Ba Chua Xu Temple, Sam Mountain
The temple at the foot of Sam Mountain, centre of the annual Lady festival and a major Mekong pilgrimage site. Multi-tiered tiled roofs, with many shops and services around.
Sam Mountain
A low mountain next to central Chau Doc, with a road and steps to the top. From above you see rice fields, canals and the border area, best early or late in the day.
Sam Mountain Cable Car
A cable car about 900 m long up Sam Mountain, good for families with elderly people or young children. At the top there are walking paths and viewpoints.
Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb
The tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, who dug the Vinh Te canal, opposite Ba Chua Xu Temple. A national historic relic built of laterite.
Tay An Pagoda
An old pagoda at the junction at the foot of Sam Mountain, blending Vietnamese style with Indian influences and distinctive domes. Many wooden statues inside.
Hang Pagoda (Phuoc Dien Tu)
A pagoda halfway up Sam Mountain with a small cave behind it. Reached by steps, it is quieter than the temple area.
Chau Doc Market
The central market famous for fermented fish such as mam thai and mam ca linh. A handy place for dried specialities, fermented fish and palm sugar as gifts.
Chau Doc floating fish farms
Fish-farming rafts on the Chau Doc River near the centre, visited by small boat. See cage fish farming and life on the river.
Chau Phong Cham Village
A Muslim Cham village across the river with a mosque and traditional brocade weaving. Take the ferry from Chau Doc and respect prayer times.
Basa Fish Monument
A landmark on the Hau River bank about 200 m from the market, celebrating the local fish-farming trade. The embankment around it is pleasant for an evening walk.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest
A flooded cajuput forest about 30 km from Chau Doc, famous for its green duckweed carpet and boat trails through the trees, with a viewing tower and a long bamboo bridge.
Cam Mountain
The highest mountain of the Seven Mountains, with a cable car, a Maitreya Buddha statue and many pagodas. About 40 km from Chau Doc and cooler than the plains.
Map of the places
Request pickup or drop-off near the places listed in this guide. Staff confirm the accessible meeting point, travel date, vehicle and quote before booking.
Choose a place from the list to view its location on Google Maps. Use the Directions link on each place card to plan your journey.
Where to stay
We do not take commission from hotels. Room rates change with the season – please check directly.
Good to know
- Visit Tra Su early in the morning or around 3–5 pm to see birds returning and avoid the harsh sun.
- Dress modestly and keep quiet in temples, pagodas and Cham mosques.
- During the Ba Chua Xu festival, book hotels early and allow for traffic around Sam Mountain.
- When buying fermented fish at Chau Doc market, choose labelled stalls, ask prices first and have it sealed well.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent for the boat ride in the forest.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Chau Doc – Tra Su?
Two days and one night is enough for Sam Mountain, the temple, Chau Doc market and Tra Su. Add a day for Cam Mountain or the Cham village.
When is Tra Su cajuput forest most beautiful?
Around September to November when the water rises and duckweed covers the surface. Early morning or late afternoon is the most pleasant time of day.
How long does a private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc take?
Usually 4–5.5 hours each way via the expressway to Can Tho, depending on departure time. During the Lady festival, leave early to avoid traffic.
Is there a fee to enter Ba Chua Xu Temple?
There is no ticket for the temple; the main costs are parking and services around it.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Other destinations
Services and information for your trip
Choose a service: Car Rental with Driver.
Plan your journey: Chau Doc – Lady Xu Temple 2-Day Tour.
Compare vehicles: 7-seat cars · 16-seat vans.