At The Banks Of The Hau River

The Hau River, also known as the Bassac River, one of the two branches of the Mekong River, flows through seven provinces in southern Vietnam: An Giang, Đồng Tháp, Vĩnh Long, Trà Vinh, Cần Thơ, Hậu Giang, and Sóc Trăng. This region is home to a blend of ethnic groups living peacefully together: Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and Cham. Cruising along both banks, you'll find a melting pot of cultures and civilizations to explore.

Floating Markets: A Unique Riverine Culture

The floating markets on the Mekong River in Vietnam are considered must-see attractions during your adventure in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam.

This type of market is a commercial hub in the region where all goods are sold from boats and barges. Regarding the origin of the floating markets, locals claim that the high density of rivers and waterways contributed to the formation of these exceptional markets. However, there is no recorded information about the specific date or time when the first market sessions took place.

Beyond being a place for the flow of goods, these markets have long been a reflection of Vietnam's cultural identity, attracting international travelers. On the colorful boats, visitors have the opportunity to taste Vietnamese specialties and try fresh agricultural products at very good prices. Among the various markets, Nha Be and Cai Rang are the most popular for foreign explorers, and they have even been voted as must-see tourist sites in Vietnam.

Mosques: A Spiritual Symbol for the Locals

A mosque is a place of culture where Muslims gather to pray. It is a point of beauty for the Cham people, who come every Friday to meet or organize traditional celebrations.

In the An Giang province, surrounded by the Hau River, there is a well-known Cham village called Chau Giang. In Chau Giang, there are three mosques, among which Mubarak is the largest and has been recognized as a national heritage site. In the villages of the Cham community, it is easy to see people wearing traditional clothing in their daily life: men in sarongs, and women in abayas and hijabs.

In addition to being a religious site, the mosques along the Hau River are considered must-visit landmarks once you arrive in the provinces of the Mekong Delta. With monuments remaining from the cultural heritage of the Cham people, southern Vietnam has become a pilgrimage destination for followers, not only from Vietnam but from all around the world.

Stilt Houses: An Authentic Life

After the markets and mosques, now we come to the stilt houses, which adapt to the riverine conditions here. A life closely connected to the water, simpler and more modest than ours. The adjacent wooden houses that can be seen while cruising along the Hau River are located on both sides of the river. The hosts typically offer guests two specialty dishes: Nị (rice cooked with milk) and Cà-púa (beef served with various seasonings). These are two dishes that you should try at least once in your life.

Some Tourist Destinations Along the Hau River

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Visit the Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (An Giang)

The Tra Su Melaleuca Forest is located about 30 kilometers from Chau Doc, 10 kilometers from the Vietnam-Cambodia border, to the west of the Hau River. Tra Su is an ideal tourist destination for those seeking a relaxing place and wishing to explore the Southwest ecosystem. Most notably, this area is home to wildlife, including some species listed in the Vietnam Red Book, such as the painted stork and the oriental dart.

The best time to explore the Tra Su Forest is from September to November when the water covers the entire forest, allowing boats to navigate. Additionally, at Tra Su, you can walk on the longest bamboo bridge in Vietnam to fully immerse yourself in nature. Another activity appreciated by foreign travelers is enjoying the panoramic view from a 14-meter-high tower. Here, a telescope is provided for those who want to see bird nests or observe the movement of other wildlife.

To reach the Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, people often choose to travel by bus or motorbike, traveling directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc, and then about 30 kilometers to the forest.

Strolling along Ninh Kieu Wharf (Can Tho)

Ninh Kieu Wharf is located near downtown Can Tho, partially along the Hau River. This wharf is a great source of pride for the people of Can Tho. Nowadays, Ninh Kieu, where a 7,000m2 tourist park is situated, has become a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists.

When visiting Ninh Kieu Wharf, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Can Tho city and watch "cai luong" performances while cruising along the Can Tho River. Every evening, visitors can walk along the pedestrian bridge, also known as the "love bridge," to experience the romantic atmosphere of Can Tho and the Hau River.

Visit the Tan Long Stork Garden (Soc Trang)

The Tan Long Stork Garden is located 50 kilometers from downtown Soc Trang. This 1.5-hectare garden is managed by the family of Mr. Huynh Van Muoi. Over the course of three decades, it has become a sanctuary for storks and various bird species. When visiting this park, you can rent a boat to cruise along the river and enjoy the vibrant scenes of birdlife and the stunning landscapes of coconut tree canopies or bamboo groves. With the help of a local guide, visitors can learn about the history of the Tan Long Garden and its inhabitants.

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