Experience a 1-Day Soc Trang - Bac Lieu Tour with The Rice Travel Group

Soc Trang & Bac Lieu Day Tour – An Unmissable Journey

If you are searching for a truly enriching day trip from Ho Chi Minh City that combines Khmer cultural heritage, authentic Mekong Delta cuisine, and the soulful traditions of Southern Vietnamese folk arts, then The Rice Travel Group's Soc Trang & Bac Lieu Day Tour is the perfect choice for you.

Departing from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this journey takes you across hundreds of kilometers of lush paddy fields and winding canals of the Mekong Delta to two provinces rich in cultural identity: Soc Trang – home to the Khmer community of Southern Vietnam, with its ancient, mystical pagodas; and Bac Lieu – the birthplace of Don Ca Tai Tu folk music, the legendary ballad "Da Co Hoai Lang," and the enduring legend of the Bac Lieu Playboy.

With years of experience curating cultural travel experiences across the Mekong Delta, The Rice Travel Group takes pride in delivering a meticulously designed itinerary that perfectly balances sightseeing, hands-on experiences, relaxation, and local gastronomy – ensuring every moment of your day becomes a cherished memory.

Experience a one-day tour of Soc Trang and Bac Lieu with The Rice Travel Group

Tour Overview

Detailed Itinerary – Soc Trang & Bac Lieu Day Tour

8:00 AM – Departure from Ho Chi Minh City | Pick-up: 189 De Tham Street

At precisely 8:00 AM, The Rice Travel Group's comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting at 189 De Tham Street, District 1 – in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant backpacker district. Your enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide will warmly welcome all guests, brief the group on the day's program, and set off on an exciting journey into the heart of Southern Vietnam.

During the drive, guests will enjoy engaging stories about the formation of the Mekong Delta, the distinctive cultural traditions of the Khmer and Chinese communities in Soc Trang, and the fascinating legends surrounding Bac Lieu province.

The tour will depart at 8:00 AM from 189 De Tham Street, Ho Chi Minh City.

Stop 1 – Som Rong Pagoda: 63-Metre Reclining Buddha & Khmer Costume Experience

Som Rong Pagoda (Bon Thien Co Tu) – also known as Chen Kieu Pagoda – is one of the most celebrated Khmer Theravada Buddhist temples in Soc Trang Province. Originally constructed in the 19th century and restored several times over the decades, the pagoda today showcases quintessential Khmer architecture: soaring curved rooftops, elaborately carved decorative motifs, and vivid, richly pigmented facades that create a sacred space that is simultaneously majestic and serene.

The most breathtaking feature of Som Rong Pagoda is the 63-metre-long Reclining Buddha statue – one of the largest of its kind in the entire Mekong Delta region. Crafted with extraordinary proportions, the Reclining Buddha's face radiates an expression of absolute tranquility and nirvana, inspiring a profound sense of inner peace in all who come to pay their respects. The temple grounds are spacious and verdant, adorned with lush gardens and contemplative Buddhist scenic installations.

Unique Experience – Khmer Traditional Costume Photo Session: This is unquestionably the most beloved activity for visitors at Som Rong Pagoda. Guests have the opportunity to rent exquisite Khmer traditional costumes – complete with authentic accessories – and pose for memorable photographs right within the temple grounds. The vibrant yellows, reds, and blues of intricately embroidered Khmer dress create photographs that are as visually stunning as they are culturally meaningful – memories that can only be made here.

Your tour guide will provide a comprehensive introduction to the history, architecture, and spiritual values of the pagoda, offering guests a deeper understanding of the rich inner life of the Khmer people of Southern Vietnam.

Stop 2 – Bat Pagoda (Mahatup) & The Legend of the Five-Toed Pig

Bat Pagoda (Mahatup) is an ancient Khmer Theravada Buddhist temple over 400 years old, widely considered one of the most beautiful and extraordinary pagodas in Soc Trang. Its name derives from the thousands of large fruit bats that roost in the ancient trees spread throughout its grounds – a phenomenon that lends the pagoda an atmosphere of mystery and wonder found nowhere else.

Stepping into the temple grounds, visitors are immediately struck by the magnificent canopy of centuries-old Shorea and Dipterocarp trees, their branches densely draped with thousands of giant fruit bats sleeping through the day. These large flying foxes, with wingspans approaching 1.5 metres, form one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles in the Mekong Delta – captivating and astonishing every visitor who witnesses them.

The Legend of the Five-Toed Pig – A Sacred Tale Passed Through Generations: One of Bat Pagoda's most compelling stories is that of the five-toed pig – a creature of sacred significance in local Khmer legend. According to accounts shared by resident monks and villagers, pigs with five toes (rather than the usual four) have appeared within the temple grounds and are regarded as auspicious omens – symbols of divine protection and abundant blessings. The legend has been passed down through countless generations and has become an inseparable part of the mystical spirit of this ancient holy site.

Your guide will lead the group through the main hall, adorned with vivid Theravada Buddhist murals, as well as the crematorium, ossuary, and other remarkable examples of Khmer religious architecture. This is truly a profound and unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience.

Visitors can experience the Bat Pagoda and hear the legend of the Five-Hoofed Pig

Lunch Break – Savoring Authentic Mekong Delta Cuisine

After an enriching morning exploring two of Soc Trang's most revered Khmer pagodas, the group will enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant – one that The Rice Travel Group has handpicked to deliver a genuine taste of Mekong Delta culinary tradition.

The dining table will be generously spread with rustic yet deeply flavorful river-country dishes: Soc Trang bun nuoc leo (a savory noodle soup crafted from fermented fish and tender snakehead fish); crispy banh cong (savory fritters filled with shrimp, pork, and mung bean); simmering Mekong-style fermented fish hotpot brimming with fresh river greens; rich braised caramelized fish in clay pot; and sour soup with snakehead fish and dien dien flowers – flavors that are truly complete only when enjoyed in their homeland.

Lunch is not simply a time to recharge for the afternoon ahead – it is also a warm opportunity for guests to come together, share impressions, and relish the bonds formed over a morning full of cultural discovery.

Lunch Break

Traditional Banh Pia Bakery – Taste, Watch & Take Home

Banh Pia – also known as "skin-peeling cake" – is Soc Trang's most iconic specialty, a culinary tradition lovingly maintained by the Teochew Chinese community that has called this region home for centuries. After lunch, the group visits a traditional banh pia bakery where each pastry is still handcrafted according to time-honored family recipes passed down through multiple generations.

Guests are invited to watch the entire artisanal process up close: kneading and rolling the delicate multi-layered dough, preparing the rich filling, and baking each pastry to golden perfection. The paper-thin layers of pastry shell, the creamy durian and mung bean filling – every element is made with entirely natural ingredients, completely free from artificial preservatives.

Banh Pia

Taste Fresh from the Oven & Choose the Perfect Souvenir: The highlight of this stop is the opportunity to taste banh pia still warm from the oven – the fragrant, flaky shell yielding to a lush, buttery durian filling gently sweetened by mung bean, creating a sensory experience that is impossible to replicate elsewhere. Guests may also leisurely browse and select from a full range of banh pia varieties and flavors to bring home as gifts – a souvenir that is meaningful, distinctly regional, and irresistibly delicious.

Cao Van Lau Theater – The Home of Southern Vietnamese Folk Music

Cao Van Lau Theater stands at the heart of Bac Lieu City and is the province's most iconic cultural landmark, built to honor the memory of the late composer Cao Van Lau (1892–1976) – the father of the immortal folk ballad "Da Co Hoai Lang."

The theater's architecture is immediately striking: its exterior is designed in the form of an enormous inverted non la (Vietnamese conical hat) – a symbol of the simplicity and authenticity so deeply embedded in the soul of Southern Vietnam. This remarkable structure has become one of the most popular and photogenic check-in destinations for visitors to Bac Lieu.

Cao Van Lau Theater

"Da Co Hoai Lang" – A Timeless Masterpiece of Vietnamese Music: Composed in 1919, "Da Co Hoai Lang" by musician Cao Van Lau is the aching, heartfelt expression of a husband longing for his absent wife – and of all those far from home yearning for their homeland. From its original 22 musical phrases, the ballad evolved into countless variations, becoming the foundational pillar upon which hundreds of vong co songs were built – the very soul of Southern Vietnamese cai luong opera.

At the theater, guests will be treated to a live performance of the original "Da Co Hoai Lang" – its unhurried, resonant melody rising and falling through the solemn hall, touching the deepest emotional chords of every listener. This is far more than an artistic performance – it is a journey into the cultural soul of the South, a moment of profound connection with centuries of Vietnamese folk music heritage.

Bac Lieu Playboy Mansion – Stepping Into a Legendary Era

The Bac Lieu Playboy Mansion – officially known as the Tran Trinh Huy Villa – is one of the most celebrated and enigmatic French colonial buildings in all of Southern Vietnam. Positioned along the banks of the Bac Lieu River, this grand residence was built in the early 20th century as both the private home and the "empire" of Tran Trinh Huy (1900–1973) – the man known throughout Indochina as the "Bac Lieu Playboy," one of the wealthiest and most extravagant individuals of his era.

Passing through the ornate iron gates into the villa's grounds, visitors feel as though they have stepped back into the opulent early decades of the 20th century. The residence was built in the classical French colonial style, featuring basement, ground, and upper floors; its rooms were once furnished with European-imported antiques, glittering crystal chandeliers, intricate patterned tile floors, and generously proportioned riverfront windows.

Legends of a Life Lived Beyond Measure: The Bac Lieu Playboy became legendary across Southern Vietnam for exploits of extraordinary extravagance: reportedly burning banknotes to cook eggs in order to win a bet against a rival aristocrat; owning the first private aircraft in Southern Vietnam; hosting lavish banquets lasting multiple days; and collecting dozens of the most expensive automobiles of his day. Though his lifestyle remains a subject of debate, Tran Trinh Huy's life left an indelible imprint on the cultural and social history of Southern Vietnam.

Today, the villa has been carefully restored and opened to visitors, with sections converted into a heritage hotel and restaurant. Guests may explore rooms exhibiting original antiques and artifacts, learn about the history of the Tran Trinh family dynasty, and admire the authentic furnishings and objects preserved across the decades. Every room, every photograph, every object tells a story of a gilded age long past.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Bac Lieu Prince's House

Tour Highlights

•       The 63-metre Reclining Buddha at Som Rong Pagoda – one of the largest in the Mekong Delta.

•       Dress in authentic Khmer traditional costume and capture stunning cultural photographs.

•       Explore Bat Pagoda with its thousands of giant flying foxes and hear the mystical Five-Toed Pig legend.

•       Enjoy a generous lunch of authentic Mekong Delta specialties at a local riverside restaurant.

•       Watch traditional banh pia being handcrafted and taste it fresh from the oven – take home as gifts.

•       Check in at the iconic conical hat-shaped Cao Van Lau Theater and experience a live performance of "Da Co Hoai Lang."

•       Explore the legendary Bac Lieu Playboy Mansion and discover the extraordinary story of a gilded age.

•       Accompanied throughout by an enthusiastic, expert guide with deep knowledge of local culture and history.

Why Choose The Rice Travel Group?

The Rice Travel Group is a specialist travel company dedicated to curating authentic cultural and experiential tours across the Mekong Delta. We do not simply take you sightseeing – we tell the stories of each destination, distill the finest expressions of local culture, and place in your hands memories that are genuinely worth treasuring.

• Itineraries crafted by experts with deep expertise in Mekong Delta culture and heritage.
• Professional, well-trained guides with comprehensive knowledge of local history, culture, and cuisine.
• Modern, safe, fully air-conditioned vehicles throughout the entire journey.
• Carefully selected dining venues – hygienic, delicious, and authentically local in flavor.
• High satisfaction rates – trusted by thousands of guests who return season after season.
• Flexible booking – accommodating families, friend groups, and corporate team-building events.

  

  The Rice Travel Group - bringing you the perfect trip

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Travel Tips & Important Notes

• Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting Buddhist pagodas (avoid sleeveless tops and short shorts).
• Bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a personal water bottle – especially important during the hot season.
• Arrive at the departure point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
• Carry cash for optional activities such as Khmer costume rental, souvenirs, and banh pia purchases.
• Guests traveling with young children or elderly family members are encouraged to notify the guide in advance so appropriate assistance can be arranged.
• Please refrain from disturbing, handling, or provoking the bat colony at Bat Pagoda – observe quietly and respectfully.

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Contact & Booking

Address: Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 

Hotline: +84 962.333.621 (Zalo / WhatsApp)