Chau Doc

Chau Doc (Châu Đốc) is a vibrant city in the heart of the Mekong Delta, in An Giang province near the Cambodian border. It is best known as a border crossing into Cambodia and as a launching point for explorations of the delta's waterways, floating villages, and nearby mountains. The city is a fascinating cultural melting pot of ethnic Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Hoa (Chinese) communities, reflected in its diverse temples, mosques, and cuisine. With its bustling riverfront, colourful markets, and easy-going atmosphere, Chau Doc is one of the most popular stops on the Mekong Delta tourist circuit.

The climate is tropical monsoon, with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. The best time to visit is during the dry season when river cruises and mountain views are at their best. The city centre is compact and walkable, clustered along the Hau River.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Can Tho International Airport (VCA), about 100 km southeast (2–3 hours by road). Taxis cost around 800,000–1,000,000 dong. Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is about 245 km away (5–6 hours by bus).

By Car / Road

Chau Doc is well served by buses. Futa / Phuong Trang buses run frequent services from Ho Chi Minh City (6 hours, 125,000 dong), Can Tho (3 hours), and Ha Tien. From Phnom Penh, buses and speedboats connect through the border. The city is also the main border crossing for those entering Cambodia overland. When arriving at the bus terminal, xe-om (motorbike taxis) offer rides into town for around 20,000 dong — negotiate firmly, as initial offers are often inflated.

By Speedboat

A daily speedboat service connects Chau Doc with Phnom Penh, taking about 4 hours plus 2 hours at the border crossing. The cost is around US$40. eVisa is not accepted for entry into Cambodia by this route, but visa-on-arrival is available (US$36).

The main downtown area is easily walkable, from the riverside promenade to the central market and Chau Doc Square. Motorbikes can be rented from Minh Kim Guesthouse (622 Ton Duc Thang, Vinh My) for around 150,000 dong per day. Xe-om are plentiful for short trips within town.

• Chau Doc riverside — A scenic promenade along the Hau River, perfect for evening walks. You will encounter many friendly local students eager to practise English.
• Chau Doc Market — A large, sprawling market dominating the town centre, with a covered section on Bach Dang street. Great for browsing local produce, textiles, and souvenirs.
• Sam Mountain (Nui Sam) — 6 km from Chau Doc, this 230-metre-high peak offers spectacular views of the delta stretching into Cambodia. Climb the stairs past pagodas, temples, and cafés with hammocks. Alternatively, take a motorbike taxi to the top for sunset.
• Tra Su Bird Sanctuary — About 25 km from Chau Doc, this flooded forest reserve is home to hundreds of species of birds. Visits include a speedboat and rowboat ride through the cajeput forest (75,000 dong per person).
• Cham Village — A riverside community of ethnic Cham people with a beautiful mosque and traditional weaving workshops.

Take a traditional massage with suction cups to unwind after a day of exploring. Hire a motorbike driver for a day trip to Sam Mountain and Tra Su Bird Sanctuary — expect around 150,000–200,000 dong for the driver. Visit the floating fish farms along the river to see how Mekong Delta catfish are cultivated.

• Thanh Tinh (13 Quang Trung, near the indoor market, 06:00–21:00) — A clean local restaurant serving vegan food. English-speaking staff. 25,000–40,000 dong.
• Bay Bong (22 Duong Thuong Dang Le) — A popular local eatery with a very long menu, frequented by both locals and visitors. 25,000–55,000 dong.
• Chau Doc's food is dominated by catches from the Mekong River — try fried elephant ear fish, grilled snakehead fish, and local noodles.

• Chau Giang Floating Restaurant (Tran Hung Dao Street) — Serves cheap drinks with a great view of the river. Located on the pier opposite the Victoria Hotel.

• Budget: Cherry Homestay (290 Hem Le Loi, +84 378 357 219) — villa-style house with clean rooms, lovely owner, from 400,000 dong. Hang Chau II Hotel (10 Nguyen Van Thoai, +84 76 868891) — big rooms, popular with tour groups, from 110,000 dong.
• Mid-range: Trung Nguyen (86 Bach Dang) — small but very clean rooms with hot water, A/C, TV, about US$16.
• Upscale: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (32 Le Loi, +84 76 865010) — a luxury property with 92 rooms and 4 suites, river-view suites from US$144–220. Private speedboat transfers to Phnom Penh available.

The covered market on Bach Dang street is the main shopping destination, selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and souvenirs. There are many ATMs in the centre, concentrated near the pagoda and along Le Loi Street.

• Can Tho (125,000 dong, 3 hours by bus) — the Mekong Delta's largest city, famous for its floating markets.
• Ha Tien (intermediate stop en route to Phu Quoc) — a coastal town with connections to Phu Quoc Island.
• Ho Chi Minh City (Futa buses, 125,000 dong, 6 times daily 08:45–00:15).
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia (speedboat US$40, 4 hours) — popular next stop for travellers continuing into Cambodia.