The Wetland conservation area is about 40 km from Nga Nam floating market. The best way to explore this place is by boat. We will pass through wonderful natural green canals. The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is during the dry season from December to April, but the best time to visit this wetland is during the flood and rainy season when fish, food, and birds return. Top tip: Bring a raincoat & insect repellent if you plan to see nature in the rainy season.
Day 2 – Evening
Soc Trang street food
The best way to understand a local culture is to experience the localto to food. Soc Trang Street Food Tour will help us to know the wonderful hidden gems here.
This walking food tour is designed for you to experience the inner city after dark. We will enjoy authentic local food where locals eat and play.
Day 3 – Morning
It was the last day of our 3 days in Can Tho. There are three typical options for today. Option 1: Take a bus back to Can Tho (takes about 1 and a half hours) and then fly to other cities. Option 2: Take a bus to continue to Bac Lieu Ca Mau to continue to explore the southernmost point of the country. Option 3: Buy a speedboat ticket to Con Dao from Tran De port, Soc Trang city, the train time is about 2.5 hours.
Today is for all unique Soc Trang Khmer pagodas
Bat pagoda (Chua Doi)
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Address: It is located approximately 3 km southeast of Sóc Trăng City, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Recognition(s): Since 1999, Doi pagoda has been recognized as a national relic for architectural art by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Site beauties:
There are many charming Khmer people selling their agricultural products in this area. And perhaps, the most special thing about Bat Pagoda is the bats. Any visitor after visiting the temple, listening to music also gathers in the backyard to see a lot of bats. Occasionally, bats spread their wings to fly from branch to branch.
Bat Pagoda is one of the oldest Khmer temples seen in Soc Trang city. This 450-year-old temple is not only famous for its mysterious landscape, home to bats, but also for its unique and majestic architecture.
The architecture of the Bat Pagoda is both Vietnamese and Cambodian. It was originally named “Serây tê chô mahatúp”, which means auspicious merit. Dơi Pagoda is often called Dơi Pagoda because it is home to a large flock of bats (dơi). According to the bibliography, this is one of the most intact temples in the Mekong Delta.
The temple yard is lined with ancient trees. There are several stupas and a house on stilts where monks rest and study. The eye-catching brown and black bats live in the pagoda, weigh about 1.5kg each, have an average wingspan of 1.5m, and the fastest flight speed is from 50-60km/h. They hang upside down during the day and look like clusters of ripe fruit. It remains a mystery why the bats live here. Some say the reason may include the nearby orchards, tall old trees, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Bat Pagoda.
Bowl (Chen Kieu) Pagoda
Bowl (Chen Kieu) Pagoda in Soc Trang
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Address: Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District, Soc Trang Province. About 10km from SocTrang city center, the pagoda is on the way from SocTrang to Bac Lieu province, about 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
Recognition(s): was recognized as a province-level historical and cultural relic in 2012.
Site beauties: There are many charming Khmer people selling their own farm products in this area. Real local life of the Khmer!
The pagoda with the most unique architecture in Soc Trang province is Chén Kiểu Pagoda (also known as Sa Lon Pagoda).
According to a member of the management board of the temple, the pagoda was built in 1815 on spacious land with many trees. It was damaged during the war. During the rebuilding process, due to a lack of building materials, the monks were inspired to call on local people to donate dishes to decorate the main hall. The name Chen Kieu pagoda originates from the fact that the monks have applied old porcelain bowls and plates on the temple walls, stairs, and many other places to create impressive motifs during the temple’s restoration in the year. 1969.
Pagodas are like communal houses in Northern Vietnam or longhouses in the Central Highlands, but their relationship with the local community is even closer. They are also schools that teach Buddhist principles and the Khmer language to the locals. Young Khmer men often spend a few years in a temple to gain social recognition. Their first school was the temple. These temples have stood the test of time, showcasing their beauty and supporting the local community in many ways.
Khleang Khmer Pagoda
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Address: 53 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 6, Soc Trang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Recognition(s): In 1990, Khleang pagoda was recognized as a national cultural historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and it is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors.
Site beauties: There are many charming Khmer people and the Pôthi school for teaching the Khmer language.
Kh’Leang Pagoda is a famous Theravada Buddhist temple in Soc Trang. Khleang Pagoda is the most famous Khmer temple with an architectural style similar to the temples in Cambodia. Built in 1533, it was originally made of wood with a palm-leaf roof. Since its construction until now, Khleang Pagoda has been restored twice in 1963 and 1994. After that, the pagoda was rebuilt with bricks and tiled roofs. The pagoda is located in an area of 3,800m² with many palm trees, wooden stilt houses, and some architectural works.
The pagoda still preserves 70 books of Tripitaka, about 120 Pali books, and some sutras written in leaves… Currently, the pagoda still preserves documents copied from ancient Khmer bibliographies about the origin of construction. built temples and other sites in Soc Trang.
During the festival days, Khleang Pagoda is always the destination of many tourists when coming to Soc Trang – the land of convergence of three Khmer – Chinese – Vietnamese cultures. Khleang Pagoda is a place of religious, cultural, and spiritual activities of the Khmer people in Soc Trang. This is also the place to organize solemn ceremonies in traditional festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay Festival, Dolta New Year, Ooc Om Boc Festival…
Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda (Buddhist Pagoda 2)
Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda (Buddhist Pagoda 2) in Soc Trang
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Address: Buddhist Pagoda 2 (Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda) also known as Quan Am Linh Ung Pagoda, is located in Ward 8, Soc Trang City, about 5km from the city center.
Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda is a large architectural work. In 2011, Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda started construction with an initial area of 1.5ha, now it has been expanded to 8.5ha, including works with massive items such as a garage with a capacity of thousands of vehicles, many living rooms are air-conditioned, and hundreds of hammocks are strung under the trees. The green garden is always ready to serve visitors for peaceful lunch breaks.
The first impression of visitors when arriving at this temple must be the quietness and coolness because the space of the temple is very large. Visitors also get to see the majestic beauty of the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in a sitting position with a height of 7m; In addition, there is a 17m long statue of Buddha entering Nirvana; 20 incarnations of Buddha Guanyin.
On the large pond arranged in the center of the temple, visitors can see the boat carrying 8 Buddhas in the middle of the sea to save sentient beings from the cycle of reincarnation. People also listen to the feeling of gentle relaxation when hand-feeding thousands of iridescent fish in the pond.
Not only that, but the pagoda is also a free medical facility for the poor named Tue Tinh Duong with spacious and clean facilities. Every day, this place receives many cases. Patients living far away are also arranged to eat and stay for free on-site. Some people have made a vow to stay at the temple when recovering from illness to do good deeds and accumulate virtue for their children and grandchildren. The temple also adopts orphans and homeless children.
Day 4 – Free and Extra Things to Do in Soc Trang if you are in time
Ghe Ngo Boat Race Festival in Soc Trang
This exciting and thrilling boat race is part of the traditional Khmer Ooc Om Boc Festival. The festival pays homage to the moon and is considered a year-end celebration according to the Khmer calendar. The Ghe Ngo race has the participation of about 48 traditional Khmer boat racing teams to the sound of gongs and the cheers of a large audience along the banks of the Maspero River. Top tip: October 31 is the best day to see the boat racing festival in Soc Trang province.
Pink Trumpet Tree Road in Soc Trang
The Tabebuia tree, also known as the pink trumpet tree, is native to Central and South America, growing about 25 to 30 feet tall. Most tabebuias are deciduous or partially deciduous, dropping their leaves when the tropical dry season begins. In March and April, pink lilies produce beautiful pink flowers with bell-like tubules, similar to lilies. Recently, they are quite popular roadside plants in Chau Thanh district, Soc Trang province, where there is a lot of sunshine and tropics. Its vibrant flowers make this plant light up every spring, bringing color and radiance to the skies and roads with a tender pink hue for several weeks. The image of a rose tree planted on the roadside in Soc Trang spread on social networks. Top tip: Make sure you visit on time to see the beautiful clusters of roses! March and April is The best time to see them.
