Embark on a 3-day adventure exploring Cổ Thạch in Bình Thuận on the occasion of September 2nd

Here, nature generously gifts unique rock formations, ancient cultural relics over 100 years old, and delightful, affordable fresh seafood.

Discover Bình Thuận in a 3-day journey to explore Cổ Thạch on September 2nd

Compared to renowned coastal destinations like Nha Trang, Phan Thiết, and Vũng Tàu, Cổ Thạch (located in Tuy Phong district, Bình Thuận province) remains a relatively untouched and novel gem for travelers.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cổ Thạch – Hang Pagoda – Cổ Thạch Beach

5 AM: Depart from Miền Đông bus station, choosing the route to Tuy Phong (300 km). The bus stops at Liên Hương town (Tuy Phong). If traveling with family or a large group of friends, consider renting a private car at tourist stations for flexibility in time and itinerary. Along the journey, marvel at Chứa Chan Mountain (in Đồng Nai province) near National Highway 1. The 837-meter-high mountain above sea level and 1,800 meters above sea level is intertwined with ancient legends from the Southern Region.

11 AM: Arrive in Phan Thiết city and enjoy lunch. Then, continue the journey to Cổ Thạch.

2:30 PM: Upon reaching Cổ Thạch, check into resorts or budget accommodations just a 3-minute walk from the beach, with prices ranging from 200,000 VND for a double room, including options for family rooms for 6 or 8 people.

3:30 PM: Marvel at the ancient Chùa Cổ Thạch (also known as Hang Pagoda) dating back over 100 years.

From the seaside lodging, take a 5-minute walk to climb a 4-hectare, 64-meter-high rocky hill with stone steps leading to the Chùa Cổ Thạch complex. Existing for 180 years amidst caves, each cave contains altars and temples with classical architectural designs and intricate decorations. Ascend each rock slab, explore each cave to pay respects, and feel the solemnity of this sacred place.

4:30 PM: In the cool afternoon, indulge in the crystal-clear waters of Cổ Thạch sea. Enjoy bánh tráng ruốc – a typical coastal Central Vietnam snack. Black sesame rice paper topped with shrimp paste, quail eggs, finely chopped shallots, grilled on a pink charcoal stove.

6 PM: Along the beach, find stalls offering various seafood such as crabs, mantis shrimp, clams, and snails. Especially renowned in Cổ Thạch are grilled scallops and blood cockles, served with flavorful salt, pepper, and lime.

Day 2: Ong Nam Hai Tomb – Nam Duong Sand Dunes – Ta Cu Mountain

7:30 AM: Take a motorbike taxi from the vicinity of Cổ Thạch Pagoda to Ong Nam Hai Tomb (1 km away) in Bình Thạnh commune. Locals believe that Ong Nam Hai is the naval general of the Dragon King, tasked with protecting ships. Fishermen built the tomb for Ong Nam Hai during the reign of King Minh Mạng. Despite the ups and downs of history, the tomb retains its ancient charm, cultural value, and unique history.

The main gate of the tomb has two levels. The lower level is shaped like a crescent for people to enter and exit. The upper level features a statue of Bodhisattva Quan Âm, along with mythical creatures inlaid with terracotta, decorated in ancient architectural style like the fish-shaped pillar (water dragon), two dragons (bipartite dragon with a crescent moon), and two tigers (dragon tiger with a celestial sphere). The main hall has 5 altars, behind which is a glass case containing the remains of Ong Nam Hai. Every year in the lunar month of June, the people of Cổ Thạch organize a festival to express gratitude to Ong Nam Hai and pray for favorable weather.

Next to Ong Nam Hai Tomb is a vast sand hill with varying heights. Relax by sliding down the sand and admire the beautiful sand patterns.

10 AM: Depart for Ta Cu Mountain.

The Ta Cu Mountain tourist area is 30 km from Phan Thiết city, located in Thuận Nam town, Ham Thuan Nam district, Bình Thuận. Ta Cu Mountain is a national nature reserve with a diverse and rare plant ecosystem listed in the world's red list, featuring picturesque landscapes.

12 PM: Have lunch at the tourist area at the foot of the mountain.

1:30 PM: Take the cable car to visit the mountain temple.

To reach the summit nestled in the forest, choose between mountain climbing or taking the cable car. The path to the mountain temple is over 2 km long, covering various steep sections. As you ascend, the slopes become steeper. Notably, Bằng Lăng slope, the steepest, inclined at 45 degrees, adorned with blooming purple Bằng Lăng flowers in a corner of the forest. Next is the Yên Ngựa slope, featuring a large rock resembling a chess piece, leaning beside a stream, evoking images of celestial chess.

After descending from the cable car, stroll about 100 steps to reach the temple complex on the mountain (comprising the Upper and Lower temples both facing southeast). The architecture follows the Northern Buddhist style: the curved roof of the temple covered with yin-yang tiles, twin dragons guarding the moon... gradually tinted with moss over time. Standing here, gaze upon the vast, endless sky and sea, inhale the refreshing, cool air.

The summit of Ta Cu Mountain is renowned for the largest reclining Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, measuring 49m in length and 11m in height, reclining against the mountain wall, with its head resting on its hand. Construction of the statue began in 1962 and has attracted millions of visitors to marvel at its grandeur.

6 PM: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant and check into a hotel for rest in Phan Thiết city.

Day 3: Thay Thim Mansion – Ho Chi Minh City

7:30 AM: Nestled in Bau Cai forest, situated in Tam Tan village (Tan Tien commune, Ham Tan, Binh Thuan), the mansion is a historical and cultural monument attracting many to admire and worship. The architecture exudes ancient charm: gracefully curved red-tiled roofs, intricately carved statues on walls, columns, and rooftops restored by Hue artisans, solemn dragon sculptures: one facing the sky, the other facing the earth, on the front columns.

Legend has it that in ancient times, a couple rode a dragon to Tam Tan to escape unjust punishment. They dispensed medicine, restoring order and harmony to the region. Upon their passing, the myriad creatures built their tomb, and locals worshipped them. Even after death, they continued to protect the villagers. Every year during the grave-visiting festival, a pair of black and white tigers returns to pay respects. The good news reached the ears of King Tu Duc, who, upon investigation, cleared the couple's name of any wrongdoing and built a mansion for worship.

1:30 PM: Have lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: Zing News

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Reference: Travel Handbook on Mytour