Tan Chau

Tan Chau (Tân Châu) is a district-level town in northern An Giang province, situated along the Hau River near the Cambodian border. It serves as an important commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region, known for its rice production and the distinctive Tan Chau silk-weaving industry. The town has a significant Cham Muslim community, adding to its cultural diversity with several mosques and traditional Cham craft villages. Tan Chau is quieter and less visited by international tourists than Chau Doc, offering a more authentic glimpse of Mekong Delta life.

The climate is tropical monsoon with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. The town centre is compact and arranged along the riverfront.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Can Tho International Airport (VCA), approximately 90 km southeast (2 hours by road). Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is about 230 km away.

By Car / Road

Tan Chau is accessible by bus from Long Xuyen (1.5 hours), Chau Doc (1 hour), and Ho Chi Minh City (6 hours) via National Highway 91. Local buses and minivans connect Tan Chau to neighbouring districts.

Walking is practical in the town centre. Xe-om (motorbike taxis) and bicycles are the main modes of local transport. Motorbike rentals are available from local shops for around 100,000–150,000 dong per day.

• Tan Chau Market – A lively riverside market selling fresh produce, local handicrafts, and the famous Tan Chau silk.
• Cham Mosques – Several beautiful mosques serve the local Cham Muslim community, with distinctive architecture blending Southeast Asian and Islamic styles.
• Tan Chau Silk Weaving Villages – Traditional silk-weaving workshops where you can see artisans at work producing the renowned Tan Chau silk.
• Hau River waterfront – Scenic river views and a peaceful promenade along the Mekong.

Visit the Cham silk-weaving villages to purchase authentic handwoven silk products directly from the artisans. Take a boat trip along the Hau River to observe local fishing communities and floating fish farms. Explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle.

Local cuisine features freshwater fish from the Mekong, rice dishes, and traditional Vietnamese noodle soups. Cham-influenced dishes such as beef or chicken with turmeric and coconut milk can be found in the Muslim quarter. Several small eateries around the market serve affordable local meals (20,000–40,000 dong).

Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua da) is widely available at roadside cafés throughout Tan Chau, typically 10,000–20,000 dong. Fresh sugarcane juice (nuoc mia) and young coconut water are popular daytime refreshments sold by street vendors near the market. There are no bars or nightlife venues; evenings are quiet.

• Budget: Small guesthouses and Nha Tro (rooms for rent) are available near the market, from 100,000–200,000 dong per night.
• Mid-range: A few basic hotels cater to local business travellers, with rates from 200,000–400,000 dong.

Tan Chau is famous for its handwoven silk fabric, a specialty product of An Giang province. The local market offers fresh produce, traditional crafts, and textiles. Bargaining is expected at the market.

• Chau Doc (30 km south, 1 hour) — border town with Sam Mountain and Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.
• Long Xuyen (50 km south, 1.5 hours) — the capital of An Giang province.
• Phu Tan (adjacent district) — an island district surrounded by waterways, known as the homeland of the Hoa Hao religion.
• An Phu (20 km north) — border district with connections to Cambodia.