Buzz
Situated at the base of Binh San Mountain in Ha Tien City, Kien Giang Province, the Mạc Cửu Tomb is dedicated to the Mạc family, who were instrumental in settling and developing this land.
The Origin of Mạc Cửu Tomb
The Mạc Cửu Tomb is dedicated to the Mạc family, starting with Mạc Cửu himself. Originally from Guangdong, Mạc Cửu left China in defiance of the Qing Dynasty. In 1680, he arrived in Ha Tien and decided to stay, contributing to the development of the region. By 1708, he had ceded the Ha Tien land to the Nguyễn Dynasty, and was appointed as the 'Governor of Ha Tien' with administrative autonomy over the area. Over seven generations, the Mạc family transformed Ha Tien into a thriving trade hub of ancient Đại Việt.
Nestled on the slopes of Binh San Mountain, the tomb area offers panoramic views of Ha Tien and the Gulf of Thailand. It is one of the most famous landmarks, often referred to in poetry as part of the 'Ten Scenic Views of Ha Tien.' The tomb complex includes numerous graves of the Mạc family, arranged in a hierarchical order. Mạc Cửu's tomb is built from sturdy stone, surrounded by statues of warriors and officials.
The Mạc Cửu Tomb consists of a memorial hall dedicated to the Mạc family and the tombs themselves. The memorial hall, situated at the foot of An Mountain, was built by the Nguyễn Dynasty to honor the contributions of the Mạc family to the settlement of Ha Tien. In front of the hall, there are two lotus ponds that Mạc Cửu had originally dug to provide fresh water. On either side of the temple gate, there are two wooden panels with Chinese-Nôm couplets presented by the Nguyễn Dynasty.
Inside the Tomb Complex
Upon entering the gate, a vast courtyard filled with lush greenery greets you. To the right of the memorial hall stands the house for the ancestors, honoring those who arrived in Ha Tien before Mạc Cửu. To the left is the house for the descendants, dedicated to those who came after him. Within the main temple, at the center, is the throne of Mạc Cửu and his heirs. To the right is the altar for civil and military officials, and to the left is the altar for the wives of the Mạc family.
Ascending the stairway leading to Binh San Mountain, the tomb complex contains over 60 ancient tombs divided into 4 sections. Section 1 holds the tombs of the Mạc family's minor kings. Section 2 is for the tombs of their wives. Section 3 contains the graves of the officials, while Section 4 is dedicated to other family members. Mạc Cửu’s tomb, positioned at the highest point in Section 1, is crescent-shaped and carved deeply into the mountain. The tomb is constructed following feng shui principles, with its back resting against the mountain and its front facing the sea.
The Mạc Cửu Tomb is a historical site with profound spiritual significance. Each year, locals hold numerous ceremonies to honor the contributions of Mạc Cửu and his family. Visitors can not only explore Ha Tien's rich history but also enjoy stunning panoramic views from the site. Additionally, the area surrounding the tomb features other attractions such as Phù Dung Pagoda and Binh San Mountain.
According to Mytour.vn
***
Source: Travel Guide
Mytour.vnNovember 2024
