Buzz
September and October mark the perfect time for travelers to explore An Giang and witness the spectacle of floating water at Trà Sư cajuput forest, Búng Bình Thiên, and the majestic Cấm and Sam mountains, all while indulging in the unique cuisine of Châu Đốc.
Experience An Giang's Floating Water Season in Two Days
An Giang, located in the southwestern part of Southern Vietnam, bordering Cambodia, boasts numerous unique landscapes and distinctive cuisine.
Best Time to Visit
To witness the beauty of floating water and the lush natural world at Trà Sư cajuput forest, it's recommended to visit in October and November. April and August of the lunar calendar host two major festivals, the Mount Sam Lady Holy Festival (April 23-27) and the bull racing festival at the end of August. Due to increased rainfall in July and August, bring an umbrella and suitable attire.
Transportation Options
By Car: From Ho Chi Minh City, you can purchase tickets at Mien Tay Bus Station or from private bus operators along Le Hong Phong Street, priced around 170,000 – 200,000 VND.
Motorbike: Chau Doc – An Giang is approximately 250 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers can opt for a motorcycle journey for convenience. Follow National Highway 1 to the An Thai Trung junction (An Hữu Market), turn right, then take the ferry to Cao Lanh and continue along the Tien River to Chợ Mới. Afterward, cross the Thuan Giang ferry to the Hau River bank, reach the Nang Gu ferry, and continue on National Highway 91 for about 30 km to reach Sam Mountain.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in An Giang are mainly concentrated around Sam Mountain, the Chau Doc market area, and Long Xuyen. Accommodations in the Sam Mountain area tend to be higher priced, typically catering to pilgrims. For tourists, it's recommended to stay in the Chau Doc market area for easy access to attractions during the day and for evening entertainment and dining.
Places to Visit
Trà Sư Cajuput Forest: It's advisable to visit in the early morning to witness the beauty of the water lilies. If you arrive too late, previous groups may disturb the lilies, diminishing their charm. Aim to start your journey around 6 am – 7 am to catch glimpses of flocks of birds taking flight. Along the way, you'll encounter picturesque scenes of golden ripe rice fields and pristine water bodies.
Entrance tickets cost 60,000 VND per person for a boat accommodating four. You begin with a motorized boat and later transfer to a hand-rowed boat. Travelers are sure to be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of Trà Sư's water lilies. The distance from Châu Đốc market to Trà Sư Cajuput Forest is 30 km. Don't forget to climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the entire forest.
Sam Mountain: En route to Trà Sư, you'll pass by the Sam Mountain cluster, an area home to solemn temples and the site of the Lady Holy Festival held annually from the 23rd to the 27th of the lunar calendar's April.
Tà Pạ Lake: Formed through stone mining, the water in the lake is clear with a deep green hue due to the moss layer. At Tà Pạ Lake, you'll also enjoy views of rice fields at the mountain's base, resembling large tapestries.
Cấm Mountain: Entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person, and once inside, you'll need to park your vehicle and hire a motorbike taxi to explore the mountain's attractions. The cost for ascending and descending is 80,000 VND per person. Cấm Mountain boasts numerous waterfalls, lakes, and ancient towering trees, making it worth the expense and time for visitors.
Búng Bình Thiên: Approximately 30 km from Châu Đốc, this is a freshwater lake near the Cambodia border. If you visit in October, you may witness beautiful lotus ponds and distinct two-tone water. A local family offers boat tours around the lake, starting at 50,000 VND per person with a life jacket included. The boat rental area is close to a temple, and you can ask the locals for precise directions.
Experience a delightful evening in Châu Đốc by taking a charming cyclo tour. Remember to negotiate prices beforehand for a seamless experience.
Culinary Delights
An Giang is renowned for its special dish, bún mắm. Don't miss out on this regional delicacy. You can explore dining options in Châu Đốc market or around Bồ Đề Đạo Tràng. For bún cá enthusiasts, indulge in this dish at the old theater district.
In Châu Đốc market, various street foods await your exploration, from different types of cakes, chè, súp bò viên, bò leo núi, to thốt nốt. Prices range from 20,000 to 35,000 VND per dish. The cakes are usually more budget-friendly.
Sample Itinerary
An Giang can be thoroughly explored in just 2 days. Plan your visit to cover all the key attractions.
Day 1: Start your adventure to Châu Đốc, An Giang the night before, arriving around 5 pm. Have breakfast at Châu Đốc market and inquire about renting a motorbike at the hotel (rental price approximately 100,000 VND per day). Begin the journey to Trà Sư forest and Tà Pạ Lake. On the way back to Châu Đốc, visit Cấm Mountain for sightseeing. Stay overnight in the town, exploring the night on a cyclo ride.
Day 2: Head to Sam Mountain early in the morning, then proceed to Búng Bình Thiên. Return to the hotel around noon, check out, and have lunch. Wait for the shuttle to pick you up at the pier for the return trip to Ho Chi Minh City.
Source: Vnexpress.net
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourAugust 27, 2015
