An Giang's Floating Season: The beauty of a peaceful journey

The floating season in An Giang unveils a serene and enchanting beauty that captivates every soul. If you’re contemplating the ideal time for your An Giang trip, the floating season is undoubtedly the perfect choice.

“Floating season” in Mekong Delta, when the water level is on the rise and the rivers and canals expand, takes place from the seventh to the ninth lunar month. The annual floodwaters carry nutrient-rich alluvium to farmland and provide a bounty of fish, shrimp and other aquatic species. It also marks the start of a unique tourist season in the region.

Timing of An Giang’s Floating Season

The locals in the Mekong Delta often say, “6 months of drought, half a year of water,” describing the cyclical nature of water levels in the Mekong River. This saying reflects the unique weather pattern, particularly during An Giang’s floating season, which peaks during the rainy months.

Find out more: Where is Mekong River?

Typically, like other areas in the Mekong Delta, An Giang’s floating season spans from August to the end of November. During this period, water from the upper reaches of the Mekong River inundates ponds, lakes, canals, and streams, significantly elevating water levels.

Being at the river’s headwaters, An Giang is among the first to experience the flood, presenting challenges to the local residents.

However, it’s undeniable that the floating season brings substantial aquatic resources, benefiting the local economy. Fishing becomes a primary activity, with locals paddling wooden boats to catch fish, set traps, and improve their daily meals. The image of rustic boats drifting downstream on clear waters becomes a distinctive feature of An Giang and the Mekong Delta as a whole.

Discover: the Delightful Fish Noodle Soup in An Giang.

Explore the Enchanting Routes of An Giang’s Floating Season

Embarking on a journey to An Giang during the floating season is a magnet for many young travelers seeking nature’s beauty, rivers, and the simple life of the locals.

The two most suitable means of transport for this adventure are motorcycles and cars. Here are two recommended routes for witnessing An Giang’s floating season:

• Route 1: Ho Chi Minh City – My Thuan Bridge – Sa Dec – Lai Vung – Vam Cong Ferry – Long Xuyen – Tri Ton
• Route 2: Ho Chi Minh City – National Highway 1A – National Highway 61 – Thanh Hoa – Cao Lanh Ferry – Vam Cong Ferry – Long Xuyen – Tri Ton

Read more: How to get to An Giang.

Discovering the Beauty of An Giang’s Floating Season

Exploring the Tra Su Cajuput Forest

Location: Van Giao Commune, Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province (Approximately 10km from the Cambodia border)

The most iconic destination for experiencing the beauty of An Giang’s floating season is the green path leading into the Tra Su Cajuput Forest. Seated on small boats paddled by local residents, you’ll weave through intertwining canals, resembling a maze. The air in the melaleuca forest is remarkably refreshing, and the variety of fish and small animals add to the fascination.

The Tra Su Forest, about 30km from Chau Doc town, requires some travel time, but the enchanting natural scenery is well worth it. The vast melaleuca forest area includes lotus ponds, fish ponds, specialty restaurants serving An Giang cuisine, and picturesque spots perfect for capturing the essence of An Giang’s floating season.

Chau Doc Floating Village

Location: Chau Doc Town, An Giang Province

Another destination to explore the beauty of An Giang’s floating season is the Chau Doc Floating Village. Here, you can witness stunning landscapes, visit floating markets, explore fish farms along the river, and immerse yourself in the culture of the Cham villages.

Chau Doc’s floating homes are constructed by families building fish farms concentrated along the river. Fish farming, in addition to fishing, is considered a traditional occupation, providing a significant economic contribution. The ideal time to visit the floating village is early morning when families paddle their boats to the floating market to purchase food for the day.

The lively atmosphere, with boats navigating through the water, creates a unique experience, showcasing the distinctive life of the people in the region.

Exploring An Giang’s Floating Season on Bung Binh Thien

Location: An Phu District, An Giang Province

Bung Binh Thien is a natural lake renowned for its peaceful and serene beauty. The clear and tranquil waters become livelier during the floating season when many fishermen paddle out to catch fish. The vast expanse of water reflects the expansive sky, mirroring drifting clouds.

Bung Binh Thien is situated in the Khánh Bình, Nhơn Hội, and Quốc Thái communes, adjacent to the Binh Di River and Hau River. During the floating season, the water level in the lake rises significantly, and wildflowers bloom along the shores, embodying the true essence of the Mekong Delta.

Indulging in the Cuisine of An Giang’s Floating Season

Visiting An Giang during the floating season offers a chance to savor diverse and distinctive cuisine. Here are some delicious and characteristic dishes recommended for this season:

• Linh Bong Crazy Fish Hot Pot: A unique dish of the Mekong Delta, during the floating season, linh fish proliferate in canals and fields. This hot pot combines the sweet and flavorful fish with the fragrant linh bong flower, creating an enticing experience.
• Gun Flower Braised Fish Sauce: With the flourishing growth of gun flowers during the floating season, locals gather them for a unique dish. Similar to fish sauce hot pot, this dish involves dipping gun flowers into a rich and savory fish sauce. The Mekong Delta offers a variety of fish sauces, each with its distinct flavor.
• Snakehead Fish Congee with Bitter Vegetables: Snakehead fish congee is a comforting dish in the Mekong Delta. The natural sweetness of the local snakehead fish, combined with bitter vegetables, creates a distinct and satisfying flavor.
• Grilled Mudfish: A simple yet delicious dish prepared by grilling cleaned mudfish over an open flame until cooked. Despite the charred appearance, peeling off the burnt layer reveals tender and fragrant white fish meat, best enjoyed with flavorful fish sauce.

In Conclusion

The captivating beauty of An Giang’s floating season offers a mesmerizing journey through serene landscapes and authentic local life.

Whether exploring the Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, experiencing the Chau Doc Floating Village, or admiring the tranquility of Bung Binh Thien, each destination unveils the unique charm of An Giang during this enchanting season.

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the diverse and delicious cuisine, making your trip to An Giang’s floating season an unforgettable experience.

Learn about trips: An Giang tour.