What is Interesting About Chau Giang Cham Village?
An Giang is renowned for its mystical charm, making a visit here an unforgettable experience. However, make sure to take advantage of Chau Doc's Cham Village, an essential stop in exploring the cultural identity of this place. So, "What is Interesting About Chau Giang Cham Village?" Let's find out right away with Vietnam Budget Carrental.
Where Is This Cham Village?
The Cham Villages of An Giang, particularly Chau Giang Cham Village, are an impressive tourist spot very close to Chau Doc. This place is just a river away from Chau Doc, approximately 5km by road and over 3km by river. An Giang boasts 11 Cham villages with around 3,500 households.
The Cham Villages are situated along the banks of Chau Giang (on the side of the Hau River and Khanh Binh). This area falls within the districts of Chau Phu, Chau Thanh, and Tan Chau, with a few villages also located in the cities of Chau Doc and Long Xuyen.
How Do You Get To Chau Giang Cham Village?
If traveling by road, you can use a car or a motorbike to reach Chau Giang Ferry, which is about 3km from the center of Chau Doc. At the ferry, you'll wait to cross into the Chau Phong area of Tan Chau district. After crossing the river, it's just over 1km further to reach Chau Giang Cham Village.
By waterway, you can head to the Chau Doc intersection (about 500m from the Victoria Hotel) or to the Chau Giang ferry terminal on the other side of Chau Doc to hire a boat. Boat rental prices at each point will vary, depending on your destinations and the number of people in your group. However, the prices are relatively cheap and very reasonable. This method is favored and most chosen by many tourists.
The Origins of Chau Giang Cham Village
According to ancient records, the Cham people of An Giang have their origins from the Champa kingdom in Ninh Thuan. During wars, they migrated and sought refuge in Kampong Cham in Cambodia. Later, they migrated back to Vietnam and settled in present-day An Giang. There's still a part of the Cham community in Cambodia living around Lake Hồ.
There's information indicating that Cham people from the coastal region of Central Vietnam arrived in this area during the conflicts alongside the army of Lord Nguyễn Phúc Chu in 1699.
Additionally, there's information suggesting that the Cham people in Chau Giang did not originate from the same source. Their community comprises various ethnic groups from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia. They speak different languages, using Vietnamese as a common language for communication.
Among the Cham villages in An Giang, Chau Phong Cham Village stands out for preserving unique cultural aspects in both material and spiritual life. They uphold customs like living in stilt houses, following Islamic beliefs, and maintaining the craft of brocade weaving... Did you know that this village has inspired many poets, writers, and musicians as well?
What is Interesting About Chau Giang Cham Village?
1. Discovering the Traditional Craft of Jewelry Making
Apart from weaving, the people of Chau Phong Cham Village also practice handmade jewelry crafting. Visitors can admire and choose from a variety of meticulously crafted bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. These make unique and wonderful gifts if tourists wish to buy souvenirs for their loved ones or friends.
2. Exploring the Architecture of Chau Giang Cham Houses
In this village, people still live in hundred-year-old wooden stilt houses. These stilt houses are constructed quite high, primarily using precious woods like eaglewood, ironwood, and rosewood. The houses are designed to be spacious and refined, usually in either a four-compartment or five-compartment layout.
According to Feng Shui, Cham houses here always face south and have a wooden staircase for going up and down. The entry doors are a bit low so that when strangers enter, they must bow in greeting to the homeowners. Inside, there are no tables or chairs; guests sit on mats or carpets.
3. Discovering the Traditional Brocade Weaving Craft
You will feel like entering a different world as soon as you step inside the Cham Village in Chau Doc. Here, you can learn about the traditional brocade weaving craft that the Cham people of An Giang have practiced for hundreds of years. The brocade here bears a resemblance to that of the Cham people in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan. This remains a significant craft alongside the local fishing trade.
4. Visiting Mubarak Mosque - A National Heritage Site
As the Cham people here follow the Islamic faith, their village houses a mosque named Mubarak. This beautiful mosque has been recognized as a national heritage site. Its solemn and magnificent architecture leaves many visitors in awe. The unique architecture with numerous picturesque spots makes this place a top attraction in Chau Phong Cham Village.
5. Cham Village in Chau Doc - Explore Local Muslim Community
The people of Chau Phong Cham Village, practicing Islam, have customs that might intrigue you to explore further. Men wear xarong while women wear dresses. Men wear hats, and women wear Mat’ra scarves. Men here don't drink alcohol. Women usually do not go out. They have customs of avoiding pork, not wearing gold, among others.
6. Indulging in the Chau Phong Cham People's Specialties
Don't miss the chance to taste the renowned local cuisines! Traditional dishes of the Chau Phong Cham people that you should definitely try are "com ni" (cooked rice with milk) and "ca pua" (a dish made from beef, ginger, coconut milk, curry, onions, peanuts...). In the evening, along the village streets, vendors will appear. This is the time when tourists can enjoy some delicious treats like steamed cakes, banana cakes, or fragrant cassava sticky rice.
Some Considerations for You When Coming Here
- It's important to avoid actions or words that may intrude, show disapproval, or disrupt the culture of the Cham people.
- Access to the Mosque is only permitted with authorization from the managing authority. For the Cham community, this place holds great significance and is highly revered.
- For unmarried women, it's advisable to avoid close contact or standing too near.
- There's no need to bargain excessively at souvenir shops as the prices are reasonable and inexpensive.
- When visiting the homes of the Cham people in An Giang, ensure compliance with the customs and regulations of the homeowners.
If you've found the useful tips from Vietnam Budget Carrental during your exploration of Chau Doc in general and Chau Giang Cham Village in particular, have you discovered the answer to the question "What is Interesting About Chau Giang Cham Village?" If so, then just leave behind any pressures and come here to relax.
