Exploring the Natural Wonders of An Giang: A Guide to Chau Doc’s Mekong Delta Beauty

A Pristine Ecosystem in the Heart of the Mekong Delta

An Giang Province, nestled in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a haven of natural beauty, where a dense network of rivers, canals, and wetlands creates a vibrant ecosystem. Far surpassing its outdated image as a simple wetland, An Giang’s landscapes—crisscrossed by the Tien and Hau Rivers—support lush orchards, biodiverse forests, and iconic floating markets. 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) fosters thriving flora and fauna, making it a prime destination for eco-tourism. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province, effective July 1, 2025, adds coastal gems like Ha Tien (95 km from Chau Doc), enhancing its appeal. Recognized by Booking.com as a sustainable tourism destination, An Giang attracts nature lovers with its serene lakes, bird-filled forests, and cultural landscapes near Chau Doc.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to An Giang’s natural wonders, using electric boats and bicycles to explore Chau Doc while preserving its environment. 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 streamlines 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 ecological knowledge, and partnerships with local communities to preserve natural and cultural 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 unique ecosystem, shaped by the Mekong Delta’s waterways, offers a variety of natural attractions. Below are the top sites to explore, emphasizing sustainable experiences near Chau Doc and Long Xuyen.

1. Tra Su Melaleuca Forest

• Location: Van Giao commune, 30 km from Chau Doc, 25 km from Tri Ton.

• Why Visit: A biodiverse 850-hectare reserve, home to 70 bird species (including storks and herons), 11 mammals, and 140 plants. Its lotus-filled waterways and melaleuca groves create a stunning natural canvas, especially during the flood season.

• Experiences:

  • Boat tours ($8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND) through green canals, ideal for birdwatching.

  • Climb observation towers for panoramic views of stork flocks and rice fields.

  • Taste Canh Chua Ca Loc (sour fish soup, $3–$10 or 75,000–250,000 VND) at nearby eateries.

• Best Time: August–November (flood season) for lush waterways; early mornings (7:00–9:00 AM) for wildlife activity.

• Cost: Entry $8–$20 (200,000–500,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Use eco-friendly boats; avoid littering to protect the ecosystem.

2. Chau Doc Floating Market

• Location: Hau River, Chau Doc (5 km from city center).

• Why Visit: A vibrant hub of river trade, showcasing Mekong Delta life with boats selling fresh produce, fish, and local dishes. Its floating fish farms and houseboats highlight sustainable aquatic livelihoods.

• Experiences:

  • Boat tours ($5–$25 or 125,000–625,000 VND, 1–2 hours) to explore trade and fish farms.

  • Sample Bun Ca Chau Doc (fish noodle soup, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) from floating vendors.

  • Pair with a visit to Chau Phong Cham Village (7 km via ferry).

• Best Time: August–November for peak flood-season activity; dawn (6:00–8:00 AM) for bustling trade (50–300 visitors).

• Cost: Boat tours $5–$25 (125,000–625,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Choose electric boats; use reusable totes for purchases.

3. Long Xuyen Floating Market

• Location: Hau River, Long Xuyen (2 km from city center via O Moi ferry).

• Why Visit: A quieter alternative to Chau Doc’s market, known for its simplicity and fresh produce like mangoes and star-apples ($0.50–$2/kg or 12,500–50,000 VND).

• Experiences:

  • Boat tours ($5–$25 or 125,000–625,000 VND) to explore local trade and fish farms.

  • Enjoy Com Tam Long Xuyen (broken rice, $2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND) from riverside vendors.

  • Visit nearby An Giang Museum (free entry) for cultural context.

• Best Time: August–November for flood-season vibrancy; early mornings (6:00–8:00 AM).

• Cost: Boat tours $5–$25 (125,000–625,000 VND); ferry $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Support local vendors; avoid plastic waste.

4. Bung Binh Thien (Peaceful Lake of Heaven)

• Location: An Phu commune, 35 km from Chau Doc.

• Why Visit: A pristine freshwater lake with clear blue waters, unique in the flood-prone Mekong Delta, surrounded by green fields and Khmer villages.

• Experiences:

  • Kayak or boat tours ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND) for serene exploration.

  • Picnic with Banh Bo Thot Not (palm sugar cakes, $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) from An Phu vendors.

  • Visit Quan Cong Temple (free entry) for cultural insights.

• Best Time: May–October for lush scenery; mornings for calm waters.

• Cost: Entry free; boat tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Use reusable containers for picnics; travel in groups for safety on remote roads.

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), Co To Mountain (614 m), and Thuy Dai Son, offering lush forests and rice fields.

• Experiences:

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

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

  • Camp by Thuy Liem Lake ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

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

• Cost: Tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); gondola $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Stick to marked trails to protect flora; use eco-friendly camping gear.

6. Latina Lake

• Location: An Tuc commune, 40 km from Chau Doc, 20 km from Cam Mountain.

• Why Visit: A stunning emerald lake formed by stone quarrying, surrounded by rice fields and wildflower bushes, ideal for photography and eco-friendly picnicking.

• Experiences:

  • Take photos at sunrise (6:00–8:00 AM) for reflective waters.

  • Picnic with Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes, $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) from An Tuc vendors.

  • Cycle through rice fields ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND for bike rental).

• Best Time: May–October for lush fields; early mornings for soft light.

• Cost: Free entry; parking $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Avoid littering; use reusable containers for picnics.

• From Chau Doc:

  • Transport Options:

    • Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for short distances (e.g., Chau Doc Floating Market, 5 km).

    • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), ideal for Tra Su (30 km) or An Phu (35 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 An Phu.

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

• miały 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. 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).

• An Phu:

  • An Phu Local Eatery (near Bung Binh Thien): Banh Bo Thot Not ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).

• Timing: Visit November–April for clear skies and festivals like Ba Chua Xu (April/May); August–November for flood-season markets and forests. Dawn (6:00–8:00 AM) is best for markets; mornings for outdoor activities. Expect 50–300 daily visitors, peaking during festivals (1,000+).

• 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 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 electric boats or bicycles for low emissions.

• Navigation: Save “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” or “Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Write destinations in Vietnamese (e.g., “Chợ Châu Đốc”).

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets (use money belts, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); 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 cultural sites (long sleeves, no shorts); ask permission before photographing locals or wildlife.

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

• An Giang Nature Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Explore Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, Chau Doc Floating Market, and taste Bun Ca Chau Doc. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Eco-Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Visit Bung Binh Thien, Long Xuyen Floating Market, and eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Su, Chau Doc Floating Market, and 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.

An Giang’s natural wonders, from the biodiverse Tra Su Melaleuca Forest to the serene Bung Binh Thien Lake and vibrant Chau Doc Floating Market, offer an unparalleled Mekong Delta experience. With sustainable transport and eco-conscious practices, these sites showcase the region’s ecological and cultural richness. 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 explore this natural paradise near Chau Doc!

Ready to discover An Giang’s natural wonders and Chau Doc’s vibrant culture? Contact Legend Travel Group to reserve your eco-tour and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!