Châu Đốc is a culturally rich city in An Giang Province, located in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam. It's known for its ethnic diversity, religious significance, and floating markets. Here’s a detailed guide to tourism in Châu Đốc:
Location: Near the Cambodia border, about 250 km west of Ho Chi Minh City.
It sits on the Hậu River (a branch of the Mekong) and is close to the Sam Mountain area.
A sacred pilgrimage site with many pagodas and temples.
Offers panoramic views of rice fields and even parts of Cambodia.
Major religious sites on and around Sam Mountain:
Bà Chúa Xứ Temple – The most famous shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually.
Tây An Pagoda – A unique mix of Indian and Vietnamese architecture.
Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb – Honors a revered general and settler of the Mekong region.
Wooden houses built on rafts.
Many homes double as floating fish farms, especially raising basa and catfish.
Can be visited by boat tour.
A vibrant local market known for palm sugar, fermented fish (mắm), dried seafood, and Cambodian-influenced goods.
Great place to explore local life and try regional Mekong Delta dishes.
~20 km from Châu Đốc, this wetland forest is home to diverse birdlife and features peaceful boat rides through flooded mangrove-like areas.
Best visited in the flooded season (September to November).
Mắm Châu Đốc – Fermented fish used in various local dishes.
Bún cá (Fish noodle soup) – A Mekong Delta specialty.
Bánh bò thốt nốt – Steamed rice cake made from palm sugar (from nearby Thốt Nốt trees).
Influence from Khmer and Cham cuisines can be found in many street food stalls.
Home to Vietnamese (Kinh), Khmer, Chăm, and Chinese communities.
Cham Muslim villages can be visited, offering a unique cultural experience including mosques and traditional crafts.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Around 6–7 hours by bus or car.
From Can Tho: About 3–4 hours.
From Phnom Penh (Cambodia): 5–6 hours via river boat or bus.
Dry season: November to April (best for sightseeing).
Flood season: September to November (best for Tra Su Forest and floating villages).