Can I visit Soc Trang from Can Tho?

Soc Trang is a Mekong Delta province with significant Khmer population — known for Khmer temples, bat colonies, and coastal markets. It is 120km from Can Tho (2 hours by car), making it feasible as 2-day trip but not essential as day trip.

Getting from Can Tho to Soc Trang

By bus:

• Departure: Can Tho bus station (254 Nguyen Van Linh)
• Frequency: Hourly, 5am-5pm
• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: 100k-150k VND
• Drop-off: Soc Trang bus station, then taxi to temples

By car:

• Rental: 800k-1M VND/day (with driver)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Flexibility: Stop at multiple temples
• Best for: Groups, families, temple hopping

By motorbike:

• Rental: 150k-200k VND/day
• Distance: 120km one way
• Duration: 2.5-3 hours
• Not recommended: Long distance, highway traffic

What to see in Soc Trang

Hang Pagoda (Chùa Hang, Khleang Pagoda):

• Hours: 6am-6pm
• Entry: Free
• What: Oldest Khmer temple in Soc Trang (1569)
• Features: Traditional Khmer architecture, monk quarters
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• From town: 3km southeast

Clay Pagoda (Chùa Đất Sét):

• Hours: 7am-5pm
• Entry: 20k VND
• What: Temple with clay sculptures (1928)
• Features: 156 clay statues, clay candles, unique architecture
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• From town: 2km south

Bat Temple (Chùa Dơi, Mahatup):

• Hours: 7am-5pm (bats visible morning/evening)
• Entry: Free
• What: Temple with colony of fruit bats (thousands)
• Features: Bats hang in trees during day, fly at dusk
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• From town: 4km southeast

Soc Trang Market (Cho Soc Trang):

• Hours: 5am-7pm
• What: Local produce, Khmer food, textiles
• Price: Free entry
• Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Best time: Morning (6am-8am)

Suggested itinerary

2-day trip (recommended):

• Day 1: Can Tho → Soc Trang (2 hours)
• Morning: Hang Pagoda
• Afternoon: Clay Pagoda + Bat Temple
• Night: Stay in Soc Trang (300k-500k VND)
• Day 2: Soc Trang market → Return to Can Tho
• Total: 600k-1M VND (2 days)

Day trip (rushed, not recommended):

• 6am: Depart Can Tho
• 8am: Hang Pagoda
• 9am: Clay Pagoda
• 10am: Bat Temple
• 11am: Soc Trang market
• 12pm: Return to Can Tho
• 2pm: Arrive Can Tho
• Total: 500k-800k VND (long day)

Costs

Transport:

• Bus: 100k-150k VND one way
• Car rental: 800k-1M VND/day
• Motorbike: 150k-200k VND/day + fuel (not recommended)

Activities:

• Hang Pagoda: Free
• Clay Pagoda: 20k VND
• Bat Temple: Free
• Market: Free

Food:

• Local restaurants: 50k-100k VND/meal
• Khmer street food: 30k-50k VND

Accommodation:

• Budget: 300k-400k VND/night
• Mid-range: 500k-700k VND/night

Is Soc Trang worth it?

Yes, if:

• Interested in Khmer culture and Buddhism
• Want to see unique temples (clay sculptures, bat colony)
• Have 2 days for Mekong Delta exploration
• Combining with Bac Lieu or Ca Mau

No, if:

• Short on time (1 day only)
• Already visited Khmer temples elsewhere
• Expecting dramatic scenery (flat delta)
• Dedicated day trip from Can Tho (too far)

The verdict

Soc Trang offers unique Khmer culture not found in Can Tho — clay sculptures at Clay Pagoda, thousands of bats at Bat Temple, and traditional Khmer architecture at Hang Pagoda. For culture enthusiasts, worth 2-day trip.

Not worth dedicated day trip from Can Tho (4 hours round-trip driving). Better as overnight stop en route to Ca Mau or combined with Bac Lieu (salt fields, wind turbines).

Budget 600k-1M VND for 2-day trip (transport + activities + accommodation).