| Status | a type-II urban area in An Giang, covering Chau Doc and Vinh Te wards |
|---|---|
| Name | disputed: possibly from Khmer Meath Chruk, pig snout, or from the old name of Cu Lao Ket |
| Khmer name for the island | Slaket, wild areca palm |
| Cultures | Cham, Khmer, Chinese and Vietnamese communities |
Chau Doc has a long history with stories about the Sam Mountain Lady and events like building the Vinh Te canal. It’s a place where Cham and Khmer cultures live together peacefully, with mosques for the Cham community.
During May and June, you can join the annual Ba Chua Xu Festival at Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain. This festival helps you understand Vietnam’s culture. Sam Mountain is a popular spot in Chau Doc, with most hotels situated along the road to the mountain. Tay An Pagoda at the base of Sam Mountain combines Indian, Islamic, and Vietnamese styles.
In the morning, explore colorful markets with affordable goods from various places. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk along the Mekong riverside.
Name and place
Vietnamese Wikipedia describes Chau Doc as a type-II urban area in An Giang, made up of Chau Doc and Vinh Te wards. The origin of the name is still disputed. Some say it is a corruption of the Khmer Meath Chruk, meaning pig snout; others link it to the former name of Cu Lao Ket, the island formed by the Tien and Hau rivers, which the Khmer call Slaket, wild areca palm. Cham mosques and the Ba Chua Xu temple festival on Sam Mountain in May and June are the best-known local sights. We have not verified festival dates, boat times or Tay An Pagoda details, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Châu Đốc. Last checked November 2026.
Chau Doc: FAQ
Where is Chau Doc?
In An Giang, on the Hau River near the Cambodian border.
What does Chau Doc mean?
The origin is disputed; one theory ties it to a Khmer phrase for pig snout.
What is the Ba Chua Xu festival?
An annual festival at the Ba Chua Xu temple on Sam Mountain, held in May and June according to our older guide text.
Which communities live in Chau Doc?
Vietnamese, Cham, Khmer and Chinese.
How many days do you need in Chau Doc?
One night, often on a Mekong route.