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Chau Doc, also known as the "Vietnam Kingdom of Fermented Fish", is located near the Hau River, one of the 2 branches of the famous Mekong River known for its abundant fish reserves. When visiting Chau Doc, you'll be enchanted by the tranquil river scenery and the gentle flows of the Hau River. Small boats, tree-lined riverbanks, and the harmonious blend of nature create a picturesque Chau Doc landscape.
Nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Chau Doc is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity, historical significance, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking to explore ancient pagodas, enjoy local cuisine, or take on a scenic river cruise, this Chau Doc blog will help you make the most of your Chau Doc Tours & Excursions.
Chau Doc is located in An Giang Province in the southwestern region of Vietnam, near the border with Cambodia. Positioned on the banks of the Hau River, a tributary of the Mekong River, Chau Doc serves as a crucial gateway for trade and travel between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Chau Doc is approximately 210 km east of Ho Chi Minh City, 110 km from Can Tho, and 50 km south of Long Xuyen. The city is also about 150 km west of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, making it a convenient location for cross-border travel. Thus, you can take a scenic boat Phnom Penh to Chau Doc to experience the Mekong River. This strategic location has made Chau Doc a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities.
Chau Doc enjoys a lovely tropical monsoon climate, with a clear distinction between the rainy and dry seasons.
The best time to visit Chau Doc is during the dry season, from November to April when the weather is more pleasant and rainfall is minimal. During this period, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.
Two popular times for visitors to Chau Doc are the beginning and end of the year. Early in the year, you can join the traditional Khmer New Year (Chol Chnam Thmay Festival) from the 5-8th of the 3rd lunar month, and the Ba Chua Xu Festival from the 15-27th of the 4th lunar month.
The wet season, from May to October, does bring heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, which may affect travel plans. However, it's also a time when the Mekong Delta is at its most lush and vibrant.
The Chau Doc floating markets and river cruises become particularly picturesque during this period. At the end of the year, from around September to December, is the unique floating season of the Mekong Delta. This is also when the rice fields begin to ripen, creating picturesque golden landscapes.
If you are also curious about what fun things are in Chau Doc or where you can go when you come to Chau Doc, then we will not keep you waiting any longer. Incredible Asia Journeys will help you discover the most attractive destinations that cannot be missed in Chau Doc.
Ba Chua Xu Chau Doc Temple is one of the most important religious sites in Chau Doc. Dedicated to the Lady of the Realm, this temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the Ba Chua Xu Festival in April. The temple is known for its ornate architecture, serene atmosphere, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Starting in 2021, An Giang has introduced a cool 900-meter cable car system up the Sam Mountain over Ba Chua Xu Temple, complete with 37 cabins that can each hold up to 8 passengers. Right now, the round-trip ticket for adults is priced at 150,000 VND.
The Chau Doc Floating Village offers a highlight of the traditional way of life on the Mekong River. Here, you can see 161 fish cages stretching over a kilometer, painted in vibrant hues of red, yellow, orange,... The floating village is part of a tour route that explores the water-based lifestyle and cultural heritage of the Cham community in An Giang. Visitors can tour the floating village by boat, experiencing life on these floating homes and learning about the traditional fish farming practices.
If you're planning a trip to Chau Doc, make sure to check out Tra Su Melaleuca Forest. It's only about 30km from Chau Doc City, the best times to visit are early morning or around sunset for the most magical experience.
This forest is such a special place because it's a flooded forest right in the Hau River region. It plays a big role in keeping the water and climate in balance for the whole area. Moreover, it's home to tons of different plants and animals, some of which are really rare.
When the floating season comes around, the forest turns into something out of a fairytale. The rising water brings everything to life, and the surface gets covered in beautiful green duckweed. It's a perfect place for all kinds of fish, shrimp, and birds to thrive.
When it comes to stunning mountains in Chau Doc, Sam Mountain is an absolute must-see. Visitors to Sam Mountain will have the opportunity to experience exhilarating mountain climbing and breathe in the invigorating, fresh air of the area.
Standing atop Sam Mountain offers the ideal spot for "check-in" photos that are guaranteed to garner numerous likes! The scenery of Sam Mountain is undeniably picturesque and poetic, ensuring that you will capture some truly unforgettable photographs. Whether you're capturing the sweeping views or the charming landscape, Sam Mountain provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for your adventures.
If you wonder where to eat in Chau Doc, Chau Doc Market is an unmissable destination within the city, serving as a bustling hub for local traders and merchants. As you enter the market, you'll be immediately greeted by an array of stalls displaying a wide variety of fermented fish, which explains why this place is known as the "Kingdom of Fermented Fish". The fermented fish here are made from different types of fish such as catfish, snakehead fish,... Each type of fermented fish boasts its own unique flavor, crafted from famous traditional recipes.
Beyond the fermented fish, Chau Doc Market is a food lover's paradise with distinctive Mekong Delta dishes. You can indulge in Chau Doc food like fish noodle soup, fermented fish hotpot, fermented fish noodle soup, and various types of Vietnamese traditional cakes.
Situated just 200 meters from Chau Doc Market, along the banks of the Hau River, looms the Basa Fish Sculpture. This towering 12-meter monument was crafted by artist Tran Thanh Phong. The sculpture showcases a stylized depiction of a fish cage at its base, with a soaring figure of a basa fish leaping out of the water above.
For nearly a century, the basa fish has been an indispensable part of life in An Giang, providing stable and prosperous livelihoods for tens of thousands of local households. This monument not only pays homage to the significance of the basa fish but also celebrates the tireless efforts and commitment of the fish farmers.
A boat ride to the Chau Doc Floating Village is an essential activity for any visitor. The Chau Doc cruise provides an up-close look at the unique way of life on the water and offers opportunities to visit floating fish farms, local homes, and markets. It's a fascinating cultural experience that showcases the ingenuity and adaptability of the local people.
Visiting Ba Chua Xu Temple is a spiritual Chau Doc journey that offers insight into the religious practices of the region. With the title of the largest temple in Vietnam, Ba Chua Xu Temple has an architecture with the layout of the word "Quoc" with the shape of a blooming lotus flower, a three-tiered roof with characteristic blue tiles. The temple is a peaceful retreat, where you can observe rituals, make offerings, and enjoy the beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Exploring Tra Su Bird Sanctuary by boat is a tranquil and immersive Chau Doc bird sanctuary experience. The sanctuary's serene environment is perfect for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. Don't forget to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the stunning wildlife in Tra Su Forest.
Visiting the Cham ethnic villages in Chau Doc is a must for your unique cultural Chau Doc experience. The Cham people have a rich heritage and distinct customs that are fascinating to explore. Here, you can admire traditional Cham architecture, with houses built on stilts to protect against flooding. You can also visit the Mubarak Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Vietnam, to understand more about the Cham's Islamic faith.
Hiking up Sam Mountain is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Chau Doc. The hike is relatively easy and offers rewarding views from the top. Along the way, you'll encounter various temples and shrines such as Ba Chua Xu Temple, Tay An Temple, and Hang Pagoda,... each with its own unique charm and history.
The most convenient way to reach Chau Doc is by road. From many other major cities in Vietnam, you can consider to choose the below transportation.
For a more personalized travel experience from Ho Chi Minh City, consider hiring a private car or taxi. This provides a direct and comfortable way to reach Chau Doc, taking around 5-6 hours depending on traffic conditions.
If you’re coming from Can Tho to Chau Doc, a private car or taxi offers a convenient and efficient way to reach Chau Doc in about 1.5-2 hours.
For a unique travel experience, consider taking a boat from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc or Chau Doc ferry. This scenic Chau Doc border crossing route along the Mekong River offers a different perspective of the region and takes around 5-6 hours. Prices and availability vary based on the type of boat and service. Contact Incredible Asia Journeys for detailed info about Mekong River Cruises!
Although Chau Doc does not have its own airport, the most convenient flight option is to fly to Can Tho, the nearest major airport. You can book a direct flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho International Airport (VCA). The flight takes approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival in Can Tho, you can continue your journey to Chau Doc by road, which takes around 3 hours by bus or car.
So, what makes Chau Doc such an exciting destination? With the insights from Incredible Asia Journeys, you've discovered the must-visit spots and unique experiences this charming city has to offer. Why wait? Start planning your trip to Chau Doc and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes!
