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In An Giang Province, where spiritual traditions run deep, the Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain stands out as one of the most significant religious landmarks. Its sacred reputation is reflected in the countless visitors who travel from near and far each year to pray for peace, good fortune, and smooth sailing in life.
Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain looking from outside
It’s not wrong to say that for anyone visiting An Giang, a stop at Ba Chua Xu Temple is a must. No more beating around the bush, dive here with Asia King Travel through this article!
Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) is a revered deity in Vietnam’s Mother Goddess worship tradition. According to the people of An Giang, she is the guardian of the land, believed to bring peaceful weather and drive away foreign invaders.
Legend has it that around 200 years ago, locals discovered her statue on Sam Mountain and wanted to bring it down for worship. However, no matter how many strong men tried, they couldn’t move the statue. It was only after a spiritual medium advised that it would require nine virgin girls that they were finally able to carry it down.
Ba Chua Xu Statue
The statue was carried down with surprising ease, but when they reached the foot of Sam Mountain, it suddenly became impossible to move any further. People believed that this was where Ba Chua Xu wanted to be worshipped, so a temple was built on the spot.
At first, it was just a simple thatched shrine, but in 1870 it was renovated with brick. In 1972, architects Huynh Kim Mang and Nguyen Ba Lang redesigned the structure, giving it the appearance it has today. Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain was considered the largest temple in Vietnam until 2009.
The temple is not on Sam Mountain, it’s at the foot of the mountain, in Chau Doc City, An Giang Province. At the foot of Sam Mountain, many pagodas, temples, and shrines together form a spiritual heritage site. At the summit, there is also a stone pedestal marking the spot where Ba Chua Xu’s statue was originally discovered before being brought down to the temple.
The temple is located at the foot of Sam Mountain
Chau Doc is a major city in An Giang Province, so getting there is relatively easy. Instead of flying into Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose to fly into Can Tho - a centrally governed city in the Mekong Delta - which will significantly shorten the travel distance. From there, simply follow National Highway 91 to reach Chau Doc. Then follow the route Hoang Dieu - Kieu Luong, and finally turn right onto Sam Mountain Road to reach the destination.
Another interesting thing is that Chau Doc is only about 100 kilometers from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. You can travel via National Road 21, crossing the border to connect with National Highway 91C. Or, for a more scenic and memorable experience, take a river cruise down the Mekong River. Choose the mode of travel that will make your journey truly unforgettable!
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An Giang enjoys mild weather all year round (thanks to the protection of the goddess), so you can visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain at any time. Many people choose to pay their respects during the Lunar New Year to pray for peace and good fortune in life.
Reenactment of the procession of Ba Chua Xu statue being carried down the mountain at the festival
In addition, visitors often come between the 24th and 27th days of the 4th lunar month, when the Ba Chua Xu Festival takes place. This vibrant event features games and cultural activities representing the Cham, Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer communities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain features traditional East Asian temple architecture. The entire complex is designed in the shape of the Chinese character “Guo”, symbolizing the nation. The green-tiled roof gives the temple its signature color, with its corners gracefully curving upward like the prow of a boat gliding through waves.
Artistic details are exquisitely expressed in both the exterior and interior
The decorative patterns on the upper walls of the main hall are heavily influenced by Indian art. At the ends of the eaves, corners, and beam joints, powerful sculpted figures are artistically rendered with outstretched arms as if supporting the temple. Every part of the temple is intricately carved and adorned, with vibrant golden calligraphy panels and parallel sentence plaques adding to its grandeur.
The statue of Ba Chua Xu is placed in the Main Hall and is dressed in multiple layers of colorful robes. Outside the temple stands a pair of bronze cranes, symbolizing that Ba Chua Xu is a celestial being. The interior of the main hall is spacious, allowing many visitors to pay their respects at the same time. As long as you pray with sincerity, Ba Chua Xu is believed to bless you with your heartfelt wishes.
The interior space of the Main Hall
After visiting the Ba Chua Xu Temple, don’t stop there. Continue your journey and experience the feeling of ascending to a heavenly realm. Since 2021, An Giang Province has operated a 900-meter-long cable car system to transport visitors up Sam Mountain to explore its spiritual landmarks. During the ride to the mountain’s summit, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the giant statue of Shakyamuni Buddha carved directly into the mountainside.
In addition to temples and shrines, the heritage site also features cultural-themed photo spots, a panoramic observation deck, and more. The current cable car ticket price is VND 150,000 per person.
The cable car route takes you to the mountain summit, where you can visit the surrounding temples
Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain is more than just a spiritual destination, it is a symbol of An Giang Province. Come with a sincere heart, and you’ll leave with stunning photos, rich cultural experiences, and, most importantly, the blessings of the goddess for your heartfelt wishes. Get in touch with Asia King Travel to begin a journey filled with positivity and unforgettable memories!
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