An Giang / Việt Nam
An Giang
Explore the Lush Riverscapes of An Giang
Nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, An Giang is a vibrant province in southwestern Vietnam famous for its picturesque rivers, emerald rice paddies, and spiritual diversity. The area is defined by the intertwining waterways of the Bassac and Hau Rivers, verdant countryside, and the unique Seven Mountains (Bảy Núi) region that adds a touch of mystical charm. An Giang’s capital, Long Xuyen, is a bustling hub, while Chau Doc enthralls visitors with its lively floating markets and multicultural temples. Home to ethnic Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Hoa communities, An Giang is a melting pot of traditions and festivals. Pilgrims flock to sacred sites like the Lady Xu Temple at Sam Mountain, especially during major religious festivals. Its border with Cambodia infuses local life with cross-cultural influences, making An Giang a fascinating gateway to both natural wonders and rich cultural experiences.
Safety
An Giang is generally safe for travelers, with friendly locals and low crime rates in tourist areas. Exercise standard precautions, particularly in crowded markets and on public transportation. Flooding can occur during the rainy season, so stay updated on local weather conditions.
Visas
As part of Vietnam, An Giang follows national visa requirements. Most travelers need a visa or e-visa, though some nationalities enjoy visa exemptions for short stays.
Customs regulations
Remove your shoes before entering homes and temples. Respect local customs by dressing conservatively, especially in religious settings. It's polite to greet elders first and use both hands when giving or receiving items.
Prices
An Giang is very affordable, with local meals costing less than $2 and budget accommodation available from $10 per night. Guided tours and boat trips are inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly destination for most travelers.
People and nationalities
The province is home to a harmonious blend of Kinh (Vietnamese), Khmer, Cham, and Chinese (Hoa) communities, each contributing unique customs and celebrations. Locals are known for their hospitality and strong religious traditions, particularly Buddhism and Islam among its diverse population.
Weather
An Giang has a warm, tropical climate, with temperatures averaging 26–29°C year-round. The dry season from December to April is the best time to visit, offering pleasant weather and vibrant festivals. The rainy season from May to November brings lush landscapes but occasional heavy downpours and flooding.
Health
Pharmacies and clinics are available in major towns, with hospitals in Long Xuyen and Chau Doc. Drink bottled water and take precautions against mosquito bites, as dengue fever can be present.
Food
Bún cá Long Xuyên
A specialty noodle soup made with rice vermicelli, snakehead fish, turmeric, and fresh herbs, served in a fragrant broth and often topped with pickled vegetables.
Cơm tấm Châu Đốc
Fragrant broken rice served with grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and a signature sweet-savory fish sauce, a local twist on a beloved Vietnamese classic.
Gỏi sầu đâu
A unique salad made from neem tree leaves, often mixed with dried fish or shrimp, shredded papaya, and peanuts, delivering a bittersweet and tangy flavor profile.
Mắm Châu Đốc
Fermented fish or seafood paste, a pungent local delicacy used as a dipping sauce or cooking ingredient, especially popular in Chau Doc’s bustling markets.
Bánh bò thốt nốt
Steamed rice cakes infused with aromatic palm sugar from the region’s abundant thốt nốt (palmyra palms), resulting in a soft, sweet treat.
Transport
Long-distance bus network
Frequent buses connect An Giang’s main towns (Long Xuyen, Chau Doc) with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Mekong Delta provinces.
River ferries and boats
River transport is a scenic and practical way to travel between local villages, markets, and natural attractions, especially along the Hau and Bassac Rivers.
Motorbike rental
Motorbikes are widely available for rent in towns, offering flexibility for exploring remote areas and rural landscapes at your own pace.
Cyclo and bicycle hire
Traditional cyclos and bicycles are commonly used for short distances in towns and for leisurely countryside exploration.
Regions
An Giang
Province
Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu
Province
Bắc Giang
Province
Bắc Kạn
Province
Bạc Liêu
Province
Bắc Ninh
Province
Bến Tre
Province
Bình Định
Province
Bình Dương
Province
Bình Phước
Province
Bình Thuận
Province
Cà Mau
Province
Cần Thơ
Municipality
Cao Bằng
Province
Đà Nẵng
Municipality
Đắk Lắk
Province
Đắk Nông
Province
Điện Biên
Province
Ðồng Nai
Province
Ðồng Tháp
Province
Gia Lai
Province
Hà Giang
Province
Hà Nam
Province
Hà Nội
Municipality
Hà Tĩnh
Province
Hải Dương
Province
Hải Phòng
Municipality
Hậu Giang
Province
Hồ Chí Minh
Municipality
Hòa Bình
Province
Hưng Yên
Province
Khánh Hòa
Province
Kiến Giang
Province
Kon Tum
Province
Lai Châu
Province
Lâm Ðồng
Province
Lạng Sơn
Province
Lào Cai
Province
Long An
Province
Nam Ðịnh
Province
Namyit Island
Nghệ An
Province
Ninh Bình
Province
Ninh Thuận
Province
Phú Thọ
Province
Phú Yên
Province
Quảng Bình
Province
Quảng Nam
Province
Quảng Ngãi
Province
Quảng Ninh
Province
Quảng Trị
Province
Sóc Trăng
Province
Sơn La
Province
Tây Ninh
Province
Thái Bình
Province
Thái Nguyên
Province
Thanh Hóa
Province
Thừa Thiên-Huế
Province
Tiền Giang
Province
Trà Vinh
Province
Tuyên Quang
Province
Vĩnh Long
Province
Vĩnh Phúc
Province
Yên Bái
Province
What to visit?
History
The region that is now An Giang was officially incorporated into Vietnamese territory during the late 18th century, following centuries of Khmer rule.
An Giang province was formally established by Emperor Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty as part of administrative reforms in southern Vietnam.
French colonial forces captured An Giang, integrating it into French Cochinchina and initiating changes to local governance and economy.
After World War II, An Giang became a site of resistance against returning French colonialists during the First Indochina War.
An Giang witnessed major changes following the reunification of Vietnam, with the withdrawal of Khmer Rouge forces and the integration into the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Border skirmishes erupted as part of the Cambodian–Vietnamese War, with An Giang’s border posts playing a significant role in the conflict.
Development of the Chau Doc border gate with Cambodia revitalized cross-border trade and tourism, strengthening An Giang’s economic ties with its neighbor.
Activities
Visit Sam Mountain
Climb or drive up this sacred mountain just outside Chau Doc to enjoy panoramic views and explore temples such as Ba Chua Xu and Tay An Pagoda.
Explore Chau Doc Floating Market
Experience the vibrant river life by visiting Chau Doc’s bustling floating market at dawn, where boats laden with fresh produce and local goods crowd the waterways.
Tra Su Cajuput Forest Boat Trip
Take a sampan tour through the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, gliding past lush greenery and spotting exotic birds in this tranquil wetland sanctuary.
Discover Khmer Pagodas
Visit ornate Khmer pagodas such as the Mubarak Mosque and the Phuoc Dien Tu Temple to learn about the area’s rich spiritual heritage.
Cycle the Countryside
Rent a bicycle and traverse peaceful rural paths lined with rice paddies, lotus ponds, and traditional stilt houses.