This study investigates the surface water quality of rural areas in Hau Giang province, Vietnam using multivariate statistical analysis. Surface water samples were collected at 24 separate locations during the period from November 28 to December 3, 2019, and were measured for temperature (T), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), ammonium (NH4+-N), nitrite (NO2--N), nitrate (NO3--N), orthophosphate (PO43--P), Fe, As, Cd and coliform. Surface water quality was assessed using national technical regulations (QCVN 08-MT: 2015/BTNMT). The results showed that surface water in the study area was polluted with organic matter, nutrients, coliform, and Fe. BOD, COD, DO, TSS, NH4+-N, NO2--N, NO3--N, PO43--P are well correlated, which could be used to predict the concentration of correlated water parameters. Principal component analysis showed that 14 water quality variables affect surface water quality and therefore should be included and emphasized in monitoring programs. Water quality in the study area was divided into three groups with common pollution concerns of organic matter, microbes, and Fe. Particularly, group I had a high concentration of NO2--N, while groups II and III had high coliform density. The findings highlight that surface water quality in the rural areas of Hau Giang province is heavily polluted and unsuitable for water supply. Urgent solutions are needed to protect water quality for local population usage needs.