Top 15 Best Things You Must Not Overlook in Soc Trang
Soc Trang, a peaceful land harmoniously inhabited by the long-standing coexistence of three brotherly ethnic groups - Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese, is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the Mekong Delta. This region is famous for its ancient and revered pagodas with unique architecture, tranquil natural scenery, rich cuisine, and notably, its incredibly gentle and friendly locals.
So, which places are both beautiful and worth your time when visiting this serene and pristine land? Let's explore the Top 15 Best Things You Must Not Overlook in Soc Trang together with Vietnam Budget Carrental.
An Introduction to Soc Trang
Map link: Sóc Trăng
Soc Trang is a coastal province located in the Mekong Delta, situated at the upper reaches of the Hau River, where the Hau River flows into the East Sea through the Dinh An and Tran De estuaries. It ranks sixth in both population and area within the Mekong Delta region.
Soc Trang is an intriguing destination for tourists. Here, visitors can experience various festive activities, explore renowned ancient pagodas, and indulge in delicious and famous local cuisines.
When is the best time to visit Soc Trang?
When is the best season to travel to Soc Trang? You can visit Soc Trang any time of the year, as the climate is divided into 2 dry and rainy seasons (the rainy season usually lasts from May to October, and the dry season from November to April of the following year). The average annual temperature is about 26 degrees C and floods rarely occur.
In addition, Soc Trang also hosts many major festivals throughout the year such as The Ooc-Om-Bok Festival and long boat racing, held on the evening of the 14th and 15th day of the tenth lunar month. This is also the ideal time for you to participate in the big and unique festivals in Soc Trang.
How do you get to Soc Trang?
Moving by Bus
If you prefer not to travel by motorbike, you can opt for a passenger bus to get around. From Ho Chi Minh to Soc Trang, it takes about five to six hours to travel. You can choose reputable bus companies that offer door-to-door services like Phuong Trang or Mai Linh,... The ticket prices for a one-way trip range from 140,000 VND per person.
Moving by Motorbike
If you're departing from Saigon or provinces in the Southwest region, you can travel by motorbike. This method suits travelers passionate about exploring Soc Trang the most. Depending on your starting point, you can use Google Maps and follow the directions. Before heading out, thoroughly check your motorbike to ensure safety. Especially on the journey, there will be speed checkpoints, so pay attention to following traffic rules!
Traveling by Plane
If you're coming from the Central or Northern regions, you'll need to book a flight to Saigon. Afterward, you can choose to travel to Soc Trang by motorbike or passenger bus. Currently, there are numerous flights to Saigon. You can opt for services provided by Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, or Bamboo Airways.
How to get around Soc Trang?
When you set foot in Soc Trang, you can choose to travel by public transportation such as buses or taxis. However, using public transport might take up more of your time and money. Moreover, it doesn't allow you the flexibility of managing your own schedule.
For your convenience in exploring, it's best to rent a motorbike for transportation. When you arrive at your hotel, simply inform the reception there. Both hotels and guesthouses in Soc Trang are connected with this service to assist customers in having the most convenient trip exploring Soc Trang.
What are the accommodations in Soc Trang?
Satraco Royal Hotel
The hotel offers three room types for you to choose from: the Vip 3 Room, Vip 2 Room, and the Bungalow. Regardless of the room category you choose, breakfast is complimentary. Room prices range from 600,000 VND to 900,000 VND per night.
Thien An Hotel
One of the noteworthy options to consider while here is the Thien An Hotel, located at 593 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 3, Soc Trang City. The hotel offers single rooms, family rooms, and even villas near the swimming pool. Room prices here range from 600,000 VND upwards per night.
Khanh Hung Hotel
If you're seeking a room with luxurious design at an affordable price, you can consider this hotel. Khanh Hung is situated at 17 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 3, Soc Trang City. The prices here range from 250,000 VND to 450,000 VND per room per night.
Top 15 best things you must not overlook in Soc Trang
1. Bat Pagoda
The Bat Pagoda, also known as the Mã Tộc Pagoda, is a unique cultural space dedicated to the Thich Ca Buddha of the Khmer community in the southern region of Soc Trang province. This place is renowned nationwide for hosting millions of bats from various species.
The architectural style of the Bat Pagoda is profoundly ancient, exhibiting distinct and remarkable designs characteristic of the Khmer people. Built approximately 400 years ago, it has undergone 19 generations of venerable monks. Visitors are drawn to this site due to the grandeur of gigantic ancient trees with lush green foliage, and the spectacular habitat of numerous bat species, large and small, residing here.
At the Bat Pagoda, tourists can admire the lush green canopy of ancient trees with their sprawling leaves providing refreshing shade. This is the habitat of various large bat species... The most captivating sight is the beauty of these bats hanging and swooping from the trees, creating an incredibly mesmerizing and vivid real-life scene.
2. Nga Nam Floating Market
The Nga Nam Floating Market is a famous tourist destination in Soc Trang and is frequented by many travel enthusiasts. Located about 60 kilometers from the city center of Soc Trang, it stands as one of the oldest floating markets in the Southwest region.
Nga Nam Floating Market is renowned as Soc Trang's floating market and acts as the convergence point of five rivers: Ca Mau, Vinh Quoi, Long My, Thanh Tri, and Phung Hiep. It's a bustling market offering a wide array of products, notably the specialty fruits of the Southwest region.
Experiencing the sensation of floating gently on a small boat while shopping will provide you with numerous exciting experiences. Nga Nam Floating Market, not overly chaotic, exudes the vibrant colors of Southwest travel experiences.
3. Tân Long Ecotourism Area
The Tân Long Ecotourism Area is renowned nationwide for its vast variety of birds such as storks, herons, and ibises. It's an ideal destination that attracts both local and foreign tourists to admire the birds and enjoy the vast rivers and waterscapes of a lush garden region.
This place is reputed as a conservation area for storks due to its extremely favorable natural conditions for the life and development of various flora and fauna, especially bird species, particularly storks.
Currently, the stork garden covers an area of approximately 2 hectares, established over 30 years by Mr. Huynh Van Muoi. Here, you can freely stroll along cemented paths shaded by beautiful ornamental flowers on both sides.
To get a panoramic view of the entire garden, you'll need to climb a nearly 10-meter-tall tower. Witnessing flocks of white storks nesting throughout the garden, especially during the early morning and evening, creates an unforgettable sight for all viewers.
4. Soc Trang Khmer Museum
The Soc Trang Khmer Museum is a Soc Trang tourist destination that attracts a large number of visitors annually. Established in 1938, the museum consists of two main areas: the Xamacum Church Display Area and the Office Area.
The museum showcases numerous rare cultural artifacts, displaying the ancient costumes of the Khmer people, their houses, pagodas, musical instruments from previous dynasties, and more.
As of now, the Khmer Museum has collected nearly 13,000 precious cultural artifacts, with over half donated by the Khmer community living in the region. Annually, the museum attracts over 200,000 local and international tourists who come to visit and learn about the cultural and historical beauty of the three ethnic groups—Kinh, Chinese, and Khmer—and the patriotic traditions of the Vietnamese people against foreign invasion.
5. Con My Phuoc ( Cồn Mỹ Phước )
Con My Phuoc has long been renowned for its variety of fruits with a refreshing, sweet taste, earning a good reputation, and attracting tourists from various places. It's a prominent tourist spot in Soc Trang province.
Covering an area of approximately 1,020 hectares, the island is oval-shaped with narrowed ends and bulging in the middle, spanning over 500 meters wide. It is surrounded by sturdy embankments, and its roads are paved with concrete, facilitating easy motorcycle travel.
Notably, in recent times, locals on Con My Phuoc have started to develop beekeeping for honey collection. The fruit orchards have become an ideal tourist destination. Together, they create a tranquil retreat amidst the picturesque and poetic rivers and waters, captivating the hearts of visitors.
Con My Phuoc is a tourist destination that visitors can explore throughout the year. However, the peak time for tourists to visit is during the Doan Ngo Festival. During this time, visitors not only immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the traditional insect-killing festival of the Mekong Delta but also indulge in tasting the delicious ripe fruits.
6. Hồ Bể Beach
Located in the lower reaches of the Hau River, Hồ Bể Beach differs from other natural beaches. This area was formed due to sedimentation and the encroachment of seawater, creating a vast and deep lake area. This lake beach area is additionally favored by nature with a long stretch of white sand.
It's a favorite spot for tourists and locals to witness the sunrise and enjoy camping. As it hasn't been heavily developed for tourism, the beach maintains its pristine, natural beauty, offering tranquility and freedom to visitors.
7. Chén Kiểu Pagoda
The Chén Kiểu Pagoda, often known as Sà Lôn Pagoda, is a magnet for both local and international tourists due to its incredibly unique architectural style, crafted with the skilled and meticulous hands of Khmer artisans.
The interior architecture of the pagoda is even more astonishing. The entire ceiling, walls, and decorative items like vases, dragon patterns, main pillars, are meticulously sculpted from multicolored ceramics. Particularly distinctive are the walls and images behind the main sanctuary, decorated and shaped with fragments of bowls and dishes.
The first impressive sight upon entering Chén Kiểu Pagoda is the triple-gated entrance adorned with three towers, intricately carved with colorful patterns in the traditional style of Angkor in Cambodia. Among the three towers, the central tower stands out with an interior glass enclosure, enshrining an imposing seated Buddha statue.
Encircling the pagoda is a decorative wall featuring the images of Apsara celestial nymphs in dance, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Flanking the entrance are two stone lion statues facing the street, guarding the pagoda. This place is not only the oldest ancient pottery pagoda but also represents the skillful and harmonious cultural fusion among the three ethnic groups—Kinh, Chinese, and Khmer—in this region of solidarity.
8. Som Rong Pagoda
The complete name of Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang is Bôtum Vong Sa Som Rong. This is a pagoda that harmoniously blends the unique Khmer cultural colors with a touch of modern architecture, creating an impressively beautiful appearance.
The grounds of Som Rong Pagoda are divided into several distinct areas, with the main tower area standing out the most. The pagoda has a rather romantic beauty during the evening under the sunset. It's an ideal Soc Trang tourist spot for religiously inclined travelers.
9. Clay Pagoda
The Clay Pagoda, also known as Bửu Sơn Tự, covers an area of nearly 400 square meters. The reason behind its name is due in part to many Buddha statues here being made of clay. Even the columns of the pagoda are made from clay. Particularly unique are the eight lotus-shaped lamps, weighing a total of 1.4 tons, which attract many visitors for admiration.
Surrounding the Clay Pagoda, in addition to preserving the system of Buddha statues, there are many animal statues made of clay. The most prominent and intricately detailed ones are a pair of Kim Lân statues, one with its head held high in front of the altar, holding a pearl in its mouth, and another standing with dignity, including statues of Thanh Sư, Bạch Hổ, Long Mã, some appearing gentle while others exude majesty.
The main sanctuary of this pagoda leaves tourists astonished at the unique architectural work of the artist Ngô Kim Tòng, with over 1,000 Buddha statues, large and small, all made from clay. Each statue is meticulously painted with varnish and gloss. Within the community tri-religious compound including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, 24 support columns are covered in clay.
10. Cù Lao Dung
Cù Lao Dung is a district situated at the mouth of the Hậu River, near the Tran De sea gate and the Dinh An sea gate. Cù Lao Dung possesses a system of natural canals and various rare and rich fauna and flora. When visiting Cù Lao Dung, you can engage in many activities such as walking across bamboo bridges through forests, catching sea snails, crab fishing, enjoying honey coconut water, and cycling to explore the mudskipper fishing grounds...
11. Stone Pagoda
The Stone Pagoda, also known as Vĩnh Hưng Pagoda or the Cây Điệp Pagoda, is a quite renowned pagoda of the Northern Zen sect, with a spacious area of about 6,800m². The unique architecture of this pagoda is entirely constructed with stone, showcasing a harmonious blend of Japanese and Vietnamese architectural styles. The interior of the pagoda is adorned with numerous green trees, enhancing its closeness to nature and its environmental ambiance.
The overall architectural structure of the Stone Pagoda includes a triple gate, main sanctuary, ancestral temple, towers, and a miniature mountain landscape. Passing through the Triple Gate is the inscription "Chùa Vĩnh Hưng" (Vĩnh Hưng Pagoda) in Chinese characters. The pagoda grounds are adorned with many trees and ornamental flowers, adding to the natural beauty of the pagoda.
In front of the main sanctuary, there are delicately crafted two white stone lion statues, seemingly welcoming visitors. Stepping past the steps is the forecourt, a welcoming area for guests, with guardian figures on both sides. Behind the pagoda is the Buddha tower, structured in five levels, symbolizing the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and space, with a treasure tower at the top.
12. Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee Base
Covering an area of 281 hectares within the My Phuoc mangrove forest, the Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee Base is not just a historical site but also the nerve center of the Party, military, and people of Soc Trang during the harsh resistance against French and American forces.
This base is evidence of the determination and the prominent role of the Party throughout these two fierce resistance periods. It stands as a testament to the Vietnamese people's trust, shelter, care, and wholehearted support for the Party. To comprehend the unyielding struggle tradition of the Vietnamese people, this place is an essential visit for tourists.
The Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee Base is not only a source of pride for the locals but also the birthplace of the revolution, a historical testament affirming the belief and steadfastness of genuine, honest individuals. Presently, the memorial temple at the Base commemorates over 14,000 martyrs, those who valiantly sacrificed themselves for the future peace of the nation. Additionally, over 400 images and artifacts from the military and people of Soc Trang during the anti-American resistance are displayed in the exhibition area.
13. La Han Pagoda
La Han Pagoda stands as a quintessential representation of the Chinese community in Soc Trang province. Its grandeur and magnificence might make you feel like you've stepped into a palace from ancient Chinese period dramas. From the walls, roofs, gates, windows, and decorative patterns, you'll quickly recognize the distinctive architectural style of the Chinese. The pagoda boasts a beautiful large garden with lotus ponds, lakes, and picturesque landscapes, perfect for capturing photographs to your heart's content.
La Han Pagoda features a harmonious and visually pleasing architectural style within an immensely vast space, creating an elegant and serene ambiance. At first glance, the overall pagoda is built in two distinct tiers, consisting of four overlapping roof systems, each corner adorned with decorative patterns in the traditional artistic style of the Chinese. The upper floor of La Han Pagoda is dedicated to worshiping the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Eighteen Arhats, the Celestial High Lord, along with other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
The Buddha statues here are meticulously carved and carefully arranged, reflecting the solemnity of the place for meditation and spiritual practice. The lower section of the pagoda reveres Heavenly Queen Mother, White Tiger Deity, Avalokitesvara, along with various fairy and deity figures, all exuding a profound sense of dignity and sanctity, making anyone who visits feel the solemn and sacred beauty.
14. Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda
Phat Hoc 2 Pagoda is the largest temple in Soc Trang province, sprawling over an area of 8.5 hectares with numerous refreshing green trees and a large central lake that creates a serene setting.
In the middle of the expansive lake stands a prominent 7-meter-high statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. The temple's environment brings a sense of peace and tranquility, accompanied by the melodious sound of the temple bell echoing through the soul.
15. Hong Trumpet Flower Street
From National Highway 1A heading towards Soc Trang, as you reach Hung Vuong Road near the center of Chau Thanh district, you'll have the chance to behold two rows of vibrant Hong Trumpet flowers along the road. However, take note of the timing if you wish to visit this spot. The Hong Trumpet flowers here usually bloom from around February to June.
With the Top 15 Best Things You Must Not Overlook in Soc Trang shared by Vietnam Budget Car Rental, we hope you've gained a genuine understanding of the people, culture, and tranquil landscapes here. However, firsthand experience is always the most important. So why wait? Prepare yourself now to explore Soc Trang today!
