This summer, go to An Giang to check-in at the 'heaven's gate' and camp by the 'paradise lake'

An Giang is part of the Long Xuyen Quadrangle region, located in the Mekong Delta, with the Tien and Hau rivers flowing through it. From May to September, An Giang enters its festival season, including the Ba Chua Xu festival on Sam Mountain and the bull racing festival. However, there is quite a bit of rain in July and August, so visitors should bring umbrellas and suitable clothing.

If you want to see the carpet of duckweed and lush green vegetation, you should visit during the flooding season, from October to November. From late November to early December, visitors can admire the golden rice season in Ta Pa (Tri Ton district).

Explore the Ecosystem of Tra Su Cajuput Forest
 

Tra Su is a cajuput forest and ecological tourism area with a history of over 40 years, spanning nearly 850 hectares in Van Giao commune (Tinh Bien district). The cajuput trees here are planted in the flooded model of the Hau River region, helping to regulate the climate for the entire Bay Nui area.

For a long time, Tra Su Cajuput Forest has been a sanctuary for many water birds and rare wildlife species in the Southwest region. Visitors should experience sitting on motorboats or wooden boats to enjoy the green space, listen to explanations, and observe animals up close.

The deeper you venture into the forest, the more enchanting the scenery becomes. Popular poses such as sitting at the bow or standing at the prow emphasize the depth of the forest and the contrast of the water's surface, making for more striking photos. When taking pictures, visitors should ask the boat driver to stop for safety.

Additionally, visitors can check in at the longest wooden bridge in Vietnam or climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the tourist area. The pigeon nest area is also a popular spot for photo enthusiasts.

Check-in at Iconic Destinations

▸ Koh Kas Heaven's Gate
 

Located in Lang Chau commune (Tri Ton district), Koh Kas Heaven's Gate stands alone in the middle of a field, its appearance marked by the passage of time. The gate is built in the distinctive architecture of Khmer culture, featuring three pointed towers and intricate relief patterns. Stepping through the gate, visitors are greeted by a winding silk road leading to the serene Koh Kas Pagoda.
 

The timing of your photoshoot is crucial for capturing stunning images. Visitors should come early in the morning, when the rice fields are still fresh, or wait until late afternoon when the sunlight is softer. Late November to early December is the season of golden ripe rice, adding vibrant colors to your photos.

▸ Palmyra Fields
 

The Palmyra fields in Tinh Bien district are a must-visit check-in spot when coming to An Giang. Besides the surrounding mountainous scenery, the tall, evenly spaced palmyra trees highlight the depth of the photo. From a distance, visitors can also see some trees forming heart shapes.

 

The ideal time for photography is from 3:00 to 4:30 PM when the golden sunlight bathes the fields. However, the palmyra fields are not marked on Google Maps. Visitors need to head to the An Nong Commune People's Committee, then go straight on the road next to it and turn right at the intersection. When you see An Nong B Primary School, look across the street to find the palmyra trees.

Camping by Ta Pa Lake

Ta Pa Lake is approximately 17 meters deep, surrounded by limestone cliffs. The lake was formed after locals excavated limestone. Its crystal-clear, jade-green water results from rainwater accumulation, combined with groundwater flowing from the mountains. Depending on the time of year, the water in the lake transitions from jade green to light green to orange-yellow.

Thanks to its beautiful natural scenery, Ta Pa Lake is dubbed the "paradise lake" of An Giang. Visitors should come here early in the morning to enjoy the fresh air and admire the morning sunlight shining on the lake. By noon, the heart of the lake glows under the sun, with the rocks at the bottom reflecting, creating a magnificent scene. From here, visitors can also admire the rice fields, Co To Mountain, and Forbidden Mountain.

Around the lake, there are many flat areas and shady trees, perfect for picnics with friends. In the evening, the cool mist rising from the lake makes it ideal for overnight camping. Note that this area has few residents, so visitors should prepare tents, supplies, drinking water, and food.

Explore Cham Culture

▸ Chau Phong Village
From Chau Doc City, you can reach Chau Phong Cham Village via Chau Giang Ferry or Da Phuoc Cham Village via Con Tien Bridge. These are places where tourists often visit to explore the life of the Cham people, experience their culture, and indulge in delicious dishes from the villages.
 

Currently, visitors to Cham villages usually travel by boat combined with walking or using a cart to experience Cham village culture. When visiting Cham villages, there are some special dishes to try:

Chau Phong Beef Rice: Only available in the morning, diners must wake up early and take the Chau Giang Ferry to Cham Village. With the cooking method of "hot" beef, which preserves the freshness and deliciousness of the meat, especially when paired with An Giang rice, it creates an unforgettable delicacy.

"Tung lo mo" (Cham-style beef sausage): Unlike other beef sausages elsewhere, the Cham people have their own traditional recipe for making "tung lo mo". They add a little cold rice to create a sour taste, and the beef used for sausage must come from cattle raised by the Cham people according to their religious practices.

▸ Masjid Jamiul Azhar Mosque

 

The Masjid Jamiul Azhar Mosque, located in Chau Phong commune, An Giang province, is the largest mosque in the area. Built in 1959 and renovated several times, the mosque has become a prominent religious symbol for the Muslim community.

Designed in an eye-catching style with a color scheme of white and emerald green, the mosque features a towering dome and intricately patterned door frames. The spacious exterior grounds allow visitors to stroll and admire the traditional Islamic architecture.
 

Visitors should be mindful to park their vehicles neatly and avoid making noise or wearing revealing clothing, as the mosque is still actively used by Muslim worshippers.

Conquer the roof of the Mekong Delta
 

There are various ways to travel nowadays: by long-distance buses, cable cars, or trekking experiences. Recently, the Forbidden Mountain Tourist Area has introduced guided trekking tours with well-structured procedures, making it easier and more convenient for mountain enthusiasts to conquer their passion. In addition to guesthouses for group travelers, there are also many homestays available on the mountain peak: such as "House of Clouds," "Windy Hill," "Mai Tung," "Phu Si," and "Camping Forbidden Mountain." At the foot of the mountain, there are resorts like Forbidden Mountain Resort and Sang Nhu Ngoc Resort.
 

When climbing Forbidden Mountain, one must try the forest vegetable pancake to truly experience the local flavor. With over 10 types of wild vegetables available all year round, the variety is even greater during the rainy season, offering precious medicinal flavors. Additionally, the area boasts seasonal specialties, such as fresh fruits in the sunny season and forest vegetables, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms in the rainy season.

Traveling along Provincial Highway 948, you can admire endless hills and forests resembling paintings. Just 10 kilometers from Forbidden Mountain is the nationally recognized historical site of Tuc Dup Hill, a hill with a profound history deeply engraved in the memories of many generations. It is a popular destination for both local and out-of-town visitors. Here, tourists can directly experience navigating through each staircase and cave to feel the value of the place where their ancestors once bravely defended.

Tuc Dup Hill stands only 216 meters tall, with an area of over 2,200 square meters and a curved perimeter of about 3 kilometers. However, it possesses a unique and mysterious natural structure. According to local folklore, the U.S. military once offered a $2 million reward for wiping out enemy forces within 18 days, hence the hill's nickname "Two Million Dollar Hill."
 

Within the heart of the hill lie numerous deep caves and large caverns interconnected by narrow passages and openings formed by large and small rocks stacked atop one another in various configurations. These caves are preserved and maintained in their original state, including:

• Cave C6 (featuring the C6 hall with a capacity of over 150 people)
• Medical Corps Cave
• Youth Cave
• Provincial Party Committee Hall
• Military Command Post Cave
• Propaganda Department Cave
• Women's Union Cave
• Folk Medicine Cave
• Fairy Cave

Today, this area is preserved and serves as an exhibition space for war relics and machinery dating back to the resistance against foreign invaders, such as jeeps, tanks, and guns.

Which season is beautiful in An Giang?
 

From March to May, An Giang experiences a dry and sunny season. If you wish to admire the floating water lily carpet and the lush natural world of the Tra Su cajuput forest during the flooding season, it's best to visit in October and November. Towards the end of November and the beginning of December, you can witness the ripe rice fields during harvest season in Ta Pa.
 

During the lunar months of April and August are two major festivals: the festival of Lady Xu Mountain (from the 23rd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month) and the buffalo racing festival at the end of August. Due to the relatively high rainfall in July and August, it's advisable to bring an umbrella and appropriate clothing during these months.

An Giang has identified tourism as a key economic sector. By focusing on investment and improving quality, the province's tourism industry has developed well, catering to accommodation, travel, and sightseeing activities. However, fully realizing the diverse tourism potential still requires further exploration, research, and innovation in product development, as well as connecting tours and routes to exploit them more effectively.