Shopping Attractions

Chau Doc Market – The fermented fish capital of the Mekong Delta by the Hau River

Author: Quản trị viên Updated: 10/02/2026 Views: 34

Chau Doc Market is open from early morning until the afternoon on Bach Dang Street, famous for dozens of types of fermented fish, dried fish, palm sugar, fish noodle soup, and palm sugar honeycomb cake.

Chau Doc Market – the central market of Chau Doc, An Giang, located near the banks of the Hau River. The market is widely known as the "fermented fish capital" of the Mekong Delta, where visitors come to see, taste, and buy various specialty fermented fish products.

Quick Summary

Address: Bach Dang Street and surrounding streets, central Chau Doc, An Giang
Opening hours: From early morning until late afternoon, bustling most in the morning
Admission: Free
Highlights: Stalls of fermented fish (mam), dried fish, palm sugar, and specialties from the Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) region

History and Features

The market is a major trading hub in the border region of An Giang, closely intertwined with the daily life of the Kinh, Chinese, Khmer, and Cham communities.
The fermented fish section gathers numerous long-standing stalls offering dozens of different types of fermented fish products.
Beyond fermented specialties, the market sells a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, freshwater fish, clothing, and everyday household items.
The market features an authentic, rustic atmosphere that reflects the daily rhythm of life in the Mekong Delta.

What to Buy at Chau Doc Market

Fermented linh fish, fermented snakehead fish, fermented gourami, fermented mangrove crab (ba khia), and mam thai eaten with boiled pork.
Assorted dried fish, dried gourami, and puffed dried pangasius (tra fish) to bring home as gifts.
Palm sugar, palm sugar honeycomb cake, and various Khmer specialties.
Seasonal fruits, wild herbs, and agricultural produce from the Bay Nui region.

What to Eat at Chau Doc Market

Chau Doc fish noodle soup (bun ca) with golden turmeric broth, served with sesbania flowers and fresh herbs.
Fermented fish noodle soup (bun mam) and hotpot (lau mam) prepared with distinctive fermented linh fish and gourami.
Palm sugar honeycomb cakes, sweet dessert soups (che), and street snacks around the market.

How to Get There

From the center of Chau Doc, you can reach the market by walking, electric cyclo, taxi, or motorbike.
From Ho Chi Minh City, sleeper buses run to Chau Doc, usually taking about 5 to 6 hours.
From Long Xuyen or Can Tho, travel by car along National Highway 91 to Chau Doc.

Tips for Visitors

You should sample before buying and ask for prices per kilogram, as prices may vary between stalls.
Fermented fish has a strong odor; ask the seller to seal it tightly in airtight containers if you plan to carry it on a bus or plane.
Visit in the morning to experience the liveliest atmosphere and the freshest goods.
Combine your trip with visits to the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain, Tay An Pagoda, and the floating fish raft villages on the Hau River.