Ferry Crossing at Cao Lanh City to An Giang Province

Ferry Crossing at Cao Lanh City to An Giang Province in Southern Vietnam

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to travel from Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province, crossing a large ferry that carries both cars and many passengers to Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province. Long Xuyen is the important capital city of An Giang and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam.

The ferry crossing at Cao Lanh was a very interesting experience for me because the Mekong River branch here is wider than expected. There are more than 10 ferries operating, departing almost every 5 minutes, so there is hardly any waiting time. The ferry I took was large enough to carry several cars, which have to pay a fee, but passengers like me traveling on foot pay nothing. The crossing took only about 10 minutes to reach Long Xuyen.

The atmosphere at the ferry terminal was livelier than I had imagined, with many tourists and locals crossing back and forth. There were Vietnamese tourist vans and vehicles from Mai Linh transport company providing ferry services. I could fully feel the vibrant riverside community of the Mekong here.

Long Xuyen City, the Center of An Giang Province

After disembarking at Long Xuyen, I felt the energy of a bustling city. Besides being the capital of An Giang Province, it is also an important economic and cultural hub in the Mekong Delta. The city covers about 130 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 300,000. It is about 180 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and only 45 kilometers from the Cambodian border.

For travelers interested in visiting Long Xuyen, I recommend booking accommodation in advance. There are hotels ranging from budget to luxury levels, which can be booked through various websites like Agoda. Long Xuyen is also a convenient connection point for traveling to other cities in An Giang Province, including Chau Doc, a tourist city and important border crossing to Cambodia.

Chau Doc City, an Important Gateway to Cambodia

From Long Xuyen, I continued to Chau Doc, a city famous as a waterway hub and border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia.Chau Doc CityLocated on the Bassac River, an important river flowing through the city.

Along the Bassac River, I took a walk in a park featuring a Basa fish monument, locally called “Pla Phao,” decorated with beautiful fountains and lights. The atmosphere in the evening and at night is peaceful and perfect for relaxation.

Chau Doc is also a major water trade center with a bustling market full of local products and fresh food. It is a departure point for tourists wanting to take a boat across the border to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The speedboats operate along the Mekong River through an international checkpoint that is rare worldwide.

Local Food Experience in Chau Doc

For a traveler like me, trying local food is a must. In Chau Doc, riverside restaurants line the Bassac River, ranging from budget to upscale. I sampled banh mi near the market, which was very delicious, and also pork belly rice at a nearby fresh market, one of my favorite dishes on this trip.

There are also fresh fruit smoothies called “sinh to” sold along the streets, a refreshing drink perfect for southern Vietnam’s hot weather. I also tried fresh coconut water, easily found at markets and street stalls. The food variety and flavors here suit Thai tastes like mine very well.

Summary of Ferry Crossing and Traveling in An Giang Province

The ferry crossing at Cao Lanh to An Giang Province offers both convenience and a genuine experience of riverside life along the Mekong. I was impressed by the lively ferry terminal and community, as well as the diversity of cities in An Giang, from Long Xuyen, the economic center, to Chau Doc, the gateway to Cambodia.

If you want to truly experience the atmosphere of the Mekong Delta, I recommend traveling this route. Don’t forget to try the local food in Chau Doc as well.Chau Doc CuisineDelicious and diverse flavors that will captivate you as they did me.

For those who want to learn more about An Giang Province and its cities, you can read my additional articles atAn Giang Province Travel InformationAnd details about traveling from Long Xuyen atLong Xuyen City Travel InformationThank you.