Cham Village in Chau Doc is a place that you should not miss the chance to visit. An excursion in the mysterious land of An Giang province. You can go to any place without thinking. But no matter where you go, don’t forget to visit the village. An indispensable place in the itinerary to discover the cultural beauty of An Giang. Next, the life of the Cham ethnic community has always had a strange attraction. And Cham Village in Chau Doc is also the inspiration of many musicians, writers and poets. Exploring the culture and beautiful tourist attractions that visitors should visit. This is a beautiful tourist spot. Then, helping visitors gain new perspectives on the life of the Cham people. Here, let’s explore this village with Mekong Smile Tour!
General information – Cham Village, An Giang
Cham Village in Chau Doc is an impressive tourist destination very close to Chau Doc. This place is only a river from Chau Doc with a distance of 5 km by road and more than 3 km by river. An Giang has 11 Cham villages with about 3500 households. Cham village located on the bank of Chau Giang (on the banks of Hau Giang and Khanh Binh rivers). This place belongs to Chau Phu, Chau Thanh and Tan Chau districts. A few located in the two cities of Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. This place is a famous tourist destination with cultural features, unique Muslim life. This place still preserves the traditional customs of stilt houses of the river region.
How to visit Cham Village?
Cham Village in Chau Doc is a hamlet with a large number of Cham ethnic groups. Only one river from Chau Doc. With a distance of 5 km by road (takes more than 20 minutes to travel) and 3.5 km by river (takes more than 15 minutes to travel). Starting from Chau Doc city center. Moving to Cham Chau Giang village will choose one of these two methods. Specifically:
- If traveling by road, you can use cars or motorbikes. To get to Chau Giang ferry, about 3 km from Chau Doc city center. Here, you will wait for the ferry to cross the territory of Chau Phong commune of Tan Chau district. Through the ferry, you go more than 1 km to Chau Giang Cham village.
- If you go by river, you will come to Chau Doc junction (about 500 m from Victoria Hotel). Or at Chau Giang wharf located across Chau Doc city to rent a boat. Boat rental prices at each point will have different levels. Depends on your trip to what points and how many people go. However, one thing that you can assure of is that the price is relatively cheap and very reasonable. This is the most popular and preferred form of tourists.
History of Cham Village in Chau Doc
About the origin of the Cham people here. There are opinions to share: “Cham Village in Chau Doc” does not come from the same origin. Their community includes many ethnic groups: Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia. They speak Malay, the other group speak Cambodian. If they do not understand each other, they can use Vietnamese as a common language for communication. (In the words of Mr. Mouhamach, Church of Mubarak).
According to ancient books, the Cham people of An Giang originated from the kingdom of Champa – Ninh Thuan. When the war broke out, they migrated to Cambodia’s Kampong Cham. Later from there, he migrated to Vietnam and settled in An Giang today. There is still a part of Cham people in Cambodia who are villages around Bien Ho. Someone said that, with the title “Indigo victory”. Cham people from the central coast, (Ta Kieu – My Son) stay here since the war. With the army of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu in 1699.
Holidays of Cham Village
At Cham Village in Chau Doc people have three major festivals. Roja on the 10th day of the 12th lunar month. The Ramadan festival (also known as the fasting ceremony) lasts from the 1st to the 30th day of the 9th lunar month. The birthday of Patriarch Muhammed is on the 12th day of the 3rd lunar month. Every day, devotees come to the mosque 5 times to pray, about 15 minutes each time. Particularly on Friday, believers come almost fully at 12 noon. And focus on listening to the teacher recite the scriptures for an hour.
- Roja takes place on December 10 according to the Islamic calendar.
- Ramadan is also known as a fasting holiday that takes place on March 12 according to the Islamic calendar.
- The birthday of Ayatollah Mohamed takes place on March 12 according to the Islamic calendar.
Customs and habits of Cham Village
Due to Islam (Islamism). So the custom of Cham Village in Chau Doc also associated with the rules in Islam. Men wear sarongs, called blankets. Women wear sarongs called skirts. Men wear hats, old people have white hats, young people have black hats. Women wear Mat’ra scarves. Men here don’t drink. Cham Muslim women here are often not allowed to go out but just hang around the house doing housework and weaving. They don’t eat pork; they don’t wear gold.
- Cham villagers attach great importance to the Holy Cathedral area. Because it is the place where important ceremonies take place.
- Every year the Cham people need to perform the fasting month of Ramadan. Do prayer 5 times a day.
- Cham people in An Giang will abstain from eating pork.
- Boys will not be allowed to drink alcohol and wear gold. This is a mandatory custom.
- The practice of binge eating is prominent, especially seen in some places. And in the dignitaries at the Cathedral.
- In the past, the Cham people still kept the custom. That is, Cham Muslim girls will be banned from the beginning of puberty until they get married. This custom has now ceased to exist and has been abolished.
Visiting Cham Village in Chau Doc
Cham Village in Chau Doc is a place that still preserves many unique cultural features. In physical and spiritual life. Prominent among them is the traditional brocade weaving. This is the custom of living on stilts and Islamic beliefs in the shadow of the mosque. It is from this that the Cham village often visited by writers, poets and musicians. They come here for inspiration to create many literary and artistic works. Entering the Cham village, you are lost in another world. Come here, in the quiet rural space with the character of the Western river. You will feel the friendliness and hospitality of the locals.
Unique cultural tourist destination
The traditional cultural features of Cham Village in Chau Doc are still preserved. This place still has traditional brocade weaving and the custom of living on stilts. The people here follow the Muslim faith. With its own customs and culture. Many artists, writers or poets come here for inspiration.
Explore Mubarak cathedral
With a large Muslim Cham community. Cham Village in Chau Doc has many cathedrals and minor churches. The most prominent of them is the Mubarak mosque, which is recognized as a national heritage. From the Chau Giang ferry, you turn left to admire the beauty of this construction. Magnificent Mubarak Mosque. It is a sanctuary in beliefs, cultural activities of the Cham people according to Islam. The cathedral has a unique architecture, a round tower, an arc-shaped main gate, very unique. The roof of the cathedral has a large two-story oval tower. The base of the tower is shaped like a crescent moon and a star, symbolizing Islam. This is one of the high value projects. And is an attractive attraction in An Giang.
Traditional brocade weaving
At Cham Village in Chau Doc, you will visit and learn about traditional brocade weaving. It has been around for hundreds of years. Although the brocade here is not much different from the brocade of the Cham people in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan. But because of the acculturation, different religious beliefs. So each pattern shown on each product has created a distinct impression. Brocade weaving is a tradition that has existed for hundreds of years here. Woven fabrics here have a very own cultural style. Hand-woven with impressive brocade products. There is also a very unique traditional jewelry making profession here. Mixed with brocade products that are completely woven by hand. At the facility, which is considered a tourist attraction, there are also jewelry items. Like necklaces, necklaces, earrings, earrings. All are done very elaborately and eye-catchingly by the Cham people here. If you want to buy something to use or as a gift for relatives and friends. Then these items are a reasonable choice.
Wooden stilt houses
Along with brocade weaving and traditional jewelry making. The highlight in Cham culture and beliefs is the wooden stilt houses. It is hundreds of years old. These are really the things that many people care about when coming to Cham Village in Chau Doc. Different from the stilt houses of the ethnic minorities in the highlands. Houses on stilts in this village kept very high. And completely use solid precious woods such as rosewood, spokes, coffee. In particular, there are many houses that use both cedarwood. Through observation and study, you will know. The stilt house of the Cham people have delicately designed. Follow the large, airy space with nature.
Wooden stilts are divided into two types
When completed, Cham Village in Chau Doc housing divided into two types. It is a small house with 4 rooms and a large house with 5 rooms. According to feng shui, the facade always faces south. And there must wooden ladder to go up and down. Then, the two doors are slightly lower than the head so that when strangers enter the house, they must bow low. With greetings to the host. Depends on the circumstances of each family. Therefore, when guests come to the house, the host often spreads a mat or carpet. After that, let the host and guest sit cross-legged on the wooden floor. Especially in the house, there is an eye-catchingly decorated curtained door frame. To separate from the inner house. According to custom, this is a living area completely reserved for women and girls. So, men and boys are not allowed in. Therefore, this area is very important when guests or strangers come to the house to play.
What to eat in Chau Doc Cham Village?
At Cham Village in Chau Doc. “Rice ni” and “capua” are two famous traditional dishes of ethnic minorities here. Next, these two dishes are a harmonious combination, complementing each other. The cooking method is relatively sophisticated and unique. And quite strange for both Vietnamese and international tourists. “ni rice” is cooked rice with milk. Also add raisins depending on the individual preferences of each person. As for “capua”, beef is used to process it very separately. The, using many ingredients such as wine, ginger, coconut milk, curry, onions, peanuts. Next, create a unique feature for the dishes of the Cham ethnic people. “Rice ni – capua” carries the sweet and fatty smell of milk, the fleshy taste of peanuts. Furthermore, the salty and sweet taste of beef with the spicy taste of chili, the sweetness of raisins. Surprise your guests. All give the eater a sense of deliciousness. It’s strange, full stomach without feeling bored.
What should we buy as a gift?
Upon arrival at Cham Village in Chau Doc. You can buy some gifts to give as gifts to friends and family such as:
- Exquisite traditional handmade brocade weaving.
- Handcrafted jewelry.
- Handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Buy specialties with famous signature dishes to take home. Like “Ni rice, capua”. Pay attention to how to store it to avoid spoiling food.
Notes to know when visiting Cham Village
- Do not use unfriendly gestures, actions or words. Cultural scrutiny and comparison.
- The mosque is a place of worship and cultural activities of Islam. Only enter with the permission of the management.
- Limit contact, stand next to unmarried women.
- Tourist souvenirs here sell very reasonably. So don’t pay the price.
- If invited to the house to play. You should follow the rules and customs of the landlord.
Indeed, Cham Village in Chau Doc is an interesting destination not missed when coming to An Giang. Then, it will bring us many new and wonderful feelings. And no less interesting in his journey. If you have the opportunity to travel to An Giang. You should visit the village once to experience a lot of interesting things. Finally, we hope this article has brought you useful information.
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