A visit to Mac Cuu tomb in Ha Tien

June 19, 2015 | 14:40

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Mac Cuu tomb, located at the foot of Binh San Mountain in Binh San Ward of Ha Tien Town, is highly recommended for those who travel to the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang as this is the most popular sightseeing spot in the region.

People gather at the tomb of Mac Ni Co, the grandchild of Mac Cuu, the founder of the land of Ha Tien. Legend has it that she helped protect locals during storms and attacks of enemies in the wartime

The site, 92km northwest of Rach Gia City, worships Mac Cuu, the founder of the land of Ha Tien, and his family members.

Mac Cuu as a Chinese left his country during the Qing dynasty to do business in Southeast Asian countries. He settled down in Ha Tien in 1680 and greatly contributed to making the region a prosperous land.

He offered Ha Tien to Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu and was named the governor of Ha Tien. The Lord gave Mac Cuu all the power to manage the land and seven generations of the Mac family sacrificed their time and effort to turn Ha Tien into one of the most important trading areas of the country.

The relics site consists of a temple to worship the Mac family and tombs of Mac Cuu and his relatives. There are two huge lotus ponds in front of the temple where Mac Cuu built to store fresh water for locals in dry season. On the two sides of the temple’s entrance are two calligraphies given by Lord Nguyen.

The site is covered by lots of high trees which give visitors a peaceful atmosphere. There are over 60 old tombs divided into four areas to worship people in the Mac family and loyal staff. The tomb of Mac Cuu is located at the highest place in a semicircle shape which leans to the mountain and faces the sea. The tomb is guarded by two huge stone army generals.

To honor the contribution of Mac Cuu, Kien Giang Province inaugurated a 10-meter statue of him in 2008 at a square near To Chau Bridge in Ha Tien Town.

An ancient stone statue at Mac Cuu tomb
Mac Cuu tomb is the most popular sightseeing spot in Ha Tien Town in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang -
PHOTOS: KIEU GIANG