Visiting the Borderlands of Chau Doc

A land of spiritual and cultural experiences

If the flood season transforms An Giang province into a magnet for travelers from far and wide, then the arrival of spring brings an equally vibrant allure to this region - the headwaters of the Mekong Delta’s nine river branches. Situated at the confluence of the Tien and Hau rivers and featuring an intricate network of canals alongside the distinctive landscapes of the Mekong Delta, An Giang province offers many impressive attractions, such as the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, Bung Binh Thien, Tinh Bien Market and Cam Mountain. Complementing this is a complex of renowned cultural and spiritual sites that shape the distinctive character of early-spring tourism in the South. Amidst this vibrant tapestry, Chau Doc stands out with its own unique charm and strong appeal. Chau Doc is known as the “Far West” of the South, featuring a river border with neighboring Cambodia. Visitors here can enjoy a diverse range of experiences, spanning ecotourism and cultural exploration to spiritual pilgrimages. A standout attraction is the Sam Mountain complex, home to hundreds of temples, pagodas and shrines that dot the landscape from the mountain's base to its summit. Among these sites, the Ba Chua Xu temple on Sam Mountain draws the largest crowds at the start of the year. From the Lunar New Year through the Ba Chua Xu Festival (held from the 23^rd to the 27^th of the fourth lunar month), a steady stream of pilgrims flocks to this renowned temple to pray for peace and blessings. Opposite the temple lies the mausoleum of Thoai Ngoc Hau (Nguyen Van Thoai) and his two wives. Constructed in 1822 and recognized as a national historical relic in 1997, the site honors the contributions of the man who played a pivotal role in developing the Chau Doc region and excavating the Vinh Te and Chinh An canals. Chau Doc is also home to the centuries-old Tay An pagoda, which features Indian-style architecture and attracts a large number of pilgrims. From Sam Mountain, visitors can continue to admire beautiful landscapes and sacred pagodas, seek blessings for the new year, and explore the distinctive cultural life of the Kinh, Cham and Khmer communities that have long inhabited the area. Beyond its status as a pilgrimage destination, Chau Doc captivates visitors with its landscape defined by the “Three Rivers in Front, Seven Mountains Behind” setting - nestled against the Seven Mountains range while facing a river confluence. The harmonious blend of waterways and mountains creates a beauty that is at once expansive and picturesque.

Shaping identity through cultural exchange

When visiting Chau Doc, beyond sightseeing, many travelers enjoy strolling through the local market, observing the rhythm of daily life and savoring specialties unique to this riverine region where two nations and cultures converge. Indeed, one cannot speak of Chau Doc’s cuisine without mentioning the Chau Doc market.

Here, visitors witness the clearest evidence of the region’s reputation as a “kingdom of fermented fish”, featuring a vast array of varieties such as Mam thai, mam sat, mam tre, mam loc, mam ro, mam tren, mam ca linh, mam phi le and dua mam (pickled fermented fish)… Beyond its wide variety, Chau Doc fermented fish products captivates visitors with its delicious flavor derived from fish caught in local rivers and lakes and a distinctive, time-honored seasoning recipe and has long served as a signature specialty of the region. Beyond their sheer variety, Chau Doc fermented fish products captivate visitors with their distinctive aroma; these savory delicacies have naturally become a staple choice for travelers looking for souvenirs to take home. Chau Doc Market is also a paradise for familiar specialties of the Mekong Delta derived from the sugar palm, available in a wide variety of forms such as palm sugar sponge cakes, sweet soups, refreshing drinks, candies and palm sugar itself… These unique palm-based treats offer a delicate, pleasant sweetness. One also cannot overlook the fruit-laden orchards along the Hau River. The imagery of sweet fruit groves and coconut palms casting their reflections has inspired enchanting music. Sitting amidst those orchards and listening to the melodies of “don ca tai tu” performed by the people of the Mekong Delta brings a sense of calm to the soul; Hand-picking and savoring sweet fruit right in the orchard is sure to leave an unforgettable impression on visitors. For many, a spring trip to Chau Doc is not merely a sightseeing excursion to start the year, but also a journey to find peace amidst the riverine landscape./.