Visitors to Ba Be will be able to see an ancient temple that is very holy and has historical remnants from a Vietnamese feudal era. The Tay language calls the temple “An Ma,” which means “Peaceful Grave.” It is a final resting place for the generals who died in the Mac dynasty.
Introduction to An Ma Temple
An Ma temple is located on An Ma Island – a limestone island in the midst of Ba Be Lake. It has a curve that looks like a turtle and rises about 30 meters in the middle of the lake. To enter the temple, you have to enter An Ma Island, which is covered with lush trees; this temple is an exceedingly advantageous spot to enjoy the natural splendor of Ba Be Lake and the birds and animals in the forest. There is also a very holy temple on the island called An Ma Temple. It is dedicated to the forest god, the lake god, the mother of Thuong Ngan, Chua Son Trang, Duc Thanh Tran, and others.
“Peaceful grave” is what the Tay language calls the name An Ma. The people who live around the lake tell a story about it. During the fight between the Le and Mac dynasties in ancient times, the Mac dynasty lost control, and the generals retreated to the North. When they got to Puong cave, they killed themselves there. The people built the An Ma temple to remember the Mac family because they were sorry for the bravery of the generals. However, the locals believed it was named An Ma due to their fear that the Le dynasty would demolish the temple.
Architecture and features of An Ma Temple
An Ma Temple stands out with its unique location in the middle of Ba Be Lake on a small island. This temple is not only a spiritual architectural work but also an inseparable part of the majestic natural landscape, where visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful space and admire the beauty of Ba Be Lake.
Traditional northern architecture
The temple exhibits the classic North American style of architecture, which is
- The red tiles on the roof are shaped like a knife’s head, which means rising out to the sky.
- The wooden pillars are strong, old-fashioned, and beautiful.
- The panel doors and decorative motifs of dragons, phoenixes, and lotuses are carved simply but elegantly.
Features of sacred location in the heart of Ba Be Lake
An Ma Temple lies on a small island in Ba Be Lake, which is one of the biggest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam. The temple is in a peaceful area with lovely mountains and rivers. It’s a great place to pray for peace and worship.
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Destination in the journey of eco-spiritual tourism
When tourists go to Ba Be Lake, they often stop by An Ma Temple to burn incense and pray for health and peace. This is where eco-tourism and spiritual tourism meet, which makes it more interesting to learn about the culture of the highlands.
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Spiritual space from the past
Although An Ma Temple is not very large, it features traditional architecture characterized by curving tiled roofs, wooden pillars, and solemn altars. The temple worships Buddha, Mother Goddess of the Upper Realm, Saint Tran and various other gods, reflecting the different beliefs of the local people.
How to get to An Ma Temple
There is An Ma Temple on an island in the middle of Ba Be Lake. So, you have to go to Ba Be Lake first.
Departure from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake
- By bus: There are numerous bus companies running the Hanoi – Ba Be route, you can take a bus from either My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station. The distance is around 220 kilometers, and the trip takes about five hours.
- You can drive yourself using Google Maps or other navigation apps.
After arriving at Ba Be Lake to An Ma Temple
- After arriving at Ba Be Lake, you can rent a boat or ship to move to An Ma Island, where An Ma Temple is located.
- You can ask the locals or boat owners for detailed instructions.
You can take a bus to Bac Kan city and then a motorbike taxi or taxi to Ba Be lake if you are not in Hanoi. You should buy tickets ahead of time if you are in Ho Chi Minh City to get a good deal. You can call Lily’s Travel for help if you don’t know where to buy tickets.
Read more: Explore Ba Be National Park: The treasure of Bac Kan
What to expect when visiting An Ma Temple
Here are some notable experiences to expect when visiting An Ma Temple.
Discover the unique architecture of An Ma Temple
Not only is An Ma Temple a holy destination, but it also features a unique style of building. The temple’s buildings are created in a classical style, and the gods are represented by serious statues and intricate sculptures. This architecture makes a calm and quiet area that is perfect for anyone who desire to discover peace of mind.
People who come to An Ma Temple can do more than just visit. They can also do spiritual things like burning incense to pray for peace, health, and blessings for their family. The beautiful view of Ba Be Lake and the old green trees around the temple will make for great memories on your trip.
Learn about the history and culture of the area
An Ma Temple is a site where people can learn about the history and culture of the area as well as do spiritual activities. Your journey will be more interesting if you learn about the legendary legends of how the temple was built, the generals of the Mac Dynasty, and the customs and traditions of the Tay people.
When visiting An Ma Temple in Bac Kan, tourists will feel the serenity and peace amidst the wild nature. This is an ideal place to meditate, reflect and pray for good things in life. The cool, fresh air of An Ma Island and Ba Be Lake helps visitors relax and refresh their souls.
Best time to visit An Ma Temple
The best time to go to An Ma Temple is in the spring, especially from January to March on the lunar calendar. This is when the weather is still cold and nice, and you can enjoy the festivities and the beauty of Ba Be Lake. There are well-known events going on right now, and the weather is good for doing things outside.
- Long Tong Festival: The Tay people celebrate the Long Tong Festival from the 9th to the 11th of the first lunar month in Ba Be. This festival is full of traditional culture and draws a lot of tourists.
- Cool weather: Spring in Ba Be enjoys cool, pleasant weather, which is very appropriate for sightseeing, exploring, and visiting temples and pagodas.
- Beautiful scenery: In the spring, trees and flowers blossom, making Ba Be Lake and An Ma Temple look like a beautiful, lyrical place in nature.
You can also come here in the summer, from May to September, to stay cool and enjoy the fresh air of the lake area.
- Stay cool: The north of Vietnam is very hot in the summer, while Ba Be Lake has a mild environment all year round, especially in the summer. This makes it a great place to stay cool.
- Enjoy the lake’s beauty: In the summer, Ba Be Lake is at its coldest, with gentle waves that make for a very tranquil and poetic sight.
Tips for visiting An Ma Temple respectfully
The An Ma Temple sits on an island in the center of Ba Be Lake, therefore you have to take a boat to reach there. Please pack the right attire for things like relocating or taking the boat. You should dress nicely and respectfully when you go to An Ma Temple because it is a holy place.
People who live there won’t remind you about your attire if you’re a tourist. Lily’s Travel says that An Ma Temple is a holy place, so you should wear long pants or shorts and not too short jeans or tank tops when you go inside. Another method to show respect for Vietnamese culture is to dress appropriately. Please take note.
Combine your visit to An Ma Temple with nearby attractions
An Ma Temple, located on An Ma Island in the middle of Ba Be Lake, is a prominent spiritual tourist destination. Compared to other locations in the Ba Be Lake area, An Ma Temple has a pure, sacred beauty, harmoniously combined with the majestic natural landscape of the lake and mountains.
Other locations such as Ba Be Lake, Hua Ma Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, or Pac Ngoi Village all have their own beauty, attracting tourists with diverse natural landscapes and different experiences.
Ba Be Lake
The lake is surrounded by limestone mountains and thick forests, which make for beautiful views and a calm atmosphere. It is in Ba Be National Park, which has many different plants and animals and is home to ethnic minority groups, including the Tay and H’mong. People can take boat rides, visit caves and waterfalls, or stay with a local family to learn about their culture.
Hua Ma Cave
Hua Ma Cave is a well-known cave that lies about 6 km from Ba Be Lake. It is concealed in the limestone mountains at a height of around 350 meters. The cave is almost 700 meters deep and has broad chambers and high ceilings.
The amazing system of stalactites and stalagmites in Hua Ma Cave makes it remarkable. They have been forming into different shapes over thousands of years that inspire the imagination. Visitors may easily explore the cave because it is well-lit and has paths. Hua Ma Cave is a must-see for anyone traveling to Ba Be. It has beautiful nature, intriguing stories, and exciting things to do.
Dau Dang Waterfall
Dau Dang Waterfall is a scenic and powerful waterfall located on the Nang River, about 3 km from Ba Be Lake. It lies between two towering limestone cliffs, creating a dramatic landscape where the river crashes over large boulders for about 1 km. Surrounded by dense forest and rich biodiversity, the waterfall is not only a natural wonder but also a peaceful retreat. Visitors can enjoy boat rides to the area, relax by the riverbanks, or hike through nearby trails.
An Ma Temple is not only a spiritual emblem of the Ba Be region, but it is also a quiet place where nature and culture come together in a beautiful way. Travelers can think about their lives, interact with local beliefs, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Ba Be Lake by going to the temple.
Read more: Na Hang Lake: The hidden gem in Tuyen Quang
