Phật Giáo VNS
Tây An Temple
Tây An Ancient Temple
An Giang
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Documentary photo of Tây An Temple. The surroundings may have changed since the photo was taken.
About
Tây An stands at the foot of Sam Mountain, distinguished by its domes and decorative colours. It belongs to Châu Đốc’s pilgrimage landscape and is associated with the history of southern Vietnamese Buddhism.
Visitor information
- Founded
- Major construction in 1847
- Visiting hours
- Fixed opening hours have not been confirmed. Please ask the temple.
- Fees
- Check the notices at the destination; the current fee schedule has not been confirmed.
- Tradition
- Phật giáo Đại thừa
- Address
- Chân núi Sam, khu vực Châu Đốc, An Giang
Several religious sites stand around the mountain’s foot; check the name “Tây An cổ tự” before arriving. Keep orderly when crowded and avoid blocking access to shrines.
Highlights
- The domed forms at the front
- Buddhist shrines and patriarchs’ stupas
- Connections with Phật Thầy Tây An
History and origins
Châu Đốc materials record Governor Doãn Uẩn’s supervision of temple construction in 1847. The buildings have been repaired many times. Đoàn Minh Huyên, commonly known as Phật Thầy Tây An, has an important connection with the site.
Architecture & surroundings
A tam-shaped plan combines traditional Vietnamese architecture with Indian-influenced details. Prominent domes and coloured surfaces give it a different appearance from many low-roofed southern temples.
Its domes and massing also differ from many northern Vietnamese temples. The main hall, bell and drum pavilions, elephant statues and three-entrance gateway should be viewed in relation to the landscape at Sam Mountain’s foot.
Cultural value
The temple reflects artistic exchange and the religious history of the southwestern borderlands. It should not be equated with the whole network of institutions in the Bửu Sơn Kỳ Hương tradition.
Tây An is linked with memories of Phật Thầy Tây An and the religious life of Châu Đốc. Its architectural layers, sacred images and history of teaching reflect cultural exchange in the southwestern border region.
Events & festivals
Full-moon days and the Sam Mountain pilgrimage season often bring many worshippers. Consult on-site announcements for the temple’s own rituals.
References & photo sources
Information checked: 2026-10-20. Documentary photographs may differ from current conditions.
Photo 1. Documentary photo of Tây An Temple. The surroundings may have changed since the photo was taken.
Nillocmy at Vietnamese Wikipedia · Original photo · Public domain
Resized and converted to WebP without altering the image content.
Photo 2. Documentary photo of Tây An Temple. The surroundings may have changed since the photo was taken.
Phương Huy · Original photo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Resized and converted to WebP without altering the image content.
Photo 3. Documentary photo of Tây An Temple. The surroundings may have changed since the photo was taken.
Phương Huy · Original photo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Resized and converted to WebP, preserving the original composition.
Photo 4. Documentary photo of Tây An Temple. The surroundings may have changed since the photo was taken.
Phương Huy · Original photo · CC BY-SA 4.0
Resized and converted to WebP, preserving the original composition.
Photo 5. Documentary photo of Tây An Temple. The surroundings may have changed since the photo was taken.
Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France · Original photo · CC BY 2.0
Resized and converted to WebP, preserving the original composition.
