Thot Not Palm Groves Travel Guide: Cycle Through An Giang’s Scenic Sugar Palms in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

A Scenic and Cultural Journey

The Thot Not Palm groves of An Giang Province are a breathtaking hallmark of the Mekong Delta, offering a picturesque backdrop of towering palmyra palms that define the region’s cultural and culinary identity. Far beyond their outdated image as mere scenery, these groves in Chau Doc and An Tuc communes are a hub for sustainable tourism, attracting adventurers and photographers with their lush landscapes and Cham heritage. Cycling or riding through these groves, with costs ranging from $2–$40 (50,000–1,000,000 VND), immerses you in 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), where palm-lined paths and rice fields create a serene escape. The region’s diverse Kinh, Cham, Khmer, and Hoa communities, enriched by the inclusion of the Kien Giang ward, add vibrant cultural depth.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly cycling tours through Thot Not Palm groves, using bicycles and local guides to connect you with An Giang’s heritage 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 “An Tuc, An Giang Province” for navigation. Thot Not Palm groves are prominent in An Tuc commune (40 km from Chau Doc) and near Chau Doc Market (5 km from Chau Doc center), with Long Xuyen City, An Giang’s administrative center, 50 km away, ensuring easy access for Mekong Delta travelers.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 20,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Thot Not Palm grove tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with Cham communities to preserve traditions. 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.

A Natural and Cultural Treasure

Thot Not Palms (Borassus flabellifer), or sugar palms, are the lifeblood of An Giang’s economy and culture, producing sap for Thot Not Juice ($0.80–$2 or 20,000–50,000 VND), Duong Thot Not sugar ($2–$5/kg or 50,000–125,000 VND), and Banh Bo Thot Not cake ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND). Spanning vast groves in Chau Doc and An Tuc, these towering palms create a stunning, Instagram-worthy landscape, especially in the heart-shaped grove of An Tuc, a favorite for couples and photographers. Sustainable tourism initiatives, like OCOP (One Commune One Product) programs, support Cham farmers, with eco-friendly cycling tours ($8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND) offering a low-carbon way to explore these groves.

The groves are more than scenic—they’re a hub for Cham culinary traditions, with artisans crafting palm-based products sold at Chau Doc and Tan Chau Markets. Guided tours combine cycling with cultural experiences, such as sap collection or cooking workshops, highlighting the palms’ role in An Giang’s sustainable future.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Thot Not Palms are deeply rooted in An Giang’s Cham community, reflecting centuries of sustainable agriculture along the Mekong Delta’s waterways. Their proximity to Cambodia (100 km border) and historical ties to the Nguyen dynasty’s land reclamation efforts underscore their economic importance, providing sap, fruit, and leaves for local livelihoods. The palms are celebrated in festivals like the Southern Traditional Cake Festival (April) and Chol Chnam Thmay (Cham New Year, mid-April), drawing 5,000+ visitors with demonstrations of jaggery-based treats.

Cultural workshops ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) let travelers engage with Cham artisans, learning palm leaf weaving or sap harvesting, fostering sustainable practices and cultural preservation. The groves’ scenic beauty and cultural significance make them a must-visit in An Giang.

Top Thot Not Palm Grove Activities

Explore the Thot Not Palm groves through these immersive experiences:

• Cycling Tours: Ride eco-friendly bicycles ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) through An Tuc’s heart-shaped grove or Chau Doc’s palm-lined paths, capturing stunning views.

• Thot Not Juice Tasting: Sip fresh, chilled Thot Not Juice ($0.80–$2 or 20,000–50,000 VND) at roadside stalls or markets, often paired with jelly seeds.

• Banh Bo Thot Not Sampling: Try the spongy jaggery cake ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) at Chau Doc or Tan Chau Markets.

• Duong Thot Not Workshops: Learn to boil sap into jaggery sugar ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND), creating a unique souvenir.

• Southern Traditional Cake Festival: Attend this April festival in Chau Doc, featuring Thot Not products and Cham performances (free entry; guided tours $15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: Visit Ba Chua Xu Temple (6 km from Chau Doc, free entry), Chau Doc Floating Market (5 km, $12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND), or Tra Su Cajuput Forest (30 km, $8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND).

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for cycling and grove exploration with clear skies and 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): Lush groves and abundant sap with fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors). Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Southern Traditional Cake Festival (April): Showcases Thot Not products, 5,000+ visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (Mid-April): Cham New Year with palm-based tastings, 1,000+ visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

  • Ba Chua Xu Festival (April/May): Combines temple visits with market tastings, 10,000+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Cycle early (6:00–8:00 AM) for cool weather and fresh sap; afternoons for workshops; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining and markets.

• From Chau Doc (5 km to market, 40 km to An Tuc, 10–50 minutes): Walk (free) or cyclo ($1–$4/hour or 25,000–100,000 VND) to Chau Doc Market; motorbike ($3–$7/day or 75,000–175,000 VND) or Xanh SM electric taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND) to An Tuc groves.

• From Long Xuyen City (50 km to Chau Doc, 1–1.5 hours): Bus ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

• From Ho Chi Minh City (250 km, 5–6 hours): Bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($120–$180 or 3,000,000–4,500,000 VND); flight to Can Tho ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + bus ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).

• From Hanoi (1,600 km, 5–6 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); flight to Rach Gia (Kien Giang ward, $90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “An Tuc, An Giang Province” or “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), ideal for exploring groves and markets.

• Motorbike Rental: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), eco-friendly for longer distances.

• Electric Shuttle: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for guided grove tours.

• Walking: Free, suitable for short market visits (1–2 km radius).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric shuttles; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Chau Doc Market or Tan Chau 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.

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

Activity Costs

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

• Thot Not Juice: $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND).

• Banh Bo Thot Not: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Duong Thot Not: $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Workshops/Grove Tours: $8–$40 (200,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Nearby Attractions: $2–$25 (50,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

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

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

• Electric Shuttle: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

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

Accommodation Costs

• 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 (cycling, market tastings).

• Mid-Range: $40–$60 (guided grove tour, homestay dining).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (premium tours, upscale lodging).

• Timing: Cycle early (6:00–8:00 AM) for cool weather and photography; afternoons for workshops; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining. Expect 50–300 visitors at markets daily, peaking during festivals.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book festival tours (April) 1–2 weeks ahead. Homestays require 1–2 days’ notice.

• Sustainability: Use reusable totes for purchases; support Cham artisans with buys like Duong Thot Not ($2–$5/kg or 50,000–125,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or electric shuttles.

• Navigation: Save “An Tuc, An Giang Province” or “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” in offline maps; key sites are within 5–40 km.

• Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets; check for typhoons (June–December).

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect Cham artisans by engaging politely and asking permission before photographing.

Discover Thot Not Palm groves with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• Thot Not Palm Grove Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Cycle through groves, taste Thot Not Juice, and try Banh Bo Thot Not. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

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

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Visit groves, Chau Doc Floating Market, and Ba Chua Xu Temple with bike and boat tours. Includes meals, eco-transport.

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

Thot Not Palm groves of An Giang Province are a scenic and cultural treasure, offering a sustainable journey through the Mekong Delta’s palm-lined landscapes. From cycling through An Tuc’s heart-shaped grove to savoring Thot Not specialties, these experiences capture the essence of Chau Doc’s Cham heritage. Legend Travel Group’s An Giang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive adventure that supports local communities and preserves An Giang’s environment, blending eco-friendly practices with cultural exploration. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to explore this iconic palm paradise!
Ready to cycle through the stunning Thot Not Palm groves of An Giang? 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.