First-Time Visitor’s Guide to An Giang: Essential Tips for Exploring Chau Doc

A Cultural and Natural Gem in the Mekong Delta

An Giang Province, nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a vibrant destination blending Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese cultures with stunning landscapes. Far surpassing its outdated image as a basic travel stop, An Giang offers iconic attractions like Chau Doc’s floating markets, Ba Chua Xu Temple, and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest. 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) supports lush rice fields and waterways, ideal for eco-tourism. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province, effective July 1, 2025, adds coastal destinations like Ha Tien (95 km from Chau Doc), enhancing connectivity. Recognized by Booking.com as a sustainable tourism destination, An Giang attracts over 10 million visitors annually for its authentic experiences and warm hospitality.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to help first-time visitors explore An Giang responsibly. 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 local knowledge, and partnerships with communities to preserve cultural and natural 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.

For a seamless and memorable trip to An Giang, particularly around Chau Doc, follow these updated tips covering planning, packing, transportation, and cultural etiquette.

1. Planning Your Trip

• Duration: Plan at least 3–4 days to explore key attractions like Chau Doc Floating Market (5 km from city center), Ba Chua Xu Temple (6 km), and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (30 km). A 4-day itinerary allows visits to Long Xuyen (50 km) and Tri Ton (40 km).

• Best Time to Visit:

  • November–April (Dry Season): Clear skies and cooler temperatures (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F) are ideal for festivals like Ba Chua Xu (April/May, 10,000+ visitors) and Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April, 1,000+ visitors). Book 2–4 weeks ahead for accommodations and tours.

  • May–October (Rainy Season): Lush scenery and fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors at attractions), perfect for flood-season experiences like floating markets (August–November). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Booking: Reserve accommodations and tours 1–2 weeks ahead for dry season; 2–4 weeks for festivals. Use Legend Travel Group for eco-friendly tour packages with transparent pricing.

• Itinerary Suggestion:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Chau Doc, visit Chau Doc Floating Market and 30 Thang 4 Park.

  • Day 2: Explore Ba Chua Xu Temple and Chau Phong Cham Village (7 km).

  • Day 3: Tour Tra Su Melaleuca Forest and Long Xuyen Floating Market (50 km).

  • Day 4: Visit Oc Eo – Ba The Relic (25 km) or join the Khmer Cow Racing Festival in Tri Ton (late September).

• Tip: Download offline maps (Maps.me) and save “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” for navigation. Use Tìm Buýt app for bus schedules.

2. Packing and Clothing

• Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable attire for warm weather; sturdy shoes for walking or trekking (e.g., Seven Mountains).

  • Waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) or compact umbrella ($3–$6) for rainy season (May–October).

  • Modest clothing (long sleeves, no shorts, headscarves for women at mosques) for cultural sites like Ba Chua Xu Temple or Masjid Jamiul Azhar.

• Essentials:

  • Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) to stay hydrated; reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for market purchases.

  • Mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), hand sanitizer.

  • Small backpack (20–30L) for day trips; portable charger and Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for connectivity.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND in small denominations (10,000–50,000 notes) for vendors.

• Eco-Tip: Pack eco-friendly toiletries; avoid single-use plastics to support An Giang’s sustainable tourism initiatives.

3. Transportation Options

An Giang’s riverine landscape and well-developed infrastructure offer diverse, sustainable ways to get around Chau Doc and beyond.

• Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), ideal for Chau Doc Market (1–5 km) or Ba Chua Xu Temple (6 km). Rent from homestays like Chau Doc Eco Homestay.

• Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), suitable for Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (30 km) or Tri Ton (40 km). Requires International Driving Permit.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND); Chau Doc to Long Xuyen (50 km, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND). 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.

• Boat/Ferry: Chau Giang ferry to Chau Phong (7 km, $0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND); Chau Doc Floating Market tours ($5–$25 or 125,000–625,000 VND).

• Eco-Tip: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis for low emissions; choose electric or rowed boats for market tours.

• Safety Note: Secure valuables in crowded areas (use money belts, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); check for typhoons (June–December).

4. Cultural Etiquette and Local Tips

• Hospitality: An Giang locals, particularly in Chau Doc, are known for their generosity and warmth. Greet with “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) to build rapport.

• Bargaining: Prices at markets like Chau Doc Night Market are reasonable, but gentle haggling is common (e.g., 10–20% off souvenirs like mam fish paste, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Ask politely for discounts.

• Cultural Respect:

  • Dress modestly at temples (e.g., Ba Chua Xu) and mosques (e.g., Masjid Jamiul Azhar); long sleeves and no shorts required.

  • Ask permission before photographing locals, especially in Cham villages or markets.

  • Respect festival rituals, such as incense offerings during Ba Chua Xu Festival, and avoid disruptive behavior.

• Safety:

  • Beware of pickpockets in crowded markets or festivals; use money belts.

  • Visit Chau Doc General Hospital (Le Loi Street) or dial 113 for emergencies.

  • Swimming skills are helpful for boat-heavy areas like Chau Doc Floating Market, but life jackets are provided.

• Eco-Tip: Support local vendors with purchases like thốt nốt sugar ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) using reusable bags; avoid littering to preserve An Giang’s waterways.

5. Where to Stay

• Budget Homestays:

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

  • 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.

• Tip: Book 1–2 weeks ahead for dry season; 2–4 weeks for festivals like Ba Chua Xu. Homestays offer sustainable stays with local hosts.

6. Must-Try Local Experiences

• Chau Doc Floating Market (5 km, $5–$25 or 125,000–625,000 VND for boat tours): Taste Bun Ca Chau Doc($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Ba Chua Xu Temple (6 km, free entry): Join prayer ceremonies during April/May festivals.

• Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (30 km, $8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND): Boat tours through biodiverse waterways.

• Chau Phong Cham Village (7 km, $5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND for tours): Learn brocade weaving and taste Tung Lo Mo ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).

• Khmer Cow Racing Festival (Tri Ton, 40 km, free entry): Experience Khmer culture in late September.

Discover An Giang with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• An Giang Cultural Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Explore Chau Doc Floating Market and Ba Chua Xu Temple via electric boat, with Bun Ca Chau Doc tasting. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Heritage Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Visit Chau Phong Cham Village and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest with eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Su, Oc Eo Relic, and Khmer Cow Racing Festival via electric boats and bikes. Includes meals, eco-transport.

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

Tips for first-time travel to Chau Doc in An Giang Province, a vibrant Mekong Delta hub, offer a perfect blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and sustainable exploration. From planning a 3–4-day itinerary to packing for vibrant festivals and navigating with eco-friendly transport, these tips ensure a seamless visit to Chau Doc’s iconic sites like Sam Mountain and Tra Su Cajuput Forest. Legend Travel Group’s Chau Doc Tours provide an authentic, responsible adventure, ensuring a sustainable Chau Doc Travel experience that supports local communities and preserves An Giang’s environment. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Chau Doc adventure today!
Ready to discover Chau Doc’s vibrant attractions for the first time? 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.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.