Top 5 Attractions in Sóc Trăng

Sóc Trăng, a vibrant province in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is renowned for its unique blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, Chinese, and Cham cultural influences. From ancient pagodas and bustling floating markets to scenic countryside landscapes, Sóc Trăng offers a rich array of attractions for every traveler. This guide highlights the top attractions in Sóc Trăng, ensuring your journey to this cultural hub is unforgettable.

Ngã Năm Floating Market one of the attractions in Sóc Trăng

The Ngã Năm Floating Market is one of the attractions in Sóc Trăng must-visit for anyone. Located at the intersection of five rivers, this bustling market brings together locals and visitors alike. It’s a lively destination to experience the authentic spirit of the Mekong Delta, with vendors selling fresh produce, handmade goods, and local delicacies straight from their boats. Ngã Năm Floating Market is best visited early in the morning to experience the liveliest atmosphere.

Visitors arriving early in the morning are greeted by the vibrant, bustling scene of vendors and customers navigating through the river on small boats. The market opens at sunrise and is busiest from around 5 to 7 AM, when locals come to buy fresh produce for the day. Boats filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, household goods, and other items are rowed by skilled vendors who offer their goods with friendly smiles and lively bartering.

The market is also a treat for food lovers. Many boats double as floating kitchens where vendors prepare delicious local dishes on the spot, such as phở, bánh mì, hủ tiếu (rice noodle soup), and bánh xèo (crispy rice pancakes). There’s also coffee sold in typical Vietnamese fashion, along with local desserts like coconut-based sweets and banana cakes, providing an authentic taste of Mekong Delta cuisine.

Clay Pagoda (Bửu Sơn Tự) 

Among Sóc Trăng’s top attractions, the Clay Pagoda, or Bửu Sơn Tự, is one of the attractions in Sóc Trăng stands out for its distinctive architecture. Built entirely of clay by a dedicated craftsman, this pagoda is adorned with intricate clay statues and ornamental pieces. Inside, you’ll find statues of dragons, phoenixes, and mythical animals, along with incense that’s said to burn for over a century. The Clay Pagoda showcases Vietnamese creativity and devotion, making it a must-see for history and art enthusiasts.

Bat Pagoda (Chùa Dơi) one of the attractions in Sóc Trăng

Bat Pagoda is one of Sóc Trăng’s most famous cultural sites, celebrated for its Khmer-style architecture and mystical ambiance and it’s a attractions in Sóc Trăng. The pagoda is named after the large fruit bats that have made it their home. The surrounding trees are filled with these bats, making for an otherworldly experience. Inside the temple, intricate murals and statues tell stories of Buddhist teachings, giving visitors insight into the Khmer culture and religion that thrives in Sóc Trăng.

Kh’leang Pagoda

The Kh’leang Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Sóc Trăng and is an architectural gem of Khmer heritage and it’s an attractions in Sóc Trăng. Built in the 16th century, this pagoda features striking golden details, carved pillars, and peaceful surroundings. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, which are filled with ancient relics and Khmer artwork. Kh’leang Pagoda offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking peace and spiritual enlightenment.

Kh’Leang Pagoda embodies the Khmer architectural style, with intricate carvings and a golden-hued exterior that sparkles under the sun. The pagoda’s main hall, or vihara, features an imposing design with a steeply sloped roof adorned with elaborately carved Naga (mythical serpent) figures, a common symbol in Khmer culture. Inside the vihara, visitors will find a magnificent altar with a large Buddha statue surrounded by smaller figures, offerings, and decorative ornaments that represent the cultural and religious significance of the temple.

The pagoda grounds are dotted with towering stupas that hold relics of revered monks and ancestors, as well as intricately carved statues and murals that depict the life of the Buddha and significant events in Khmer mythology. The murals, in particular, are known for their vivid colors and detail, providing insight into Buddhist teachings and Khmer folklore.