Places to Visit in the Sacred Land of Chau Doc

Chau Doc, in An Giang province, became a city in 2013 (since mid-2025, after an administrative reorganization, the area has been made up of two wards, Chau Doc and Vinh Te). It is the province's economic hub, with the Tinh Bien International Border Gate and the vast rice bowl of the Mekong Delta, and it also draws a very large number of tourists every year.

Here are the places you simply must visit when you set foot in this welcoming, sacred land.

THE TEMPLE OF THE LADY OF SAM MOUNTAIN (BA CHUA XU)

The Temple of the Lady of Sam Mountain is recognized as a national historical site. Word of the temple's sacred power has spread among visitors from all over, and today it welcomes millions of visitors and worshippers bringing offerings every year.

Most visitors come between the 1st and the end of the 4th lunar month. The Lady of Sam Mountain Festival is held every year from the 23rd to the 27th day of the 4th lunar month. It is considered the biggest festival in the Mekong Delta and has been recognized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism as a national-level festival.

CHAU DOC CAVE PAGODA (CHUA HANG)

The Cave Pagoda is about 1 km from the Temple of the Lady, in the direction of Tinh Bien, so you can easily stop by this unique pagoda.

The Cave Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Dien Pagoda, is also a national historical site. A long flight of steps leads up to the pagoda, surrounded by the majestic natural scenery of the mountain forest.

At the pagoda you can admire finely carved Buddha statues and a stunning lotus pond, and, most special of all, a mysterious cave with a huge statue of a pair of giant serpents inside.

The tranquility, blended with the poetic scenery, gives visitors a sense of peace every time they come.

HUYNH DAO PAGODA

Huynh Dao Pagoda was built in 1996 and is located in Nui Sam ward, Chau Doc city.

It is said to have the largest grounds of any pagoda in Chau Doc, with architecture skillfully crafted by talented artisans into a perfect work of architectural art.

You can admire a vast, cool green lotus pond and eye-catching statues of coiling, flying dragons, and you will also see Chinese architectural touches all around the pagoda.

BODHGAYA SANCTUARY (BO DE DAO TRANG)

It is right in the center of Chau Doc city, so it is very easy to visit.

It's best to go in the evening, when sightseeing is easier; the area is surrounded by sidewalk eateries and drink stalls. Here you can sit back with a drink and watch the bustle of a small Mekong Delta city.

CHAU DOC MARKET

If you come to Chau Doc, you have to visit the local market.

Visitors affectionately call it the Mam Market, because hundreds of different kinds of mam (fermented fish) are sold all over the market.

Besides its famous fermented fish, the market is also a unique food spot with dishes found only in Chau Doc, such as fish noodle soup, palm sugar juice, palm fruit, banh tam mi (coconut rice noodles), Chau Doc broken rice and more, all incredibly delicious with flavors you can only find here.

Traditional cakes are also attractively displayed, such as palm sugar honeycomb cake, banh tieu (hollow sesame doughnuts) and layered pandan cake, all gathered in the market.

BASA FISH PARK

This park is also known as April 30 Park. Visit it early in the morning or in the late afternoon to see it at its liveliest.

Along the vast Hau River, with its cool breeze and charming river views, it is a favorite place for locals to hang out in the late afternoon. Around the park are small makeshift stalls and sidewalk vendors selling plenty of snacks and drinks, with tables and chairs for visitors.

The park is called Basa Fish Park because right in its center stands an impressive, tall basa fish statue facing the river. It is a great spot to check in and take some beautiful photos.

Ng.D