Nestled near the Cambodian border in Vietnam’s An Giang Province, Chau Doc is a charming riverside town that captures the heart of the Mekong Delta. Often overshadowed by more famous destinations, Chau Doc offers a rare combination of cultural richness, spiritual depth, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
From floating villages and sacred mountains to vibrant markets and unique ethnic cultures, Chau Doc is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authenticity off the beaten path. In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Chau Doc, how to get there, and why it deserves a place on your Vietnam itinerary.
Why Visit Chau Doc?
1. Spiritual and Cultural Diversity
Chau Doc is known for its religious harmony, where Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Catholicism coexist. You’ll find a wide array of temples, mosques, pagodas, and shrines scattered throughout the city.
2. Floating Life on the River
Sitting on the Hau River, Chau Doc thrives with traditional river life. Explore floating villages, fish farms, and local markets by boat for an unforgettable Delta experience.
3. Holy Sam Mountain (Nui Sam)
Rising 284 meters above the flat delta plains, Sam Mountain is the spiritual heart of Chau Doc. Thousands of pilgrims visit each year to pray at sacred temples and enjoy panoramic views.
4. Unique Ethnic Communities
Home to the Cham, Khmer, and Chinese-Vietnamese communities, Chau Doc offers a rich cultural blend with distinct architecture, languages, and culinary traditions.
Top Things to Do in Chau Doc
1. Visit Ba Chua Xu Temple (Temple of the Lady of the Realm)
Located at the foot of Sam Mountain, this temple is one of southern Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites. It attracts millions of visitors during the Ba Chua Xu Festival (April–June), where people pray for health, luck, and prosperity.
- Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
2. Climb Sam Mountain for Scenic Views
Hike or drive to the summit of Nui Sam for sweeping views of the rice fields, waterways, and even into Cambodia on clear days. Along the way, stop by religious sites like:
- Tay An Pagoda – A Buddhist temple with unique Indian-style architecture.
- Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum – Dedicated to a famous Vietnamese military official.
- Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda) – Built into the mountainside, surrounded by legends.
3. Cruise Through Floating Villages and Fish Farms
Hire a boat from Chau Doc port to explore the floating villages where locals live in stilt houses. See how fish are farmed in underwater cages right beneath their homes — an important part of the local economy.
- Popular destinations include Chau Giang Cham Village and Vinh Te Canal.
4. Explore Chau Giang Cham Village
Cross the river to visit this Muslim Cham village, where you’ll find traditional wooden stilt houses, mosques, and silk weaving workshops. It’s a peaceful, educational experience that highlights Vietnam’s ethnic diversity.
- Visit the Mubarak Mosque and observe local Cham customs.
5. Check Out Chau Doc Market
The central market is a feast for the senses. Stroll through stalls brimming with fresh produce, fish sauce, fermented seafood (mam), and Vietnamese street food. It’s one of the best places to sample local Mekong cuisine.
Other Attractions Near Chau Doc
Tra Su Cajuput Forest (Tra Su Bird Sanctuary)
About 25 km from Chau Doc, Tra Su Forest is a stunning ecotourism site. Glide through emerald-green canals on a sampan boat, surrounded by tall cajuput trees, lotus flowers, and hundreds of bird species.
- Best time to visit: September to November (flood season), when the water levels are high and the scenery is most beautiful.
Tuc Dup Hill (Devil’s Hill)
Located in Tri Ton District, this historic hill was a guerrilla base during the Vietnam War. Today, it’s a fascinating blend of natural caves, rugged cliffs, and war memorials.
Chau Doc Cuisine: A Flavorful Mekong Blend
Food lovers will enjoy Chau Doc’s unique mix of Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Cham flavors. Some local specialties include:
- Bun ca Chau Doc – Fish noodle soup with turmeric and tamarind.
- Mam (fermented fish) – Used in local hotpots and sauces.
- Hu tieu Nam Vang – A Cambodian-style noodle soup.
- Banh bo thot not – Steamed palm sugar rice cake.
- Cham-style grilled chicken and curry – Rich with spices and coconut.
Don’t forget to try Thot Not (palmyra sugar) drinks and desserts — a local favorite.
Best Time to Visit Chau Doc
Chau Doc has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons:
- Dry season (December to April): Ideal for outdoor sightseeing and hiking.
- Rainy season (May to November): The landscape becomes lush and green. The flood season (Sept–Nov) is perfect for boat tours in Tra Su Forest.
Highlight: Ba Chua Xu Festival (April–June)
This spiritual event attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year and offers a glimpse into local religious traditions, complete with folk music, offerings, and rituals.
How to Get to Chau Doc
By Bus
- From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): ~6–7 hours by bus or van.
- From Can Tho: ~3 hours.
- Bus operators include Futa (Phuong Trang) and Kumho Samco.
By Private Car or Motorbike
Ideal for travelers who want to explore the countryside and take scenic detours along rice paddies and canals.
By Boat (Seasonal)
Some tours offer river cruises from Can Tho to Chau Doc, showcasing life on the Mekong River.
Nearest Airport: Can Tho International Airport
From Can Tho, it’s about 110 km (2.5–3 hours) to Chau Doc by road.
Where to Stay in Chau Doc
Top-Rated Hotels & Resorts
- Victoria Chau Doc Hotel – Riverside colonial-style hotel with excellent service.
- Chau Pho Hotel – Convenient location near Sam Mountain and Ba Chua Xu Temple.
- Hung Cuong Hotel – Affordable and centrally located.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Murray Guesthouse – Cozy and well-reviewed by international travelers.
- Little Saigon Homestay – Great for backpackers seeking cultural immersion.
Travel Tips for Chau Doc
- Dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites.
- Bring mosquito repellent, especially near the forest or canals.
- Cash is king – ATMs are available, but carry small denominations.
- Hire a local guide for deeper cultural and historical context.
- Combine with nearby destinations like Ha Tien, An Giang, or even Phnom Penh via the border crossing at Tinh Bien.
Final Thoughts
Chau Doc is a captivating destination that brings together history, culture, spirituality, and nature in one scenic riverside town. Far from the noise of big cities, Chau Doc offers an authentic Mekong Delta experience — rich in local color and meaningful encounters.
Whether you’re a cultural explorer, a nature lover, or a spiritual traveler, Chau Doc will surprise and inspire you with its warmth and depth. Add it to your Vietnam journey, and you’ll discover one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
