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Things To Do And See In Chau Doc: A Visit At Tay An Pagoda

Saturday, November 30, 2024 Useful infos Matthieu

Things to do and see in Chau Doc: Tay An Pagoda

Religion, unique and carried a beauty that cannot be confused with those of the other country. Since churches and cathedrals are taken into account in Europe, temples, pagodas, or in particular, Tay An Pagoda, are also crucial in the minds of Vietnamese. Therefore, you will be immediately amazed by one of the daily characters transmitted by Tay An temple, a remark mixed between Indian and Vietnamese. Follow our Vietnam travel agency to better keep you informed of what is happening and find out the things to do and see in Chau Doc.

I. General information of Tay An Pagoda
II. Unique Construction of Tay An Pagoda

I. General information of Tay An Pagoda

1. Where is Tay An Pagoda

Address: Nui Sam commune, Chau Doc city, An Giang.

Nui Sam Tay An Pagoda, also called “Tây An Cổ Tự”, is located at the crossroads of Nui Sam district, about 5 km from Chau Doc city center. This Tay An temple is part of the famous Sam Mountain relic complex and tourist area in Chau Doc, which includes iconic sites such as Phuoc Dien Pagoda (also called Hang Pagoda), Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb and Ba Chua Xu Temple.

Designated as a national architectural and artistic monument since July 10, 1980, Tay An Pagoda is unique in its kind. It has been recognized by the Vietnam Center of Records as the first pagoda in the country to combine Indian architectural style with traditional Vietnamese ethnic architecture. Every year, on the 12th day of the 8th lunar month, Tay An Pagoda attracts many visitors as well as Buddhist monks and nuns, who come to participate in ceremonies and pay homage to Buddha.

What to see in Chau Doc ?

2. Why is Tay An Pagoda?

According to Mekong Delta Travel Guide, when we talk about Tay An Pagoda, located on Sam Mountain, there are several interpretations regarding the origin of its name. Some people believe that it only reflects the pagoda’s position towards the west of An Giang province. Others believe that the name Tay An is a combination of elements related to its construction, including materials from Tran Tay and Tay Thanh, as well as its location in An Giang region. Another hypothesis suggests that “Tay An” symbolizes a wish for peace and prosperity for the southwest of the country, so that people can settle in Tay An Pagoda and live in harmony in this river region.

Tay An temple

3. History of Tay An Pagoda

According to ancient stories, Tay An Pagoda was built in 1820 by Nguyen Nhat An, a mandarin under the Nguyen Dynasty, during the reign of King Minh Mang. Legend has it that before Tay An temple was built, Nguyen Nhat An was sent on a mission to Cambodia by the imperial court. Before he left, he is said to have prayed and promised to build a Buddhist temple at the foot of Sam Mountain if his mission was successively completed. Upon his return, having accomplished his task, he fulfilled his vow by erecting Nui Sam Tay An Pagoda (Ancient Tay An Temple) and invited the first monk, Hai Tinh, to become its abbot. Until 1847, another monk named Phap Tang was invited to Tay An Pagoda, someone who played an important role in clearing the land around That Son Bay Nui area, helping the locals improve their living conditions and prosper. Later, when France invaded Vietnam, Tay An temple became a stronghold of resistance against the occupier. Abbot Phap Tang trained many disciples, including famous figures such as Tran Van Thanh, Tang Chu, Dinh Tay and Dao Xuyen, who became patriotic heroes and leaders of the fight against the French.

Tay An pagoda

In addition to his spiritual activities, Abbot Phap Tang is also known for preparing medicines to cure diseases, saving many people in the region. In recognition of his contributions, upon his death, he was venerated as "Master Tay An Buddha".

II. Unique Construction of Tay An Pagoda

Since the time of Master Phap Tang Buddha, Tay An Pagoda has passed through seven generations and several renewals. The current architecture completed in 1958, under the direction of Abbot Buu Tho, is again and again improved in order to maintain its peaceful image. He built three additional buildings in front of Tay An Pagoda, renovated the main courtyard and enriched its appearance by integrating remarkable oriental architectural elements combined with an Indian-inspired style.

Since 1993, in response to the rise of spiritual tourism, Venerable Abbot Thich Hue Kinh has undertaken new restorations and constructions, adding various projects to modernize the site. These improvements aim to provide an enriching and memorable experience for visitors from all over the world who are attracted to Tay An Pagoda for their pilgrimage. In addition, Tay An Pagoda contributes greatly to the attractiveness of Sam Mountain tourist complex in Chau Doc, reinforcing its place as a must-see site in Vietnam Packages Tours.

What to see in Chau Doc ?

Although this detailed description is presented to you, it would be better for you to book a 15 day itinerary Vietnam tour in order to observe not only the lively activity from an official religion in Vietnam but also the Tay An Pagoda yourself with its overall architecture and interior. Do not hesitate to give us the questions “What to do in Chau Doc?”, “What to see in Chau Doc?” because we are available to answer you all.

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Alexandra

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How to dress in Tay An Pagoda ?

As a sacred places which is used to venerate the Bouddha, you must absolutely dress something that can cover all of your body, short skirts or camisole isn't allowed to enter the Tay An Pagoda, in each destination listed in your tour program, our advisor will give you the full details regarding the things that you need to notice. After that, our guide will also remind you about the rules in this solemn destination once more time.

Phillip

5.0 Excellent

What to eat in Chau Doc ?

The food of this city is so diverse such as rice vermicelli with Chau Doc fish, Chau Doc fish hot pot, Chau Doc fish sauce...In addition, it is also representative of Mekong Delta so Vietnam Travel Guide could give you a list of typical dishes in cities that are very famous for tourists and locals. Yet, if you still want to have some dishes from your country, please note it for the counselor department.

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