Soc Trang is the scruffy, workaday capital of Soc Trang province. Khmer people make up about 28% of the population. Although the town itself isn’t much, it’s a good base for exploring some impressive Khmer temples in the area. Furthermore, there is a colourful annual festival (usually in December) and, if you’re in the vicinity at the right time, it’s worth your while to catch it.

Soc Trang Tourist (821 498; www.soctrangtourism.com; 131 Ð Nguyen Chi Thanh; 8-11am & 1.30-5pm) is adjacent to the Phong Lan 2 Hotel. The staff are friendly enough, but speak little English and are not all that accustomed to walk-in tourists. 

ATMs are available outside the Khanh Hung Hoteland Que Huong Hotel. The post office (820 051) is at 1 ÐL Tran Hung Dao.

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