Chau Thanh

Chau Thanh (Châu Thành) is a rural district in An Giang province, lying south of Long Xuyen and bordering the city itself. The district capital is An Chau town. With a population of around 151,000, Chau Thanh covers an area of 347 km². The district is characterised by flat terrain bisected by the Hau River and a network of canals. Chau Thanh is home to a mix of ethnic Vietnamese, Khmer Krom, Cham, and Hoa Chinese communities, making it one of the more ethnically diverse districts in the province. Hoa Hao is the most common religion. The district was created in 1979 when the former Chau Thanh X district was split into Chau Thanh and Thoai Son.

The climate is tropical monsoon, with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Can Tho International Airport (VCA), about 40 km southeast (1 hour by road).

By Train

By Car / Road

Chau Thanh lies on the road connecting Long Xuyen to Can Tho and Rach Gia. The district capital An Chau is about 15 km south of Long Xuyen. Buses from Long Xuyen and Can Tho serve the district regularly.

The town of An Chau is walkable. For exploring the rural communes, motorbike is recommended. Ferries and small boats connect areas divided by canals.

• An Chau Town — The district capital, a charming town with a market and traditional architecture.
• Hau River — The river bisects the district, offering scenic river views and a glimpse into Mekong Delta life.
• Khmer and Cham Villages — Several communes in the district are home to Khmer and Cham communities with distinct cultural traditions.
• Local Pagodas — Buddhist pagodas and Hoa Hao temples reflecting the religious diversity of the district.

Take a river cruise on the Hau River to observe local fishing communities. Visit a Cham weaving village to see traditional fabric production. Explore the countryside by bicycle, passing through fruit orchards and rice paddies.

Chau Thanh's cuisine is typical of the Mekong Delta, with fresh river fish playing a central role. Local dishes include ca kho to (fish braised in a clay pot), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and tropical fruit desserts. Halal food is available in the Cham areas.

Local cafés in An Chau town serve classic Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua da), fresh coconut water, and sugarcane juice, all typically 10,000–20,000 dong. The nearby fruit orchards mean that seasonal fresh juices — mango, dragon fruit, and orange — are excellent. No bars or nightlife.

• Budget: Small guesthouses in An Chau, from 100,000–200,000 dong per night.
• Mid-range: Most accommodation options are in nearby Long Xuyen.

The market in An Chau offers fresh produce, local crafts, and household goods. The district is surrounded by fruit orchards, and seasonal tropical fruits are abundant.

• Long Xuyen (15 km north) — capital of An Giang province.
• Can Tho (40 km southeast) — Mekong Delta's largest city.
• Thoai Son (south) — district with the Oc Eo archaeological site.
• Chau Phu (north) — district on the road to Chau Doc.