Every year, this place attracts millions of pilgrims. They come to pray for peace, luck and admire the unique architectural beauty. As well as discover thrilling stories about the sacredness of this temple. Or experience the solemn atmosphere and learn about the unique cultural beauty associated with this temple. Let’s visit this special place with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Lady Temple?
Lady Temple is located majestically at the foot of Sam Mountain, Chau Doc Ward, An Giang Province, Vietnam. It is about 105 km north of An Giang Province and about 245 km west of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. How is Lady Temple unique?
Lady Temple on Sam Mountain is not only a spiritual place. It is also related with historical stories about the land’s pioneers and the fight against foreign invaders.
According to legend, the statue of Ba was discovered in the early 19th century on the top of Sam Mountain by a group of people. After inviting the statue to the foot of the mountain and building a temple, this place gradually became an important spiritual destination.
After many restorations, the temple today has a bold ancient architectural style combined with the East Asian art style. In particular, Lady Temple on Sam Mountain has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
3. When is the best time to visit Lady Temple?
The ideal time to visit and worship Lady Temple of Sam Mountain is from January to April of the lunar calendar every year. During this time, the weather is dry and cool, convenient for traveling, sightseeing, offering offerings and praying. In particular, if you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere, you should come during the Lady Festival (from April 22 to 27 of the lunar calendar). Because this is one of the biggest festivals in Western Vietnam, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world.
4. How to get to Lady Temple from Ho Chi Minh city?
From Ho Chi Minh city, you have many options for transportation to Chau Doc such as motorbike, car or bus. With a distance of about 250km, the estimated travel time is 5-6 hours. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of exploring the river delta of Vietnam.
4.1 By motorbike:
Traveling by motorbike is a great choice. It is for those who love freedom and want to explore the beautiful scenery along the way. However, traveling by motorbike also requires you to be in good health, have solid driving skills and be well prepared.
Regarding the route, from Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose to go along National Highway 50 or National Highway 60. In addition, each route has its own attractive stops. National Highway 50 will take you through Long An and Tien Giang provinces, while National Highway 60 will take you to Dong Thap and An Giang.
(*) Note, if you pass through toll stations on the highway. Prepare cash or cards to pay.
4.2 By car:
For families or groups of friends, traveling by car will bring comfort and convenience. With a car, you can move freely, carry more luggage and stop whenever you want. However, you may encounter traffic jams. Especially on holidays or rush hour.
Similar to traveling by motorbike, you can choose to go along National Highway 50 or National Highway 60, depending on your destination and preferences. Remember to prepare cash or cards to pay the toll at the highway station.
4.3 By bus:
Taking a bus is an ideal choice for the journey to Lady Temple on Sam Mountain. With reputable bus companies such as Phuong Trang, Kumho Samco, Mai Linh and Phuong Nam. You will have many choices of departure times and vehicle types. Ticket prices range from 200,000 to 300,000 VND/person, depending on the bus company and service.
Travel time is usually about 5-6 hours, enough for you to rest and relax on fully equipped vehicles. Moreover, you can book tickets directly at major bus stations such as Mien Dong bus station, Mien Tay bus station. Or more conveniently, book through online applications.
5. Some meaningful activities and experiences when visiting Lady Temple on Sam Mountain
5.1 Admiring the architecture of Lady Temple on Sam Mountain
The architecture of Lady Temple is an impressive highlight, it makes you unable to take your eyes off. This work is built in the shape of the letter “Quoc”, with a graceful blue tiled roof, softly curved like a flying dragon.
In addition, the decorative motifs on the roof, columns, and walls are all elaborately carved. It shows the image of the four sacred animals (dragon, unicorn, turtle, phoenix) and sophisticated dragon and phoenix patterns. Inside the main hall, the statue of Ba is carved from a monolithic stone with a majestic posture and a gentle face. But it also exudes sacredness, so it attracts a large number of people and tourists to worship.
5.2 Participating in the Lady Temple Festival on Sam Mountain
The Lady Temple Festival takes place from the night of April 22 to 27 of the lunar calendar every year. And this is one of the biggest festivals in the South of Vietnam. In the bustling atmosphere of the festival, you will admire traditional rituals. Such as: Thinh Sac Ba ceremony, Bam Ba ceremony, procession and bringing Sac Ba to the temple. Along with many folk cultural activities such as lion dance, hat boi, and bustling night markets. Therefore, this is not only an occasion to pray, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere. And feel the special community connection of the people here.
5.3 Checking-in Lady Temple
Lady Temple is not only a pilgrimage site but also a favorite check-in spot for many tourists. From the majestic three-door gate, the spacious temple yard, to the delicately carved walls and the prominent red brick background. Therefore, all create beautiful backgrounds for souvenir photos. If you come during the festival season or on beautiful days, you will easily capture the sparkling moments, imbued with the cultural colors of the Southwest region of Vietnam.
5.4 Admiring the statue of Lady in Sam Mountain
The statue of Lady in Sam Mountain is a fascinating mystery right in the heart of Lady Temple. The origin of the statue is still a big question, with legend saying that it was created from a block of sandstone drifting from the sea and worshiped by the people.
In addition, according to researchers, they believe that the statue dates back to the end of the 6th century, during the Oc Eo period. This argument makes it one of the oldest statues in Vietnam. In particular, the statue has masculine features, different from the image of a goddess. Therefore, it creates many controversies about its origin and true meaning.
6. Enjoying An Giang specialties when visiting Ba Chua Xu temple in Sam mountain
6.1 Chau Doc fish noodle soup
A bowl of Chau Doc fish noodle soup always knows how to attract diners from afar. Different from the noodle soup of the Southwest region, Chau Doc fish noodle soup has its own unique flavor, bold characteristics and is always sought after by tourists.
6.2 Long Xuyen fish vermicelli
Although fish vermicelli is sold in many places in the Southwest, Long Xuyen fish vermicelli has a unique flavor. With the light aroma of turmeric, the vermicelli is not seasoned too strongly, so it has a moderate blandness and is very easy to eat.
In addition, fish vermicelli has a broth simmered from chicken bones, bean sprouts served with fish vermicelli are very diverse. It can be shredded water spinach, shredded banana flower, bean sprouts, Vietnamese coriander and water mimosa flowers, … When enjoying, diners will feel all the special delicious sweetness of this vermicelli dish.
Although fish vermicelli is sold in many places in the Southwest, Long Xuyen fish vermicelli has a unique flavor. With the
6.3 Bay Nui beef ball noodle soup
Beef balls noodle soup with simple ingredients, but the flavor is extremely delicious. In particular, the dish is made from noodles, beef balls and pork leg. The success of cooking this dish depends mainly on the broth.
When enjoying the noodle soup, you will feel the sweetness, toughness and aroma of the beef. Along with the rich flavor of the broth, it is hard to forget. To eat with beef ball noodle soup, you can add a little blanched vegetables, chili to stimulate the taste buds more.
6.4 Cho Moi puffed sticky rice
Puffed sticky rice is the “art” of An Giang cuisine. Sticky rice fried until golden brown and eaten with roasted chicken is an extremely attractive combination that will leave an unforgettable taste after just one taste. After frying, the sticky rice has the shape of a yellow ball, is crispy and has an attractive aroma. You can dip the puffed rice with soy sauce or chili sauce to enhance the flavor of the dish.
6.5 O Thum grilled chicken with bamboo leaves
Anyone who sets feet in An Giang must try the legendary O Thum grilled chicken with bamboo leaves. The dish originates from Cambodia. Moreover, bamboo leaves are a special spice that creates a unique flavor for grilled chicken.
With grilled chickens that are golden brown and fragrant, the spices are absorbed into the chicken. The dish retains its natural sweetness while blending in with the characteristic aroma of bamboo leaves. Each piece of meat dipped in salt, chili, and lemon, with corn salad makes the flavor linger on the tip of the tongue.
6.6 Tri Ton papaya salad
“Papaya salad” is a rustic dish, named by the border people in Tri Ton (An Giang). Papaya salad with familiar ingredients such as three-sided crab, shrimp paste, grilled meat, shredded papaya, … All blend together, the salty taste of three-sided crab, the sour and spicy taste of chili and lemon. With the fresh and cool taste of papaya fibers, it creates an irresistible delicious dish.
7. Accommodation when traveling to Lady Temple
When traveling to this beautiful and peaceful land, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- Victoria Nui Sam Lodge. Address: Hamlet Vinh Dong 1, Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.
- Victoria Chau Doc Hotel. Address: 1 Le Loi, Chau Phu B Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.
- Salinda Phu Quoc Resort. Address: Cua Lap, Duong To, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
- Hero Hostel & Billiards. Address: 5A Tran Nguyen Han Street, Chau Doc Ward, An Giang Province.
- Paris Hotel Chau Doc. Address: 227 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Chau Doc Ward, An Giang Province.
- Little Saigon Hostel. Address: 190 Bo Tay Street, Chau Doc Ward, An Giang Province.
8. Some important notes when traveling to Lady Temple
To make your trip to Ba Chua Xu Temple in Sam Mountain complete, you should refer to some necessary notes below:
- Clothing: You should choose comfortable, neat and discreet clothing when coming to the temple. Avoid wearing clothes that are too short, revealing or too colorful.
- Personal property: Always keep your personal property carefully. You should not carry a lot of cash and jewelry.
- Traffic: If traveling by motorbike, you should park your motorbike in the right place and remember the location to avoid losing your motorbike.
- Food safety: You should only eat and drink at places that ensure food hygiene and safety.
- Culture: Respect local beliefs and cultures.
- Environmental protection: Be aware of keeping the landscape and environment of the destination green, clean and beautiful. Do not litter.
With updated and useful information about An Giang travel experience. That Origin Vietnam – a reliable tour operator, has just shared in the above article. Hopefully it will help your upcoming vacation in Vietnam. We also accompany you on the Phu Quoc Island tour to explore this famous spiritual place with unforgettable memories.
