Tan Chau Cruise Port

Tan Chau is a Mekong River cruise port in An Giang Province, in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Founded in 1757, the town has a population of around 160,000 and is a port of call for river cruises travelling through the delta and towards Cambodia. Its riverside setting and working character give visitors a chance to see a less polished, more everyday side of life along the Mekong.

Silk is central to Tan Chau’s identity. Cruise passengers can visit silk weaving factories and see traditional techniques being carried out by hand. Many workshops use little automation or computer control, with the work remaining largely in the hands of the people making the cloth. Visits can also include factories producing rattan mats and baskets, giving an insight into other local crafts and the skills that have been passed through the community.

One of the most enjoyable ways to see the town is by traditional rickshaw. The ride offers a closer look at the streets and everyday activity than you would get from a vehicle travelling through at a faster pace. Tan Chau is intimate enough to explore on foot too, allowing visitors to take in the local atmosphere and see how closely daily life remains connected to the river.

The town also reflects the cultural mix of the Mekong Delta. A Muslim Chăm community lives in the area, adding another dimension to the local culture and making a visit about more than the town’s traditional crafts.

Beyond Tan Chau, the wider Mekong Delta is defined by flat landscapes, narrow waterways and a strong agricultural tradition. The river remains central to the region’s character, shaping both the scenery and the way communities live and work. For river cruisers, Tan Chau offers a chance to step ashore and see that connection at close range, with local workshops, traditional transport and everyday life providing the main attractions.