Chau Doc province belongs to Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. Sling along the banks of the Hau Giang River (Bassac River), Chau Doc reviews a lots of visitors cruising through on the river between Cambodia and Vietnam. It is homeland mainly Cham and Khmer people. Therefore, Chau Doc has the diversity of cultures so visitors can see mosques, temples and churches.
It is also a nearly pilgrimage sites and attracts visitors by these specialties. Highlights in Chau Doc is to take a boat trip along the river to discover the Cham communities as well as nearby attractions.
What Make Chau Doc Special?
The famous for special in Chau Doc is floating Market. It was formed for long time ago. Life of local people here is always closed to boats. Boats are their greatest shelters. The floating market is always full of boats and people as the typical of Mekong Delta regions. The boats come from different places in this country. And they carry products from other places to here, and then sell them to the locals and tourists.
In addition, it is close border Cambodia, so it is the best choice to travel from Chau Doc to Cambodia by speedboat. The boat travel daily here.
How To Get To Chau Doc?
Chau Doc is about 250km from Ho Chi Minh City and it takes about 6 hours on car to reach. There are two transportations that many visitors choose to come to Chau Doc is by bus or motorcycle:
By Motorbike:
From the city center follow National Highway 1A through Long An, Tien Giang and then Via My Thuan Bridge to Vinh Long. Just past the bridge you will see on the right is National Highway #30 go along this road through Dong Thap, Vam Cong ferries will go to Long Xuyen city. From here, go head another 50 km to reach Chau Doc. Motorbike is the adventure to see en route beauties of tropical gardens along Mekong Delta provinces.
Bus to Chau Doc
Public bus from Ho Chi Minh to Chau Doc is daily. En route it has some stops at provinces of Mekong Delta area. Here are some bus companies to travel.
- Hue Nghi car: departed at 4 Banh Van Tran ward 4 district 11 Ho Chi Minh city. The stop to Chau Doc railway station 91, Chau Phu B. Ticket price is around 7 usd/ticket.
- Phuong Trang Car: departs at Western Bus Station 395 An Duong Vuong Street, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan Dist. Ho Chi Minh city. Stops at Chau Doc Bus Station 91, Chau Phu B. Tel 02838 309309 – 19006067.
- Hung Cuong car: departs Pho Co Dieu street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Stops at Chau Doc railway station, Dist. 91, Chau Phu B. Tel: 0838 572624. Price: 8 usd/ticket
By private transport
This is the most convenient and expensive to travel to Chau Doc. Along the way you can stop at provinces in Mekong Delta such as My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Tien Giang, etc.
How To Travel Around Chau Doc?
Travel within Chau Doc, the most unique and interesting is the buggy “Xe Loi”, however, only in the near, the price of the car, you agree with the owner of the vehicle according to the distance traveled.
- Motorbike: Most hotels offer motorbike rentals at prices ranging from 8usd / day.
- Taxi: Mai Linh Taxi (02963 922266), Hoang Long Taxi (02963 688688), Duc Thanh Taxi (02963 852403).
- Boat: Boat to visit fishing villages or Cham village, you go to the boat landing area in the park with the symbol of two fish and agreed on the price of boat owners.
Tops Attractions In Chau Doc
Tra Su Bird Sanctuary
Tra Su bird sanctuary is a surprisingly beautiful and serene spot around 25kms from Chau Doc. This immense forest is 800,000-hectare width and the home to an astounding number of wading birds. There is much wetland which limits visitors. Therefore, there are birds to choose here for habitant because they are not disturbed. Eco-tour to Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, visitors make a short speedboat ride. And then have 20 minutes quiet rowing boat to paddle along the narrow channels through the gnarled and green sunken forest. Even though visitor can see only spot a few birds, it’s a really beautiful, short for a green trip to touch nature. The best time to visit is from December to January, when the babies hatch.
Floating Houses
Travel to Chau Doc and it is easy to see floating houses along the river. It is in Mekong Delta so most of local people live and habitant along riverbanks. Taking a boat along the river, visitors can see floating houses which is highlight in Chau Doc. Under each house, fish are raised in suspended metal nets. The fish flourish in their natural river habitat; the family can feed them whatever scraps are handy. It is easy when hiring a tourist boat to get a close-up look.
Chau Doc Floating Market
Chau Doc floating market shows the lifestyle of riverside residents in Mekong River. The charming market is the most attractive destination for visitors. The best time to see the market at the busiest around 5am to 6am morning. That time is when locals gather to buy fresh produce wholesale.
The floating market is in the middle of Hau River. Therefore, visitors need to take a boat to visit it from a boat in any detail. Expect to pay 100,000 – 200,000 VND depending on how long you plan to cruise.
Sam Mountain
Sam Mountain is one of the things to see and do in Chau Doc. This is referred to as a sacred location for Buddhists. And it is the home of many temples and pagodas. The Chinese background strong affects this spot and makes it becomes popular to ethnic Chinese. However, all people often pay a visit here. It’s fantastic to enjoy the excellent landscape at the peak of the mountain to catch the panorama of Chau Doc
Cave Pagoda (Chua Hang)
Cave pagoda is one of the highlights in Chau Doc. To visit this pagoda traveller must climb over 400 stairs to Buddhist temple called Cave Pagoda on Sam Mountain. Founded in 1926 with the aim of commemorating Nguyen Huu Canh in the Nguyen Dynasty, he regained the territorial sovereignty for Vietnam. The structure contains colors of Chinese styles with funeral tables.
Chau Doc Fish Sauce Market
Chau Doc is also very famous in Vietnam for fish sauce. Therefore, Fish Sauce market is one of visiting sites to discover once travel to Chau Doc. It ensures an excellent spot for discover and experience in Mekong Delta. The market is in the head of Tien River and Hau River. There are many different kinds of fish sauce here with different flavors to try and taste. Don’t forget to discover this place.
Weather In Chau Doc
Weather in Chau Doc is very different. It feels hot all year round. It is very low chance of rain throughout the year. Chau Doc has two seasons, wet and dry. It is wet from May to November while it is dry from December to April. The best time to visit Chau Doc is during the dry season as rain will not affect the tour.
