Festivals in Châu Đốc: Major Events and When to Visit

The Ba Chua Xu Festival on Sam Mountain takes place every year from the 22nd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month, usually falling in May or June. It is the largest cultural and pilgrimage event in the Mekong Delta. Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Sam Mountain ward, located five kilometers southwest of Châu Đốc center. The central ceremony features the ritual washing of the deity statue on the night of the 23rd lunar day. Roadways near the temple experience heavy traffic during this week, and local room rates rise. If you want to observe traditional folk rituals, visit during the main week. If you prefer uncrowded temple visits, choose any other month.

The Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival occurs during the Khmer Sene Dolta festival in late September or early October. The race venue alternates annually between Tri Tôn district and Tịnh Biên town, both 30 to 45 kilometers from Châu Đốc. Pairs of working oxen compete across a muddy, flooded paddy track measuring 120 meters. Drivers stand on wooden rakes, steering the animals through qualifying rounds and fast sprint finishes. The event honors Khmer ancestors and marks the start of field preparation. Races begin in early morning and finish by early afternoon. Travelers based in Châu Đốc can hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach the grounds within an hour.

The Mekong high-water season, known as mùa nước nổi, runs annually from August to November along the Hậu River. While not a single holiday, this period brings regional boat races and seasonal fishing traditions to Châu Đốc and nearby An Phú. Floodwaters spill into local canals and wetlands, filling the waterways of Trà Sư Cajuput Forest. Châu Đốc communities organize rowing competitions and seasonal harvest activities. Local dining spots feature special flood-season menus with sesbania flowers (bông điên điển) and linh fish (cá linh). Visiting during these months allows travelers to see regional waterborne transport in full daily operation.

Booking logistics in Châu Đốc depend on the seasonal calendar. For the Ba Chua Xu Festival in the fourth lunar month, reserve hotel rooms at least four weeks in advance. Accommodations along Lê Lợi Street in Châu Đốc city center offer easier availability than properties directly adjacent to Sam Mountain. Sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City's Western Bus Station (Bến xe Miền Tây) take approximately six hours. Fares start from $7 (approximate) each way. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Cần Thơ International Airport and drive three hours northwest to Châu Đốc. When entering religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees.