Chau Doc

Chau Doc is a busy town on the banks of the Hau Giang River close to the Vietnam-Cambodia border. In fact it was for a long time a part of Cambodia until it was awarded to the Nguyen lords in the 18th century and it retains a strong Khmer influence. There is a busy and colourful market, peaceful temples and many stilt house communities and fish farms. 

Chau Doc is an ideal stop on the backroads route through the Mekong Delta from Vietnam to Cambodia. But with some comfortable hotels and plenty to do in the surrounding area, it is well worth lingering a few days to explore in more depth. Take a trip out of town to the Tra Su Forest, a lush mangrove area which is home to an array of birdlife, or pay a visit to Sam Mountain, a popular pilgrimage site where you will find a large collection of Chinese, Cham and Khmer temples.