Xoi Chien Phong Cho Moi Travel Guide: Savor An Giang’s Fried Sticky Rice in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

A Culinary Treasure of An Giang’s Mekong Delta

Xoi Chien Phong Cho Moi, the iconic fried sticky rice of An Giang Province, is a beloved delicacy that captures the heart of the Mekong Delta’s culinary heritage. Far beyond its outdated image as a simple snack, this crispy, golden treat, made from high-quality sticky rice grown in the fertile soils of Cho Moi commune, is a cultural staple often paired with savory dishes like boiled or roasted chicken. Available at Chau Doc Market and Cho Moi’s artisanal stalls for $1.50–$5 (37,500–125,000 VND), it draws food enthusiasts to its unique texture and flavor. 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) nurtures the region’s rice fields, ensuring sustainable, high-quality ingredients.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly culinary tours to explore Xoi Chien Phong Cho Moi, featuring bicycles and electric shuttles to connect you with local artisans while preserving the environment. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Cho Moi, An Giang Province” or “Chau Doc, An Giang Province” for navigation. Xoi Chien Phong Cho Moi is prominent in Cho Moi commune (45 km from Chau Doc) and Chau Doc Market (5 km from Chau Doc center), with Long Xuyen City, An Giang’s administrative center, 30 km from Cho Moi. The merger of Kien Giang into An Giang Province enhances connectivity 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 Xoi Chien Phong Cho Moi tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge, and partnerships with local artisans to preserve culinary 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 Crunchy Tradition of the Mekong Delta

Xoi Phong Cho Moi, or Cho Moi fried sticky rice, is a crispy, golden snack made from high-quality glutinous rice grown in the sediment-rich fields of Cho Moi commune. The preparation involves mixing rice with mung bean paste, shaping it into sheets or rolls, sun-drying it, and frying it in hot oil to achieve its signature puff and crunch. Often served with roasted or boiled chicken, sesame seeds, or chili sauce, it’s priced at $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) with sides at Cho Moi Market or Chau Doc Market. Its versatility makes it a staple at weddings, festivals, and daily meals, paired with dishes like Goi Ga (chicken salad, $3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND).

Sustainable rice farming, supported by OCOP (One Commune One Product) programs, ensures eco-friendly production, benefiting local farmers in Cho Moi. Culinary tours ($10–$40 or 250,000–1,000,000 VND) offer hands-on experiences, from visiting rice fields to learning frying techniques, showcasing Xoi Phong’s role in An Giang’s culinary heritage.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Xoi Phong Cho Moi is deeply rooted in An Giang’s agricultural traditions, reflecting the region’s fertile Mekong Delta soils and Kinh community’s culinary ingenuity. Historically, fried sticky rice was a festive dish shared during harvests and celebrations, particularly weddings, symbolizing prosperity. Its preparation, using sun-drying and local rice, ties it to Cho Moi’s sediment-rich landscape. The dish’s prominence in festivals like the Southern Traditional Cake Festival (April) draws 5,000+ visitors, where it’s showcased alongside thốt nốt-based treats. Cooking workshops ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND) connect travelers with local artisans, fostering sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Explore Xoi Phong Cho Moi through these immersive culinary and cultural activities:

• Market Tasting at Cho Moi Market: Sample Xoi Phong Cho Moi ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND) with roasted chicken or chili sauce, best at dawn (6:00–8:00 AM) for fresh offerings at Cho Moi Market or Chau Doc Market (25 km away).

• Fried Sticky Rice Workshops: Join artisans in Cho Moi to learn the art of shaping and frying sticky rice ($10–$25 or 250,000–625,000 VND), creating your own crispy sheets to take home.

• Culinary Pairings: Enjoy Xoi Phong with Mekong Delta dishes like Lau Ca Linh hotpot or Goi Ga ($3–$8 or 75,000–200,000 VND) at Cho Moi Riverside Eatery or Chau Doc Riverside Eatery (5 km from Chau Doc Market).

• Southern Traditional Cake Festival: Attend this April festival in Chau Doc to taste Xoi Phong Cho Moi and other local delicacies (free entry; guided tours $15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND), featuring Cham performances.

• Rice Field Tours: Cycle through Cho Moi’s rice fields ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) to see sustainable farming practices that produce Xoi Phong’s glutinous rice.

• Nearby Attractions:

  • Ba Chua Xu Temple (6 km from Chau Doc, free entry): A UNESCO-recognized spiritual site with vibrant festivals.

  • Chau Doc Floating Market (5 km, $12–$25 or 300,000–625,000 VND): A bustling river market for culinary exploration.

  • Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (30 km from Chau Doc, $8–$20 or 200,000–500,000 VND): A biodiverse reserve for boat tours and birdwatching.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for market visits, workshops, and festivals with clear skies and moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead, especially for festivals like the Southern Traditional Cake Festival or Lunar New Year (January/February).

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush rice fields and abundant harvests enhance Xoi Phong’s quality. Fewer crowds (50–200 daily visitors) ensure intimate experiences. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Southern Traditional Cake Festival (April): Showcases Xoi Phong Cho Moi, 5,000+ visitors. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

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

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

• Timing Tip: Visit markets early (6:00–8:00 AM) for fresh sticky rice; afternoons for workshops; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for dining and cultural events.

From Chau Doc (5 km to Chau Doc Market, 30 km to Cho Moi Market, 10–40 minutes)

• Route: For Chau Doc Market, head to Le Loi Street from Chau Doc center. For Cho Moi Market, follow National Highway 91 to Provincial Road 942, reaching Long Hoa 1 hamlet in Cho Moi commune.

• Transport Options:

  • Walking: Free, ideal for Chau Doc Market (1–2 km radius).

  • Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), traditional and eco-friendly for Chau Doc.

  • Motorbike: $3–$7/day (75,000–175,000 VND), flexible for Cho Moi trips.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND), sustainable for Chau Doc to Cho Moi.

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

From Long Xuyen City (25 km to Cho Moi, 50 km to Chau Doc, 30–60 minutes)

• Route: Take National Highway 91 to Cho Moi Market via Provincial Road 942, or continue to Chau Doc for the market or eateries.

• Transport Options:

  • Bus: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) to Cho Moi or Chau Doc, then cyclo or motorbike.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND), direct and eco-friendly.

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

• Navigation Tip: Use offline maps for “Cho Moi Market, An Giang Province.” Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

From Ho Chi Minh City (220 km to Cho Moi, 250 km to Chau Doc, 4.5–6 hours)

• Route: Travel to Cho Moi or Chau Doc via National Highway 1A, then follow Provincial Road 942 for Cho Moi Market.

• Transport Options:

  • Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station to Cho Moi or Chau Doc (e.g., Phuong Trang, Hung Cuong), then cyclo or motorbike.

  • Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $100–$180 (2,500,000–4,500,000 VND), direct and eco-friendly.

  • Flight + Bus: Fly to Can Tho ($40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + bus to Cho Moi or Chau Doc ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), then cyclo or motorbike.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Cho Moi, An Giang Province” in offline maps.

From Hanoi (1,600 km, 5–6 hours)

• Route: Fly to Can Tho or Rach Gia, then travel to Cho Moi or Chau Doc and head to the market.

• Transport Options:

  • Flight + Bus: Fly to Can Tho ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND) + bus to Cho Moi or Chau Doc ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), then cyclo or motorbike.

  • Flight + Taxi: Fly to Rach Gia (Kien Giang ward, $90–$160 or 2,250,000–4,000,000 VND) + Xanh SM electric taxi to Cho Moi or Chau Doc ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Use offline maps for “Cho Moi Market, An Giang Province.”

Eco-Friendly Note

Opt for cyclos, bicycles, or electric taxis to minimize environmental impact; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport arrangements.

• Walking: Free, ideal for Cho Moi Market or Chau Doc Market (1–2 km radius).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable for market and rice field visits.

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

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), traditional and eco-friendly.

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

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Cho Moi or Chau Doc 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 Cho Moi villages.

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

• Xoi Phong Cho Moi: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) with side dishes.

• Sticky Rice Workshops: $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Culinary Pairings: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 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).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND).

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

Accommodation Costs

• Budget Homestays (e.g., Cho Moi 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 (market tastings, self-guided exploration).

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

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

• Timing: Visit markets early (6:00–8:00 AM) for fresh sticky rice; afternoons for workshops in Cho Moi; 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 sticky rice purchases; support artisans with buys like Xoi Phong ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND). Choose eco-friendly transport like bicycles or cyclos.

• Navigation: Save “Cho Moi Market, An Giang Province” or “Chau Doc Market, An Giang Province” in offline maps; key sites are within 5–30 km.

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

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

Discover Xoi Phong Cho Moi with our eco-friendly tour packages:

• Xoi Phong Cho Moi Culinary Adventure ($90–$130/person, 1 day): Taste fried sticky rice, join a workshop in Cho Moi, and visit Chau Doc Market. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• An Giang Food & Culture Immersion ($170–$230/person, 2 days): Explore Xoi Phong, Chau Doc Floating Market, and eco-homestays. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Eco-Explorer ($420–$580/person, 4 days): Enjoy Xoi Phong, Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, and Ba Chua Xu Temple 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.

Xoi Phong Cho Moi, An Giang’s crispy fried sticky rice, is a culinary delight that captures the essence of Cho Moi’s agricultural heritage and Chau Doc’s vibrant food culture. From savoring its golden crunch at bustling markets to learning its craft in artisanal workshops, this dish offers a taste of the Mekong Delta’s traditions. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly An Giang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive experience that supports local artisans and preserves An Giang’s environment, blending sustainability with An Giang Travel adventures. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your tour today to savor this iconic treat!
Ready to taste the crispy delight of Xoi Phong Cho Moi in 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.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group