Travel

Exploring Thoại Sơn (An Giang): 6 Notable Spots Unveiled

Thới Sơn is a renowned tourist destination in An Giang Province. Discover the allure of Thới Sơn as we unveil six captivating attractions that showcase its beauty and fame.

Administrator

3 August, 2024

Thoại Sơn, An Giang, is a popular tourist destination, famed for its captivating attractions and rich cultural heritage. Here are six must-visit spots to explore in this enchanting locale:

1. An Overview of Thoại Sơn

Thoại Sơn District, An Giang Province

Covering an area of approximately 460 square kilometers, Thoại Sơn District is nestled in An Giang Province. It shares borders with Châu Thành District to the north, Tri Tôn District to the southwest, Long Xuyên City to the east, and Kiên Giang Province to the south.

Thoại Sơn is renowned for its diverse range of tourist attractions, including the captivating Núi Sập Mountain, the romantic Núi Phu Thê Mountain, and the historic Óc Eo archaeological site. The district boasts a tropical monsoon climate, with sunny and warm weather prevailing throughout the year, and it rarely experiences storms or floods.

The ideal time to visit An Giang, and specifically Thoại Sơn, is during the flood season, typically from September to October. Visiting Thoại Sơn during this period allows you to witness the region’s lush and fertile beauty at its finest.

2. Six Captivating Destinations in Thoại Sơn

Núi Sập Mountain Tourist Area

Quality Rating: 4.2/5 (Google Rating).

Address: Núi Sập Town, Thoại Sơn District, An Giang Province.

Entry Fee: Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 VND per person for parking.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, daily (Usually crowded around 9:00 AM).

Phone Number: Not available.

Facebook: Not available.

Pros: Cool and refreshing atmosphere, abundant natural scenery.

Cons: Limited entertainment options.

Núi Sập Mountain Tourist Area is a renowned eco-tourism destination in An Giang. Located about 25-30 minutes from Long Xuyên City and over an hour’s drive from Châu Đốc City, it offers a convenient escape from urban life.

The journey to the tourist area is surrounded by lush, green landscapes, and the area itself presents a harmonious blend of majestic mountains and romantic rivers. It’s a place of poetic beauty and a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Thoại Ngọc Hầu Temple

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Rating).

Address: 147 Thoại Ngọc Hầu Street, Đông Ward, Thoại Sơn District, An Giang Province.

Entry Fee: Free.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, daily (Usually crowded around 1:00 PM).

Phone Number: Not available.

Facebook: Not available.

Pros: Spacious and serene surroundings, solemn and tranquil atmosphere.

Cons: Limited to the visiting area.

Thoại Ngọc Hầu Temple is situated in Núi Sập Town, Thoại Sơn District, and exudes an air of antiquity, mystery, and simplicity despite its rich historical background.

The temple’s exterior is graced by rows of ancient, verdant oil trees, while the interior boasts intricate carvings that contribute to its spiritual allure. It is a place of reverence and a testament to the area’s cultural heritage.

Hồ Ông Thoại Lake Tourist Area

Quality Rating: 4.1/5 (Google Rating).

Address: Nguyễn Văn Trỗi Street, Núi Sập Town, Thoại Sơn District, An Giang Province.

Entry Fee: Approximately 20,000 VND per person.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, daily.

Facebook: Hồ Ông Thoại Lake Tourist Area – Thoại Sơn – An Giang.

Pros: Breathtaking natural scenery, fresh and cool atmosphere.

Cons: Limited entertainment options.

Hồ Ông Thoại Lake Tourist Area captivates visitors with its spectacular natural landscapes, featuring majestic mountains and a refreshing atmosphere. The area also houses a zoo with various wild animals, such as porcupines, pythons, and turtles. Be sure to include this destination on your itinerary when visiting Thoại Sơn.

Trúc Lâm An Giang Zen Monastery

Quality Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Rating).

Address: 100 Lê Lợi Street, Núi Sập Town, Thoại Sơn District, An Giang Province.

Entry Fee: Free.

Phone Number: 0328368833.

Facebook: Trúc Lâm An Giang.

Pros: Spacious and serene surroundings, unique and ancient architecture.

Cons: As a solemn place, consider dressing modestly when visiting.

Trúc Lâm An Giang Zen Monastery, constructed in 2017, showcases the traditional architectural style of Buddhist temples, featuring an inner sanctum and an outer sanctum. Spanning an area of approximately 11 hectares, the monastery includes a meditation hall and monk’s quarters built on the mountain, along with a main hall, ancestral house, assembly hall, bell tower, vegetarian dining hall, and a three-entrance gate in the outer sanctum.

The Trúc Lâm An Giang Zen Monastery impresses visitors with its vast grounds, cool and serene atmosphere, and unique architectural design, creating a masterpiece amidst the lush mountains.

Đồi Mộng Mơ Hill

Quality Rating: 4.7/5 (Google Rating).

Address: Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street, Núi Sập Town, Thoại Sơn District, An Giang Province.

Entry Fee: Free.

Opening Hours: Open all day.

Phone Number: Not available.

Facebook: Not available.

Pros: Fresh air and captivating scenery.

Cons: Hilly terrain may pose challenges for some visitors.

For those with a passion for travel and adventure, Đồi Mộng Mơ Hill is a well-known destination, affectionately nicknamed by young travelers for its dreamy and romantic ambiance. Located on Núi Sập Mountain in Thoại Sơn District, the hill offers a rewarding experience for those confident in their motorbike skills or willing to seek assistance from the friendly locals. The distinctive landmark at the resting point is a majestic flamboyance tree on the right side of the hill.

The breathtaking view from the top makes for a picture-perfect moment, offering a unique and invaluable experience.

Linh Sơn Cổ Tự Pagoda

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Rating).

Address: Lâm Thanh Hồng, Óc Eo Town, Thoại Sơn District, An Giang Province.

Entry Fee: Free.

Opening Hours: Open all day.

Phone Number: Not available.

Facebook: Not available.

Pros: Ancient, mysterious, and peaceful atmosphere.

Cons: As a solemn place, consider dressing modestly when visiting.

Also known as the Four-Handed Buddha Pagoda of Ba Thê Mountain, Linh Sơn Cổ Tự Pagoda is located in Thoại Sơn District, about 1 kilometer from the Óc Eo archaeological site. Centuries old, the pagoda is considered a place of great spiritual value in Óc Eo Town, meticulously cared for by Buddhists and locals alike, who maintain its solemnity and cleanliness.

This article has highlighted six notable destinations worth exploring when visiting Thoại Sơn, An Giang. We hope you found it informative and that you’ll join us again as we uncover more fascinating travel destinations in future articles!

Frequently asked questions

Thoại Sơn is a rural district in the An Giang Province of Vietnam, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the bustling city life. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a number of notable spots to explore, including historical sites, religious monuments, and ecological wonders.

A must-visit attraction is the Núi Cấm (Forbidden Mountain) – a spiritual site with a majestic 710-meter-high mountain, cable car rides, and a 30-meter-high Buddha statue. The Núi Cấm also houses the Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm Phật Quang, a serene Buddhist monastery perfect for meditation and spiritual retreats. Other notable spots include the Thoại Sơn Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird-watchers with over 130 species of birds, and the historic Óc Eo Cultural Site, which showcases the ancient Funan civilization with its unique artifacts and ruins.

The Thoại Sơn Bird Sanctuary offers a unique ecological experience. Visitors can explore the sanctuary via a system of walkways and observation towers, spotting various bird species in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is particularly renowned for its population of painted storks, with over a thousand individuals gracing the skies during the migratory season.

The Óc Eo Cultural Site is of significant archaeological importance as it provides a glimpse into the ancient Funan civilization that flourished between the 1st and 6th centuries AD. The site was once a bustling port city, and excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including Chinese ceramics, Roman coins, and Indian jewelry. Visitors can explore the ruins, a museum, and a reconstructed Funan-style house to understand the rich history and cultural exchange that took place in this region.

Thoại Sơn offers a variety of unique culinary delights. Visitors can indulge in the region’s famous ‘Bánh Xèo’ (Vietnamese savory pancakes) and sample the local specialty of ‘Khô Gà’ (dried chicken). The area is also known for its delicious tropical fruits, especially the ‘Xoài Cát Hòa Lộc’ (a variety of mango) and ‘Vải Thiều’ (lychee), which are sought-after throughout Vietnam for their exceptional taste.

Thoại Sơn is easily accessible from major cities in Vietnam. Visitors can take a bus or private car from Ho Chi Minh City, which takes around 4-5 hours. Alternatively, one can opt for a combination of bus and ferry rides for a more scenic journey. Once in Thoại Sơn, the best way to get around is by motorbike taxi or by renting a motorbike to explore the district at your own pace.