Embark on an adventurous journey to An Giang

Located in the Southwest of Vietnam, An Giang shares a nearly 100km border with Cambodia. It marks the upper Mekong's entry into our country, dividing into two branches - Hau River and Tien River, creating the distinctive annual flooding season. The dense canal system here fosters a robust waterway transportation network. Most trade activities occur at river docks or floating markets, a unique cultural feature of the Mekong Delta.

Most tourists flock to familiar places in An Giang such as Ba Chau Doc Pagoda, Sam Mountain, Forbidden Mountain, Thoai Ngoc Hau's Tomb, the majestic Thất Sơn range, or the famous Tức Dụp Hill (also known as Two Million Dollar Hill, estimating the value of bombs dropped by the U.S. during the war). However, there is another, less-known side of An Giang, with places that attract adventure enthusiasts and those who appreciate exploring local cultures.

To fully experience the simple beauty of the Mekong Delta, we encourage you to explore by motorbike, allowing you to have control over your time and the places you want to visit.

Milestone 240

On the way through Dong Thap, don't forget to stop by Thường Phước border gate, where Milestone 240 stands. This is where the Mekong River begins its flow into Vietnam. Looking out from this point, you'll feel the grandeur of the river that traverses many countries. Starting from the Tibetan Plateau in China, the Mekong flows through Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and finally, Vietnam, branching into 9 tributaries, creating the legendary Cuu Long River that has nurtured the vast Mekong Delta with abundant alluvium.

Sky well lake

Continuing the journey into An Giang, the first place to visit is Bung Binh Thien, also known as the 'sky well lake,' situated between the Binh Di River and the Hau River. With an area of approximately 193 hectares, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Western region. What makes this place special is its crystal-clear water throughout the year, despite the nearby channels being muddy with silt. The water in the lake rises and falls without flowing, giving rise to many legends about Bung Binh Thien.

Inhabitants around Bung are the Cham ethnic people. A stroll around the lake reveals the distinctive culture of the locals. The Cham people have preserved almost entirely their own activities and beliefs. Colorful stilt houses, ancient mosques, Cham girls in traditional attire—all blend together to create a picturesque and serene countryside. You can park your vehicle here, wander through the village, and chat with the locals to learn more about this land.

Tra Su cajuput forest

The next destination is the Tra Su cajuput forest, located in Tinh Bien district, a border area. The specialty here is the palm fruit. Don't forget to stop at a roadside stall, savor a refreshing glass of palm fruit juice to cool off, and then continue your journey. Tra Su is a typical flooded forest in the Western Hau River region, home to many water birds, wild animals, and aquatic creatures within our country's specialized forest system.

Upon reaching the cajuput forest, you can immediately feel the freshness and untouched beauty of this place. The breeze gently rustles through the trees, birds sing melodiously echoing through the forest. A small boat slowly navigates you through the cajuput trees, deeper into the forest. The water's surface is covered with a light green color of water hyacinth, white cajuput flowers gracefully falling everywhere. You can see herons gliding over the water looking for food, egrets calling out to each other, and kingfishers perching somewhere on the slender cajuput branches. A vibrant garden echoes with the sounds of birds singing, blending with the green surface of the water. The unexpectedly refreshing space will help you forget the hustle and bustle of life and embrace this green space to enjoy every sweet and magical moment of nature.

Amidst the cajuput forest lies a watchtower area. If you crave the experience of spending a wild night in the forest, waking up to the dawn chorus of thousands of birds singing harmoniously, contact the forest ranger for a truly incredible adventure.

Ta Pa Hill

Leaving Tra Su, head straight towards Tri Ton to visit Ta Pa Hill. This is a lesser-known destination but alluring to many adventure seekers. The hill is only 120m high, featuring the ancient Chun Num pagoda constructed in the architectural style of the Khmer people.

From the temple gate, walk around 200m to reach the hill's summit. From here, you can gaze over the prosperous Tri Ton district. Below lies the vibrant Ta Pa field, one side adorned with a sea of golden rice, the other with fresh green crops, scattered with tall palm trees. In the distance, the blue hue of burning fields, and stately buffalo returning home in the twilight. Farmers have just finished their day's toil, carrying their burdens back after a hard day's work.

Surely, this will be a twilight painting evoking many memories for those who have experienced childhood in rural Vietnam. On Ta Pa Hill, there is also a serene emerald-colored lake. The still surface reflects the mountainous scenery, with the majestic Co To range in the background. This is also a romantic rendezvous for many local couples, seeking to exchange vows that last a lifetime.

If you still have the stamina for further exploration, An Giang has many more places to visit. Visit the lotus village in Thoai Son, then explore the archaeological site of Oc Eo. Or climb Co To Mountain, admire Bong Lai Pagoda, follow the stream to Soai So Lake, with lush gardens surrounding the foothills...

Travel Information for An Giang:

– From Saigon, take QL62 towards Hong Ngu town – Dong Thap via provincial road 841 to reach Thuong Phuoc border gate.

– From Thuong Phuoc, cross the ferry to Phu Loc, Phu Loi, Phu Huu, Dong Ky, ask for directions to Bung Binh Thien.

– From Chau Doc town, turn left about 17km to reach Nha Bang town in Tinh Bien district. From here, take provincial road 948 to Km 6, then turn left onto a small road about 4km long to reach Tra Su cajuput forest.

– From Tri Ton market, go along Nguyen Trai road for a short distance (towards the Tuc Dup Hill tourist area), you will come across a large forest protectorate tree. Opposite this ancient tree is the gate of Ta Pa Pagoda (locally known as Nui Pagoda or Chun Num Pagoda in Khmer language), marking the beginning of the main road leading to Ta Pa Hill.

***

Source: Travel Handbook from Mytour – Courtesy of Young Intellects.