An Giang: Pilgrimage to the Lady of Sam Mountain Shrine during the year-end thanksgiving ceremony.
In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year 2026, tens of thousands of visitors flocked to the Lady of the Land Temple (An Giang) to perform thanksgiving rituals and pray for a peaceful new year.
Located at the foot of Mount Sam, the Lady of the Land Temple (Vinh Te Ward, An Giang Province) has long been a familiar spiritual haven for millions of people in Southern Vietnam. In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the temple is not only a place of worship but also a space where cultural values and reverence passed down through generations converge. With the belief of "asking for blessings at the beginning of the year and giving thanks at the end of the year," the atmosphere here becomes more bustling than ever as visitors from all over flock to fulfill their wishes after a successful year.
A unique spiritual and architectural landmark.
The Lady of the Land Temple is renowned for its sacredness and is a work of art with a strong historical imprint. In the sacred space, where incense smoke constantly lingers, the sturdy stone columns and exquisite carvings stand as testaments to the passage of time. The moss-covered tiled roof, shaped like a blooming lotus tower, with gracefully curved eaves, combined with the elaborate bas-relief carvings, creates a majestic and ancient appearance unmatched in the region.
The allure of the Lady of the Land Temple is increasingly evident, especially after the Lady of the Land Festival at Mount Sam was officially inscribed by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 4, 2024. Inside the temple, the statue of the Lady of the Land, carved from sandstone, exudes an air of solemnity and tranquility, becoming the center of faith and reverence for the people of Southern Vietnam.
Rituals of thanksgiving and the reverence of visitors from all directions.
Unlike the bustling atmosphere of the main festival in the fourth lunar month, the Lady of the Land Temple in the final days of the year has a distinct character. Amidst the chilly weather of the Seven Mountains region, the air resonates with the sound of bells and whispered prayers. Visitors come here to "give thanks," expressing gratitude for their prayers being answered.
Ms. Ngoc Hoa, a visitor from Ca Mau province who has maintained the habit of visiting the Lady of the Land for over 20 years, shared that the Lady of the Land is like a benevolent mother protecting the people of the riverine region. Whether work is going well or poorly, standing before the Lady's image helps people feel at ease, dispelling the fatigue of a long year of labor.
Not only the elderly, but many young entrepreneurs and families also consider this an indispensable destination at the end of the year. Mr. Ta Minh Hai from Ho Chi Minh City said that coming here to offer prayers is not only spiritual but also a way to remind himself to live and do business honestly. Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Loan also brought her children and grandchildren to offer incense with simple wishes for health and success in their studies.
A key cultural and spiritual destination in Southern Vietnam.
According to statistics, the Lady of the Land Temple welcomes 4 to 5 million visitors from all over the country each year. These figures reflect the enduring appeal and important position of the temple in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Especially at the end of the year, the area at the foot of Mount Sam becomes vibrant, creating a lively cultural scene.
Being inscribed as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity not only affirms the historical value of the temple but also contributes to preserving the beautiful aspects of the Mother Goddess worship in Vietnam. Security, aesthetics, and traffic management in the area are also prioritized to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims.
A trip to the Lady of Sam Mountain Temple at the end of the year is not simply a tourist trip, but also a search for peace, an expression of gratitude, and hope for a better new beginning under the protection of the "mother goddess" of the Southern land.
