Cam Mountain

Nestled within the renowned That Son mountain range in An Giang province, Cam Mountain, also known as Thien Cam Son, is an alluring spiritual destination for tourists from near and far. With an elevation of over 700 meters above sea level, Cam Mountain is not only the highest peak in That Son but also the loftiest summit in the Mekong Delta region. A visit to Cam Mountain offers the opportunity to marvel at the majestic beauty of nature, uncover enigmatic tales, and delve into the history of this sacred land.

The Path to Cam Mountain and Transportation Options

Cam Mountain is situated in An Hao commune, Tinh Bien district, approximately 90 kilometers from Long Xuyen city and 37 kilometers from Chau Doc city. To reach the foot of the mountain, you can travel by motorbike or car. If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, take a bus to the Western Bus Station and catch a ride to Long Xuyen. From Long Xuyen, follow National Highway 91 to Binh Hoa Industrial Park, then turn left onto Provincial Road 941. Continue to Tri Ton, turn right onto Provincial Road 948, and you will arrive at An Hao, where signposts direct you to Cam Mountain.

The route to Cam Mountain is quite steep and winding with numerous curves. You can choose to hike, hire a tour bus, or take the cable car. If you wish to leisurely admire the scenery and explore the pristine wilderness, hiking through the forest to the mountain's summit is recommended. However, if you prefer to save time and energy, you can purchase a round-trip cable car ticket priced at 180,000 VND for adults and 90,000 VND for children.

Captivating Attractions on Cam Mountain

Upon reaching the summit of Cam Mountain, your first stop could be Van Linh Pagoda - the largest temple atop the mountain, featuring an ancient architectural style. The pagoda is located at an altitude of 550m, with the serene Thuy Liem Lake in front and surrounded by lush green forests. Standing in the pagoda's courtyard, you can gaze out and take in the panoramic view of the majestic That Son region.

Descending below Van Linh Pagoda, you will find Thuy Liem Lake, spanning an impressive 6 hectares and serving as the water supply for the mountain areas. The tranquil lake surface reflects the azure sky, creating a poetic landscape. Visitors often release fish into the lake as a gesture of prayer for peace and well-being. Adjacent to the lake stands a 12-meter-tall, 60-ton bronze statue of the Laughing Buddha, considered the largest of its kind in Vietnam.

The highest peak of Cam Mountain is Bo Hong, reaching an elevation of 716 meters. Atop Bo Hong stands a 26.5-meter-tall statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, a magnificent spiritual construction. From the mountain's apex, you can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Central Highlands' forests and take in the vast expanse of the Mekong Delta.

Furthermore, along the trails leading from the base to the summit, you will encounter numerous fascinating attractions such as Thanh Long Stream, Tien Stream, Thuy Liem Cave, Ong The Cave, Ong Ho Cave, and more. These caves hold many mysterious stories intertwined with the formation history of Cam Mountain.

Legends and History of Cam Mountain

Since ancient times, Cam Mountain has been regarded as a sacred peak, a gathering place for deities and saints, and a sanctuary reserved for spiritual practitioners. Legend has it that during the Gia Long era, when Lord Nguyen Anh was pursued by the Tay Son insurgents, he sought refuge on Cam Mountain. The royal officials spread rumors about the presence of fierce beasts and demons on the mountain to deter people from ascending, thus concealing the Lord's whereabouts. This is believed to be the origin of the name "Cam Mountain," implying the prohibition of people from climbing the mountain.

Another legend narrates that Buddha Master Tay An once ascended Cam Mountain to practice asceticism and forbade his disciples from climbing the mountain to avoid defiling the sacred place. Additionally, some hypotheses suggest that the name "Cam Mountain" originated from "Gam Mountain" because the mountain's beauty was likened to that of brocade and silk. Despite the ongoing debates surrounding the origin of Cam Mountain's name, the magnificent beauty and sacredness of this peak remain undeniable.

Throughout history, Cam Mountain served as a resistance base during the war against the Americans. In 1964, the Saigon army established a military base on the summit of Cam Mountain. By 1966, local armed forces launched an attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. After liberation, numerous war materials and unexploded ordnance remained on the mountain. The authorities had to prohibit people from ascending the mountain to ensure safety. It was only in recent years that Cam Mountain was developed into an ecotourism and spiritual destination as it is today.

Culinary Experiences and Shopping on Cam Mountain

When visiting Cam Mountain, don't forget to savor the specialty dishes of the That Son region. One of the most famous dishes is banh xeo rau rung - a perfect combination of crispy rice pancakes and fresh forest vegetables, dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce. You can also try other delicacies such as stir-fried beef with giang leaves, stir-fried mountain crab with tamarind, chicken cooked with bamboo shoots, stir-fried forest vegetables with garlic, sour soup with snakehead fish, and more.

On Cam Mountain, there are numerous stalls selling local specialties and souvenirs for visitors to bring home as gifts. You can find various fresh and delicious forest fruits like jackfruit, mangosteen, sugar palm fruit, etc. Additionally, handicrafts, jewelry, bracelets, and necklaces made from mountain stones are also worth collecting.

Conclusion

With its majestic natural beauty, intriguing historical tales, and distinctive spiritual atmosphere, Cam Mountain truly deserves to be an unmissable destination when traveling to An Giang. Take a trip to Cam Mountain to immerse yourself in nature, pay homage to the sacred temples, and unravel the mysteries of this land. The journey is sure to provide you with many exciting experiences and unforgettable memories.

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