Contents
On a journey through the mystical land of An Giang, you can visit any place without hesitation. However, no matter where you go or what you do, don’t forget to stop by the Chau Giang Cham Village in Chau Doc, An Giang. This is a must-see destination in any itinerary exploring the cultural beauty of An Giang. The life of the Cham ethnic community in An Giang is uniquely captivating, and it has inspired countless musicians, writers, and poets.
How to get to Cham Village in Chau Doc
Chau Giang Cham Village is a hamlet with a large Cham ethnic population, located just across a river from Chau Doc. The village is about 5 km by road (which takes more than 20 minutes to travel) and 3.5 km by river (which takes over 15 minutes to travel) from the center of Chau Doc city.
To get to Chau Giang Cham Village, you can choose one of the following two methods:
- If you travel by road, you can use a car or motorcycle to reach the Chau Giang ferry terminal, which is about 3 km from the center of Chau Doc city. Here, you will wait for the ferry to cross to Chau Phong commune in Tan Chau district. After crossing the ferry, you need to travel a little over 1 km to reach Chau Giang Cham Village.
- By river, you can reach the Chau Doc intersection (about 500m from Victoria Hotel) or the Chau Giang ferry terminal on the opposite side of Chau Doc city to rent a boat. The rental prices vary depending on your destination and the number of people. However, you can rest assured that the prices are relatively cheap and reasonable. This method is highly favored and chosen by many tourists.
Visiting Chau Giang Cham Village in Chau Doc town
Among the Cham villages in An Giang, Chau Giang Cham Village stands out for its preservation of unique cultural aspects in both material and spiritual life. Notably, these include the traditional craft of brocade weaving, the communal house living tradition, and the Islamic faith practiced under the shade of the mosque. It is from these elements that Chau Giang Cham Village often attracts writers, poets, and musicians seeking inspiration for literary and artistic works.
Stepping into Cham Chau Giang Village feels like entering a different world. Here, amidst the tranquil rural landscape imbued with the essence of the Mekong Delta, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of the local Cham community. With a large Muslim Cham population, An Giang boasts numerous mosques and smaller prayer rooms, with the most prominent being the Mubarak Mosque recognized as a national heritage site. From Chau Giang ferry terminal, turning left leads you to admire the beauty of this architectural marvel.
The resplendent Mubarak Mosque stands solemnly as a center of religious reverence and communal cultural activities for the Muslim Cham community. Its unique architecture features a round minaret, a main gate with a horseshoe arch, and a distinctive two-tiered elliptical dome. The roof of the mosque is adorned with a large oval-shaped tower, decorated with a crescent moon and star symbolizing Islam. This site holds significant historical and cultural value, making it a captivating destination within Cham Chau Giang Village.
What to eat in Cham Village in Chau Doc
In Chăm Châu Giang Village, “Com ni” and “ca pua” are two famous traditional dishes among the local ethnic people. These dishes are a harmonious combination that complements each other, prepared with intricate and unique cooking methods, which are quite exotic and intriguing to both Vietnamese and international tourists.
In the evening, visitors can encounter street vendors offering traditional snacks typical of An Giang, such as “banh tam” (steamed rice cake), steamed bananas, and cassava sticky rice. These snacks are affordable, typically priced between 3,000 to 5,000 Vietnamese dong per portion, perfect for enjoying while exploring the area.
Things to know when visiting Cham Village
- Do not use gestures, actions, or words that are disrespectful, intrusive, or culturally insensitive.
- The mosque is a place of reverence and Islamic cultural activities, so only enter with permission from the management.
- Avoid close contact or standing near unmarried women.
- Souvenirs here are reasonably priced, so refrain from bargaining.
- If invited into someone’s home, adhere to the host’s customs and rules.
Indeed, Cham Chau Giang Village is a fascinating destination not to be missed when visiting An Giang. It will bring us many new, wonderful, and exciting experiences on our journey. If you have the opportunity to travel to An Giang, be sure to visit Cham Village in Chau Doc to experience its many fascinating aspects.