An GiangNature
Tra Su cajeput forest
Flooded cajeput forest carpeted in duckweed, explored by boat
4.7(3,420)
An Giang
Former An Giang and Kien Giang, including Phu Quoc
Tra Su cajeput forest, Lady Xu festival and Phu Quoc island
Best time: September – November (Tra Su at its best), November – April (Phu Quoc beaches)
The new An Giang links the mystic Seven Mountains with the western sea. One trip can include rowing through Tra Su forest in flood season, visiting the Lady Xu temple on Sam Mountain, a bowl of Chau Doc fish noodle soup and a Phu Quoc beach to finish.
History
- Chau Doc was a key frontier post where Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham and Chinese cultures meet.
- The Lady Xu festival on Sam Mountain is a national intangible cultural heritage.
People
- Cham villages such as Da Phuoc and Chau Giang are known for brocade weaving.
Customs
- The Lady Xu festival runs from the 23rd to 27th of the fourth lunar month and draws millions.
- In flood season, locals set lines and traps – living by the rhythm of the water.
Illustrative map, approximate positions
Top places
An GiangSpiritual
Lady Xu Temple, Sam Mountain
Major southern pilgrimage site at the foot of Sam Mountain
4.6(2,760)
Specialties
- Fermented fish hotpotA hotpot of fermented linh and gourami fish served with seasonal wild greens: sesbania, water lily, yellow velvetleaf and bitter herb.
- Chau Doc fish noodle soupA turmeric-gold broth scented with fingerroot, shredded snakehead with garlic, served with sesbania and shredded water spinach.
Where to stay
Ecolodge near the cajeput forest
Tram Xanh ecolodge
Wooden rooms facing the forest, sunrise from the tower
4.7(274)900,000 ₫/night