An Giang Festivals Guide: Celebrating Cultural Heritage in Chau Doc’s Mekong Delta

A Vibrant Celebration of Multicultural Heritage

An Giang Province, nestled in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a cultural melting pot where Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese traditions come alive through vibrant festivals. Far surpassing their outdated image as local events, these celebrations, such as the Ba Chua Xu Festival and Khmer Cow Racing Festival, are recognized as national intangible cultural heritage, drawing over 10,000 visitors annually. An Giang’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F) enhances the festive atmosphere, with lush landscapes complementing the region’s spiritual and cultural vibrancy. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province, effective July 1, 2025, adds coastal destinations like Ha Tien (95 km from Chau Doc), making it easy to combine festival visits with eco-tourism near Chau Doc.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to An Giang’s festivals, using bicycles and electric vehicles to immerse you in cultural experiences while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Chau Doc, An Giang Province” or “Tri Ton, An Giang Province” for navigation. Key festival hubs include Chau Doc (250 km from Ho Chi Minh City) and Tri Ton (40 km from Chau Doc). Long Xuyen, An Giang’s administrative center, is 193 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Tien (Kien Giang ward) is 95 km from Chau Doc. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province enhances regional connectivity.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 20,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our An Giang festival tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep cultural knowledge, and partnerships with local communities to preserve traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive experience that supports An Giang’s green tourism vision, aligning with Vietnam’s sustainable tourism goals.

An Giang’s festivals showcase the region’s Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese heritage, offering cultural immersion through music, cuisine, and rituals. Below are the must-visit festivals, their significance, and how to experience them near Chau Doc.

1. Ba Chua Xu Festival

• Location: Ba Chua Xu Temple, Sam Mountain, Chau Doc (6 km from city center).

• When: 4th lunar month (typically April/May), with the main ceremony on the 25th day.

• Why Attend: A UNESCO-recognized national intangible cultural heritage, this festival honors the local goddess who, per legend, was carried by nine virgins to bless the region with prosperity. Attracts 10,000+ visitors with vibrant processions and incense rituals.

• Experiences:

  • Observe incense-burning ceremonies and traditional music performances.

  • Taste festival foods like Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes, $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) from Sam Mountain vendors.

  • Explore Sam Mountain’s gondola ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) for panoramic views.

• Cost: Free entry; donations ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) encouraged.

• Best Time: Arrive at dawn (6:00–8:00 AM) for rituals; evenings (7:00–10:00 PM) for cultural performances. Book accommodations 2–4 weeks ahead due to crowds.

• Tip: Dress modestly (long sleeves, no shorts); combine with Chau Doc Floating Market (5 km) visits.

2. Khmer Cow Racing Festival

• Location: Tri Ton (40 km from Chau Doc), near Ba Chuc Pagoda or Ta Pa Lake.

• When: 8th lunar month (typically late September), during the Khmer Dolta Festival (filial piety ceremony).

• Why Attend: A national intangible cultural heritage, this festival celebrates Khmer agricultural traditions, with pairs of specially trained cows racing on muddy fields, symbolizing prosperity and community unity. Draws 2,000+ visitors.

• Experiences:

  • Watch thrilling cow races and cheer with locals.

  • Sample Khmer dishes like Chao Bo Tri Ton (beef porridge, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) or Banh Bo Thot Not (palm sugar cakes, $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).

  • Visit nearby Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (25 km, $8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND) for eco-tours.

• Cost: Free entry; donations ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) encouraged.

• Best Time: Morning (7:00–10:00 AM) for races; book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Tip: Arrive early for prime viewing spots; respect Khmer customs by avoiding disruptive behavior.

3. Chol Chnam Thmay (Cham and Khmer New Year)

• Location: Chau Phong and Da Phuoc Cham villages (7–10 km from Chau Doc), Tri Ton Khmer communities.

• When: Mid-April (13th–15th), aligning with Songkran in Thailand.

• Why Attend: A vibrant celebration of Cham and Khmer New Year, featuring traditional dances, music, and communal feasts, drawing 1,000+ visitors.

• Experiences:

  • Join cultural performances and try Cham Tung Lo Mo (beef sausage, $2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

  • Visit Mubarak Mosque (Chau Phong, free entry) or Masjid Al-Ehsan (Da Phuoc) for prayer ceremonies.

  • Participate in brocade weaving workshops ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) in Chau Phong.

• Cost: Free entry; workshops $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Best Time: Afternoons for performances; book workshops 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Tip: Dress modestly; combine with a visit to Chau Doc Floating Market (7 km).

4. Southern Traditional Cake Festival

• Location: Long Xuyen (50 km from Chau Doc).

• When: April, coinciding with Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day.

• Why Attend: Showcases An Giang’s culinary heritage, with artisans crafting traditional cakes like Banh Phong Phu My and Banh Bo Thot Not ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND). Attracts 5,000+ visitors.

• Experiences:

  • Taste a variety of Mekong Delta cakes and watch cooking demos.

  • Explore Long Xuyen Floating Market (2 km, $5–$25 or 125,000–625,000 VND) for fresh produce.

  • Visit An Giang Museum (2 km, free entry) for cultural insights.

• Cost: Free entry; food purchases $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND).

• Best Time: Mornings (8:00–11:00 AM) for cooking demos; book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Tip: Bring reusable containers for food samples; pair with Long Xuyen Cathedral visit (2 km).

• Chau Doc Floating Market (5 km from Ba Chua Xu Temple, $5–$25 or 125,000–625,000 VND): Vibrant river trade, best at dawn.

• Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (30 km from Chau Doc, $8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND): Biodiverse reserve, ideal August–November.

• Oc Eo – Ba The Relic (25 km from Chau Doc, $2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND): UNESCO-nominated Phu Nam Kingdom site.

• Latina Lake (40 km from Chau Doc, free entry): Scenic emerald lake for photography.

• Seven Mountains Region (15–40 km from Chau Doc, $3–$15 or 75,000–375,000 VND): Trek Cam Mountain or Co To Mountain.

• From Chau Doc:

  • Ba Chua Xu Festival: 6 km to Sam Mountain via National Highway 91; bicycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) or Xanh SM electric taxi ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

  • Chol Chnam Thmay: 7–10 km to Chau Phong/Da Phuoc via Chau Giang ferry ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND) or Khanh Binh boat ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

  • Khmer Cow Racing Festival: 40 km to Tri Ton via National Highway 91; bus ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND) or Xanh SM taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

  • Southern Traditional Cake Festival: 50 km to Long Xuyen; bus ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND) or Xanh SM taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

  • Navigation Tip: Save “Ba Chua Xu Temple, Chau Doc, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Use Tìm Buýt app for bus schedules.

• From Long Xuyen (50–60 km to most festival sites):

  • Bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) to Chau Doc or Tri Ton.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).

• From Ho Chi Minh City (250 km to Chau Doc, 5–6 hours):

  • Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station.

  • Flight to Can Tho: $40–$80 (1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + bus ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• Budget Homestays:

  • Chau Doc Eco Homestay (Nguyen Van Thoai): $12–$25/night (300,000–625,000 VND), eco-friendly with local meals.

  • Long Xuyen Eco Homestay (Tran Hung Dao): $12–$25/night (300,000–625,000 VND), near floating market.

• Mid-Range Hotels:

  • Chau Doc Riverside Hotel (12 Nguyen Van Thoai): $30–$50/night (750,000–1,250,000 VND), river views.

  • Chau Khuong Hotel (88 Nguyen Van Thoai, Long Xuyen): $30–$50/night (750,000–1,250,000 VND), central.

• Luxury Hotels:

  • Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (1 Le Loi): $60–$100/night (1,500,000–2,500,000 VND), riverfront with pool and Bassac Restaurant.

• Tip: Book 2–4 weeks ahead for festival periods; 1–2 weeks for non-festival times. Homestays offer sustainable stays.

• Chau Doc:

  • Chau Doc Riverside Eatery (5 km from market, 12 Nguyen Van Thoai): Bun Ca Chau Doc ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

  • Bay Bong Cafe (1 km from market, Le Loi Street): Vietnamese coffee ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Long Xuyen:

  • Long Xuyen Riverside Restaurant (2 km from market, Tran Hung Dao): Com Tam Long Xuyen ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

  • Mekong Cafe (1 km from cathedral, Nguyen Hue): Smoothies ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Tri Ton:

  • Tri Ton Riverside Eatery (near market, Provincial Road 948): Chao Bo Tri Ton ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Timing: Plan for April/May (Ba Chua Xu, Chol Chnam Thmay) or late September (Cow Racing Festival) for cultural immersion. Arrive early (7:00–10:00 AM) for best festival views; evenings for performances. Expect 1,000–10,000 visitors during festivals.

• Booking: Reserve tours and accommodations 2–4 weeks ahead for festivals; 1–2 weeks for non-festival visits. Legend Travel Group tours need 24–48 hours’ notice. Use Tìm Buýt app for bus schedules.

• Sustainability: Support vendors with purchases like mam (fish paste, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Use reusable totes and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); choose bicycles or electric taxis for low emissions.

• Navigation: Save “Ba Chua Xu Temple, Chau Doc, An Giang Province” or “Tri Ton, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Write festival names in Vietnamese (e.g., “Lễ Bà Chúa Xứ”) for locals.

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded festival areas (use money belts, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); theft is a noted risk. Check for typhoons (June–December). Visit Chau Doc General Hospital (Le Loi Street) or dial 113 for emergencies.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; dress modestly at festivals and mosques (long sleeves, no shorts); ask permission before photographing locals or rituals.

Discover An Giang’s festivals with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• An Giang Festival Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Join Ba Chua Xu Festival or Chol Chnam Thmay, taste Tung Lo Mo, and visit Chau Doc Floating Market. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Cultural Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Experience Khmer Cow Racing Festival, Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, and eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Celebrate An Giang festivals, explore Oc Eo Relic, and tour Seven Mountains with boat and bike tours. Includes meals, eco-transport.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Ba Chua Xu Festival and Khmer Cow Racing Festival in An Giang, from the spiritual vibrancy of Chau Doc to the thrilling spectacle in Tri Ton, offer a vibrant celebration of the Mekong Delta’s multicultural heritage. These events, paired with sustainable travel options, provide immersive cultural experiences. Legend Travel Group’s An Giang Tours guide you through these festive gems, ensuring a sustainable An Giang Travel experience that supports local communities and preserves the environment. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to join the festivities and explore this cultural paradise!
Ready to experience Ba Chua Xu Festival and Khmer Cow Racing Festival in Chau Doc’s cultural charm? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group