An Giang: Ba Chua Xu Temple named exemplary spiritual tourist destination in Asia - Pacific
The Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Temple on Sam Mountain in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang has been recognised as an “Exemplary Spiritual Tourist Destination in Asia - Pacific” by the Vietnam - India Economic and Cultural Exchange Forum.
Ba Chua Xu Temple is a historical relic site and also a beautiful architectural structure in An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)
An Giang (VNA) – The Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Temple on Sam Mountain in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang has been recognised as an “Exemplary Spiritual Tourist Destination in Asia - Pacific” by the Vietnam - India Economic and Cultural Exchange Forum.
The recognition was made as part of the forum, held by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations and the Global Trade and Technology Council of India in New Delhi on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of UNESCO and over 50 years of the two countries’ diplomatic ties, said Nguyen Phu Hoan, head of the temple management board, on September 2.
The Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain was honoured for its substantive contributions to tourism development in Vietnam, helping popularising the country’s culture to international friends, he noted.
The temple is a historical relic site and also a beautiful architectural structure located at the foot of Sam Mountain in Nui Sam ward of Chau Doc city, An Giang province. It is a famous and must-visit destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. One of its identities is the traditional festival held from the 23rd to 27th days of the fourth lunar month each year.
The latest recognition is an important milestone in the efforts to have the temple’s festival named in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, he added.
In 2022, the Vietnamese Government submitted a dossier to UNESCO to seek the inclusion of the Ba Chua Xua Temple Festival in the list./.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has approved the submission of the dossier of the Via Ba Chua Xu festival in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang for UNESCO's recognition as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) and evening gowns inspired by the nature and historical landmarks of the northern province of Ninh Binh will be presented at a fashion show in Ninh Binh city on September 9.
Since the first national treasures were recognised in October 2012, as many as 265 were named in this list after 11 phases of recognition as of January 2023.
Hoi An city in the central province of Quang Nam, a UNESCO-recognised World Cultural Heritage Site, has been named among the nine best city destinations with beaches by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) based in Hong Kong.
Vietnam has exerted great efforts to preserve its intangible cultural heritages and gained remarkable achievements in this field. These efforts have contributed to the implementation of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that the country joined 20 years ago.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
Ba Chua Xu Temple is a historical relic site and also a beautiful architectural structure in An Giang province. (Photo: VNA) 
