An Giang Travel Guide

An Giang, located in the Mekong Delta, is a fascinating province known for its beautiful mountains, sacred temples, vibrant floating markets, and diverse cultural influences. Nestled along the Vietnam-Cambodia border, An Giang offers a unique blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese traditions, making it one of the most culturally rich destinations in southern Vietnam.

1. Best Time to Visit An Giang

An Giang has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year.

• Dry Season (December – April) – The best time for sightseeing, hiking, and temple visits.
• Flood Season (August – November) – The Mekong Delta is lush and vibrant, making it the best time for Tra Su Forest boat tours.

For the best cultural experiences, visit during the Ba Chua Xu Festival (April–June), one of Vietnam’s largest religious events.

2. How to Get to An Giang

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): ~230 km (~5–6 hours by road)

By Bus

• Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station (HCMC) to Chau Doc or Long Xuyen (An Giang’s major cities)
• Popular bus companies: Futa Bus (Phuong Trang), Huệ Nghĩa, Thiên Thiên Hương
• Ticket Price: 150,000 – 250,000 VND ($6–$10)
• Duration: ~5 – 6 hours

By Private Car

• Cost: 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 VND ($100–$140) one way.
• Best option for comfort and flexibility.

By Boat from Cambodia (Phnom Penh to Chau Doc)

• Speedboat service available (~5 hours).
• Perfect for travelers coming from Cambodia!

3. Getting Around An Giang

• Boat Tours – Ideal for exploring floating markets & Tra Su Forest.
• Motorbike Rental – Best for mountain and temple exploration (~120,000 – 150,000 VND/day).
• Bicycle Rental – Great for cycling through countryside villages (~50,000 VND/day).
• Taxi/Grab – Available in Chau Doc & Long Xuyen, but limited in rural areas.

4. Top Attractions in An Giang

Nature & Scenic Landscapes

• Tra Su Cajuput Forest – A breathtaking wetland eco-reserve, best explored by boat, with lush greenery, exotic birds, and peaceful canals.
• Sam Mountain (Nui Sam) – A sacred mountain with temples, pagodas, and stunning sunset views over Cambodia.
• Ta Pa Mountain – A hidden gem offering panoramic views of An Giang’s rice fields.
• Tuc Dup Hill – A historic site from the Vietnam War, known as the "2 Million Dollar Hill."
• Cam Mountain (Nui Cam) – The highest mountain in the Mekong Delta, home to beautiful pagodas and a cool climate.

Cultural & Spiritual Sites

• Ba Chua Xu Temple (Lady of the Realm Temple) – One of Vietnam’s most famous pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of worshippers.
• Hang Pagoda (Chùa Hang) – A mystical Buddhist cave temple on Sam Mountain.
• Tây An Pagoda – A unique Khmer-Vietnamese pagoda with colorful architecture.
• Mubarak Mosque (Masjid Mubarak) – A beautiful Cham Islamic mosque, showcasing An Giang’s cultural diversity.
• Chau Phu Temple – An important spiritual site in Chau Doc.

Floating Markets & Local Life

• Chau Doc Floating Market – A vibrant market where locals trade fresh fruits, seafood, and traditional Mekong dishes from boats.
• Chau Giang Cham Village – A charming Cham ethnic village, where you can explore wooden stilt houses and traditional weaving.
• Long Xuyen Floating Market – A smaller, more authentic floating market with a local feel.

5. Best Foods to Try in An Giang

An Giang is famous for Mekong Delta specialties, Khmer-Cham cuisine, and fresh seafood.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Bún cá Châu Đốc (Chau Doc Fish Noodle Soup) – A flavorful noodle soup with turmeric fish, herbs, and bamboo shoots.
• Lẩu mắm (Fermented Fish Hotpot) – A rich hotpot made with local fish, vegetables, and shrimp.
• Bánh bò thốt nốt (Palm Sugar Sponge Cake) – A sweet Khmer cake made from thốt nốt (palm sugar).
• Gà hấp lá trúc (Chicken Steamed with Wild Lime Leaves) – A delicious, fragrant An Giang specialty.
• Cơm nị & Cà púa (Cham-style Rice & Beef Curry) – A flavorful Islamic Cham dish.
• Khô cá lóc (Dried Snakehead Fish) – A popular Mekong Delta delicacy, often grilled or fried.

Best Places to Eat

• Quán Bún Cá Hồng (Chau Doc) – Famous for Chau Doc-style fish noodle soup.
• Chợ Đêm Châu Đốc (Chau Doc Night Market) – Great for street food and local snacks.
• Nhà Hàng Làng Nổi (Floating Village Restaurant) – Offers fresh Mekong seafood with river views.

6. Where to Stay in An Giang

Luxury Resorts ($50 – $100/night)

• Victoria Nui Sam Lodge (Sam Mountain) – A stunning resort with panoramic mountain views.
• Victoria Chau Doc Hotel – A riverside hotel with colonial charm and Mekong views.

Mid-Range Hotels ($20 – $50/night)

• Hung Cuong Hotel (Chau Doc) – Comfortable and centrally located.
• Hoa Binh 1 Hotel (Long Xuyen) – A great mid-range option in Long Xuyen.

Budget & Homestays ($5 – $20/night)

• Mekong Crossing Homestay – A peaceful stay near Chau Doc’s floating villages.
• Tinh Bien Homestay – Perfect for nature lovers and mountain trekkers.

7. Suggested 2-Day An Giang Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural & Scenic Highlights

• Morning: Visit Chau Doc Floating Market (Boat Tour & Breakfast)
• Late Morning: Explore Ba Chua Xu Temple & Tây An Pagoda
• Afternoon: Hike Sam Mountain & Visit Hang Pagoda (Sunset View)
• Evening: Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant & Explore Chau Doc Night Market

Day 2: Nature & Adventure

• Early Morning: Boat Tour in Tra Su Cajuput Forest
• Late Morning: Explore Cham Village & Mubarak Mosque
• Afternoon: Visit Ta Pa Mountain for a Panoramic View
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

8. Travel Tips for An Giang

• Bring mosquito repellent – Especially for forest and wetland areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes – Many attractions require hiking and walking.
• Try Khmer-Cham food – Unique to An Giang and Cambodia-influenced.
• Book boat tours early – Especially for Tra Su Forest and floating markets.
• Visit during festival season (April–June) – To experience An Giang’s spiritual culture.

An Giang is a hidden gem in the Mekong Delta, offering spiritual landmarks, breathtaking nature, and rich cultural diversity. Whether you love adventure, food, or history, An Giang is a must-visit destination!