Chau Doc Travel Guide: Sam Mountain, River Cruises & Cambodia Border

Chau Doc Travel Guide

Sam Mountain, River Cruises & Cambodia Border

Chau Doc is a vibrant town and district in An Giang province, nestled in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and bordering Cambodia. The town sits along the Hậu River – a major branch of the Mekong Delta and the Vinh Te canal, about 250 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Historically, Chau Doc was once part of the ancient Kingdom of Funan before becoming Vietnamese territory around 300 years ago.

One of Chau Doc’s most notable landmarks is Sam Mountain, located just outside the town. This scenic hill is famous for the Ba Chua Xu Temple, where the Lady of Sam Mountain is worshipped. Every year, the Ba Chua Xu Festival draws thousands of pilgrims in April (lunar calendar), making it a lively and colorful event.

Chau Doc has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the wet season from May to November, and the dry season from December to April. The dry season is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and rain is rare.

Travel Tips:

Chau Doc is a key stop for travelers moving between Vietnam and Cambodia by river. Boats to and from Phnom Penh pass through the town, and an overnight stay is highly recommended. Visitors are often charmed by the friendly locals, including the iconic xe dap loi (cyclo) drivers. English is widely spoken in hotels and guesthouses, and most restaurants offer English menus, making it easy for international travelers.

For those seeking a waterway route to Cambodia, Chau Doc is the main departure point. Daily slow and fast boats connect Chau Doc to Phnom Penh via the Vinh Xuong – Kaam Samnor border crossing. Slow boats leave around 7:00 AM and arrive in Phnom Penh by 4:00 PM, while fast boats reach the capital by noon. Cambodian visas are available on arrival at the checkpoint.

Hang Chau Speedboat: Departs daily at 7:00 AM.
Cawaco Speedboat: Departs at 8:30 AM on Mondays and Fridays.
Accommodation options in Chau Doc range from basic hotels near the market to the luxurious 4-star Victoria Hotel, which offers beautiful riverside views and a swimming pool. The Victoria Nui Sam Lodge, a comfortable 3-star hotel, is also a great choice for relaxation and exploring the area – consider staying 2-3 nights to fully enjoy Chau Doc.

Highlights:

Sam Mountain: About 7 km north of town, Sam Mountain is a spiritual center with numerous temples and shrines. The Ba Chua Xu Temple at its base is especially significant, hosting a major festival between April and June.
Tuc Dup Hill: History enthusiasts will appreciate Tuc Dup Hill, a site of fierce battles during the Vietnam War. The hill, once held by the Viet Cong, is now marked by memorials and graves.
Tra Su Bird Sanctuary: Located 30 km from Chau Doc, Tra Su is a lush cajuput forest and a haven for birds and storks.
Visitors can explore the sanctuary by rowing boat, gliding through green waterways and enjoying views of the surrounding rice fields and Khmer villages.

Chau Doc offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta.

Recommended Tour:

If you’re looking to experience the very best of the Mekong Delta – including Chau Doc and its surrounding highlights – consider joining the Essence of the Mekong tour. This carefully curated journey takes you through the region’s most captivating destinations, offering authentic local experiences, comfortable accommodations, and expert guidance. It’s a perfect way to discover the unique culture, landscapes, and river life of southern Vietnam, all while enjoying a hassle-free travel experience.

Learn more and book your adventure here.