Chau Doc
Chau Doc is one of the most beautiful places in the Mekong Delta, bordering Cambodia. The Bassac River, flowing through the city, serves as a boundary for river traffic, and Sam Mountain offers an excellent vantage point over the vast plain on the other side. Due to its strong cultural diversity marked by Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities, and its border location, Chau Doc is also an interesting stop for travelers looking to continue their journey to Cambodia.
Things to see and do
Top Things to Do in Chau Doc
1. Experience the Tranquility of Khmer Traditional Craft Village
2. Walk through winding trails into the palm forest and witness the palm sugar-making process firsthand.
3. Tra Su Cajeput Nature Reserve: A must-visit for nature lovers, this 850-hectare wetland forest is home to:
- Over 70 bird species, 11 mammals, 25 reptiles, and many aquatic species.
- A picturesque boat ride through cajeput trees, creating a magical, dreamlike setting.
The best time to visit is after 3 PM, when birdwatching is at its peak.
4. Mount Sam (Núi Sam) – A Spiritual & Scenic Landmark
Located just 6 km from Chau Doc and 2 km from the Cambodian border, Mount Sam is home to:
Multiple pagodas and temples, some hidden in caves.
A breathtaking panoramic view of the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.
A rewarding trek to the summit, where you can take in stunning landscapes.
5. Spiritual & Cultural Exploration
Chau Doc is known for its religious diversity:
The Temple of Goddess Xu (Miếu Bà Chúa Xứ) – A famous pilgrimage site built in 1820, attracting thousands of visitors every year from the 23rd to the 26th day of the 4th lunar month.
The Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau – A historic mausoleum honoring a Nguyen Dynasty mandarin, located near the Temple of Goddess Xu.
Caodaist Temples – Such as Tu An Hieu Nghia, reflecting the unique fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
Buddhist Khmer Pagodas – Showcasing Khmer spiritual traditions.
Hoa Hao Buddhist Sites & Muslim Mosques – Representing the diverse religious landscape of the region.
6. Explore the Floating Villages & Fish Farming
Take a boat trip to Chau Doc’s famous floating villages, where you can observe traditional fish farming methods.
Visit ethnic Cham villages, where you can see stilt houses, handwoven textiles, and local mosques.
7. Local Markets & Culinary Delights
Visit Chau Doc’s saltwater (brine) market, a vibrant place where locals trade seafood, spices, and regional specialties.
Taste Chau Doc’s famous sugar palm (thốt nốt) sugar, a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar palm trees.
1. Experience the Tranquility of Khmer Traditional Craft Village
2. Walk through winding trails into the palm forest and witness the palm sugar-making process firsthand.
3. Tra Su Cajeput Nature Reserve: A must-visit for nature lovers, this 850-hectare wetland forest is home to:
- Over 70 bird species, 11 mammals, 25 reptiles, and many aquatic species.
- A picturesque boat ride through cajeput trees, creating a magical, dreamlike setting.
The best time to visit is after 3 PM, when birdwatching is at its peak.
4. Mount Sam (Núi Sam) – A Spiritual & Scenic Landmark
Located just 6 km from Chau Doc and 2 km from the Cambodian border, Mount Sam is home to:
Multiple pagodas and temples, some hidden in caves.
A breathtaking panoramic view of the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.
A rewarding trek to the summit, where you can take in stunning landscapes.
5. Spiritual & Cultural Exploration
Chau Doc is known for its religious diversity:
The Temple of Goddess Xu (Miếu Bà Chúa Xứ) – A famous pilgrimage site built in 1820, attracting thousands of visitors every year from the 23rd to the 26th day of the 4th lunar month.
The Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau – A historic mausoleum honoring a Nguyen Dynasty mandarin, located near the Temple of Goddess Xu.
Caodaist Temples – Such as Tu An Hieu Nghia, reflecting the unique fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
Buddhist Khmer Pagodas – Showcasing Khmer spiritual traditions.
Hoa Hao Buddhist Sites & Muslim Mosques – Representing the diverse religious landscape of the region.
6. Explore the Floating Villages & Fish Farming
Take a boat trip to Chau Doc’s famous floating villages, where you can observe traditional fish farming methods.
Visit ethnic Cham villages, where you can see stilt houses, handwoven textiles, and local mosques.
7. Local Markets & Culinary Delights
Visit Chau Doc’s saltwater (brine) market, a vibrant place where locals trade seafood, spices, and regional specialties.
Taste Chau Doc’s famous sugar palm (thốt nốt) sugar, a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar palm trees.
Good to Know
When to visit?
The ideal season to visit Chau Doc is from December to April, during the dry season.
The rainy season lasts from May to November, making travel slightly more challenging but also bringing lush greenery to the region.
Access
By Car:
From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 6-hour drive (245 km) via private car or local bus (Phuong Trang, Hung Cuong).
From Can Tho: 3-hour drive (120 km).
By River: 4-hour speedboat ride from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, offering a scenic journey along the Mekong River.
Continue Your Journey
To Cambodia: Travel 4 hours by river to Phnom Penh via the Hang Chau speedboat, which departs every morning from Chau Doc.
Tam Nong Bird Garden (70 km away) – A paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Phu Quoc Beach Resort:
Travel 95 km (2.5 hours) to Ha Tien by car, then take a ferry to Phu Quoc Island, known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts.
