Exploring An Giang’s Historical Heritages and Ancient Arts: A Cultural Journey Near Chau Doc

A Tapestry of Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Riches

An Giang Province, nestled in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a cultural and historical gem, home to the ancient Phu Nam Kingdom, Cham and Khmer traditions, and sacred sites like the Seven Mountains. Far surpassing its outdated image as a mere historical region, An Giang blends archaeological wonders, intricate Cham brocade weaving, and vibrant festivals, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. The province’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) complements its lush landscapes, enhancing visits to historical sites. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province, effective July 1, 2025, adds coastal destinations like Ha Tien (95 km from Chau Doc), enriching its tourism appeal. Recognized by Booking.com as a sustainable tourism destination, An Giang attracts over 10 million visitors annually for its historical depth and cultural vibrancy, particularly around Chau Doc.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to An Giang’s historical and cultural sites, using bicycles and electric boats to preserve the environment while immersing you in local heritage. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Chau Doc, An Giang Province” or “Long Xuyen, An Giang Province” for navigation. Key hubs include Chau Doc (250 km from Ho Chi Minh City), Long Xuyen (administrative center, 193 km from Ho Chi Minh City), and Ha Tien (Kien Giang ward, 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 tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep historical and cultural knowledge, and partnerships with local communities to preserve heritage. 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 rich history, from the Phu Nam Kingdom to Cham and Khmer influences, is showcased through its archaeological sites, temples, and traditional crafts. Below are the top attractions and experiences near Chau Doc, with updated costs and sustainable tour options.

1. Oc Eo – Ba The Relic

• Location: Thoai Son commune, 25 km from Chau Doc.

• Why Visit: A UNESCO-nominated Special National Relic of the Phu Nam Kingdom (1st–8th century), this 4,500-hectare site was a major trade hub connecting India, Malaysia, and Rome. Over 1,000 artifacts, including gold jewelry and Roman coins, highlight its historical significance.

• Experiences:

  • Tour the Oc Eo Cultural Exhibition House ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) to view artifacts.

  • Explore temple ruins and excavated wells ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) with guided insights into Phu Nam’s urban planning.

  • Taste Bun Ca Chau Doc ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) at nearby Thoai Son Market.

• Best Time: November–April for dry exploration; mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for guided tours.

• Cost: Tours $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Respect archaeological sites; use eco-friendly transport like bicycles.

2. Ba Chua Xu Temple

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

• Why Visit: A UNESCO-recognized national intangible cultural heritage, this temple honors a goddess who, per legend, was carried by nine virgins to bless the region. Its vibrant Ba Chua Xu Festival (April/May) draws 10,000+ visitors.

• Experiences:

  • Join prayer ceremonies and explore intricate architecture (free entry).

  • Ride the gondola ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) for panoramic views of rice fields and Cambodia.

  • Enjoy festival foods like Banh Xeo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) during April/May.

• Best Time: April/May for the festival; mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for fewer crowds (100–300 daily visitors).

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

• Eco-Tip: Use bicycles to reach Sam Mountain; avoid littering at sacred sites.

3. Chau Phong Cham Village and Brocade Weaving

• Location: Chau Phong commune, 7 km from Chau Doc via Chau Giang ferry.

• Why Visit: A vibrant Cham community preserving ancient brocade weaving, a national intangible cultural heritage. Artisans craft intricate sarongs and scarves using traditional looms, reflecting Cham identity.

• Experiences:

  • Join weaving workshops ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) to learn traditional techniques.

  • Purchase brocade products ($5–$20 or 125,000–500,000 VND) to support artisans.

  • Taste Tung Lo Mo (beef sausage, $2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND) at village eateries.

• Best Time: November–April for festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April); mornings for workshops.

• Cost: Workshops $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND); ferry $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Support sustainable artisans; use reusable totes for purchases.

4. Masjid Jamiul Azhar Mosque

• Location: Chau Phong commune, 7 km from Chau Doc.

• Why Visit: One of Vietnam’s most beautiful mosques, built in 1959 and expanded in 2014, featuring a white and turquoise facade with Islamic calligraphy. A cultural hub for An Giang’s Cham Muslim community.

• Experiences:

  • Take guided tours ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND) to explore Islamic architecture and Cham traditions.

  • Visit during Roja (10th Islamic month) for community prayers (500+ visitors).

  • Photograph the mosque’s stunning exterior, respecting prayer times.

• Best Time: November–April for clear skies; mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) to avoid prayer times.

• Cost: Free entry; tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Dress modestly (long sleeves, headscarves for women); use bicycles for village visits.

5. Seven Mountains Region

• Location: Tri Ton and Thoai Son communes, 15–40 km from Chau Doc.

• Why Visit: A sacred Khmer region with peaks like Cam Mountain (710 m) and Co To Mountain, featuring ancient pagodas and caves steeped in folklore.

• Experiences:

  • Trek Cam Mountain to Van Linh Pagoda ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND), home to Vietnam’s largest Buddha statue.

  • Explore Co To Mountain’s caves and Phuoc Dien Temple (free entry).

  • Taste Chao Bo Tri Ton ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) at Tri Ton Market.

• Best Time: November–April for clear trails; early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM).

• Cost: Tours $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); gondola $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Stick to marked trails; use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

6. Ba Chuc Memorial

• Location: Ba Chuc commune, 40 km from Chau Doc.

• Why Visit: A solemn historical site built in 1979, honoring 3,157 villagers killed by the Khmer Rouge. Features an ossuary with over 1,100 remains and a memorial room with photographs.

• Experiences:

  • Visit the memorial and ossuary ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for guided historical tours.

  • Reflect at nearby Ba Chuc Pagoda, a peaceful Khmer temple (free entry).

  • Combine with a visit to Ta Pa Pagoda (15 km, free entry) for Khmer architecture.

• Best Time: Year-round; mornings (8:00–11:00 AM) for quieter visits (50–100 visitors).

• Cost: Tours $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Respect the solemnity of the site; use eco-friendly transport like Xanh SM taxis.

7. Chau Phu Temple

• Location: Chau Doc, 2 km from city center.

• Why Visit: A historic temple preserving cultural imprints of Nguyen Huu Canh, who expanded southern Vietnam in the 17th century. Known for its ornate architecture and local devotion.

• Experiences:

  • Explore the temple’s intricate carvings and altars (free entry).

  • Attend local prayer ceremonies during Tet (January/February).

  • Taste Bun Ca Chau Doc ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) at nearby Chau Doc Market.

• Best Time: January/February for Tet festivities; mornings for fewer crowds.

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

• Eco-Tip: Walk or cycle to the temple; avoid single-use offerings.

• From Chau Doc:

  • Transport Options:

    • Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for Chau Doc (e.g., Chau Phu Temple, 2 km) or Chau Phong (7 km).

    • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), ideal for Thoai Son (25 km) or Tri Ton (40 km). Requires International Driving Permit.

    • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), eco-friendly, book via app 1–2 days ahead.

    • Public Bus: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) for urban routes; $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) for Tri Ton or Ba Chuc.

  • Navigation Tip: Save “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” or “Oc Eo, Thoai Son, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Use Tìm Buýt app for bus schedules.

• From Long Xuyen (50–60 km to most 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 1–2 weeks ahead for dry season; 2–4 weeks for festivals like Ba Chua Xu (April/May). 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: Visit November–April for clear skies and festivals like Ba Chua Xu (April/May) or Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April); May–October for lush scenery and fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors). Mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) are best for tours; avoid prayer times at mosques. Expect 500–10,000 visitors during festivals.

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

• Sustainability: Support artisans with purchases like Cham brocade ($5–$20 or 125,000–500,000 VND). Use reusable totes and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND); choose bicycles or electric taxis for low emissions.

• Navigation: Save “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” or “Oc Eo, Thoai Son, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Write destinations in Vietnamese (e.g., “Di tích Óc Eo”).

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded 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 temples and mosques (long sleeves, headscarves for women at mosques); ask permission before photographing locals or artifacts.

Discover An Giang’s historical and cultural treasures with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• An Giang Heritage Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Explore Oc Eo Relic, Ba Chua Xu Temple, and taste Bun Ca Chau Doc. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Cultural Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Visit Chau Phong Cham Village, Masjid Jamiul Azhar, and eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Discover Oc Eo, Seven Mountains, and Ba Chua Xu Festival 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.

An Giang Province, with Chau Doc as its cultural hub, is a treasure trove of historical heritages and ancient arts, from the UNESCO-nominated Oc Eo Relic to the intricate brocade weaving of Chau Phong. These sites, paired with sacred temples and mosques, offer a deep dive into the Mekong Delta’s multicultural legacy. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours ensure a responsible, immersive adventure, supporting local communities and preserving An Giang’s environment. Book your tour today to uncover this historical and cultural paradise!

Ready to explore An Giang’s historical heritages and ancient arts near Chau Doc? Contact Legend Travel Group to reserve your eco-tour and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!