Getting Around An Giang by Boat: Exploring Chau Doc’s Waterways Sustainably

A Unique Journey Through the Mekong Delta’s Waterways

An Giang Province, nestled in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is defined by its intricate network of rivers and canals, making boat travel an iconic and sustainable way to explore its cultural and natural treasures. Far surpassing its outdated image as a simple wetland, An Giang’s waterways, including the Hau and Tien Rivers, connect vibrant hubs like Chau Doc and Long Xuyen to attractions like floating markets and Cham villages. 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) enhances the scenic beauty, with lush flood-season landscapes. 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, with boat tours offering an authentic Mekong Delta experience.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly boat tours in An Giang, using electric and rowed boats to explore Chau Doc 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 “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 boat 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.

An Giang’s riverine landscape makes boats and ferries the most authentic and eco-friendly way to explore its attractions. Below are the top boat-based transportation options, with updated costs and sustainable tips, focusing on Chau Doc and nearby areas.

1. Chau Doc Floating Market Boat Tour

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

• Why Choose: Experience the vibrant river trade of the Mekong Delta, with boats selling fresh produce, fish, and dishes like Bun Ca Chau Doc ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). A cultural highlight with 30–40 boats, it’s less touristy than Cai Rang in Can Tho, offering an authentic experience.

• Details:

  • Cost: $5–$25 (125,000–625,000 VND) for 1–2-hour tours, depending on group size (3–5 people per boat).

  • Experience: Guided tours visit houseboats and floating fish farms, with opportunities to buy fruits or snacks ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).

  • Booking: Book at Chau Doc Market pier or through Legend Travel Group (24–48 hours’ notice).

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

• Eco-Tip: Choose electric or rowed boats to reduce emissions; use reusable totes for market purchases.

• Safety Note: Wear life jackets (provided); avoid overcrowded boats. Confirm vendor legitimacy to avoid overpricing.

2. Long Xuyen Floating Market Boat Tour

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

• Why Choose: 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). Ideal for a relaxed river experience.

• Details:

  • Cost: $5–$25 (125,000–625,000 VND) for 1–2-hour tours; O Moi ferry $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).

  • Experience: Explore local trade and fish farms, taste Com Tam Long Xuyen ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND) from floating vendors.

  • Booking: Book at O Moi ferry pier or through Legend Travel Group (24–48 hours’ notice).

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

• Eco-Tip: Opt for rowed boats; support local vendors with reusable containers.

• Safety Note: Ensure life jackets are provided; secure valuables in crowded areas (use money belts, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

3. Chau Giang Ferry to Chau Phong and Da Phuoc Cham Villages

• Location: Chau Phong (7 km from Chau Doc Market); Da Phuoc (10 km via Khanh Binh pier).

• Why Choose: Access vibrant Cham villages with traditional stilt houses and mosques like Masjid Jamiul Azhar, a cultural immersion experience reachable only by ferry or boat.

• Details:

  • Cost: Chau Giang ferry $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND, 5-minute ride); Da Phuoc boat $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND, 10-minute ride).

  • Experience: Visit weaving workshops ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) or taste Tung Lo Mo ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND). Ferries run every 15–30 minutes (6:00 AM–6:00 PM).

  • Booking: Purchase ferry tickets at Chau Doc Market pier; book guided village tours through Legend Travel Group.

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

• Eco-Tip: Use public ferries to reduce environmental impact; support Cham artisans with brocade purchases ($5–$20 or 125,000–500,000 VND).

• Safety Note: Confirm ferry schedules; avoid photographing locals without permission.

4. Tra Su Melaleuca Forest Boat Tour

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

• Why Choose: Explore an 850-hectare biodiverse reserve with 70 bird species and 140 plants, gliding through lotus-filled canals and melaleuca groves. A serene eco-tourism highlight.

• Details:

  • Cost: $8–$20 (200,000–500,000 VND) for 2–3-hour tours (3–5 people per boat), including motorboat and rowed sampan segments.

  • Experience: Birdwatch from observation towers, spot lotus flowers, and enjoy Canh Chua Ca Loc ($3–$10 or 75,000–250,000 VND) at nearby eateries.

  • Booking: Book at Tra Su entrance or through Legend Travel Group (24–48 hours’ notice).

• Best Time: September–November for flood-season beauty; early mornings (7:00–9:00 AM) for wildlife.

• Eco-Tip: Choose rowed sampans for minimal disturbance; avoid littering to protect the ecosystem.

• Safety Note: Wear life jackets; apply mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

5. Speedboat to Cambodia (Vinh Xuong Border)

• Location: Departs from Chau Doc (Tan Chau pier, 15 km from city center).

• Why Choose: A scenic 5–6-hour journey to Phnom Penh via the Mekong River, ideal for cross-border travelers, with modern boats (16–50 passengers) and border assistance.

• Details:

  • Cost: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND) per person, including Cambodia visa processing ($36 USD, cash only, no large/torn bills). Requires passport and one photo.

  • Experience: Enjoy riverside views, stop at Vinh Xuong border for immigration (1–2 hours), and purchase snacks ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) onboard.

  • Booking: Book through operators like Hang Chau Tourist or Legend Travel Group (1–2 days ahead). Boats depart daily at 7:00 AM.

• Best Time: November–April for smoother waters; avoid peak holiday periods for shorter border delays.

• Eco-Tip: Choose operators with modern, fuel-efficient boats; bring reusable water bottles.

• Safety Note: Verify boat safety standards (life jackets, clean facilities); expect delays at border checks.

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

  • Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) via Phuong Trang or Hung Cuong from Mien Tay Bus Station (6:00 AM–10:00 PM).

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

  • Private Car: $100–$180 (2,500,000–4,500,000 VND) via Legend Travel Group.

• From Long Xuyen (50 km to Chau Doc, 1–1.5 hours):

  • 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 Cambodia (Phnom Penh to Chau Doc, 5–6 hours):

  • Speedboat: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND) via Hang Chau Tourist, with border formalities. Book 1–2 days ahead.

• 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 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.

• Timing: Travel August–November for flood-season vibrancy (floating markets, Tra Su); November–April for clear skies and festivals like Chol Chnam Thmay (mid-April). Dawn (6:00–8:00 AM) is best for market tours; mornings for quieter river trips. Expect 50–300 visitors daily, peaking at 10,000+ during festivals.

• Booking: Reserve boat tours 24–48 hours ahead through Legend Travel Group or local piers; speedboat tickets to Cambodia need 1–2 days. Check ferry schedules (6:00 AM–6:00 PM) at Chau Doc Market.

• Sustainability: Choose electric or rowed boats to minimize environmental impact. Support vendors with purchases like mam (fish paste, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) using reusable totes ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

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

• Safety: Always wear life jackets (provided); 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 Cham villages (long sleeves, no shorts); ask permission before photographing locals or boats.

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

• Chau Doc Floating Market Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Explore Chau Doc Floating Market and Chau Phong Cham Village via electric boat, with Bun Ca Chau Doc tasting ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Riverine Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Visit Long Xuyen Floating Market and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest with eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Discover Chau Doc Floating Market, Tra Su, and cross-border speedboat to Cambodia. Includes meals, eco-transport.

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

Exploring An Giang by boat offers an authentic and sustainable way to experience the Mekong Delta’s cultural and natural wonders, from Chau Doc Floating Market’s bustling trade to Tra Su Melaleuca Forest’s serene beauty. With eco-friendly options like electric boats and ferries, you can navigate this riverine paradise responsibly. Legend Travel Group’s guided Chau Doc Tours ensure a seamless, immersive Chau Doc Travel adventure, supporting local communities and preserving Chau Doc’s vibrant environment. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to glide through Chau Doc’s waterways and create unforgettable memories!
Ready to explore Chau Doc Floating Market and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest? 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, authored by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.