7 Iconic Destinations Shaping An Giang Tourism

An Giang, with its dense population and vast area, ranks fourth in size in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Due to its extensive landscape, An Giang harbors many unique tourist attractions that captivate the hearts of visitors.

Apart from Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang boasts attractions like Linh Son Ba The Pagoda, Tuc Dup Hill, Chau Giang Handicraft Weaving Village, Chau Giang Cham Village, Oc Eo Archaeological Site, Ba The Mountain, and Tinh Bien District.

7 Iconic Destinations Shaping An Giang Tourism

1. Tra Su Melaleuca Forest

Located in Tinh Bien District, the vast Tra Su forest dons a lush green coat during the flooding season from around the 8th to the 10th lunar month, exuding a charming beauty that seems impossible to fully describe.

The pathway leading into the Tra Su forest spans over 800 hectares, a dusty red trail occasionally veiled in mist by the wind. Alongside, the shadows of slender palm trees offer shelter from the sun, while lush green fields catch the eye of visitors with utmost enthusiasm.

Upon entering Tra Su forest, a small boat guides visitors through a blanket of vibrant green duckweed. Amidst the lush green forest, gentle winds blow, filling the air with freshness, accompanied by the occasional melody of forest birds. Within reach lies a vast expanse of green water covered in duckweed, adorned with sporadic bursts of vibrant yellow water lilies and intertwining clusters of lotus flowers, creating an impressively serene and refreshing natural scene.

Tra Su Forest features an observation tower from which visitors can admire the panoramic view of the expansive mangrove forest stretching as far as the eye can see.

Also known as the Four-Armed Buddha Temple at Ba Thê Mountain, Linh Sơn Pagoda is located in Vọng Thê commune of An Giang province, at the foot of Ba Thê Mountain. It was built in 1913 when local residents discovered a nearly 2-meter tall four-armed Buddha statue buried deep underground.

Before the discovery of the Buddha statue, locals also uncovered two nearly 2-meter tall stone steles, 0.22 meters thick, engraved with ancient characters, at Ba Thê. As a result, the community established a pagoda to worship the Buddha and preserve these two stone steles.

The pagoda is constructed on the foundation of an ancient structure, featuring simple architecture. Upon entering, visitors pass through the pagoda gate, flanked by over 20 stone steps, leading to the pagoda through a narrow cement path lined with ancient trees providing ample shade. Inside the pagoda, the main altar, dedicated to the Four-Armed Buddha, is modestly adorned yet exudes a sense of solemnity.

3. Ba The Mountain

Located in Thoai Son District, An Giang, Ba The Mountain refers to the mountain range here consisting of Ba The, Small Mountain, Statue Mountain, Troi Mountain, and Choc Mountain. The highest peak, Ba The, stands over 200 meters tall. This area is rich in resources and hosts various types of gemstones such as smoky quartz, amethyst, and coarse-colored building stones.

To conquer Ba The Mountain, travelers follow a winding asphalt road of about 2km. At the summit of Ba The Mountain lies the tranquil Son Tien Pagoda. Approximately 100 meters from Son Tien Pagoda is a museum exhibiting artifacts related to the Ba The region and the Oc Eo archaeological site - a city of the ancient kingdom of Funan.

North of Ba The Mountain, there is a rock called Great Saber Stone, weighing about 2.5 tons and standing about 320cm tall, believed to be a divine artifact for warding off evil and vanquishing demons, associated with many fascinating folk tales.

4. Oc Eo Archaeological Site

The Oc Eo Archaeological Site in An Giang is not just a typical tourist destination, but also a place for people to learn more about some significant milestones in the country's developmental history.

The Oc Eo Archaeological Site was stumbled upon by locals during the excavation of the Ba The canal and later excavated, protected, and researched. This area, with its vast expanse, is linked to many traces of the wealthy Funan kingdom of Southeast Asia thousands of years ago. It is considered the ancient city of Oc Eo.

The archaeological site covers an area of over 4,500 hectares, hiding a distinctive Oc Eo culture along with many mysteries that continue to challenge researchers. This culture represents significant highlights of ancient civilization in Vietnam, with certain connections to the historical development of Southeast Asia.

5. Tuc Dup Hill

While the Oc Eo Archaeological Site is important for its ancient relics, Tuc Dup Historical Site in Tri Ton, An Giang, holds historical value that resonates with the present.

Once a stronghold of the people of An Giang during the resistance against America, with a system of natural caves serving as excellent shelters, Tuc Dup played a significant role in sustaining the vigorous revolutionary spirit.

Visiting the Tuc Dup Historical Site recalls a period of hardship and heroism. Exploring Cave C6, formerly a meeting hall accommodating over 100 people, the Command Cave, Military Medical Cave, Youth Cave, and the Propaganda Department's Cave, one can see how nature's protection here contributed to boosting morale and achieving great successes.

6. Chau Giang Cham Weaving Village

Located in Phum Xoai, Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau district, Chau Giang Cham Weaving Village is also known as Phum Soai Cham Weaving Village or Chau Phong Cham Weaving Village.

Cham weaving is a traditional craft mastered by Cham women since childhood, becoming skilled weavers as they grow. In Chau Phong, most residents earn a living through weaving, producing a variety of woven products such as sarongs, shirts, scarves, hats, and bags.

The weaving materials include silk and natural dyes from tree sap, bark, and fruits, resulting in unique and durable colors. Traditional to modern patterns are creatively crafted and stand out. Over half of Phum Soai's residents are weavers, with many becoming master artisans at a relatively young age, some as young as 30 but with over 20 years of experience in the craft.

7. Chau Giang Cham Village

The Cham community in An Giang is quite sizable, forming villages interspersed with the Kinh people, with the largest concentration perhaps in An Phu district at the source of the Tho Chu River, adjacent to Chau Doc and Tan Chau.

To visit the Chau Giang Cham Village, tourists only need to cross the Chau Giang ferry to Con Tien. The Chau Giang Cham Village is quite peaceful, with unique stilt houses and striking round-tower mosques as the Cham people here follow Islam. The Cham stilt houses are often small yet beautifully designed, built with high-durability wood to withstand seasonal floods, and depending on the type of wood used, they reflect the wealth of the homeowners. The front of the stilt houses has wooden stairs, and the entrance is lower than the head, implying that guests must bow upon entering and greet the homeowners.