Cham Cultural Villages Guide: Explore Authentic Heritage Near Chau Doc, An Giang

A Deep Dive into An Giang’s Cham Heritage

The Cham cultural villages of Chau Phong and Da Phuoc, located near Chau Doc in An Giang Province, offer an immersive journey into the rich traditions of Vietnam’s Cham ethnic minority. Far surpassing their outdated image as simple rural settlements, these villages are vibrant hubs of Islamic culture, traditional brocade weaving, and unique stilt-house architecture, recognized as national intangible cultural heritage. 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) supports the cultivation of cotton for weaving, while the merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province enhances access to coastal areas like Ha Tien (95 km from Chau Doc). With over 3,500 Cham households across An Giang, these villages attract visitors for their authentic experiences, from weaving workshops to tasting Tung Lo Mo (Cham beef sausage).

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Chau Phong and Da Phuoc, using bicycles and electric boats to connect you with Cham artisans while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Chau Phong, An Giang Province” or “Da Phuoc, An Giang Province” for navigation. Chau Phong is 7 km from Chau Doc Market via ferry, and Da Phuoc is 10 km across the Hau River. Long Xuyen, An Giang’s administrative center, is 50 km away, and Ha Tien (Kien Giang ward) is 95 km from Chau Doc. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province, effective July 1, 2025, 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 Cham village tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with Cham artisans to preserve their craft. 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 the province’s 10 million visitor goal.

A Living Tapestry of Cham Culture

Chau Phong and Da Phuoc, two of An Giang’s 11 Cham villages, are renowned for their Islamic traditions, traditional brocade weaving, and stilt-house architecture. Located along the Hau River, these villages house vibrant Cham communities, with over 80% of households in Chau Phong engaged in weaving. Brocade products like sarongs, scarves, and handbags, crafted on traditional looms, feature intricate patterns reflecting Cham identity and are sold locally and internationally. The villages’ stilt houses, built 2–3 meters high using precious timber like cay lai, showcase unique east-west orientations and serve as cultural landmarks. The Mubarak Mosque in Chau Phong, a national heritage site, and Masjid Al-Ehsan in Da Phuoc, with their crescent moon and star symbols, are architectural highlights hosting daily prayers and community events.

Supported by An Giang’s One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, these villages promote sustainable livelihoods through eco-friendly cotton sourcing and natural dyes. Challenges like rising material costs and fewer young weavers are being addressed through tourism, which provides income and preserves traditions. Visitors can engage in workshops, explore mosques, and experience Cham hospitality, making these villages essential stops for cultural immersion.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Cham, with a population of about 99,000 in Vietnam, brought their Sunni Islamic practices and weaving traditions to An Giang from the Champa Kingdom’s Tra Kieu and My Son regions. Their unique customs, including abstaining from pork and traditional dress like hijabs for women and sarongs for men, create a distinct cultural landscape. Major Cham festivals—Roja (10th Islamic month), Ramadan (9th Islamic month), and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (12th Rabi’ al-Awwal)—draw locals and tourists for vibrant celebrations. The villages’ recognition as national intangible cultural heritage underscores their role in preserving Cham identity, inspiring artists and writers seeking authentic Mekong Delta experiences.

Immerse yourself in these cultural and hands-on activities:

• Brocade Weaving Workshop ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND): Learn to weave scarves or fabrics on traditional looms in Chau Phong, guided by artisans like Mr. Mohamad. Takes 1–2 hours, supports local women.

• Cultural Tour ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND): Explore stilt houses, try Cham wedding attire, and visit Mubarak Mosque (Chau Phong) or Masjid Al-Ehsan (Da Phuoc). Includes storytelling about Cham history.

• Souvenir Shopping: Purchase brocade sarongs, scarves, or handbags ($5–$20 or 125,000–500,000 VND) and handmade jewelry ($3–$10 or 75,000–250,000 VND). 50% upfront payments support artisan materials.

• Cham Cuisine Tasting: Savor Tung Lo Mo (beef sausage, $2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND) or Banh Bo Cham(palm sugar rice cakes, $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) at local homes or Chau Doc Market.

• Nearby Attractions:

  • Chau Doc Floating Market (7 km from Chau Phong, $5–$25 or 125,000–625,000 VND for boat tours): Experience river trade and taste Bun Ca Chau Doc ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

  • Ba Chua Xu Temple (6 km from Chau Doc, free entry): UNESCO-recognized spiritual site, vibrant during April/May festivals.

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

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for weaving workshops, mosque tours, and festivals like Ba Chua Xu (April/May, 10,000+ visitors) and Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April, 1,000+ visitors). Moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors), lush scenery, and vibrant floating markets. Best for budget travel and flood-season boat tours (August–November). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Roja (10th Islamic month): Cham celebrations with community prayers, 500+ visitors.

  • Ramadan (9th Islamic month): Observe fasting traditions, quieter village visits.

  • Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (12th Rabi’ al-Awwal): Festive events with music, 500+ visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Visit mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for active weaving workshops; afternoons for mosque tours and cultural immersion.

• From Chau Doc (7 km to Chau Phong, 10 km to Da Phuoc, 15–25 minutes):

  • Chau Phong Route: From Chau Doc Market (Le Loi Street), take the Chau Giang ferry (5 minutes, $0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND) across the Hau River to Phum Xoai hamlet.

  • Da Phuoc Route: From Chau Doc Market, head to Khanh Binh pier (2 km) and take a boat (10 minutes, $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) to Da Phuoc.

  • Transport Options:

    • Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable and scenic.

    • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), requires International Driving Permit.

    • Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), traditional and eco-friendly.

    • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND), eco-friendly, book via app 1–2 days ahead.

  • Navigation Tip: Save “Chau Phong, An Giang Province” or “Da Phuoc, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Ferries run every 15–30 minutes (6:00 AM–6:00 PM).

• From Long Xuyen (50 km to Chau Phong, 55 km to Da Phuoc, 1–1.5 hours):

  • Route: Take National Highway 91 to Chau Doc, then ferry or boat.

  • Transport Options:

    • Bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), hourly from Long Xuyen Bus Station.

    • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

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

  • Route: Bus from Mien Tay Bus Station to Chau Doc ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND), then ferry/boat to villages.

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

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for villages and Chau Doc.

• Motorbike Rental: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), ideal for rural areas like Tri Ton (40 km).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), traditional in Chau Doc.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), sustainable for longer trips.

• Public Bus: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) for urban routes.

• Tip: Book rentals or taxis 1–2 days ahead; confirm ferry schedules at Chau Doc Market.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing for Cham villages (long sleeves, no shorts).

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for souvenirs, biodegradable wipes.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Weaving Workshop: $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Cultural Tour: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Souvenirs: $3–$20 (75,000–500,000 VND).

• Dining: Tung Lo Mo or Banh Bo Cham: $0.50–$6 (12,500–150,000 VND).

• Transport:

  • Ferry/Boat: $0.20–$3 (5,000–75,000 VND).

  • Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

  • Motorbike Rental: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND).

  • Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND).

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Accommodation:

  • Budget Homestays (e.g., Chau Doc Eco Homestay): $12–$25/night (300,000–625,000 VND).

  • Mid-Range Hotels (e.g., Chau Doc Riverside Hotel): $30–$50/night (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Luxury Hotels (e.g., Victoria Chau Doc Hotel): $60–$100/night (1,500,000–2,500,000 VND).

• Total Daily Cost (Per Person):

  • Budget: $15–$30 (homestay, dining, bicycle).

  • Mid-Range: $40–$60 (mid-range hotel, guided tours).

  • Luxury: $80–$120 (luxury hotel, premium tours).

• Timing: Visit during the dry season (November–April) for festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April) and comfortable weather. Rainy season (May–October) offers lush scenery; bring rain gear. Morning workshops (7:00–10:00 AM) are active; afternoons are ideal for mosque tours. Expect 50–200 daily visitors, peaking during festivals (1,000+).

• Booking: Reserve workshops or tours 1–2 days ahead through homestays or Legend Travel Group; festival tours need 1–2 weeks.

• Sustainability: Support artisans by purchasing brocade products; use reusable totes. Choose bicycles or electric taxis for low emissions.

• Navigation: Save “Chau Phong, An Giang Province” or “Da Phuoc, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Write “Phum Xoai” or “Da Phuoc” in Vietnamese for ferry staff.

• Safety: Secure valuables (use money belts, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); theft is a noted risk in crowded areas. 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 (long sleeves, no shorts); avoid photographing women without permission; respect Islamic customs (e.g., no pork discussions).

Discover Chau Phong and Da Phuoc with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• Cham Cultural Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Join a weaving workshop, taste Tung Lo Mo, and visit Mubarak Mosque. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Cultural Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Explore Chau Phong, Da Phuoc, and Chau Doc Floating Market with eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Visit Cham villages, Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, and Ba Chua Xu Temple 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.

Chau Phong and Da Phuoc Cham villages near Chau Doc, An Giang, offer a vibrant window into the Cham’s Islamic culture, brocade weaving, and stilt-house traditions. From hands-on workshops to mosque tours and authentic cuisine, these villages are cultural treasures. Legend Travel Group’s An Giang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive experience, supporting Cham artisans and preserving An Giang’s environment while offering a sustainable An Giang Travel journey. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your tour today to explore this Mekong Delta gem!
Ready to discover the Cham cultural villages of Chau Doc? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, 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.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group