A Site You Should Not Miss - Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc
The Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc is one of the spiritual destinations that attracts a large number of locals in Vietnam. Moreover, it also draws the attention of many foreign tourists who come here for sightseeing. So, what makes it special and renowned? Let's explore this right away with Vietnam Budget Carrental.
When is the best time to visit Chau Doc?
Most visitors come to Chau Doc between August and November to experience the Mekong Delta's distinctive floating season and to explore the pleasurable characteristics of Chau Doc.
However, because prices are quite high during this time of year, you should consider your vacation budget as well. Another possibility is to visit Chau Doc between late November and early December when the rice fields turn golden.
The peak tourist season in Chau Doc, which is popular with travelers, lasts from January to April on the lunar calendar. The Ba Chua Xu Mountain Festival, which takes place from the 23rd to the 27th of April in the lunar calendar, attracts a large number of tourists.
Where is this Ba Chua Xu Temple?
The Ba Chua Xu Temple, which is one of the top 15 best things you must do in Chau Doc, is a renowned spiritual destination situated in the town of Chau Doc, An Giang Province. The temple is designed in the traditional architecture of Vietnamese temples, distinctly reflecting the culture and spirituality of the people in the Mekong Delta region.
Apart from exploring and experiencing the tranquility, visitors can also admire the panoramic view of Chau Doc town and the stunning natural landscape from an elevated position. Every year, at the end of the lunar April, the Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival takes place, offering various spiritual and cultural activities that attract numerous participants.
Located at 132 Chau Thi Te Street, Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province. If you're in the center of Chau Doc town and wish to visit the temple, just travel about 7km westward, and you will arrive at this sacred temple. To reach the temple, visitors can choose various means of transportation, from walking up the stone-paved mountain path to using motorbikes or other vehicles.
The ideal time to visit Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc?
According to the records of Ba Nui Sam Shrine, this place is open for visitors at any time of the year.
However, the period when it receives the most visitors is during the Lunar New Year celebrations and other festive days, as people come here to pray for a prosperous and better life.
Moreover, tourists may pay homage to Ba Chua Xu from the 24th to the 27th of the lunar April. This is the time for the festival commemorating Ba Chua Xu on Nui Sam Mountain. During this time, many pilgrims from different places will gather here.
How do you get to Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc?
The Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc is situated in Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province. As it is a prominent tourist hub in the province, the route to reach here is relatively easy and convenient.
If you are traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, take a passenger vehicle via the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan Expressway and find your way to National Highway 91, which will lead you to the city center of Chau Doc. The total distance is 207 kilometers, taking over 5 hours to travel. Therefore, you might opt for night buses to save time!
From the center of Long Xuyen City, you can choose a motorbike for your journey here. First, ride towards the Vinh Thanh Trung area. Then, travel along National Highway 91 or Road DT945 to reach Kinh 4 in Chau Phu B Ward, Chau Doc City. From there, continue along Chau Thi Te Street/Tan Lo Kieu Luong to reach the Nui Sam area and behold the grandeur of the Ba Chua Xu Temple. On your way, you can also enjoy the beauty of the Nui Sam Cable Car Tourist Area.
>>Read more: Private Car Transfers From Ho Chi Minh To Chau Doc
Understanding the History of Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc
The Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc, An Giang is a historical monument, an architectural marvel reflecting the culture and spirituality of the province and the southwestern region of Vietnam. The worship of Ba Chua Xu is considered one of the beliefs in the Vietnamese Mother Goddess. The reason this temple is so renowned dates back to an ancient tale that has been passed down through generations.
Between 1820 and 1825, Siamese forces invaded Vietnam, bringing hardship to the lives of innocent people who had to flee seeking refuge elsewhere. During one pursuit by the enemy troops to Sam Mountain, they encountered a statue of the Lady and intended to take it down the mountain to their land, eagerly tying ropes around the statue to carry it away.
Strangely, as they tried to carry it even a short distance, the statue of the Lady suddenly became increasingly heavy day by day, rendering the enemy unable to move it any further. The Siamese troops, infuriated, violently struck the statue, causing a part of the left arm of the Lady's statue to break. The enemy troops faced immediate consequences, terrified, and fled in fear.
Later, when the villagers' lives returned to peace, they discovered the Lady on the mountain, as she appeared to guide and instruct the villagers on how to bring the statue down the mountain and establish a shrine for worship. The Lady assured that by doing so, she would protect the people, bringing favorable weather, abundant harvests, immunity from diseases, and protection against invasion. Since then, the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Nui Sam Mountain has become a place where both locals and tourists place their faith when visiting Chau Doc.
The architecture of Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc
The Ba Chua Xu Temple in Nui Sam, Chau Doc, was initially initiated for construction by Lord Thoai Ngoc Hau. Initially, the temple was constructed using a wooden structure with a relatively simple design. Later, the locals, grateful for the Lady of the Realm's assistance in bringing favorable weather and protecting the village, collectively contributed to building a rather majestic and meticulously designed temple for her worship in 1870.
The architecture of the Lady's temple embodies rich cultural and artistic elements. At the upper levels of the main hall area, there are immensely powerful and majestic divine statues gracefully supporting the rafters. The framework, doors, and details of the temple are intricately and splendidly carved and embellished.
By 1976, the Ba Chua Xu Temple was nearly completed in construction. The temple's architecture seen from above resembles the shape of the Vietnamese letter "Quoc," with tower blocks enveloped like a blossoming lotus flower.
The main hall of the Ba Chua Xu Temple consists of two layers. The inner layer is the worship area where the Lady's statue sits on a high pedestal, flanked by two white crane statues symbolizing her heavenly nobility. On the right-hand side of the Lady's statue is a stone linga (male generative power), known as the Male Altar. On the other side, there is a wooden statue sculpted in the shape of a yoni (female generative power), known as the Female Altar. The second layer, adjacent to the phoenix statues, is the Council Altar. On the two supporting sides of the Council Altar, the Left Predecessor Altar is on the left, and the Right Predecessor Altar is on the right.
Attractions when you come to Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc
Exploring the Scenery of Nui Sam Fortress
At the peak of Nui Sam, there's a structure known as the Fortress because a mountain resort was constructed here atop Nui Sam.
The unique design features a spiral top, hence referred to by locals as the spiral tower. As you ascend to the mountain's peak, you'll notice a dark green stone square base. This spot is where the statue of the Lady of the Realm was initially placed before being moved to its present temple.
Enjoying the Panoramic View of Nui Sam on the Nui Sam Cable Car
Nui Sam Tower is renowned as a top tourist spot, sitting at an altitude of 284 meters in Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc, An Giang.
Visitors can opt for a cable car ride, offering breathtaking views of An Giang's serene, majestic, and pristine natural landscapes. Ticket prices range from 70,000 to 150,000 VND, making this aerial excursion accessible to many.
A Stunning Resort and Ideal Check-in Spot at Victoria Nui Sam
Upon arrival, you will be enchanted by the incredibly picturesque scenery. This location is an ideal photography spot and a famous check-in place in An Giang. From here, you'll have a sweeping view of endless rice fields extending toward Cambodia.
Apart from the architectural charm that captivates tourists, there's an observatory deck. Witnessing the sky painted red by the setting sun adds grandeur to the beauty. Standing on this deck will immediately overwhelm you with its magnificence.
Victoria Nui Sam is conveniently close to the Lady of the Realm Temple, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Chau Doc. This resort is nestled on the slopes of Nui Sam and all its rooms are intricately designed in a modern architectural style, harmonizing with the untamed natural surroundings.
The Festival at Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc
The Ba Chua Xu Temple Festival, also known as the Lady's Ceremony, is a major festival for people in the Southern region, held annually at the Ba Chua Xu Temple from the night of the 23rd to the 27th of the lunar month, attracting over 2 million pilgrims. Visitors attending this festival will experience a diverse array of folk activities aimed at seeking blessings and prosperity.
However, during these bustling "festival days," security at the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Nui Sam Mountain might not be entirely guaranteed. Therefore, if you have the chance to attend, it's recommended to wear simple clothing and take care of your personal belongings.
What to Prepare for Worshiping at Ba Chua Xu Temple?
Many tourists wonder about the rituals when visiting the Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc. Worshiping at the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Nui Sam Mountain is a sincere act, and the offerings depend on each individual's circumstances, with no specific rules or obligations.
Most pilgrims usually buy roasted pigs for offerings. However, the hygiene of the pigs sold at the entrance is often not guaranteed, and the prices might be a bit higher. Hence, it's advisable not to buy roasted pigs at the temple entrance but to prepare them at home and bring them along.
When visiting the Ba Chua Xu Temple in An Giang, the simplest preparations could include a bouquet of fresh flowers, a plate of fruits with betel leaves and areca nuts, incense sticks, salt, and rice. Additionally, if time permits, you can prepare other offerings like savory dishes or square glutinous rice cakes.
With these tips and insights about the complete experience when visiting the Ba Chua Xu Temple in Chau Doc, Vietnam Budget Carrental hopes that you've understood some cultural aspects and the reasons why this place is famous and attracts so many tourists. We also wish you a memorable trip when you visit this destination.
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