Tiếng Việt
Mountain Sam in Chau Doc is a premier spiritual destination in the Southwest of Vietnam. Immerse yourself in its tranquil atmosphere, pay respects at renowned sacred pagodas and temples, or ascend to the summit of Mount Sam for a panoramic view of bustling Chau Doc from above. Join Tiêu Dao Tử as we explore this captivating cluster of attractions!
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Directions to Mountain Sam, Chau Doc
There are many ways to reach the summit of Mount Sam: you can walk, ride a motorbike, hire a motorbike taxi (xe ôm), or use a shuttle service (near the foot of the mountain, there are 16-seater vans available to transport tourists up and down the mountain). For a more unique experience, you can try the Mount Sam cable car at a very reasonable cost.
Mount Sam Cable Car Tourist Area
- Location: Vinh Tay 3 Hamlet, Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc City (the cable car entrance is opposite the back entrance of Ba Chua Xu Temple). You can easily spot the cable cars moving up and down Mount Sam as you approach the foot of the mountain.
- Mount Sam Cable Car Ticket Prices:
- Round trip: 150,000 VND/adult and 70,000 VND/child.
- One way: 75,000 VND/adult and 35,000 VND/child.
- Children under 1.2m tall and seniors (over 70 years old) receive free cable car tickets.
- Operating Hours: The Mount Sam cable car operates 24/7 (through the night), making it very convenient for tourists who wish to visit the mountain at night.
The Mount Sam Chau Doc cable car station is designed in the style of Notre Dame Cathedral. The surrounding area features many architectural works, such as One Pillar Pagoda and “Co Ba Chau Doc” tailor shop, offering a spacious environment perfect for those who enjoy taking photos.
It only takes 5–10 minutes to travel from the station at the foot of Mount Sam to near the summit. The experience of riding in the cabin and gazing at Chau Doc from above is quite fascinating, especially if you go at night.
What’s on Mountain Sam, Chau Doc?
Although Mount Sam is only 284m above sea level, it is home to over 200 different large and small pagodas, temples, and hermitages built along its slopes from the foot to the summit.
I’ll list some of the notable attractions and architectural structures on Mount Sam, following the order as you ascend from the Mount Sam cable car station to the peak!
After taking the cable car to the summit and ascending a few more steps, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant space featuring the elaborate, intricate, and majestic architecture of the Jade Buddha Temple. (I believe it’s even more beautiful at night than during the day, as the Jade Buddha Temple becomes more magnificent than ever when lit up.)
Next, you can check in at the very romantic “Pink Valentine” Love Bridge, with its two intertwined hearts perched precariously on Mount Sam, standing out against the green backdrop of the surrounding rice fields.
At the Highland Square, visitors have the opportunity to admire a panoramic view of Chau Doc city with its “sacred land” position: “front three rivers, back seven mountains.” Beyond the natural vistas, the Mount Sam Cable Car Tourist Area also provides binoculars for visitors to get a closer look at the unique architectural complex of the tourist area and the charming surrounding land of rivers and mountains. (The fee for using the binoculars is 10,000 VND per coin for 2 minutes of viewing.)
Walk a short distance further, and you’ll arrive at “Ba’s Pedestal”. Legend has it that this is where Lady Chua Xu of Mount Sam resided before nine virgin girls carried her down to the foot of the mountain, where the renowned Ba Chua Xu Temple of Mount Sam—a famous national landmark—now stands.
Today, Mount Sam is very familiar to tourists and has become a key spiritual destination in Chau Doc. As such, the path up the mountain has seen significant investment, making it wide and clean. Along the way to the summit of Mount Sam, there are many stalls selling local specialty food and drinks. Most of them have price lists, so you can feel at ease making purchases!
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Popular Spiritual Attractions Near Mount Sam, Chau Doc
After exploring the summit of Mount Sam in Chau Doc, you might want to visit some other famous spiritual attractions located at the foot of or near Mount Sam:
1. Ba Chua Xu Temple of Mount Sam, Chau Doc
Ba Chua Xu Temple of Mount Sam is situated right at the foot of Mount Sam and is a renowned spiritual destination in Chau Doc, famous nationwide. Every year, countless visitors from north to south come to pay their respects to Ba (Lady), praying for smooth business and good fortune.
Ba Chua Xu Temple of Mount Sam: Nationally Famous
Ba Chua Xu Temple, a grand and majestic temple amidst the wild mountains and forests, features architecture resembling a blossoming lotus tower. Its three-tiered, blue-tiled roof is adorned with classic artistic patterns. The elaborate and exquisite carvings, along with the golden vermilion horizontal lacquered boards, all contribute to the ancient and solemn atmosphere of Ba Chua Xu Temple Chau Doc.
What truly draws people to Ba Temple is undoubtedly the Via Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam Festival. Held annually on the 22nd and 23rd days of the fourth lunar month, it’s the largest national-level festival in Southern Vietnam, deeply imbued with the ethnic cultural identity of the Mekong Delta’s riverine communities.
2. Chau Doc Cave Pagoda (Hang Pagoda)
Nestled on the romantic slopes of Mount Sam, Chau Doc Hang Pagoda (also known as Phuoc Dien Tu) is one of the most famous spiritual destinations, attracting many visitors to Chau Doc city, An Giang. This ancient pagoda is not only notable for its unique architecture but also associated with many mystical stories, particularly the legend of a pair of large, gentle snakes said to have resided and practiced Buddhism there.
The highlight of Chau Doc Cave Pagoda lies in its natural rock caves, which have been utilized as places of worship, creating a sacred and mystical atmosphere. Stepping into the pagoda, you’ll feel a sense of purity and transcendence with the echoing sound of bells, the faint scent of incense, and solemnly arranged Buddha statues. From the pagoda’s vantage point, visitors can also take in panoramic views of the vast rice fields and majestic mountains, offering a feeling of peace and relaxation.
If you’re looking for a place to find tranquility, pay homage, and explore spiritual beauty amidst nature, Chau Doc Cave Pagoda is certainly an unmissable destination. Come and experience the sacred atmosphere and discover the wonders of this unique pagoda.
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3. Tay An Pagoda
Nestled majestically at the foot of the magnificent Mount Sam, right beside Ba Chua Xu Temple and Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum, Tay An Ancient Pagoda is one of the most ancient and sacred pagodas in Chau Doc, An Giang. Built in the 19th century, this pagoda is not only an important pilgrimage site but also a unique work of architectural art, harmoniously blending Indian styles with traditional Vietnamese temple architecture.
Tay An Pagoda stands out with its massive triple-gated entrance, soaring curved roofs, and exquisitely carved, vibrant details. Inside, the pagoda offers a serene space with numerous solemnly arranged Buddha statues, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to visitors from all directions. It also houses many valuable artifacts, serving as a testament to its rich history and Buddhist culture.
Visiting Tay An Pagoda allows you not only to worship and pray but also to learn about the unique history, architecture, and spiritual culture of An Giang. Tay An Pagoda is certainly an unmissable stop on your journey to explore the Mount Sam Chau Doc area.
4. Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum
Solemnly situated at the foot of Mount Sam, right next to Ba Chua Xu Temple and Tay An Pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum is one of the most important and sacred historical relics in Chau Doc, An Giang. This is the resting place of the esteemed mandarin Nguyen Van Thoai, also known as Thoai Ngoc Hau, a high-ranking official who made significant contributions to land reclamation, agricultural development, and the excavation of the Vinh Te Canal and Thoai Ha Canal during the Nguyen Dynasty.
The mausoleum complex is built in an ancient and majestic architectural style, featuring laterite walls, a triple-tiered staircase leading up to the main tomb, and large stone slabs inscribed with his achievements. Stepping into the mausoleum, visitors will feel a solemn and sacred atmosphere while also being able to learn about the illustrious life and career of Thoai Ngoc Hau—a high-ranking official who made immense contributions to the development of An Giang province in particular and Southern Vietnam in general.
Visiting Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum is not just a journey back to historical roots but also an opportunity to express gratitude to the ancestors who contributed to building and protecting the country. This is an unmissable destination for anyone interested in history and eager to explore the spiritual and cultural beauty of Chau Doc.
5. Huynh Dao Pagoda (Taiwan Pagoda) – A Tourist Spot Near Mount Sam, Chau Doc
- Address: Vinh Dong 2 Hamlet, Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.
Huynh Dao Pagoda is situated separately from the other sacred temples and shrines mentioned, located on the road from Mount Sam back to the center of Chau Doc city, though it’s not too far from Mount Sam. Huynh Dao Pagoda boasts a unique, vibrant, and striking architectural style that shares many similarities with temples in Taiwan, which is why locals also call it Taiwan Pagoda.
Upon arrival, you’ll be captivated by the expansive grounds, a picturesque lotus pond with majestic dragon statues, and over 50 exquisite white stone Buddha statues, notably a Guanyin statue over 30 meters tall. Huynh Dao Pagoda is not only a serene place for worship but also a wonderful space to find peace and relaxation amidst beautiful scenery.
Savoring Chau Doc An Giang’s Famous Specialties
As you stroll around the market area at the foot of Mount Sam in Chau Doc, you’ll easily find local specialties everywhere, unique to Mount Sam and Chau Doc, An Giang. Some popular snacks include thốt nốt palm cakes (bánh bò thốt nốt), xu xuê cakes (bánh xu xuê), thốt nốt fruit, and thốt nốt juice.
If you’re looking to fill your hungry stomach, you can stop by stalls selling Chau Doc fish noodle soup (bún cá Châu Đốc) or crab noodle soup (bún riêu), both of which have a very distinct and unique flavor you won’t find elsewhere! Additionally, you, your friends, and family can visit famous restaurants like Tony, Tư Thiêng, or Trường Nhật to savor renowned specialties such as “seven-dish beef (bò bảy món),” fermented fish noodle soup (bún mắm), and neem salad (gỏi sầu đâu).
Moreover, in this land famous for its fermented fish products (mắm), you can buy some as meaningful gifts. Notable Chau Doc mắm brands include Bà Giáo Thảo and Bà Giáo Khỏe.
The Mount Sam Chau Doc tourist area has become much more developed and bustling than before, offering many more destinations for visitors. It’s suitable for both young people who love to check in and seniors looking for a spiritual travel experience. If you’re wondering where to go on a weekend, gather your friends, significant other, or family and head to Mount Sam Chau Doc!
I’m Phuc Nguyen, a native of the Mekong Delta and a big fan of travel and exploration. If you share the same passion and want to see more of my domestic and international trips, you can find more on my YouTube & TikTok channel, “Đi Cùng Tiêu Dao Tử” (Traveling with Tiêu Dao Tử)!
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