Ultimate Travel Guide to Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc ( Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum )
The Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc is a remarkably unique architectural wonder that has endured throughout many years of history. It still reflects the essence of culture that the Nguyen Dynasty in the South stood for. It is more than just a tourist attraction that draws tourists interested in learning about the rich history and culture of the Vietnamese people—it is a striking example of an ancient building.
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Where is this Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb?
The expansive rice fields and breathtaking alpine scenery of Thoai Son have long been known. When visiting this region, you shouldn't miss the Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in addition to well-known sites like Soài So Lake and the Fairy's Footprint.
This shrine honours the memory of the great man Thoai Ngoc Hau, who helped to build the Southern area. Currently, the Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb is located in the An Giang province's Nui Sap town, Thoai Son district.
When is the best time to visit Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc?
With two different seasons—the rainy and the dry—Chau Doc, An Giang epitomises the features of a tropical monsoon environment. You can visit Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc throughout the year because of the pleasant climate.
In terms of safety, however, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to April of the following year. If you visit Chau Doc around this time of year, you can enjoy bright days free from rain shower disruptions. You can even immerse yourself in the immensely fascinating An Giang Festivals, which take place every year on March 10th, 11th, and 12th.
How do you get to Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc?
1. Renting a Car
You can travel by renting a car from Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc. When you travel this way, you'll have a great deal of flexibility. In addition, you will be able to take in a lot of breathtaking scenery on both sides of the road as you travel. This is what Vietnam Budget Car Rental suggests doing if you want to experience the freedom of travelling.
You will journey from the heart of Saigon to the Mekong Delta by way of National Highway 1A, which will take you via the provinces of Long An and Tien Giang. Head towards Sa Đéc on National Highway 80 after crossing the Mỹ Thuận Bridge. Proceed approximately 35 km beyond the city of Sa Đéc to arrive at the province of An Giang.
2. Bus Transport
Taking the bus is another very common choice for you to travel. If you choose to go by bus, you can purchase tickets right at the Mien Tay Bus Station. The cost of a ticket for each journey ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 VND. The bus companies Đồng Phát, Hiệp Tiến, Kim Ngân, and Liên Hưng are some of the well-known ones.
Top things to explore at Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc
1. Understanding the Construction History of the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum
The Nguyen Dynasty sent Thoai Ngoc Hau, whose true name was Nguyen Van Thoai (1761–1829), as an official to investigate and colonise An Giang. In addition, he was well known for being a brave general who devoted his life to advancing the Nguyen Dynasty's domain and preserving harmony in the southwest. He also helped Nguyen Anh bring the country together.
He fought the Tay Son army in multiple engagements throughout history. In addition, the court dispatched him on diplomatic missions to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
It was only during King Minh Mang's reign, at the age of 68, that he was posthumously honoured with the rank of Trang Vo General. Even though he made a lot of achievements when he was alive, his virtues were ignored, which unfairly caused his family to suffer for many decades.
Thoai Ngoc Hau's fame didn't recover until the reign of King Khai Dinh, when he was declared a divinity posthumously in 1924 and given official recognition. The title of Doan Tuc Duc Bao Trung Hung Ton was bestowed upon him. He was honoured once more as Quang Y Duc Bao Trung Hung Ton later, in 1943. But rather than being concerned with his titles, the people of An Giang were more interested in his actions of improving and extending the area.
2. Unique Architectural Features of the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum in Thoai Son
The Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum in Thoai Son is designed in an architectural style that is adapted from Southern pagodas. Large wooden columns, moss-covered tiled roofs, and a magnificent screen adorned with mythological animals make it stand out. A roughly two-century-old stone pedestal from Mount Sap is situated in front of this screen. Visitors find a statue of Nguyen Van Thoai at the foot of a stele as soon as they enter the mausoleum.
3. Check-in with the Oil Tree Associated with Thoai Son's History
There is a tall oil tree on the grounds of the Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc that is quite noticeable to visitors. This tree serves as a historical record of the creation and growth of the Thoai Son area. It has been used as a haven to escape hostile attacks since ancient times. The oil tree supplied the resistance troops with oil during the French resistance movement in addition to acting as a lookout station to monitor the enemy.
4. Understanding the Thoai Son Stele
The Thoai Son Stele is set on a sophisticated altar with scarlet drapes surrounding it. With the two characters "Thoai Son" at the top and 629 carefully carved Chinese characters, it's a one-of-a-kind architectural and artistic marvel that grabs the viewer's attention. The stele's content is a superb work of literature.
The Thoai Son Stele is a historical artefact and a popular tourist destination. Decision No. 993/VH.QD, dated September 28, 1990, recognised it as a National Historical and Cultural Relic. There is also a stone stele with Vietnamese characters etched outdoors for additional study.
5. Participating in the Ky Yen Festival at the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum
The Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc holds a large celebration each year that draws a lot of attendees. The purpose of this celebration is to honour the contributions that the esteemed Thoai Ngoc Hau made to the growth of the Thoai Son area.
Top cuisines when coming to Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc
You can sample the unique regional food when visiting the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum in Thoai Son. A list of delectable foods you shouldn't miss is provided below:
- Neem Salad: This is one of the top 10 specialty dishes in Chau Doc you must eat. This meal blends the salinity of dried fish with the bitter flavour of bitterleaf. In addition, you will taste a variety of wild veggies when eating the salad.
- Sour Soup with Sesbania Flowers: In your travel guide, this soup is a must-try. A very alluring speciality is created when the savoury Sesbania blossoms are coupled with rich, fatty fish, a hint of sourness from tamarind and hot chilli.
- Steamed Chicken with Bamboo Leaves: This dish features the sweetness of the meat, the tender fattiness of the chicken skin, enhanced by the distinct flavor of bamboo leaves. Vietnam Budget Car Rental assures you won't forget the taste of this special dish.
Beautiful Places Near the Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc
When you are in this area, you should not pass up the opportunity to go to Chau Doc and take in the breathtaking scenery of the magnificent historical artefacts that are located there. There are a lot of individuals that come here to explore, and these places are some of the reasons why.
1. Ba Chua Xu Temple at Nui Sam - A Prominent Sacred Landmark
The location of the Ba Chua Xu Temple is in Chau Doc, An Giang's Nui Sam Ward. This shrine's origins have been the subject of several stories since antiquity. However, the real reason for its creation is still unknown.
This location is very spiritual and respected as sacred. Praying and witnessing spiritual manifestations are the main draws for visitors. As a result, it draws a large number of tourists each year who come to observe and pay respects.
2. Tay An Ancient Pagoda
The Tay An Ancient Pagoda is situated on a raised platform, and it encompasses a total area of 15,000 square metres. The general architecture of the building is a reflection of the creative styles of ancient Vietnam, while also combining characteristics that are distinctive to India.
3. Hang Pagoda - A Historical Site in Nui Sam
The Hang Pagoda, which is also referred to as the Phuoc Dien Pagoda, is one of the four locations in Nui Sam that are recognised as historical sites. According to estimates, the distance between the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum, the Ba Chua Xu Temple, and the Tay An Pagoda is roughly one kilometre.
A significant number of pilgrims visit Hang Pagoda on an annual basis since it is widely recognised as a leading spiritual destination.
The Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb in Chau Doc is a deeply dignified and venerable setting. When in An Giang, you should make time to see this location. Furthermore, if you want to learn more about the beauty of this region, visit the Mekong Delta section of Vietnam Budget Car Rental's website.
