Attractions & Things To See In Soc Trang
Clay Pagoda
A monk who was a sculptor and spent 60 years on creating as well as embedding lots of figures into a jumble of Buddhist kitsch decorated this monastery. Some highlights here are the pillars ornamented with dragons, white baby elephant, whiter tiger and gold turtles in the pond at the back yard.
Tan Long Stork Garden
If you want to see a typical view of Mekong Delta landscape, Tan Long Stork Garden is one of many hidden tourist places that are worth your time.
From the Nga Nam floating market, which is situated at Nga Nam township along the provincial route 42, it is only 5 kilometers to Tan Long stork market. Alternatively, you can reach the garden by hiring a canoe and paddling down the river.
The garden was unexpectedly started and maintained by one local guy called Huynh Van Muoi who has worked for thirty two years towards making an environment where Vietnamese white storks can land on and take off from as well as live and reproduce together. There is an amazing view of the garden when you stand on top of a ten meter high tower built in the middle of this garden.
In addition to bird watching opportunities, Tan Long Stork Garden offers southern Vietnamese dishes and traditional music performances. On a morning or lunch trip, one could also visit the Nga Nam Floating Market which can be combined with this family-run eco-preserve.
Nga Nam Floating Market
Each floating market in Mekong Delta is special in its own way.
The Nga Nam market, situated in Soc Trang province, has a unique feature that it is the junction of five rivers flowing to five different directions i.e. down from Phung Hien to Ca Mau; through Thanh Tri; across Long My; and in from Vinh Quoi. That’s why the market bears the name “Nga Nam”.
Being strategically located, there are numerous boats and canoes trading different products at this market. The scene at the marketplace becomes even livelier as the Lunar New Year comes towards end.
Early morning when sun begins its slow ascent towards the east and when many people have already come indicating their readiness for business is the best time to visit Nga Nam Floating Market. Here you can buy nearly everything including TVs and other electronic appliances or basic foodstuffs like fresh fruits, meat and rice. No doubt Nga Nam is one of South Vietnam’s busiest floating markets.
Bat Temple
The temple trees behind are more fascinating than the monastery which is also beautiful in its own way. That is why the monks protect them from the local farmers who considered them both as nuisance and delicacy. Be there 30 minutes before twilight for the beginning of the performance. Any xe om in town can take you here. On its opposite, a Buddhist crematorium lies across a street from this temple.
Khmer Museum
When you get to Soc Trang, don’t turn it down; make use of your visit to Soc Trang as you can admire the cultural magnificence of the Khmer.
Khmer Museum is located in ward 6, Soc Trang town, in Soc Trang Province. This structure looks like a Khmer pagoda and holds several items portraying both religious and unique customs of Khmer people. Moreover, this area has different kinds of strange costumes, musical instruments e.t.c.
If culture intrigues you or if you have never heard about the Khmer people before. Then this is the place for you.
Kh’leang Pagoda
Located at 71 Mau Than street, Hamlet 5, Ward 6, Soc Trang City, is the Kh’leang Pagoda. The oldest in Soc Trang, it has a life expectancy of up to 500 years. It was constructed around the year 1553.
In addition to this purpose, it also features some more religious events throughout the year so. Many Buddhism’s doctrines are still there and many of their cultural celebrations happen on their premises. First myths describe it as being built by someone else earlier than that. It was created from local materials such as leaves and bamboo or wood which were materials brought by the locals themselves.
