There is a place in Vietnam often described as one of the most sacred destinations in the country, a spiritual refuge where people come not only to pray, but to find solace, to be heard, and to feel protected. Nestled at the foot of Sam Mountain in An Giang Province, Chùa Bà Chúa Xứ (Temple of the Holy Mother of the Realm) holds a special place in the hearts of millions. More than just a religious site, it is surrounded by layers of legend and mystery, with stories passed down through generations about miraculous encounters and divine intervention.
Yet what makes this place even more extraordinary is not only its spiritual pull, but its cultural significance. In 2014, the Vietnamese government recognized the temple’s annual celebration - the Lễ hội Vía Bà Chúa Xứ (Festival of the Holy Mother’s Spirit Day) - as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. And in 2024, it was officially inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This international recognition affirms what local communities have long known: that the Holy Mother’s presence, her temple, and the rituals surrounding her are vital expressions of Vietnam’s cultural identity, spiritual resilience, and collective hope.
The Legend Of The Lady Of The Realm
The story of Bà Chúa Xứ (Lady of the Realm) begins in whispers, passed down through generations in the Mekong Delta. According to the most well-known legend, a group of villagers discovered an ancient female statue on the mountainside. They tried to move her but failed, until a young girl in a trance claimed to receive instructions from the spirit herself. Only nine virgins, she said, could carry the statue. And so, the miracle happened.
To honor her spiritual presence, the villagers built a temple at the base of Sam Mountain. Since then, Bà Chúa Xứ has been revered as a guardian goddess, one who watches over the land, protects the vulnerable, and blesses those who come to her with sincerity.
What People Pray For
At Chùa Bà Chúa Xứ, faith takes the shape of offerings and prayers come wrapped in incense smoke. Devotees arrive from across the country, often after long journeys, carrying trays of fruit, sticky rice, boiled chicken or duck, roasted pork, tea and wine, rice and salt, joss paper, and colorful bouquets. These are presented with quiet reverence at her altar, alongside candles and handwritten notes of wishes. This ritual is called lễ vật dâng Bà (offering to the Lady).
People pray for many things: health for their families, success in business, resolution to difficult matters, peace in their hearts. What’s striking is that visitors often speak of Bà as if she were a wise elder or a powerful confidant, someone who listens and, at times, responds. For entrepreneurs, she is a silent partner. For travelers, a protector. For those suffering, a gentle light in the dark.
Even the way her statue is dressed reflects her people’s care. The robes are changed regularly, and it is believed that new garments show respect and renew blessings. A special gold-embroidered robe is prepared for major occasions.
The Festival Of Vía Bà Chúa Xứ
Each year, during the fourth lunar month, the temple bursts into a spectacle of devotion and culture. The Lễ hội Vía Bà Chúa Xứ draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to An Giang. The celebration lasts for several days, filled with rituals, music, incense, and spiritual performances.
The festival begins with lễ tắm tượng (a washing ceremony), where the statue is bathed in scented water and dressed in new robes. At night, traditional music echoes across the courtyards. Ceremonial dances honor the sacred feminine.
Volunteers guide the elderly and newcomers through the crowded temple grounds. This is a moment of national unity, a gathering of gratitude. Some were overwhelmed by the journey and the power of shared belief. Others light incense in silence, lips moving gently in prayer.
What’s most moving is how the festival gives structure to the spiritual act of remembering. People return each year not just to ask, but to say thank you. To repay a favor granted, a wish fulfilled. It is a cycle of trust and gratitude, built on the invisible thread between human vulnerability and divine compassion.
National And International Recognition
In 2001, Chùa Bà Chúa Xứ was officially recognized as a National Historic Site by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 2014, the Festival of Vía Bà was declared a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its importance not only in spiritual life, but in preserving the rituals and values of the southern Vietnamese people.
Then came the international milestone: in December 2024, UNESCO inscribed the festival onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This was a proud moment for the nation, affirming that a local expression of faith had global cultural value. It underscored how deeply spiritual traditions like this shape Vietnam’s identity and enrich its cultural landscape.
A Cultural Bond
What resonates most deeply is how this site bridges the seen and unseen. People come to worship and pray for luck in business, family health, or peace in their lives. The Holy Mother is known for her responsiveness, and devout followers often return year after year to affirm their bond and fulfill promises made.
And the beauty lies not just in the statue or the ceremonies, but in the belief that someone is listening. A shared understanding that in moments of struggle or gratitude, there is a place in the mountains of An Giang where their voices carry, and their hopes are heard.