Ba Chua Xu Temple

Ba Chua Xu Temple is a major folk-religion temple located at the foot of Sam Mountain in Chau Doc City, An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Dedicated to Lady Xu (Ba Chua Xu), believed to be a protector of the borderlands, it is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Mekong Delta. The temple is known for its ornate architecture, large stone statue, and the annual Via Ba Festival.

Visitors can expect a large, ornate temple complex at the foot of Sam Mountain with colorful tiled roofs, elaborate carvings, and a busy courtyard filled with pilgrims, incense smoke, and offering stalls. Inside the main hall is the revered statue of Ba Chua Xu. The surroundings include souvenir and food markets, nearby pagodas, and views of Sam Mountain. The atmosphere is lively and crowded, especially during festival periods.

According to local tradition, a stone statue of the Lady was found on Sam Mountain and brought to the foot of the mountain in the early 19th century. A small shrine was first built around 1820-1824 during the construction of Vinh Te Canal under Thoai Ngoc Hau. The current large temple structure was rebuilt between 1972 and 1976 and has been expanded since.

The temple is one of the most important sites of Vietnamese folk belief in the Mekong Delta, dedicated to Ba Chua Xu, regarded as a protector and bringer of prosperity. The annual Via Ba Chua Xu Festival is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who come to pray for good fortune, health and business success.