In just 2 days and 1 night, a trip to Chau Doc offers a complete journey through spirituality, distinctive local cuisine, and the rich cultural landscape of the Mekong Delta.
If you’re looking for a short trip packed with memorable experiences, traveling to Chau Doc is a perfect choice. With just 2 days and 1 night, you can dive into the region’s rich culture, unique cuisine, and peaceful landscapes at the southwestern border of Vietnam.
Day 1: Spiritual Sites – Street Food – City Sights
Begin with a Spiritual Journey
Start your day at the famous Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain, a revered pilgrimage site that draws millions of visitors annually. After making your offerings, stop by nearby Hang Pagoda, a serene temple nestled against the mountain, ideal for a peaceful break in nature.
Savor Local Street Food
At lunchtime, don’t miss out on Chau Doc-style fish noodle soup (bún cá), known for its clear broth, fragrant turmeric flavor, and fresh local herbs. Then, head to Chau Doc Market, often called the “kingdom of fermented fish,” to try specialty dishes like steamed fermented fish (mắm chưng), fermented papaya salad (mắm thái), dried snakehead fish.
Explore the Cham Village of Chau Giang
In the afternoon, take a short ferry ride across the river to Chau Giang Cham Village. Here, you can explore the stilt houses, Islamic mosques, and daily life of the Cham ethnic community. While you’re there, try the locally made tung lo mo, a must-try Cham delicacy.
End the Day with a Mekong-Style Dinner at Bassac
For dinner, head to Bassac Restaurant, located along the Hau River. This is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious Mekong dishes like grilled snakehead fish, fermented fish hotpot, or sesbania flower salad, all while watching the sunset reflect off the water.
Day 2: Sunrise Views – Local Treats – Heading Home
Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Sam Mountain or by the Hau River. The rising sun casting golden light over the fields and waterways is a tranquil, unforgettable sight.
Before heading home, browse local stalls to pick up Chau Doc specialties such as palm sugar sponge cake (bánh bò thốt nốt), dried catfish, fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc), or fresh palm fruit, perfect souvenirs full of flavor.
Where to Stay in Chau Doc
Victoria Chau Doc Hotel
Located right on the banks of the Hau River, Victoria Chau Doc Hotel features elegant Indochine-style architecture, peaceful surroundings, and modern amenities. Situated in the city center, it’s a convenient base for exploring all of Chau Doc’s highlights.
Victoria Nui Sam Lodge
Perched on the slopes of majestic Sam Mountain, Victoria Nui Sam Lodge offers an ideal retreat with panoramic views of expansive rice fields. It’s the perfect choice for travelers seeking privacy, nature, and a deeper connection with the land.
Whether you’re on a spiritual journey, a food adventure, or simply seeking relaxation, Chau Doc delivers a full spectrum of authentic Mekong Delta experiences – simple, warm, and deeply memorable. Just 2 days is all it takes to bring home a heart full of memories.
