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Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda in An Giang is a renowned spiritual destination, playing a significant role in the spiritual life of the local people. Let's embark on a pilgrimage here to seek peace and blessings.
Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain – or Bà Chúa Xứ Pagoda on Sam Mountain – is a famous landmark known for its sacredness and its auspicious Feng Shui position, surrounded by mystical mountains and rivers, with various religious beliefs existing for decades. This Western pagoda is a popular spiritual tourist spot, also a familiar pilgrimage site visited by many seeking fortune and tranquility, not only domestically but also known to Vietnamese abroad. Let's explore the rich history, cultural beauty, and unique architecture of this religious tourist destination together!
Where is Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda Located?
The address of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda is located at the foot of Sam Mountain, in Núi Sam Ward, Châu Đốc City, An Giang Province, Vietnam. This pagoda in Châu Đốc is one of the important historical, architectural, and spiritual relics that need to be preserved and developed.
The Legendary Tale of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda, An Giang
According to historical accounts, about 200 years ago, the local people in Châu Đốc discovered a statue of Bà on the summit of Sam Mountain and wanted to bring it down for worship. However, despite the efforts of several strong young men, they could not lift the statue. Later, following the instructions of Bà through the mouth of a medium called 'Cô Đồng', it was advised that only 9 virgin girls should carry it down. When the statue of Bà was brought to the place where her shrine stands now, suddenly it became too heavy to move further. The village elders believed that Bà chose this place for her resting place, so they placed the statue against the mountain and built a shrine to worship her.
Exploring the History of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain
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Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda in An Giang is a historical landmark, an architectural marvel representing the culture and spirituality of the province and the Mekong Delta region. Worshiping Bà Chúa Xứ is considered one of the Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship traditions. The reason this pagoda is so famous is from an ancient story passed down through generations:
Between 1820 and 1825, Siamese troops invaded our country, causing hardship and suffering to innocent people, who had to flee seeking refuge elsewhere. Once, when the enemy troops chased them to Sam Mountain, they encountered a statue of Bà and wanted to take it down the mountain to their land, so they hastily relied on ropes and tied the statue all over to carry it down. But strangely, after only carrying it for a short distance, the statue of Bà suddenly became heavier and heavier each day, making it impossible for the enemy to move any further. The Siamese troops, enraged, smashed the statue, breaking part of Bà's left arm. As a consequence, they faced Bà's wrath, terrifying them into fleeing in fear.
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Afterward, as life returned to peace, the people discovered Bà on the mountain. She appeared miraculously and taught the villagers how to carry the statue down the mountain and establish a shrine for worship. By doing so, Bà would protect the people, bringing them favorable weather, abundant harvests, immunity from diseases, and defense against invaders. Since then, Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain has become a place of faith for both locals and tourists visiting Châu Đốc.
Admiring the Architecture of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda, An Giang
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Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain is not only known for its sacredness but also for its impressive and unique architecture, which leaves a lasting impression.
In the past, Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain was simply constructed with bamboo and leaves, leaning against the mountain wall, facing the fields. By 1870, the villagers contributed to rebuilding the pagoda using fired bricks.
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From 1972 to 1976, architects Nguyễn Bá Lăng and Huỳnh Kim Mảng undertook a major reconstruction of the pagoda to give it the appearance it has today.
At that time, the pagoda architecture took the form of the word 'nation', with a lotus-shaped tower, a three-tiered roof tiled with beautiful green-glazed tiles, and high-arching corners resembling a boat sailing on waves.
The intricate architecture of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda is further exemplified through its ornately carved doors, delicate sculptures, and vibrant golden decorations. Especially, the wall behind the statue of Bà, the four tall pillars in front of the main hall, remain almost unchanged since their inception.
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The statue of Bà is placed in the center of the main hall, surrounded by the Council altar in the front, and the Anterior and Posterior altars on either side. Together, they create a complete ensemble of cultural, historical, and aesthetic richness for Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain.
The Festival of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda – A Spiritual Event Not to Be Missed
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The festival of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda, also known as Bà's Day, is a major event for people in the Southern region, held annually at the Bà Chúa Xứ shrine from the night of the 23rd to the 27th of the 4th lunar month, attracting over 2 million pilgrims. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse folk festival to pray for fortune and luck. However, during these crowded festival days, security at Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain is not always guaranteed. Therefore, if you have the chance to attend Bà's Day, it's advisable to wear simple clothes and take care of your belongings.
What Do You Need for Worship at Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda?
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Many tourists wonder about the rituals when visiting Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda. Offering prayers at Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Pagoda is heartfelt and varies depending on each individual's circumstances, with no specific regulations or requirements. Most pilgrims often buy roasted pigs for offerings. However, the hygiene of pigs sold at the entrance is often not guaranteed and the prices may be higher. Therefore, it is advised not to buy roasted pigs at the temple gate but to prepare them at home and bring them along.
When visiting Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda in An Giang, the simplest preparation includes bringing a bouquet of fresh flowers, a plate of fruits with betel leaves and areca nuts, candles, salt, and rice. Additionally, if time permits, you can prepare offerings such as a plate of savory dishes or traditional square glutinous rice cakes. For those coming from afar, buying sweets and cakes can serve as substitutes.
Tip for #teamKlook: According to local folklore, tourists visiting Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain have a habit of 'borrowing money from Bà' (invoking blessings) to open the path to prosperity and success in their careers.
What Are the Opening Hours of Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain?
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Due to its renowned spiritual significance, Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda on Sam Mountain attracts a large number of pilgrims and visitors. The pagoda always opens its doors to welcome people from all over, gathering to seek blessings. However, the pagoda is most crowded around the beginning of the year. Vietnamese people have a tradition of visiting pagodas at the beginning of the year to pray for luck, prosperity, and success for the whole year. If you prefer to avoid crowds, it's advisable to visit during non-holiday periods to avoid traffic congestion and reduce costs.
Guide to Getting to Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda from Ho Chi Minh City
If you're starting from Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose to travel by motorbike, car, or bus. The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Châu Đốc is about 250km, with a travel time of about 5-6 hours by car. Therefore, you can actively choose the appropriate time and starting point for your travel plans.
1. Visiting Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda by Car or Self-Driven Motorbike
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If you wish to visit Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda by car or self-driven motorbike, you can choose one of the following two routes:
2. Traveling to Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Pagoda by Bus
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If you prefer a safer and more comfortable journey, you can head to the Western bus station to catch buses to Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda from Saigon – Châu Đốc, such as:
If you live in other provinces or cities, you'll first need to go to Ho Chi Minh City and then follow the route as #teamKlook shared above! Besides taking the bus, you can also experience rental services with drivers in Ho Chi Minh City to travel to Châu Đốc, An Giang, allowing you to manage your time, convenience, and have professional drivers!
3. Join Bà Châu Đốc Pagoda Tour in An Giang
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Châu Đốc is considered one of the key tourist centers in An Giang, located in the Mekong Delta, close to the Vietnam - Cambodia border. During the annual festival season in the Mekong Delta, visiting Châu Đốc can be an enriching journey full of discoveries.
If you have aspirations for family well-being, prosperity, and career success, An Giang tours promise to take you to famous and spiritually significant tourist destinations.
You can explore various high-quality An Giang tours from multiple providers to discover Châu Đốc with its many legends and myths. Alternatively, you can purchase cable car tickets to Sam Mountain Tourist Area in Châu Đốc and enjoy a panoramic view of the mysterious land from above. Along the journey through the Western region of rivers and lakes, Châu Đốc is also an impressive destination with its extensive river system, rich culinary scene, and vibrant flora and fauna.
Hotels Near Chùa Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam
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You can choose to stay at hotels or guesthouses near Chùa Bà Châu Đốc, in the Núi Sam area, or in the city of Châu Đốc for convenient transportation and easy access to explore the beautiful landmarks near Chùa Bà, famous tourist attractions in Châu Đốc, and the daily life of the local people. Here are some popular hotel options near Chùa Bà Châu Đốc for you to consider. Remember to book through the Klook system, applying exclusive discount codes available only on Klook for attractive deals.
1. Châu Phố Hotel
2. Victoria Núi Sam Lodge Hotel
3. Victoria Châu Đốc Hotel
4. Green Field Hotel
5. Hoàng Đức Hotel
Hope that through the interesting sharing above from Klook, you have gained valuable insights about Chùa Bà Châu Đốc and fully grasped the travel experience to Chùa Bà Châu Đốc as well as the attractive Chùa Bà Châu Đâu tours from Klook. So what are you waiting for? Why not plan a perfect trip to An Giang for the whole family?
Your journey will be doubled in joy when you preview travel experiences, hotel reviews, delicious eateries in Châu Đốc, or beautiful spots near Chùa Bà Châu Đốc only at Klook Blog to avoid any confusion during your trip. Let's go to Chùa Bà Châu Đốc An Giang with #teamKlook.
Posted by: Quỳnh Vũ
Keywords: Travel Experience Chùa Bà Châu Đốc An Giang
