Binh Thuan – a central province of Vietnam is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery but also a spiritual destination that attracts many domestic and foreign tourists. From sacred pagodas to ancient sanctuaries and temples, Binh Thuan is proud to be a place that preserves and develops unique religious culture. Let’s explore famous spiritual destinations in Binh Thuan to learn about the history, culture and religion of this land.
1. Ta Cu Mountain – Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda
Ta Cu Mountain, with an altitude of about 649m, is located next to National Highway 1A, in Tan Lap commune, Ham Thuan Nam district, Binh Thuan province. This convenient location is only about 28 km south of Phan Thiet city, a favorite destination for many tourists when visiting Phan Thiet.
Ta Cu Mountain is known as one of the majestic high mountains in Binh Thuan, where the sacred Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda is located. The pagoda was built in the 19th century and is a sacred place that attracts many Buddhists and tourists every year. From the top of the mountain, you can see the whole Binh Thuan land and immerse yourself in the quiet space of spirituality.
Ta Cu Mountain Pagoda is famous for the largest statue of Buddha entering nirvana in Southeast Asia, 11m high and 49m long, made of reinforced cement and whitewashed. This impressive work began in 1958, completed entirely by human effort without using any machinery. Every visitor to Ta Cu Mountain cannot miss worshiping this Buddha statue to pray for health and peace.
Besides, visitors also have the opportunity to visit the statue of Maitreya Buddha and the Three Worlds Buddha relics in this temple.
2. Statue of Our Lady of Ta Pao
The Holy Land of Our Lady of Ta Pao is located in Dong Kho Commune, Tanh Linh, Binh Thuan, on National Highway 1A, 120 km southwest of Phan Thiet city center, gradually becoming an indispensable pilgrimage and spiritual center for the Catholic people of Binh Thuan.
The Holy Statue of Our Lady of Ta Pao is a famous religious symbol of Binh Thuan, built on the top of a high mountain, with a beautiful location, leaning against the mountain, facing the peaceful La Nga River, with green trees all year round.
Thanks to that, it attracts tourists not only to worship and make pilgrimages but also to visit and worship many times a year, praying for their families’ peace – happiness, health and healing of diseases.
On the slope of TaPao Mountain, the elegant statue of Our Lady of TaPao with her pure white dress stands out proudly in the natural space of the mountains and forests. With the statue of Our Lady of Fatima nearly 3m high, with her hands clasped in front of her chest, everyone gathers around her, praying and asking her to protect them right at her feet.
3. Dinh Van Thuy Tu
Van Thuy Tu is located on Ngu Ong Street, Duc Thang Ward, Phan Thiet City, and is one of the most famous places to worship whales in Vietnam. This temple was built in 1762, as a sacred place dedicated to storing and worshiping the skeletons of whales, according to the traditional beliefs of the South Central Coast.
Although not large in scale, Van Thuy Tu is known for its sophistication in interior decoration. In the temple, the central altar is the Nam Hai shrine of the Ngoc Lan clan, on the left is the shrine of Thuy Long Thanh Phi Nuong Nuong Ton Than and on the right is Thai Hieu Tien Su, all creating a solemn and dignified picture of the beliefs of the people of the sea.
Dinh Van also has a room to preserve hundreds of skeletons of “Mr.”, “Mrs.” and “Mr.”, which are large fish species such as whales, dolphins, etc. Each skeleton, each piece of bone, is considered a sacred relic, a sea god protecting people at sea. In Van Thuy Tu, each skeleton is a story, a part of the great past of the South Central Coast.
In particular, Van Thuy Tu also preserves the largest whale skeleton in Vietnam, with a length of 22 meters, weighing up to 65 tons, and over 200 years old. This skeleton is not only a symbol of history but also of the culture of coastal people. In 1996, Van Thuy Tu was recognized as a National Historical Relic, recognizing and preserving the unique cultural values of the country.
4. Thay Thim Temple
Thay Thim Temple is one of the special sacred temples of Binh Thuan province, located in Tan Tien commune, La Gi town. Construction began in 1879, the palace has a traditional architectural appearance, reflecting the style of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Stories about Thay Thim – the Taoist couple worshiped in the palace, with an extremely virtuous and polite lifestyle towards the local people in the past, have been preserved and passed down to many generations. The name “Thay Thim” is a symbol of the love and filial piety of the people towards the two.
Every year, on the 15th day of the 9th lunar month, villagers hold a ceremony at the palace to commemorate the merits of the two and express their respect. The sacredness and cultural significance of Thay Thim Temple attract the attention of tourists from inside and outside the province, especially during holidays and Tet. In 1997, the palace was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic, a testament to the historical and cultural value of the locality.
5. Po Sah Inu Temple
The material culture of the Cham people in Binh Thuan has a rich and long history. Poshanu Cham Tower, or Po Sah Inu Cham Tower (also known as Pho Hai Cham Tower), is one of the rare, almost intact Cham tower relics at the Lau Ong Hoang relic site.
The story of Princess Po Sah Inư with her beauty, talent, loyalty and patriotism, who taught the people of that time how to grow rice, weave brocade, raise animals… has become a legend that has been told for many centuries. To commemorate her talent and virtue, the people built a temple and named it Poshanu.
Coming to Binh Thuan, visitors have the opportunity to participate in vibrant festivals, demonstrating the civilization and spirit of the Cham people. Kate Festival, which takes place on July 1st every year according to the Cham calendar (equivalent to September or October in the Gregorian calendar), is an ideal occasion to explore the rhythmic dances and enjoy the traditional music of this ethnic group.
Not only is it a cultural experience, but visitors also have the opportunity to participate in worship rituals, praying for luck and happiness for themselves and their families. By offering offerings and worshiping the gods, they share in a sacred and respectful atmosphere.
In 1991, Binh Thuan was officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national architectural and artistic relic, affirming the special position of this place in the culture and history of the country.
6. Co Thach Cave Pagoda, Tuy Phong – Binh Thuan
Tucked away on the shore of Co Thach Beach, Binh Thanh commune, Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province, Co Thach Pagoda (also known by the intimate name of Co Da Pagoda or Binh Thuan Cave Pagoda) is like a precious gem, an attractive pilgrimage and sightseeing spot in the South Central region.
The unique architectural complex of the pagoda with hermitages, halls, and valleys connected together, rising on natural rocks, creates a wonderful picture between the blue sea and red soil. In particular, the main shrine of the pagoda is arranged on a large site, leaning against giant rocks. The shrines and shrines are often built between rocks or inside natural caves.
In the pagoda grounds, Linh Thuu mountain peak stands tall, named after a sacred mountain peak in Buddhist legend. From this peak, visitors can enjoy the majestic beauty of Co Thach beach and the beautiful surrounding land.
With all its historical, architectural and natural values, Co Thach Pagoda has been recognized as a National Monument – Scenic Spot of Vietnam since 1993, opening the gate to welcome visitors from all over to explore and worship.
CONCLUSION
On this spiritual journey, the important thing is not only the destination, but also the spiritual values that each person receives after each trip. Muine Express is proud to be a companion, bringing the best and most valuable experiences to each visitor. Let’s explore and enjoy the spiritual beauty of Binh Thuan with “Ta Cu 1-day Tour“. Book a tour today to experience a meaningful journey and rent a 4 – 7 – 16 seater tourist car at an affordable price for your family to the above spiritual destinations.
