Captivated by the simple beauty of An Giang province.

An Giang is located in southwestern Vietnam, sharing a border with Cambodia nearly 100 km long. It is the source of the upper Mekong River, where it splits into two rivers, the Hau and Tien, creating the characteristic annual flood season. The dense network of canals allows for a highly developed waterway transportation system. Most trade and commerce takes place at river ports or floating markets, a unique cultural feature of the Mekong Delta.

Most tourists visiting An Giang go to familiar places like Ba Chau Doc Pagoda, Mount Sam, Mount Cam, Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum, the majestic That Son mountain range, or the famous Tuc Dup Hill (also known as the Two Million Dollar Hill, because it is estimated that during the war, the amount of bombs and ammunition dropped by the US here was equivalent to that amount). However, there is a very different An Giang, with less well-known landmarks, which will be interesting destinations for those who love backpacking and exploring local culture.

To fully explore the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta, you should travel by motorbike, allowing you to be flexible with your time and the places you want to visit.

On your way through Dong Thap, don't forget to stop by Thuong Phuoc border gate, where milestone 240 is located, and this is also where the Mekong River begins flowing into Vietnam. From here, you can feel the grandeur of the river that has flowed through many countries. Starting in Tibet, China, the Mekong River flows through Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and then stops in Vietnam, branching into 9 tributaries to form the legendary Mekong Delta, which has deposited countless alluvial deposits, creating the richness of the vast Southwestern region of Vietnam.

Continuing your journey, upon entering An Giang province, the first place you should visit is Bung Binh Thien, also known as the "heavenly well lake," situated between the Binh Di and Hau rivers. The lake covers approximately 193 hectares and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Mekong Delta. What makes it special is that its water remains clear year-round, despite the nearby canals being murky with silt. Furthermore, the lake's water level rises and falls rather than flowing, giving rise to numerous legends surrounding Bung Binh Thien.

The Cham ethnic group lives in the area around Bung Lake. A simple stroll around the lake will reveal the unique culture of the local people. The Cham have largely preserved their traditional customs and beliefs. Colorful stilt houses, ancient mosques, and shy Cham girls in their traditional clothing all blend together to create a serene rural scene. You can get off your vehicle here, wander through the villages, and chat with the locals to learn more about this land.

The next destination is Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, located in Tinh Bien District, a border district. The local specialty is palm sugar. Don't forget to stop at a roadside stall and enjoy a refreshing glass of palm sugar juice to cool down before continuing your journey. Tra Su is a typical flooded forest of the Western Hau River region, home to many species of waterbirds, wild animals, and aquatic life, belonging to Vietnam's system of special-use forests.

Upon arriving at the mangrove forest, you can immediately feel its freshness and pristine beauty. A gentle breeze rustles through the treetops, and birds chirp merrily, filling the air with their melodious songs. A small boat slowly glides you through the mangrove groves, venturing deeper into the forest. The water's surface is covered in a vibrant green of water hyacinths, and pristine white mangrove blossoms fall everywhere. You can spot egrets soaring above the water searching for food, bitterns calling to each other, and sparrows and ducks perched on the slender branches of the mangroves. The entire area resounds with the sounds of birdsong, blending with the green of the water. This unexpectedly refreshing atmosphere will help you forget the hustle and bustle of life, allowing you to embrace this verdant space and savor every sweet, magical moment of nature.

In the middle of the mangrove forest lies a watchtower area. If you enjoy the feeling of spending a wild night in the forest, waking up to the sunrise with thousands of birds singing in harmony everywhere, contact the forest rangers to experience this wonderful feeling.

Ta Pa Hill

Leaving Tra Su, continue straight towards Tri Ton to visit Ta Pa Hill. This is also a lesser-known destination, but it attracts many backpackers. The hill is only 120 meters high, and on top of it is the ancient Chun Num temple, built in the Khmer architectural style.

Walking about 200 meters around the back of the temple gate, you'll reach the hilltop. From here, you can take in the entire fertile Tri Ton district. Below lies the colorful Ta Pa rice field, with a golden carpet of rice on one side and lush green seedlings on the other, dotted with a few towering palm trees. In the distance, the blue smoke from burning fields rises, and buffaloes leisurely make their way home in the setting sun. Farmers, having just finished their work in the fields, are carrying their loads home after a hard day's labor.

This is undoubtedly a beautiful afternoon scene that evokes many memories for those who spent their childhood in the Vietnamese countryside. On Ta Pa hill, there is also a crystal-clear, emerald-green lake. The lake's surface is calm like a mirror, reflecting the mountains, with the majestic Co To mountain range faintly visible in the background. This is also a romantic meeting place for many local young couples to exchange vows of eternal love.

If you still have the energy to continue your journey, An Giang still has many places for you to visit. Visit the lotus village in Thoai Son, then go to the Oc Eo cultural site which is currently being excavated and researched. Or climb Co To mountain, visit Bong Lai pagoda, follow the stream to Soai So lake, with its lush green gardens surrounding the foot of the mountain…

(According to Young Knowledge)

The Thanh