1. Learn about the Via Ba Chua Xu Sam Mountain Festival
1.1. Where are Sam Mountain and the Temple of Ba Chua Xu?
Sam Mountain is located in Sam Mountain Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province, a familiar landmark in the cultural and spiritual life of the Southern people. Although not high, the mountain is closely associated with the history of formation and development of folk beliefs in this land. Over time, Sam Mountain has become an important destination in tourism combined with pilgrimage journeys.
Sam Mountain Chau Doc stands out in the plain, closely associated with the spiritual life of the Southern region. (Source: Collected)
At the foot of the mountain is the Temple of the Lady of the Realm of Sam Mountain (Mieu Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam), which enshrines the statue of Ba Chua Xu, revered by the people. The temple is not only a space for practicing faith but also a tourist attraction with the characteristic cultural value of Chau Doc. Annually, it welcomes a large number of people and tourists to visit, offer incense, and pray for peace in life.
The Temple of the Lady of the Realm of Sam Mountain is also associated with many traditional customs and rituals maintained over generations. Along with its favorable location, the Sam Mountain area is often included in the spiritual tourism routes of the Mekong Delta. The combination of landscape, belief, and history has created a unique imprint for this địa danh.
1.2. Time of the Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Festival
The Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Festival is held annually from the 22nd to the 27th day of the 4th lunar month. This is the period when local people and tourists prepare offerings and arrange their journeys to participate in traditional rituals. The lễ activities take place continuously, creating a spiritual atmosphere that lasts for many days.
The choice of this time is linked to the agricultural beliefs of the Southern residents, as the weather enters a transitional period. People often pray for favorable weather, stable crops, and peaceful family lives. These wishes are expressed through worship and pilgrimage rituals at the Temple of the Lady of the Realm.
1.3. What role does the festival play in the cultural life of the South?
The Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Festival plays an important role in the spiritual life of the Southern people. Through its rituals, the festival expresses folk beliefs about protection, peace, and prosperity in life. It is also an occasion for the community to participate, share, and connect in a common living space.
The festival has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage, contributing to affirming the value of folk beliefs in Vietnam's cultural treasure. Preserving and organizing the festival regularly helps traditional rituals not to fade over time. Thereby, cultural values are continued and spread in modern life.
2. Where does Bà Chúa Xứ originate from and its spiritual significance?
2.1. Legend of Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam
The legend of Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam has been passed down through generations of Chau Doc residents, associated with the story of discovering the statue on the summit of Sam Mountain hundreds of years ago. According to folk tales, the statue has a solemn appearance and is considered by the people to be a sacred symbol of the southern land. These stories have become an inseparable part of the spiritual life of the local community.
The worship space of Ba Chua Xu is solemn, reflecting ancient folk legend beliefs. (Source: Collected)
One of the details often mentioned is that people once tried to move the statue from its original position but could not. This event led many to believe it was the place Ba chose to manifest and protect the surrounding residents. From then on, the Temple of Ba Chua Xu was established at the foot of the mountain for people to conveniently worship and perform rituals.
2.2. Meaning of the Ba Chua Xu worship belief
The worship of Ba Chua Xu reflects the belief of the riverine residents in protection and blessings in daily life. People often visit the Temple of Ba to pray for health, peace, and smooth work. The rituals of offering and praying demonstrate the close connection between humans and the spiritual world.
In the historical context of pioneering the South, this belief is also associated with the desire for stable harvests and prosperous lives. For agricultural residents, entrusting their faith in Ba Chua Xu helps them find spiritual support against natural fluctuations. This is what has led the belief to be preserved and passed down through generations.
2.3. The spread of Ba Chua Xu belief in modern life
In modern life, the worship of Ba Chua Xu is no longer limited to the local area but attracts a large number of tourists from many regions. Every festival season, the Temple of Ba Chua Xu on Sam Mountain becomes a familiar destination for those interested in culture and folk beliefs. This contributes to bringing the image of Chau Doc and An Giang closer to domestic tourists.
The fact that the festival has been inscribed in cultural heritage lists has created conditions for this belief to be preserved and widely introduced. Ritual activities and cultural practices are organized more systematically, in line with the contemporary social context. Thus, traditional values are maintained alongside the development of tourism.
3. Special rituals and activities during the festival
3.1. The Bathing Ceremony and the Procession of the Royal Decree
The series of rituals that open the festival are associated with the procession and enshrinement of the statue of Ba Chua Xu at the Temple of Ba, creating a solemn atmosphere for the festival season. The rituals are performed according to traditional sequences, showing the community's reverence for Ba. This is considered an important preparation for the spiritual activities that will take place in the following days.
The Lady Bathing Ritual takes place solemnly, attracting a large number of people and tourists. (Source: Compilation)
The Lady Bathing Ceremony takes place on the night of the 23rd and early morning of the 24th of the 4th lunar month, with the ritual of cleaning the statue with fragrant water and changing into new clothes. This activity carries a meaning of purity, expressing the desire to wash away misfortune and welcome peace for the new year. The ritual space is usually kept private, creating solemnity and reverence.
3.2. Túc Yết and Xây Chầu Rituals
The Túc Yết and Xây Chầu rituals are important sacrificial offerings within the festival framework, held after the opening ceremonies. The offerings typically include traditional items, demonstrating the sincerity of the people and the community. The atmosphere of the ceremony is solemn, tranquil, and rich in symbolism.
This ritual conveys prayers for a peaceful life, favorable weather, and harmonious community activities. Simultaneously, the Túc Yết ritual also expresses gratitude to the ancestors who contributed to the cultural formation of the land. These values are conveyed through each ritual and prayer.
3.3. Festival Activities and Pilgrimage Atmosphere
Besides the main rituals, the festival activities take place throughout the event, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Many folk cultural activities such as lion dances, traditional performances, and folk games are organized. These activities reflect the characteristic lifestyle of the Southern Vietnamese people.
The festival activities are not only for local residents but also attract participants from many places. Through these, visitors have the opportunity to get closer to the cultural life and traditional customs. This interaction contributes to enriching the experience of attending the festival.
4. Tourist Experience When Attending the Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam Temple Festival
4.1. Bai Sao
Bai Sao is located in An Thoi ward, Kien Giang province, about 25 km south of the center. The beach is nearly 7 km long, characterized by fine white sand and a gentle slope, suitable for swimming and relaxing. The seawater temperature ranges from 27–29°C year-round, making it ideal for long beach holidays.
This area also offers tourist services with activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and canoeing. During peak times, Bai Sao records thousands of visitors daily, especially during the dry season from November to April. The coastal ecosystem retains a certain natural state, suitable for tourists seeking a relaxing space.
4.2. Sun World Hon Thom
Sun World Hon Thom is an entertainment complex located in the An Thoi archipelago, within An Thoi ward, Kien Giang province. This area is invested with many entertainment facilities, directly connected from the mainland to Hon Thom island by a cable car system. The total area of the complex spans hundreds of hectares, catering to diverse sightseeing and entertainment needs.
Modern water game system at Aquatopia Hon Thom Water Park. (Source: Collected)
Aquatopia Water Park began operating in 2019 with over 20 modern water games. This area is divided into many themed sub-zones, suitable for both adults and children. Daily service capacity can reach thousands of visitors during peak season.
The Hon Thom cable car line is 7,899.9 meters long, recognized by Guinness as the longest three-rope sea-crossing cable car in the world. The travel time from An Thoi station to Hon Thom is about 15 minutes, halving the previous travel time by boat. Each cabin can accommodate about 30 people and operates continuously throughout the day.
>>> Book Sun World Hon Thom tickets now to fully explore Hon Thom HERE.
4.3. Sunset Town
Sunset Town, located in An Thoi ward, Kien Giang province, is a coastal tourism and entertainment complex developed in recent years. This area hosts fireworks displays twice every night, running 365 days a year, adding a highlight to the nighttime experience.
Ideal sunset viewing spot in Sunset Town. (Source: Collected)
Here, there are also performances such as “Kiss of The Sea” and “Symphony of The Sea”, combining projection technology, sound, and water effects. The shows are held periodically, serving a large number of tourists in the evening. This is one of the activities that contributes to extending the stay duration in the South Island.
The architectural highlight in the area is the Kiss Bridge, a structure facing the sea with an open design. The bridge becomes a space for sunset viewing and event organization, attracting a large number of tourists for visits and photos. This structure also contributes to shaping the new tourism image of Phu Quoc's South Island in recent years.
The Via Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam Festival is a space where folk beliefs, history, and the cultural life of the Southern region intersect. Through rituals and community activities, the festival clearly reflects the beliefs and identity of the riverine residents. Whether coming for pilgrimage or cultural exploration, visitors can feel the spiritual depth that the festival brings.
>>> Book your Kiss Bridge visit ticket now to explore Sunset Town HERE.
