Excursions

Between Phnom Penh and the Vietnamese border the Mekong River splits into two: the Mekong, and the Bassac (Hau) River. It is here in Chau Doc that the Hau River enters Vietnam and begins the final stage of its journey as part of the Mekong Delta system.

From the marshes of Tibet this mass of water has coursed its way through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The final stage through Vietnam will see it empty into the Gulf of Thailand and the East Sea.

The town itself is situated on the west bank of the Bassac River and its midle and/low mountain location can mean that it is a little cooler than many other areas of Vietnam at certain times of the year.

 
The local minority groups also add colour and variety to the area. This is most apparent in the traditional fabrics and clothes being worn as well as the local architecture which merges the Chinese, Khmer and Hindu influences that crossed these areas at different times in history.

 
You don’t have to travel far from Chau Doc to find places of interest whether of an architectural, geographic or historic nature.

Sam Mountain Tour (3 hours, minimum 02 people)

With influence from Chinese, Vietnamese and Khmer cultures, Sam Mountain is renowned for its traditional pagodas secluded in caves and is the site where devout local Buddhists make their annual pilgrimage. During your tour you will visit the main sites of Lady Chua Xu built in 1820, Tay An Co Tu built in 1847 and Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum dated from 1930. These key locations will be the base of your introduction to Buddhism, Hinduism and worship to Ancestors. Your guide will explain how these 3 confessions were brought to Vietnam and how they impact the daily life of the Vietnamese.

Chau Doc River life (2 to 3 hours, minimum 02 people)

Travel like a local along the Mekong River on a traditional sampan, and discover the fascinating floating market with boats selling various Mekong fruits and vegetables, as well as the local floating village.

Your journey continues to a Muslim Cham Village. The Cham are remnants of the Kingdom of Champa, an empire that used to stretch from Hue to provinces in the Southern Mekong Delta from the 7th to 18th century. We invite you to discover the traditional Cham stilt homes as well as a local mosque to allow you to familiarize yourself with the customs and habits of this minority.

Tra Su Ecological Tour (5 hours, 2 minimum people)

The Tra Su Nature Reserve is a 845-hectare ecological haven which has become one of the most popular sites in the Mekong Delta. It is the habitat of many unique water birds, colonies of bats, various rare animal and bird species. Turtles, snakes and other reptiles and freshwater fish can also be found in the meandering canals. It is best visited from July to December, as the bird colonies gather in the reserve to breed. At this time of the year, large areas of the forest are flooded and visitors are invited to explore the area by motorboat. The green trees, vibrant colours and dark water along with the deep voice of birds in harmony with nature makes a trip to Tra Su a truly unforgettable experience in the region. On the way to Tra Su Forest, you will also visit a Khmer Village and familiarize with the local techniques of palm sugar producing.

Cooking class in Cham Village (5 hours, 2 minimum people)

Take this wonderful opportunity to experience a gastronomic journey through the culture and history of Vietnam with a visit to a peaceful minority Muslim village and discover a unique cuisine still unknown to many. First, visit the bustling Chau Doc market to choose your local fresh ingredients, then cruise along the quiet Bassac River to the Cham village. Start this amusing cooking class with a professional Chef in a Cham house and you will be able to enjoy the delicious Cham lunch prepared freshly by yourself! At the end of the excursion, you will be thrilled by an authentic return journey in traditional xe loi (pedicab)

For more information or for reservation, please contact us directly.