CHAU DOC TOUR: PILGRIMAGE TO BA CHUA XU TEMPLE

Chau Doc is a charming town that captures the essence of Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The highlight of any trip here is undoubtedly the pilgrimage to Ba Chua Xu Temple, a sacred destination drawing millions of devotees annually. I will introduce you the top attractions include in the Chau Doc Tour.

1. Ba Chua Xu Temple

Ba Chua Xu Temple is deeply intertwined with the sacred and mystical land of Chau Doc. Anyone traveling to Chau Doc must make a stop here.

Ba Chua Xu Temple

Ba Chua Xu of Sam Mountain is a highly revered figure, believed to grant wishes and bring blessings. Every year, people from all over the country flock to the temple to pray for smooth work, peaceful family life, and prosperity, with visitor numbers reaching over a million in some years.

You can visit the temple at any time of the year. However, many people prefer to make their pilgrimage during the Lunar New Year to pray for peace and blessings in life.

Ba Chua Xu Temple – one of the top attractions in Chau Doc.

Additionally, visitors from far and wide often choose to visit during the 24th to 27th days of the 4th lunar month, coinciding with the Ba Chua Xu Festival of Sam Mountain. During this time, the temple becomes extremely crowded and lively, especially on the 25th, which is the main festival day.

The Lady of Sam Mountain Festival takes place from April 24 to 27 every year.

The main festival of the Ba Chua Xu.

The festival of Ba Chua Xu attracts many visitors from all over to come and worship.

Depending on your purpose, be it sightseeing, praying, or offering tributes, you can choose the most suitable time to visit this renowned spiritual site.

Address: No. 925, Pham Van Bach Street, Chau Doc.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

2. Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum       

Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum is a renowned spiritual site located in Chau Doc. This historical structure, associated with the Thoai Son stele, has withstood the test of time, preserving its ancient and mystical beauty.

Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum

The people of Thoai Son established the Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple to express their admiration and gratitude toward a significant figure who contributed to land reclamation and development. The temple also houses the Thoai Son stone stele and centuries-old oil trees, adding to the unique charm of its architecture.

The courtyard of the mausoleum and temple is always carefully and meticulously cared for, extremely beautiful.

Today, the mausoleum has been recognized by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, awarded a golden plaque, and listed among the Top 100 impressive destinations.

Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple with his bust in full robe and crown creates a very solemn atmosphere.

Address: Nui Sam, Chau Doc.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

3. Tay An Pagoda

Tay An Pagoda at Sam Mountain (Tây An Cổ Tự) is located at a three-way intersection in Núi Sam Ward, about 5 km from the center of Chau Doc City. The pagoda is part of the renowned Sam Mountain tourist complex in Chau Doc, which includes other notable landmarks such as Phuoc Dien Pagoda (Cave Pagoda), Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum, and the Ba Chua Xu Temple of Sam Mountain.

Tay An Pagoda

Tay An Pagoda was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument on July 10, 1980. Later, it was also acknowledged by the Vietnam Records Center as the first pagoda in Vietnam to blend Indian architectural art with traditional Vietnamese design. Every year, on the 12th day of the eighth lunar month, numerous visitors and Buddhist monks and nuns gather here to offer ceremonies and pay homage to Buddha.

Two statues of black and white elephants at the main gate to the temple.

The first thing that will impress you when visiting Tay An Pagoda is its vast area, spanning over 15,000 square meters. The overall design of Tay An Co Tu evokes a sense of familiarity with its traditional Southern Vietnam architectural style. At the same time, you will notice unique Indian-inspired details reminiscent of the imagery often seen in films about the birthplace of Buddhism.

The main hall has pillars engraved with many teachings of Buddha.

The main altar is always lit with incense regularly.

The entire Tay An Pagoda at Sam Mountain is constructed using brick tiles and cement. Thanks to this, the pagoda has retained its ancient beauty while remaining solid and enduring through the changes of time and history.

Address: Vong Nui Sam Street, Chau Doc.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

4. Cam Mountain

Cam Mountain, part of the That Son range in An Giang Province, is the highest peak in the Mekong Delta, standing at 716 meters. Known as the “Roof of the Mekong Delta,” Cam Mountain offers visitors a chance to explore and admire famous attractions such as Van Linh Pagoda and Thuy Liem Lake. Additionally, the area is filled with exciting spots to discover within the Lam Vien Cam Mountain tourist complex.

Cam Mountain

To visit, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket and a cable car ticket, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 300,000 VND per person (approximately 0.8–12 USD).

Panoramic view of Lam Vien Cam Mountain Tourist Area.

The best time to visit the Cam Mountain Tourist Area in An Giang is during spring when the weather is most pleasant.

In the early morning, mist covers the mountain paths and dissipates as the sun rises, warming the atmosphere. By evening, clouds drift across the sky, and the cool weather creates a dreamlike feeling, as though you’ve stepped into a fairyland.

While there, you can visit the nine-tiered bell tower at Van Linh Pagoda, pay respects to the giant Buddha Maitreya statue at Phat Lon Pagoda, relax by the serene Thuy Liem Lake, and enjoy a panoramic view of Chau Doc City from Vo Bo Hong. For more entertainment, head to the Thanh Long Water Park for a day of fun.

Van Linh Pagoda

The largest Maitreya Buddha statue in Vietnam at Phat Lon Pagoda.

Thuy Liem Lake

Conquering the peak at Vo Bo Hong.

Address: An Hao Ward, Tinh Bien District, Chau Doc.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours.

5. Tinh Bien Market

Tinh Bien Market attracts a large number of visitors who come to explore, shop, and enjoy its distinctive culinary culture. The market is always bustling with buyers and sellers, offering a wide variety of goods. It is especially crowded during festivals like the Ba Chua Xu Festival in An Giang.

Tinh Bien Market

When you step into market, you’ll surely be amazed by the kiosks and stores brimming with products. Currently, the market has 295 merchants and 700 shops, drawing countless shoppers.

It has various specialties, priced from 30,000 – 100,000 VND (1.2 – 4 USD).

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a wide range of dried and fermented specialties from the Mekong Delta, such as dried snakehead fish, fermented linh fish, and fermented crabs. These products are typically stored in clear plastic jars and are sold at very affordable prices, often lower than in other central markets.

Booth of special fish sauces from the West.

In addition to clothing, electronics, and fermented fish, this market also offers toddy palm fruit, a beloved An Giang specialty. At the market, you’ll find stalls selling refreshing toddy palm juice and fresh toddy palm fruits that you can purchase as souvenirs.

You must try fresh fruit every day.

This is also known for its wide selection of Thai-made cosmetics. However, while there are many quality products, there may also be counterfeit or substandard items, so make sure to research carefully before making a purchase. Notably, many visitors also come to the market to buy wholesale goods for resale.

Thai cosmetics at Tinh Bien Market.

Address: Tinh Bien District, Chau Doc.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily.