The Mekong Delta is full of treasures, but Chau Doc, the small town of An Giang province is a nugget not to be missed. What makes this place such a special haven in the heart of this labyrinth of canals? Discover in this article the best things to see and do in Chau Doc city, a border region full of charm!
Green oasis in the heart of a region rich in tradition
Located 210 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 150 km from Phnom Penh, Chau Doc is a real crossroads between Vietnam and Cambodia, offering a taste of both cultures and inviting you to extend the pleasure of your trip.
Beyond the lively life of the fishermen, the most beautiful cajepu forest in Vietnam and the majestic sugar palms rising above the Khmer rice fields, Chau Doc seduces visitors with its unique culture, the result of the blending of four communities: Kinh, Chinese, Cham and Khmer. With its exceptional vegetation, rich cultural heritage and welcoming people, Chau Doc invites you to immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta.
Top things to see and do in Chau Doc city
1. Chau Doc floating village
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the charm of this river town lies in the simplicity and vitality of its fishing villages. To soak up this unique atmosphere, all you have to do is get on a boat and visit one of these floating villages located near the confluence of the rivers in Chau Doc. More than 160 colourful floating cages stretch for more than a kilometre. Meet the fishermen, simple and friendly people, who will explain how they raise their fish, feed them and harvest their produce after about eight months… You can also feed the fish and enjoy dishes prepared with the day’s fish on the spot.
At nightfall, the floating houses light up on the river, creating a poetic panorama.
2. Tra Su Cajuput Forest
A next stop in Chau Doc that will delight nature lovers is undoubtedly the Tra Su cajepu forest. It’s a choice spot that we recommend to our travellers looking for a nature getaway. Located around 30 km from Chau Doc and just 10 km from the Cambodian border, Tra Su is home to a rich and varied flora and fauna, typical of the flooded forests of the Mekong Delta.
Let yourself be seduced by the luxuriant nature of this kingdom of cajepu trees, but also by the chance to observe numerous species of aquatic birds and wild animals. Nearly 850 hectares of Tra Su are home to 70 species of bird, 11 species of mammal and numerous species of fish. This teeming aquatic world is also home to an exceptional flora of 140 species, including the cajeputier, the region’s emblematic tree. Its delicate fragrance and the tranquillity of the area make it a haven of serenity.
Accompanied by your boatman, you will navigate between the cajeputier trees, gliding over carpets of duckweed dotted with water lilies. If you’re lucky, you might spot a heron fishing or kingfishers basking on the banks. As well as a boat or pirogue ride to Bird Island, crossing the forest on Vietnam’s longest bamboo footbridge, which stretches for 10km, or climbing the observation tower for a breathtaking view of this biodiversity sanctuary are activities not to be missed.
The best time to visit Tra Sư is from September to November when the river landscape provides so much to see. This is the rainy season in the Mekong Delta, the fishermen’s most eagerly awaited time of year, which brings great joy to locals and visitors alike.
3. The Cham village in Chau Phong
For an unforgettable human experience in Chau Doc, take the time to spend a few hours in one of the Cham villages, heading for Chau Phong. A fifteen-minute boat ride from the town will take you to the heart of this Muslim Cham community. With a population of around five thousand, the village of Chau Phong boasts several mosques with typical Islamic architecture, the most remarkable of which is the Masjid Al Nia’ Mah.
The Cham communities, long established in An Giang, particularly in Chau Doc, are deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region. They make their living mainly from textile crafts, agriculture and fishing. Most of them preserve their traditions by living in modest wooden houses.
4. Sam Mountain
Located around 6km from the town of Chau Doc, Sam Mountain is a complex of cultural and religious sites of great importance to the people of An Giang. It is also a major place of pilgrimage for the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta during traditional festivals. Although it is only less than 300 metres high, it is astonishing to see the presence of almost 200 pagodas and temples, scattered from the foot to the summit of the mountain, creating a unique religious space with great architectural diversity.
Places of worship of great interest include the temple of Ba Chua Xu (temple of the Mother Goddess of the Kingdom), the temple of Tay An, the temple of Thoai Ngoc Hau and the temple of Phuoc Dien. The temple of Ba Chua Xu is particularly venerated and attracts large numbers of pilgrims from all over the country every year in search of peace and prosperity.
5. Chau Doc market
Another way to get up close and personal with local life is to visit the Chau Doc market, a real beating heart where the region’s merchants trade all manner of goods. Nicknamed the kingdom of nuoc mam or fish brine, it is surprisingly full of varieties of the legendary Vietnamese sauce, each prepared according to family recipes. It is one of the local specialities that Vietnamese visitors love to bring back from their travels.
The market is also a gourmet’s paradise, offering a multitude of dishes typical of the Mekong Delta, including fish noodles, nuoc mam fondue and many other culinary delights. Not far away, on the banks of the Bassac River, you will see the statue of the Pangasius catfish, which pays tribute to this emblematic fish of An Giang as well as to fish farmers.
6. The breathtaking Ta Pa rice fields
At the foot of the Ta Pa and Co To mountains in Tri Ton, the rice fields are awe-inspiring with their shimmering colours that leave no one indifferent, especially during the harvest season in November. This unique landscape, shaped by traditional Khmer farming practices, is a patchwork of colours dotted with sugar palms. This plant wonder grows everywhere in the Tri Ton district of Chau Doc and plays a central role in daily life. From building houses to preparing delicacies, every part of this tree is used, making it a powerful symbol of Khmer identity.
7. Bung Binh Thien Lake
A natural gem rarely visited by tourists in Chau Doc that invites you to take a two-hour getaway in complete tranquillity is Bung Binh Thien Lake (Búng Bình Thiên), 35 kilometres from the town. This immense freshwater lake, the largest in the Mekong Delta, is a perfect choice for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Discover a charming lakeside landscape, populated by fish farms and lotus flowers. Sail the calm waters, fish, pick sesban flowers and soak up Cham culture in a nearby village. A trip to Bung Binh Thien is your chance to experience the heart of authentic Vietnam.
Best time to visit Chau Doc
Chau Doc, a land of contrasts, can be enjoyed in all seasons. The dry season (December to May), calm and sunny, is perfect for exploring, while the rainy season (December to May), wetter but full of life, immerses you in the soul of the Mekong Delta.
Hotels in Chau Doc
It’s easy to find a place to stay in Chau Doc, with plenty of choice to suit all budgets. You can choose rooms from as little as USD10 per night for the cheapest options, right up to USD168 per night for the top-of-the-range establishments.
Budget hotels: Yen Chau, The Lux Hotel Chau Doc, Chau Pho, Sang Nhu Ngoc…
Price: from USD 40 to 49
More comfortable hotels
Victoria Nui Sam lodge: Price from 69 to 88 USD
Victoria Chau Doc: Price from 73 to 168 USD
Getting to Chau Doc from Ho Chi Minh City
There are regular bus services between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Chau Doc, with departures every 30 minutes. Here is some useful information to help you prepare for your departure.
+ Saigon – Chau Doc: 207 km (5.5 – 6 hours’ drive).
+ Saigon – Chau Doc bus (with couchette) : Thien Hung, Phuong Trang, Thao Nguyen, Duc Phat, Hue Nghia, Vinh An…
+ Average ticket price: 250,000 VND or 10 USD
+ Departure from Mien Tay bus station or An Suong crossroads in Ho Chi Minh City.
With all Chau Doc city in Mekong Delta has to offer, this is one of the most beautiful stops on a 4 – 5 day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. It is also an ideal base for exploring the secret charms of Vietnam and Cambodia.
