The study aimed to evaluate the content and potential ecological risks due to the presence of toxic elements (Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, As) in agricultural soil in Soc Trang province. Data of five heavy metals and physical factors at eight sites (from D1 to D8) in three ecological zones (fresh, brackish and saline agricultural activities) in the study were collected from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Soc Trang province. Multivariate statistical analyzes, including principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis (Pearson), cluster analysis (CA) and potential ecological risk index (RI), were used in the study. The results showed that the content of Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn and As fluctuated in the range of 8.54–30, 21.90–28.10, 20.60–38.70, 46.80–86, 1.35–11.30 mg/kg, respectively, within the allowable limits of QCVN 03-MT:2015/BTNMT. The soil in the study area has moderate to neutral acidity, suitable for growing crops. The Pearson and PCA results showed that the inputs in local agricultural development (fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides) have contributed to the increase of heavy metal content in the soil. The results of the CA grouped eight soil samples into two large groups belonging to the ecological areas (brackish, saline) and freshwater. The mean RI value of 68.84 indicated low potential ecological risks in agricultural land in Soc Trang province. However, As and Cr are heavy metals that would pose significant potential risks to the environment and humans. Thus, measures are needed to strictly control the sources of these metals.