Seven Mountains

Contest Entry Code: 9897a9c3d2a94363bee48d7ff6ca4f39

Unit: Individual

Place of creation: Phường Tịnh Biên, An Giang, Vietnam

Nestled amid the fertile plains of Vietnam's An Giang Province, the Bay Nui (Seven Mountains), also known as That Son, is a captivating range of seven peaks in the Tri Ton and Tinh Bien districts. These scattered mountains form an arc, creating a distinctive semi-mountainous landscape that stands out in the vast Mekong Delta. Cam Mountain stands proudly as the highest peak in the Mekong Delta region, soaring to an elevation of 705 meters. This remarkable mountain attracts visitors with its majestic landscape, refreshing climate, and lush greenery. Among its numerous attractions, several notable sites are worth exploring: Van Linh Pagoda, Buddha Maitreya Statue, Thuy Liem Lake, Big Buddha Temple and Statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Standing at 614 meters, Co To Mountain reigns as the second-highest peak in the Mekong Delta, offering a captivating blend of wild, rustic, and charming beauty. The mountain's allure extends to several nearby attractions, including the Tri Ton Sign, the serene Ô Thum Lake and Soai So Lake, the picturesque Ta Pa Rice Fields, and the historical Tuc Dup Hill, famous for its intricate network of significant underground caves and narrow passageways. This historic site was the scene of a grueling 128-day battle between US and Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Long Mountain (Ngoa Long Son or Long Mountain) is the longest of the Seven Mountains, stretching approximately 8,000 meters and reaching a height of 580 meters. The mountain is a geological tapestry composed of diverse hard rocks, including volcanic, granite, Jurassic, and Cretaceous granite formations. Verdant forests and flourishing orchards of mango, guava, jackfruit, and cashew trees blanket Long Mountain, providing habitat for various rare birds and wild animals. The mountain also holds historical significance as a base for the An Giang Provincial Party Committee and a strategic hiding place for revolutionary soldiers during the Vietnam War. Parrot Mountain or Parrot Mountain, is a distinctive peak in the Seven Mountains range of An Giang province. Its unique shape, resembling a giant parrot's head, has captivated visitors for centuries. At 225 meters high, the mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A winding 600-meter trail leads to the summit, and there are a few places and temples worth visiting along the path. The mountain's lush forests create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for meditation and nature enthusiasts. Long Nam Wells Mountain, or Five Wells Mountain, is another prominent peak in the Seven Mountains range. This 265-meter-high mountain is famous for its five deep, natural wells, hence its name. The mountain's rugged terrain is adorned with lush orchards, producing a variety of tropical fruits throughout the year. Explore the mountain's diverse ecosystem, from dense forests to open meadows. The serene atmosphere and stunning vistas make it an ideal destination for hiking, picnicking, and simply enjoying nature's beauty. Tuong Mountain or Elephant Mountain, only 145 meters high, earns its name from its resemblance to a resting elephant. Beyond its natural beauty, mountain history is intertwined with the Tu An Hieu Nghia religious sect, founded by Ngo Loi in Ba Chuc in 1867. The mountain's numerous deep caves offered refuge to those fleeing the horrific Khmer Rouge incursions of the late 1970s. Tragically, these same caves became silent witnesses to the Ba Chuc massacre, one of the Khmer Rouge's most brutal atrocities. In 1979, the An Giang provincial government established a memorial complex in Ba Chuc to commemorate the victims. Rising 54 meters high and spanning a circumference of 1,070 meters, Nuoc Mountain or Water Mountain stands prominently in the vast rice fields of Ba Chuc town. Its name originates from a time before flood prevention dikes, when the mountain was seasonally encircled by floodwaters, creating the illusion of a floating island. Although resembling a large rockery, Water Mountain harbors ancient trees, small caves, shrines, and the Linh Buu Tu Pagoda. Renowned not only for their "superbly majestic" beauty, these peaks also hold deep historical significance and are woven with incredibly attractive, mysterious legends.