Not only does it have breathtaking natural landscapes such as Tho Chu Archipelago, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang also possesses many architectural works with impressive appearances. Among these works, there are relics that have gone through the years and witnessed many historical changes as well as the development process of this land. One of those famous relics is Mac Cuu Ha Tien Tomb with its ancient and quiet appearance. So what is special about the destination of Mac Cuu Ha Tien Tomb to attract the attention of travel enthusiasts, let’s find out with Ha Tien Vegas!
Overview of Mac Cuu Tomb in Ha Tien
- Address: Mac Cuu Street, at the foot of Binh San Mountain, Ha Tien Ward, Kien Giang Province
Similar to Phu Dung Pagoda (also known as Phu Cu Pagoda) in Ha Tien, Mac Cuu Tomb is a famous destination within the Binh San Relic Complex, which has been recognized as a National Historic and Scenic Site since 1989. The complex is located on Mac Cuu Street, Binh San Ward, Ha Tien City.
According to legend, Mac Cuu was originally from Guangdong, China. Unwilling to follow the Qing dynasty’s custom of wearing long braided hair, he left his homeland with his family and sailed south. Upon arriving in Ha Tien in 1680, he decided to settle there and began developing the area. Later, witnessing the growing strength of the Nguyen Lords in expanding their territory southward, Mac Cuu offered the Ha Tien region to them and was accepted. Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu then appointed him as the Governor of Ha Tien, entrusting him with the management and development of this land.
Although Ha Tien became part of the Nguyen domain, in practice, Mac Cuu maintained a high degree of autonomy. Through seven generations of the Mac family, Ha Tien transformed from a wild land into a bustling trading port.
After Mac Cuu’s death, his son Mac Thien Tich designed and built the tomb complex between 1735 and 1739 to honor his father. Blessed with scenic beauty and good feng shui – facing east toward To Chau Mountain and Dong Ho Lake, with its back resting against the solid Binh San Range – Mac Cuu Tomb has become one of Ha Tien’s most significant cultural and historical attractions.
Along with Phat Da Pagoda (also known as Lo Gach Pagoda), the Mac Cuu Tomb Complex has become a landmark closely associated with the development of this coastal city. Today, the site includes many structures, with the main ones being the ancestral temple, Mac Cuu’s tomb, and 59 other large and small tombs of his relatives and loyal followers who contributed to the prosperity of the Mac family in Ha Tien.
Impressive Architectural Features of the Mac Cuu Tomb Complex in Ha Tien
The Striking Architecture of the Mac Family Temple
The Mac Family Temple, officially named Trung Nghia Tu and commonly known as Mieu Ong Linh, is not only valuable for its historical significance but also admired for its refined artistry and harmonious architectural design. The intricate carvings and delicate details reflect exceptional craftsmanship.
In front of the temple are two large ponds filled with blooming lotuses. These ponds were originally excavated by Mac Cuu himself to provide fresh water for the people of Ha Tien during the dry season.
Inside the temple grounds lies a spacious courtyard surrounded by lush greenery that remains vibrant all year round. These green spaces create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere throughout the temple complex.
To the right of the temple is the Tien Hien House, dedicated to honoring those who came to Ha Tien before Mac Cuu. On the left is the Hau Hien House, which worships those who arrived after him.
The main hall is notably spacious, with a wooden plaque above the altar inscribed with four Chinese characters “Khai Tran Tru Quoc,” which commemorate the Mac family’s great contributions to reclaiming and expanding Vietnam’s southern territory. In addition, the temple walls display ten famous poems by Mac Thien Tich, collectively known as Ha Tien Thap Vinh (“Ten Poems of Ha Tien”).
The Serene Atmosphere of the Mac Cuu Tomb in Ha Tien
From the temple area, on the left-hand side, a sign points to the path leading up to the Mac Cuu Tomb, nestled against Binh San Mountain. Visitors follow a stone staircase winding through gardens of white plum trees—originally brought from Guangxi, China—to reach the tomb complex. Here, there are 60 ancient tombs divided into four distinct sections. The first area contains the tombs of the Mac clan’s princes, the second area is dedicated to their consorts, the third to officials, and the fourth to other family members of the Mac lineage.
The largest and most prominent tomb in the complex belongs to Mac Cuu himself. It is built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, shaped like a semicircle carved into the mountainside. On both sides of the tomb stand statues of solemn generals, symbolizing loyalty and strength. Surrounding the tomb are two intertwined dragons, representing power and majesty. In front of the tomb stands a statue of Mac Cuu, dressed in royal robes and holding a sword, positioned on a high pedestal that exudes an aura of dignity and reverence.
Below the Mac Cuu Tomb is the tomb of Mac Thien Tu and his wife, Nguyen Thi Hieu Tuc, on the left. On the right is the tomb of Mac Tu Hoang. All three tombs have similarities to the Mac Cuu Tomb but are arranged in a more modest manner.
Conclusion
Despite more than 300 years of upheaval and change, Mac Cuu Ha Tien Tomb still retains its majestic beauty and impressive Asian architecture. You should save this destination in your travel guide and visit it when you have the opportunity to return to Ha Tien. Feeling the peaceful atmosphere and offering incense at this relic site will make you feel more grateful to those who have contributed to reclaiming and expanding the Southern territory.
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After visiting Mac Cuu Tomb Ha Tien, you can stay overnight at Ha Tien Vegas right next to the Ha Tien – Kampong Trach border gate and continue your journey to explore Ha Tien or Kampot the next day.
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