Chau Doc Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, local culture, safety tips, and more in Chau Doc, Vietnam.


Introduction to Chau Doc

Located in Southern Vietnam, Chau Doc is a small town on the Mekong Delta, near the Cambodian border. The town is known for its vibrant local culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and historical landmarks. The region is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Khmer Krom people, and is a popular destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. With its unique mix of cultural influences and breathtaking scenery, Chau Doc is a must-visit destination for travelers to Vietnam.

List of Places to Visit in Chau Doc

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chau Phu Temple: One of the most important temples in Chau Doc, it is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau. Visitors can see intricate carvings and statues of the goddess and other deities.
  • Tay An Pagoda: A beautiful, historic pagoda known for its unique architecture and intricate decorations. It is also home to a giant Buddha statue and a stunning view of the surrounding area.
  • Binh Thuy Ancient House: An example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, this well-preserved house contains antiques and furniture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Natural Attractions of Chau Doc: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sam Mountain: An iconic landmark and natural attraction, Sam Mountain is the highest peak in the Mekong Delta and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Tra Su Cajuput Forest: A biodiverse wetland forest with a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a boat tour through the forest, spot birds and animals, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the area.
  • Chau Doc Floating Market: An authentic experience of local culture, a floating market is a bustling hub of activity where vendors sell their goods directly from their boats.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chau Doc

Chau Doc offers many scenic routes that are perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some popular options include:

  • Sam Mountain Trail: A challenging hike that takes visitors to the summit of Sam Mountain, with stunning views of the area.
  • Tra Su Forest Trail: A flat bike ride through the lush, green forest of Tra Su, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenery.
  • Mekong Delta Bike Tour: A multi-day tour that takes visitors along the Mekong River, through small villages, and past stunning rice paddies and other natural landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Chau Doc: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tours: Explore the Mekong Delta by boat, with options for both short and long tours. Visitors can see floating markets, traditional villages, and stunning natural landmarks.
  • Cycling Tours: See the countryside of Chau Doc by bike, with tours ranging from a few hours to several days.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes with fresh, local ingredients.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chau Doc

Day Itinerary
1 Visit Binh Thuy Ancient House and Tay An Pagoda
2 Explore the Tra Su Cajuput Forest
3 Take a bike tour through the surrounding countryside
4 Visit Sam Mountain and the Chau Doc Floating Market
5 Take a boat tour of the Mekong Delta
6 Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes
7 Relax and enjoy the local culture and cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Chau Doc

Must-Try Dishes

  • Banh Xeo: A crispy pancake filled with shrimp, meat, bean sprouts, and vegetables. Served with a side of lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce.
  • Cao Lau: A dish of thick noodles, slices of pork, crunchy rice crackers, herbs, and vegetables. The broth is made from pork bones, shrimp, and spices.
  • Bun Ca Chau Doc: A fish noodle soup made with catfish, fresh herbs, and rice noodles.

Local Beverages

  • Tra Chanh: A refreshing sweetened iced tea with lemon.
  • Nuoc Mia: A sweet, tangy sugarcane juice.

Where to Stay in Chau Doc: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Victoria Chau Doc Hotel: A luxury hotel with a beautiful view of the Mekong River and modern amenities.
  • Amy Homestay: A family-run guesthouse with clean rooms and friendly hosts.
  • Hung Cuong Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel with a central location and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Chau Doc: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Fish Sauce: Chau Doc is known for producing delicious, high-quality fish sauce. Look for bottles with the words “nuoc mam” on the label.
  • Handmade Crafts: Local artisans create beautiful handicrafts such as pottery, ceramics, and textiles. Look for items at local markets and shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Chau Doc

  • Religion: The Khmer Krom people are predominantly Buddhist, and there are many temples and pagodas throughout Chau Doc.
  • Festivals: Chau Doc celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, including Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) and the Chol Chnam Thmay (Khmer New Year).
  • Etiquette: Respect is highly valued in Vietnamese culture. Visitors should be mindful of their behavior and avoid causing offense or disrespecting local customs.

Best Time to Visit Chau Doc

The best time to visit Chau Doc is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is cooler and drier during this time, making it easier to explore the outdoor attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chau Doc

Do:

  • Try local food and drink
  • Dress appropriately when visiting temples and pagodas
  • Bargain politely when shopping in markets

Don’t:

  • Touch or climb on religious statues or monuments
  • Disrespect local culture or customs
  • Use inappropriate language or behavior

Safety and Health

Safety in Chau Doc

Chau Doc is a safe destination for travelers. Visitors should be cautious when exploring remote areas and exercise common sense when it comes to personal safety.

Health in Chau Doc

Visitors to Chau Doc should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria. It is also recommended to get vaccinated for common diseases like hepatitis A and typhoid.

Getting to Chau Doc: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can arrive in Chau Doc by plane, bus, or boat.

Airports Near Chau Doc

Can Tho International Airport is the closest airport to Chau Doc, about 80 kilometers away. Visitors can take a taxi or private car from the airport to Chau Doc.

Bus Stations Near Chau Doc

Chau Doc has a bus station that serves both local and long-distance routes. Visitors can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho to Chau Doc.

Other Options

There are also a number of boat tours that depart from nearby cities such as Can Tho and Vinh Long, which offer a scenic way to arrive in Chau Doc.

How to Get Around in Chau Doc

Popular options for getting around Chau Doc include walking, cycling, and renting a motorbike or scooter. Taxis and private cars are also available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Chau Doc: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Chau Doc is a popular departure point for travelers heading to Cambodia’s capital city.
  • Can Tho, Vietnam: The largest city in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is known for its floating markets and scenic river views.

Conclusion

With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly locals, Chau Doc offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks, enjoying outdoor adventures, or immersing yourself in local culture, Chau Doc has something for everyone.