Traces of a pagoda associated with the legend of That Son
Located in Tinh Bien ward, in the legendary space of That Son region (An Giang province), Banh Xeo Pagoda carries in itself historical depth and characteristic spiritual colors. In 1959, Venerable Thich Thien Dao opened the mountain after practicing in a cave on Cau Mountain.
The pagoda is located at the foot of Cau Mountain with simple materials, by 1962, the Nirvana Buddha statue about 6m long was erected, forming the name "Laying Buddha Pagoda".
Through war and turmoil, the pagoda was not only a place for religious activities but also once a point of supply and relief for poor people.
After 1991, the pagoda was rebuilt spaciously, becoming a spiritual support for Buddhists near and far.
Today, the main hall is solemnly decorated with Tam The Buddha inlaid with gold, the Thập Bát La Hán relief, and a green and peaceful space.
In the overall, the "spiritual" element of the That Son region - a place that inherently contains many folk legends - further increases the attraction for pilgrims.
From the full moon days to the "brand" of Banh Xeo Pagoda
The name "Banh Xeo Pagoda" is not an official name, but naturally formed in the oral tradition of people and tourists.
Previously, the pagoda was known as Phat Nam Pagoda, but since the operation of pouring vegetarian banh xeo has been maintained regularly, the new name has gradually become familiar.
According to the pagoda, the banh xeo pouring was initiated around 2006, when Venerable Thich Thien Chi was still abbot.
Initially, the activity only took place on the full moon days, 29th, 30th of the lunar month, when Buddhists came to the pagoda to offer offerings and then together made cakes to treat guests.
Gradually, the number of people coming to the pagoda is increasing, not only on holidays but also on weekdays.
From then on, the pagoda decided to maintain pouring banh xeo every day.
On average, about 800 – 1,000 cakes are made, a significant increase on weekends and major holidays.
It was from that initial simplicity that a unique "brand" was born – not by promotion, but by the natural spread of people's hearts.
“FIRE FROM the Heart” – a unique experience of spiritual tourism
In the pagoda grounds, the banh chung kitchen is the most bustling place. Two main workers sit in front of a row of stoves arranged in an arc with 9–10 cast iron pans, continuously performing the steps: making dough, adding filling, watching the fire, turning the banh chung. Under the heat of the firewood stove and the smoke billowing, the work still takes place smoothly, without interruption.
Behind, people and tourists lined up orderly to receive cakes. At the dining area, raw vegetables were prepared, and the dipping sauce was just right.
Each portion of golden and crispy vegetarian pancake, served with fresh vegetables, brings a feeling of both rusticness and warmth to the heart.
Each cake is a part of the effort of the meticulousness of the hands and the sweat drops of the heat from the red stoves, but for Buddhists - volunteers, pouring banh xeo is a great joy because it brings satisfaction to Buddhists - tourists.
In the spiritual tourism picture of An Giang, Banh Xeo Pagoda brings a different approach.
If many destinations are associated with legends and rituals, then this place creates an impression with specific actions: sharing and serving unconditionally.
The model of pouring banh xeo for free is not only a charity activity, but also a creation with dual value – both spreading the compassionate spirit of Buddhism and contributing to enriching local tourism products.
This is the way to liberate the spiritual tourism strength of the That Son region - a place not only with landscapes and legends, but also with vivid stories about people.
The combination of a sacred space, a treasure of legends and practical cultural experiences has helped Dong Lai Zen Monastery become a special stop.
