Springtime trip to the summit of Mount Sam

In spring, Mount Sam is adorned with the gentle beauty of flowers, fruits, mist, and a peaceful rhythm of life. Amidst this setting, a spring excursion becomes an unforgettable experience for visitors who set foot in the Bay Nui region.

Ink painting

Located in the bustling center of Vinh Te ward, Mount Sam is a unique landmark and a symbolic image of this southwestern border region. From Chau Doc ward, following the N1 highway, one can see the majestic mountain rising majestically amidst vast rice fields. From afar, Mount Sam resembles a sea cucumber crawling across the rice paddies. In the cool December weather, Mount Sam is lush green with foliage, interspersed with Buddhist structures that attract many tourists.

The majestic Mount Sam stands amidst lush green rice fields. Photo: THANH TIEN

Following the path up Mount Sam, you'll encounter the vibrant purple of the crape myrtle flowers. There was a time when high school students from Chau Doc would cycle all the way here just to admire the crape myrtle blossoms. Twenty years have passed, and the mountain road has changed considerably, but the crape myrtle blossom season remains. It allows travelers to relive old memories, recalling the purple blossoms of the crape myrtle reflected in the eyes of an old friend.

Even in the early morning, Mount Sam was already attracting groups of visitors. After their pilgrimage and visiting the Lady of the Land Shrine, most tourists wanted to climb to the summit to enjoy the scenery. Stepping into Linh Son Pagoda, from the Thousand-Eyed, Thousand-Handed Avalokiteshvara Statue, you can freely admire the natural landscape before you. It's a blend of the bustling atmosphere of the city with the peaceful, simple beauty of the rice fields in the border region.

Many tourists couldn't hide their excitement, as people from the lowlands rarely get to admire the vast landscape from an altitude of hundreds of meters. "Seeing the view from above makes you realize how big our homeland is. For me, this Chau Doc and Vinh Te area is truly beautiful! I hope that after graduation, I can work in the tourism industry to introduce the beauty of An Giang to everyone," shared Ms. Tran Ngoc Hoa, a resident of Can Dang commune. In this tourist's story, there are still many aspirations. When visiting the Holy Mother Church, Ms. Hoa prayed for peace and safety for her family, relatives, and friends in the new year. The young woman loves the scenery of Mount Sam, especially when the plants and trees change color to welcome the new year.

Following Hoa's pointing finger, I saw a patch of bougainvillea flowers faintly visible through the lingering mist. It was then that I realized most tourists visiting Mount Sam are fascinated by the sight of bougainvillea blossoms covering the mountain rocks.

I reached the summit of Mount Sam just as the sun was rising. The rice fields in the distance gradually came into view. The morning air at the summit was refreshing. Many groups of tourists had already arrived, offering incense and prayers at the sandstone pedestal where the Goddess once resided, entrusting their wishes to her. After their pilgrimage, everyone stood admiring the vast landscape, their faces showing clear serenity. Many tourists didn't miss the opportunity to take souvenir photos of this charming An Giang region.

Enjoy the feeling of peace and tranquility.

Besides its picturesque scenery, Mount Sam also boasts Buddhist structures with an ethereal beauty. Stopping at Long Son Pagoda, I lit incense and offered heartfelt prayers, enjoying the peaceful and serene atmosphere of this heavenly place. Amidst the melodious bells and the gentle chanting, one can find inner peace to reflect, contemplate, and look back on the past year.

Long Son Pagoda, with its distinctive Buddhist setting—its back against the mountain and its face towards the plain—instills a sense of peace in all who visit. From Long Son Pagoda, you can see the N1 highway winding through the green rice fields, like a brushstroke in a rural landscape painting. Within the pagoda grounds, the arrangement of the gardens and Buddha statues is quite impressive. Here, visitors can encounter images of the Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree, or gaze upon the compassionate smile of Maitreya Buddha.

With its beautiful architecture, Long Son Pagoda attracts many pilgrims who come to worship and enjoy its ethereal beauty. Many young people also choose Long Son Pagoda as a place to take photos to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse. In the pagoda's space, which is both ancient and modern, stunning photos are taken.

This was Tran Cam Tu, a resident of Chau Phu commune, who was excited to be taking Tet (Lunar New Year) photos on Mount Sam for the first time. “I’ve been to Mount Sam many times but never visited Long Son Pagoda. Now that I’m here, I realize how beautiful this place is! I’m sure this year’s Tet photos will turn out great!” Ms. Cam Tu happily said. She also liked the place because of its tranquil atmosphere, which evoked a sense of sacredness. Before taking photos, she and her friends lit incense and prayed to Buddha for good fortune in the new year.

I visit Mount Sam several times a year, but I never get tired of it. Each season, Mount Sam takes on its own unique beauty, with its dreamy flowers and picturesque scenery unlike any other. This is the attraction that keeps visitors coming back every year, as a way of showing their appreciation for the warm hospitality of the people of An Giang.

THANH TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/du-xuan-tren-dinh-nui-sam-a475168.html