(TITC) – Nestled at the base of Sam Mountain in Vinh Te Ward, An Giang Province, the Lady Temple at Sam Mountain is a sacred landmark where the spiritual essence of mountains and rivers converges. For generations, this revered temple has served as a major centre of worship for communities across southern Vietnam and is today one of the most popular spiritual tourism destinations in the Mekong Delta, welcoming millions of pilgrims each year.
Lady Temple at Sam Mountain (Photo: TITC)
Legends and Origins
The Lady Temple as it stands today was originally built in the early 19th century. What began as a modest shrine constructed from bamboo and palm leaves has, through multiple renovations, evolved into an impressive architectural complex. Its gracefully curved rooflines, dragon-and-phoenix motifs, and fine carvings reflect the distinctive style of southern Vietnamese religious architecture.
Local people venerate the Lady as a guardian deity of the southwestern borderlands, believed to bring protection, prosperity, and peace. Each year, vast numbers of pilgrims journey to the temple to offer incense and pray for blessings. The most important occasion is the Via Lady Festival, held annually from the 23rd to the 27th day of the fourth lunar month. In 2024, UNESCO inscribed this festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising its cultural significance and giving An Giang new momentum to develop sustainable, heritage-based spiritual tourism.
Visitors to Lady Temple at Sam Mountain (Photo: TITC)
Visitors stepping into the Lady Temple can immediately sense the atmosphere of deep reverence, where heartfelt devotion and gratitude fill the air.
A Spiritual and Cultural Highlight of An Giang
Every year, the Lady Temple at Sam Mountain attracts millions of visitors from across Vietnam and overseas. The peak season stretches from the first lunar month through to the Via Lady Festival. During this time, Sam Mountain becomes a vibrant scene of colourful flags, fragrant incense, and continuous streams of pilgrims from dawn until late into the night. Visitors can take part in traditional rituals, listen to legends surrounding the Lady, or simply offer incense while admiring the temple’s serene beauty.
The temple also serves as the heart of a broader cultural and spiritual tourism complex. Travellers can combine their visit with notable attractions such as the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, Tay An Pagoda, Phuoc Dien Pagoda (also known as Cave Pagoda), or enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong Delta from Sam Mountain, accessible by cable car. Cross-border heritage tours, cajuput forest excursions, craft village visits, and local culinary experiences further enrich the journey, creating a well-rounded itinerary that blends spirituality, ecology, and culture.
Lady Temple at Sam Mountain (Photo: TITC)
Following UNESCO’s recognition of the Via Lady Festival, An Giang is working to develop the Sam Mountain National Tourism Area into a leading regional hub for cultural–spiritual tourism, with the Lady Temple as its symbolic centre. Enhancements to infrastructure, cultural display spaces, educational programmes, and visitor services all aim to preserve the heritage while elevating the visitor experience.
More than a sacred pilgrimage site, the Lady Temple at Sam Mountain is a vibrant cultural symbol of the Mekong Delta. It is a place of peace and devotion, where visitors can connect with the spiritual roots of southern Vietnam and experience the harmony between people, nature, and tradition. Today, it remains an indispensable destination for anyone exploring the cultural and spiritual life of the region.
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