Top 10 Must-Visit Spots in Chau Doc

While traveling through Chau Doc and Ha Tien, visitors often stop by the Bo De Dao Trang Chau Doc, a temple of great religious significance to the local people. The name 'Bo De Dao Trang' might remind some of the famous Bo De Dao Trang in India, as this temple is inspired by that origin. It is not only a place of spiritual worship but also a memorable stop for travelers visiting Chau Doc. Established in 1952, the temple’s Bodhi tree is a sapling grown from the sacred tree in India where Buddha once meditated. Initially, the temple had a simple octagonal structure at its center, surrounded by a serene lotus pond. Over time, additional buildings like the Quan Am Hall, bell and drum towers, and the ancestral hall were added, enhancing the temple's grand appearance.

Compared to other temples, having a Buddha relic is a great honor. Bo De Dao Trang is home to three significant relics: the Bodhi tree, sacred soil from the original Bodhi tree in India, and a relic of the Buddha. These relics are deeply meaningful not only to the people of Chau Doc but also to Buddhists from other regions. Every year, four major ceremonies are held at the temple: the Thượng Ngươn festival in January, the Phat Dan (Buddha's Birthday) in April, the Vu Lan festival in July, and the Hạ Ngươn festival in October, attracting large gatherings of Buddhist devotees. Visiting Bo De Dao Trang allows tourists to better understand the devout faith and sincere religious devotion of the people of Chau Doc, a faith that is both humble and passionate. A trip to Chau Doc is not just for sightseeing, but also a chance to find inner peace and tranquility when standing before the sacred relics at Bo De Dao Trang.

When talking about tourist destinations in Chau Doc, the name Tay An Pagoda is likely familiar to most visitors. Located about 5km from the center of Chau Doc, near the foot of Sam Mountain, Tay An Pagoda is a key stop on any tour of the area. Also known as the Tay An Sam Mountain Pagoda or Tay An Ancient Temple, it was originally established in 1847. The temple was renovated in 1861, with further expansion in 1958, including the construction of three ancient towers and the main hall.

The pagoda sits on a spacious site covering 15,000m², blending Indian architectural styles with traditional Vietnamese design. The building is constructed using durable materials such as bricks, tiles, and cement, built to withstand the elements over time. Upon entering through the main gate, visitors will see a statue of Quan Am, and inside, a 16-meter-tall flagpole stands prominently. The main hall contains over 150 statues, intricately carved and crafted in varying sizes. A key cultural and religious site, Tay An Pagoda is one of the most iconic attractions in Chau Doc and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the region.

Anyone who has visited the Mekong Delta will have unforgettable experiences that are unique to this region—experiences hard to find elsewhere. In addition to visiting the famous floating markets of Can Tho, such as Cai Rang and Phong Dien, a trip to Chau Doc wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Chau Doc Floating Fish Village, which gently drifts on the Hau Giang River. Chau Doc is well-known for its basa fish farming, a thriving industry that has been developing for decades. The floating fish farms here continue to expand in size, making the Chau Doc Fish Village an increasingly lively and bustling place. What was once a quiet, humble community of fish farmers has now transformed into a popular tourist attraction, where visitors come from all over to learn about the industry and the lives of the people who call this place home.

What makes the Chau Doc Floating Fish Village so fascinating is that visitors not only get a closer look at basa fish farming but also have the chance to immerse themselves in the everyday lives of the local people. You can learn about the hard work involved in raising fish, while experiencing a glimpse of the simple yet meaningful lives of the residents who have dedicated themselves to this craft. Much like the floating markets of Can Tho, a visit to Chau Doc’s floating fish village is an essential part of the journey, adding the perfect touch of authenticity and charm to any trip to the region.

Although it's well-known, many still forget the exact location of Chau Doc Market. Situated on Bach Dang Street in the heart of Chau Doc city, An Giang province, it’s easy to find with local help or by asking at your hotel. Most residents of An Giang are friendly and eager to help guide visitors. The market is located near the Chau Doc River, offering easy access to nearby attractions like the Cham villages, Ong Pagoda, and the Ba Chua Xu Temple. Chau Doc Market is a bustling hub, offering a wide variety of goods, divided into sections such as ready-to-eat foods, fruits and vegetables, fish sauce, and clothing.

The market is well-organized, making it easy to explore and find what you need. One of the highlights of the market is its famous fish sauce, with local varieties like fish sauce from linh fish, catfish, and pickled vegetables. Known as the 'Fish Sauce Market' by locals, it’s the go-to place for all things related to fermented fish. The smell of fish sauce wafts through the air, and even from a distance, you can tell you're nearing the market. Prices here are much lower than elsewhere, making it the perfect spot for fish sauce enthusiasts to stock up. Additionally, the ready-to-eat food stalls, such as those selling fish noodle soup, sweet treats, and local vegetables, offer a delicious taste of the region.

When traveling through Chau Doc, visitors passing by the Chau Doc River junction park will surely notice the towering and striking Chau Doc Basa Fish Statue, a unique landmark in the area. This statue is a must-see for anyone visiting Chau Doc, as it symbolizes the importance of the basa fish, a local species with significant economic value. The statue was built to honor the contributions of this remarkable fish to the economy of the Mekong Delta. Known for its high economic value, the basa fish accounts for over half of the fish farmed in the region, with more than 10,000 tons produced annually for both domestic consumption and export.

In addition to its economic role, the basa fish also plays a key part in the culinary traditions of the Mekong Delta. The Chau Doc Basa Fish Statue was built with the support and enthusiasm of the local community to recognize the importance of this fish in the region’s development. The statue, which cost nearly 2 billion VND to build, stands at an impressive height of 14 meters. Made of steel frames, concrete, and granite, the statue features a 3-ton fish covered in stainless steel, making it the first fish statue in An Giang and the world’s first statue dedicated to the basa fish.

The Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb is a historical monument of great significance, not only to Chau Doc but also to Vietnam as a whole. It holds deep historical value and is an essential stop on any Chau Doc tour. Also known as Sơn Lăng, it is located at the foot of Sam Mountain and is an impressive architectural site, blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. The tomb leaves a lasting impression on visitors as part of Chau Doc’s sightseeing tours. According to historical records, Thoai Ngoc Hau built this tomb while he was still alive, with his second wife and main wife, Châu Thị Tế, buried on either side of his tomb after their passing.

The Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb is set within a spacious walled complex, with a sturdy crescent-shaped entrance gate. Along the wall are five stone steles, the central one being the Vĩnh Tế Sơn stele, built in 1828, four years after the completion of the Vĩnh Tế Canal. The tombs of Thoai Ngoc Hau and his two wives are made of stone with a decorative stone screen inscribed with Chinese characters and engraved inscriptions at the base. Behind the tomb complex, a temple was built in Thoai’s honor, set against the backdrop of Sam Mountain. Inside the temple, there is a carefully crafted bust of Thoai Ngoc Hau. The tomb area also contains numerous graves of workers who died while digging the Vĩnh Tế Canal, as Thoai Ngoc Hau had them buried here to honor their contributions.

The tour of Chau Doc, An Giang isn’t only about famous landmarks like the Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain or the Tay An Pagoda. There is also the Chau Giang Traditional Silk Weaving Village, located in Phum Soai, Chau Phong Commune, Tan Chau District, just a short ferry ride from Chau Doc across the serene Chau Giang River. Known as the Phum Soai Silk Village or Chau Phong Weaving Village, this place is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Cham people. Weaving is a traditional craft that the women in this village master from a young age, and by adulthood, they are skilled artisans. The village is known for weaving sarongs, clothes, scarves, hats, and bags, using silk threads dyed with natural colors from tree sap, bark, and fruits, which gives the textiles vibrant, long-lasting hues that highlight intricate patterns, both traditional and modern.

More than half of the population of Phum Soai is engaged in weaving, and many artisans, though still young (just over 30 years old), have more than 20 years of experience. Visitors to Chau Giang can admire the beautiful woven products and learn about the dedicated artisans who treat weaving as a way of life. The village not only showcases the craftsmanship of the Cham people but also offers a deeper insight into Cham culture along the scenic Chau Giang River. It is a place where visitors can connect with the simple yet rich traditions, the welcoming nature of the people, and the peaceful, picturesque surroundings.

Sam Mountain, located in Chau Doc city, An Giang province, is a well-known tourist destination. Visitors to this site not only have the chance to conquer the mountain itself but also explore a wealth of historic landmarks such as the Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb, the Confucius Temple, the Tay An Pagoda, and the Ba Chua Xu Temple. Rising 284 meters above sea level, Sam Mountain stands as a unique and imposing feature near the heart of Chau Doc city. It is being developed for tourism, with several renowned sites and monuments scattered throughout the area. What makes it especially captivating is the concentration of nearly 200 temples, pagodas, and shrines on the mountain's slopes, each with its own distinct customs, legends, and architectural styles, creating a spiritual landscape that is both diverse and fascinating.

The easiest way to reach Sam Mountain is by starting from Chau Doc city. From the Chau Doc Market, you can simply follow the Tân Lộ Kiều Nương Road straight to the base of the mountain. If you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of buses, such as Hùng Cường or Phương Trang, that head to Chau Doc. Upon arrival, you can hire a motorbike or take a taxi to the mountain. The frequent bus schedules from HCMC ensure you'll never miss a ride! Known for its sacred reputation and mysterious stories, Sam Mountain has captivated many visitors, who are often in awe of the pristine beauty and grandeur of its spiritual landmarks.

Ba Chua Xu Temple, also known as the Ba Chua Xu Pagoda, is located at the foot of Sam Mountain. Initially, the temple was just a simple structure with a thatched roof, but over time, its fame for being a sacred place attracted donations, which funded its expansion and renovation into the grand temple we see today. Apart from its spiritual significance, one of the main attractions of the Ba Chua Xu Temple is its stunning architecture. The temple’s layout is in the shape of the Chinese character "Quốc" (国), with several stacked towers that resemble blooming lotus petals. The three-tiered roof is made of large emerald-green tiles, a departure from the typical red tiles found on other structures. The upward-curving corners of the roof symbolize prosperity and growth. As a result, Ba Chua Xu Temple has become a popular tourist destination and is often included in travel packages by reputable tour operators. Inside, the temple’s intricate carvings and golden calligraphy stand out, with the inscriptions carefully maintained and polished every day.

The layout of the temple follows the traditional design of a communal hall with a main worship hall, a bell tower, and guest rooms, along with an area dedicated to the temple’s administration. The decoration within the temple is distinctive, featuring intricate carvings and ornate gold-plated panels. The most important feature is the statue of Ba Chua Xu, which is placed at the center of the temple, flanked by statues of the "Tiền Hiền" and "Hậu Hiền". Nearby, there are altars for the temple’s spiritual figures, including altars for the male and female deities, a stone Linga altar, and wooden goddess statues. The temple sees a growing number of pilgrims every year, especially between the first and third lunar months, which coincide with several major Buddhist festivals.

Hang Pagoda, Chau Doc is a popular destination for religious pilgrims and tourists on the Nui Cam - Chau Doc - Nui Sam travel circuit. Known for its unique architecture and fascinating spiritual stories, it draws many visitors each year. From the center of Chau Doc, follow the Tan Lo Kieu Nuong road towards Ba Chua Xu Temple, and ask for directions to Hang Pagoda, a place that locals can easily point you to. Motorcycle taxis are available for a small fee of 10,000-20,000 VND per ride, though adventurous travelers can opt to walk the 300-step stairway that leads up to the pagoda.

With over 100 years of history, Hang Pagoda has become a highly attractive spot for tourists visiting the Mekong Delta. Surrounded by lush green trees and the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, this site is truly a paradise on earth. As you pass through the traditional structures, you are transported back in time, experiencing a sense of peace and nostalgia. Perched on Chau Doc Mountain, Hang Pagoda offers a distinct beauty, especially when mist swirls around it in the early morning hours, as the temple bells ring and chants echo through the air. For those looking to capture the beauty of the clouds, this is an excellent spot for photos. At the base of Sam Mountain, you can also indulge in delicious local cuisine.