Surface water sources play an important role in human and biological activities and the socio-economic development of the region. Therefore, the assessment of water quality and determination of the causes of water pollution in Sao river is essential for good management of the surface water environment. The study was conducted from July to December 2020. Water samples were collected at the time of low tide to evaluate the water quality indicators of temperature, pH, conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), ammonium (N-NH₄⁺), orthophosphate (P-PO₄^3-) and coliform. The source of pollution was determined by direct interviews with households living near Sao river. The results showed that surface water quality in Sao river had signs of organic pollution and microbiological pollution due to BOD, TSS, N-NH₄⁺, P-PO₄^3-, coliform exceeded the allowable limits of National Technical regulation on surface water quality (QCVN 08-MT:2015/BTNMT, column A1). The results of the interview revealed that 70% of respondents said that water was seriously polluted and the main sources of pollution were domestic solid waste and domestic wastewater. Therefore, to improve surface water quality in Sao river, solid waste and wastewater management is urgently required. It is necessary to promote the monitoring and management of water quality with the participation of local authorities and communities.