A few steps from the Cambodian border, Chau Doc is a peaceful river region offering cultural diversity with Chinese architecture pagodas and Khmer-style houses. This city is a pleasant stop for all those who wish to continue their trip in the Khmer country.
- Panoramic view on picturesque rice fields at Mount Sam
- Discovery of many temples, pagodas and mosques
- Biodiversity and breathtaking scenery in Tra Su Nature Reserve
- The syncretic nature of Vietnamese, Khmer and Chinese culture
- Life on the water and floating houses
Mount Sam is a sacred place for the Vietnamese, you will find many temples and pagodas on its sides. This hill is located 5 kms southwest of Chau Doc. The highlights are the spectacular panoramic views at the top. You will have a clear view of the Mekong Delta, rice paddies and Cambodia border. You can also visit Chua Xu and the eccentric but venerable Phat Thay Tay An.
Traveling up-river from Chau Doc, we sail among amazing floating villages. These heavy wooden houses with flowered balconies have all the comforts including television and each of them has its own fish reserve used for family consumption but also sold throughout the country.
If you’re curious about the wetlands of the Mekong Delta, come visit Tra Su Cajuput Forest. It is 25km southwest of Chau Doc and 75km from Long Xuyen city. This forest is an ecosystem of freshwater marshes where cajuputi shelter in their roots many fish, crustaceans and shells. It is also the habitat of many colonies of water birds, bats, reptiles and endangered species, in total 140 animal species. This ecotourism site turns green with water ferns during the rainy season (September to November). To explore the forest and watch the birds, don’t miss out on a boat tour.
This island is inhabited only by a dominant Muslim population belonging to the Cham, a group of matrilineal descent. A stone’s throw from the Cham stilt houses, you will find the mosque, pride of the Cham. Nowadays, the conical hats cover veiled heads.
An immersion in the culture of ethnic minorities of Upper Tonkin
The Mekong is legendary ... A link between China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam