Hòn Sơn Island—also called Hòn Sơn Rái or by its formal name, Lại Sơn—is part of the Kiên Hải Special Zone in An Giang Province. The island has long been home to Vietnamese coastal settlers whose livelihoods revolve around the sea, shaping a rich tapestry of local beliefs and spiritual traditions. Among these, Miếu Bà Cố Chủ stands out as a sacred heritage site deeply tied to the island’s early settlement history and the spiritual life of fishermen.
The Legend of Lady Cố Chủ — The First Settler of Hòn Sơn
According to island folklore, Lady Cố Chủ (believed to be Tăng Thị Huệ or Tăng Thị Phú) was one of the first settlers to arrive on Hòn Sơn Rái. She cleared land, established a livelihood, and helped those who later came to live on the island. Islanders revered her for:
- Her ability to read winds and predict ocean conditions
- Offering blessings and guidance to fishermen before each voyage
- Her kindness, prosperity, and generosity toward the poor
Because her family was wealthy and successful in trading, they were repeatedly targeted by Nam Hải pirates. Legend recounts two attacks:
- First attack: Pirates tied her up and threw her into the sea with two jars of fish sauce tied around her neck. She miraculously freed herself and swam ashore.
- Second attack: She was thrown into the open sea inside a bamboo hog basket and did not survive.
A few days later, the sea around the island suddenly turned calm, and many residents reported seeing her spirit appearing above the waves. Believing she had become the island’s guardian deity, the villagers built a shrine in her honor, now known as Miếu Bà Cố Chủ.
Lady Cố Chủ — Guardian Deity of the Sea
In the spiritual consciousness of Hòn Sơn, Lady Cố Chủ is remembered as:
- The Founding Ancestor, credited with opening the land and shaping early settlement
- Protector of the Sea, believed to bless fishermen with safety and good fortune
- A symbol of virtue, sacrifice, and maternal protection
Her worship carries similarities to the veneration of Bà Chúa Xứ on the mainland and reflects the region’s blended spiritual heritage shaped by Việt, Chăm, and Southern folk beliefs. Her “mythic elevation” represents the community’s gratitude toward those who helped establish life on the island.
A Sacred Heritage Site Overlooking the Sea
Miếu Bà Cố Chủ is located in Bãi Nhà A, its entrance facing the sea—symbolizing her eternal watch over the fishermen she protects. The shrine consists of:
- Main Hall—dedicated to Lady Cố Chủ
- Left and Right Wings—honoring attendants and figures associated with her legend
- Ceremonial Gate & Courtyard—the heart of annual ritual activities
The first shrine was built in 1899, originally from bamboo and palm leaves. It has been renovated multiple times, with the current reinforced concrete structure completed in 2011.
Lady Cố Chủ Festival — The Island’s Grandest Celebration
The annual festival, held from the 8th to the 10th day of the 9th lunar month, is the most important cultural and spiritual event on Hòn Sơn. Festivities include:
- Traditional hát bội (classical opera) troupes invited from Ho Chi Minh City
- Traders from the mainland sailing in with goods and specialties
- Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visiting to pray for peace, luck, and prosperity
During this period, the island becomes vibrant with ceremonies, performances, and communal gatherings that highlight its deep-rooted maritime culture.
A Cultural Icon and Must-Visit Destination on Hòn Sơn Island
Today, Miếu Bà Cố Chủ is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a cultural landmark for visitors wishing to understand the heritage of Hòn Sơn and its people. Travelers often come here to:
- Learn about Southern Vietnamese folk beliefs
- Pray for safe journeys at sea
- Hear the captivating legend of Lady Cố Chủ and her resistance against pirates
- Enjoy panoramic sea views from one of the best vantage points of Bãi Nhà A
Miếu Bà Cố Chủ is one of the most revered cultural treasures of Hòn Sơn. It preserves the story of land reclamation, the unity and resilience of island communities, and a deep belief in spiritual guardianship amid the vast ocean.
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