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Chau Doc Market

Chau Doc Market: A local’s guide to the best experiences

28/10/2025 89 views

Chau Doc Market is more than just a place to shop – it is a living, breathing slice of the Mekong Delta’s spirit. Every stall, every scent, every conversation carries the rhythm of An Giang’s river life. Known as the “kingdom of fermented fish,” this bustling riverside market enchants every traveler who wanders through its colorful aisles.
Quick Tips
  • Visit early (6-8 AM) for the freshest food and liveliest atmosphere at Chau Doc Market – the “kingdom of fermented fish.”
  • Try local musts: mam hotpot, palm juice, and traditional cakes.
  • Getting there: 2 kilometers away from the town center, accessible by taxi, motorbike, or even boat.
  • Nearby sights: Ba Chua Xu Temple, Hang Pagoda, and Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple.
  • Next stop: Book VinWonders Phu Quoc tickets for a world-class adventure filled with roller coasters and water slides.

1. Overview of Chau Doc Market

Set along Bach Dang Street, just 2 kilometers away from the center of Chau Doc, Chau Doc Market stands proudly by the Chau Doc River – the lifeline of An Giang. This market is affectionately called “cho mam” (fermented fish market), as it is where the region’s most iconic product, mam, comes to life.

The classic red roof structure of Chau Doc Market

The classic red-roof structure of Chau Doc Market (Source: Collected)

The market’s story traces back to the early 19th century during the Nguyen Dynasty. Back then, Chau Doc was a quiet riverside settlement where traders exchanged goods on boats and riverbanks. In 1819, King Gia Long ordered the local authority to formally establish a market to encourage trade. A pottery workshop and trading post were founded here – marking the birth of Chau Doc Market. 

In 1914, the French rebuilt the market with a steel frame and red-tiled roof – a structure that still stands today, blending colonial charm with Vietnamese character. Later, in 1998, the local authority renovated it to improve ventilation and space, while preserving the old façade. Today, Chau Doc Market is not just a shopping spot; it’s a living museum of Mekong culture.

2. What to explore at Chau Doc Market?

2.1. Fermented fish paste

No visit to Chau Doc Market is complete without exploring the section dedicated to mam – the region’s signature fermented fish paste. Dozens of large clay jars line the stalls, filled with different kinds of fish such as snakehead, catfish, and perch, all marinated in salt and spices for weeks or months until they reach perfection. This unique delicacy is the foundation of countless Mekong dishes, from mam hotpot to bun mam (fermented fish noodle soup). The aroma alone can tell seasoned travelers that they’re in the culinary heart of the Mekong Delta.

Rows of fermented fish jars the unmistakable symbol of Chau Doc Market

Rows of fermented fish jars – the unmistakable symbol of Chau Doc Market (Source: Collected)

2.2. Local dishes

Beyond mam, Chau Doc Market is a paradise for food lovers. Early in the morning, you can grab a bowl of bun ca (fish noodle soup) or hu tieu (southern noodle soup), which are freshly prepared with herbs and broth simmered overnight. Street vendors often sell banh xeo (crispy pancakes), grilled skewers, sticky rice, and pork rolls, filling the air with irresistible scents. 

2.3. Traditional cakes & drinks

Chau Doc Market also brings out the creative soul of Mekong sweets. You will find colorful bo cakes, da lon cakes, and tet cakes wrapped in banana leaves. The sellers often recommend pairing them with a glass of iced palm juice – a refreshing drink made from the fruit of the native thot not palm trees. Palm sugar, one of An Giang’s specialties, is also a popular souvenir. It adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel to tea or dessert.

2.4. Vegetables & fruits

The fresh produce section in Chau Doc Market is an explosion of color – green herbs, tropical fruits, and jars of pickled vegetables. Seasonal fruits like mangoes, guavas, rambutan, and longan are stacked high, which are sourced directly from nearby orchards. You will also spot jars of pickled mustard greens and sour bamboo shoots, essential ingredients in local meals. 

Colorful seasonal fruits at Chau Doc Market

Colorful seasonal fruits at Chau Doc Market (Source: Collected)

2.5. Others

Apart from food, Chau Doc Market offers a wide range of everyday goods – clothing, footwear, hats, and household essentials. Tourists love the stalls selling traditional costumes of the Kinh and Cham people, as well as handmade crafts, wooden carvings, and woven baskets. This market in Chau Doc is also a favorite photo spot. With its bright colors, lively crowds, and sunlight streaming through the roof slats, it’s a visual feast for photographers. 

Read more: Chau Doc Vietnam map: Your guide to key attractions & more

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3. Guide for first-time visitors to Chau Doc Market

3.1. When to visit?

Chau Doc Market operates from early morning until evening. The best time to experience its energy is between 6 AM and 8 AM, when the market buzzes with locals shopping for the day. From August to November is the floating season in Chau Doc, when the Mekong waters rise and the area becomes even more vibrant, with boats bringing goods directly to the riverside stalls.

3.2. How to get there?

From the center of Chau Doc, reaching Chau Doc Market is quick and easy – just a short 2 kilometers ride. You can hail a taxi or ride a motorbike along Nguyen Van Thoai Street, which leads directly to the market. For a more local experience, consider traveling by boat. Chau Doc’s waterways are deeply connected to daily life here, and many small boats can take you right to the riverside near the market.

Chau Doc Market is easily accessible by both land and river route

Chau Doc Market is easily accessible by both land and river routes (Source: Collected)

3.3. What to note?

Here are a few tips to make your visit to Chau Doc Market smooth and fun:

  • Arrive early for the freshest produce and most authentic atmosphere
  • Bring cash, as most vendors don’t accept cards
  • Try before you buy, especially with mam and local snacks
  • Bargaining is common – do it with a smile
  • Respect photography – ask for permission before photographing the vendors
  • Mind the heat – mornings are cooler and more comfortable for exploring

Explore: Long Xuyen Floating Market: Guide to an authentic experience

4. Where to go near Chau Doc Market?

After your market adventure, you can explore these nearby attractions:

  • Ba Chua Xu Temple (5.4 kilometers away): One of southern Vietnam’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, Ba Chua Xu Temple lies at the foot of Sam Mountain. It attracts thousands of visitors every year seeking blessings for health, luck, and prosperity.
  • Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple (5.5 kilometers away): Dedicated to Thoai Ngoc Hau, a revered general of the Nguyen Dynasty, this temple is both a historical site and a cultural treasure. Located near Sam Mountain, it showcases beautiful ancient architecture.
  • Hang Pagoda (7 kilometers away): Also known as Phuoc Dien Pagoda, Hang Pagoda is built into the side of a mountain, offering a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the plains. The lush surroundings make it a must-see for nature lovers.
Ba Chua Xu Temple is a top attraction near Chau Doc Market

Ba Chua Xu Temple is a top attraction near Chau Doc Market (Source: Collected)

Read more: An Giang map: 15 unmissable spots on your journey

FAQs about Chau Doc Market in An Giang

Where is Chau Doc Market?

The market is located near the Chau Doc River in Chau Doc Ward, An Giang Province, in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

What can I buy at Chau Doc Market?

You can find fermented fish paste, local dishes, fresh fruits, pickled vegetables, seafood, handicrafts, etc.

When is the best time to visit Chau Doc Market?

The market is most lively in the morning, when fresh produce and seafood arrive.

How can I get to Chau Doc Market?

You can reach the market by taxi, motorbike, or boat.

Is bargaining accepted at Chau Doc Market?

Yes, bargaining is common here, especially for souvenirs, handicrafts, and produce.

Visiting Chau Doc Market is like stepping into the heart of An Giang’s river culture. It is not just about shopping or tasting food – it is about sharing smiles with vendors, hearing the chatter of morning trade, and feeling the pulse of daily life along the Mekong.

When you are ready to keep the adventure going, let the journey flow from river to sea – from Chau Doc to Phu Quoc. Here, the experiences shift from rustic charm to oceanfront wonder, offering a perfect continuation of your travel story in Vietnam.

At Grand World Phu Quoc, nights come alive with lights, music, and cultural shows along canals reminiscent of Venice. Just nearby, VinWonders Phu Quoc invites families and thrill-seekers into six themed zones filled with roller coasters, water slides, fairy-tale castles, and one of Asia’s largest aquariums. For a wilder adventure, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s first open zoo – lets visitors encounter over 3,000 animals in vast naturalistic habitats.

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Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc offers a close up journey into the wild heart of nature

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Grand World Phu Quoc is the city that never sleeps on the Pearl Island

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To make the most of your trip, stay at Vinpearl Phu Quoc, where comfort meets paradise. Vinpearl offers luxurious rooms, ocean views, and easy access to all nearby attractions. 

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