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Visitors often associate Phu Quoc with crystal-clear waters, pristine white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees. Besides its picturesque and tranquil coastal scenery, the pearl island Phu Quoc is also renowned for its sacred Dinh Cau. So what makes Dinh Cau Phu Quoc so appealing to a large number of visitors who come to pay their respects year after year? Let's explore this seaside temple with Mytour.
1. Introduction to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc
1.1 Geographical Location of Dinh Cau
In addition to its stunning azure beaches and tranquil fishing villages, Phu Quoc is also famous for its spiritual tourist destinations. One of the most sacred places is Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc.
Dinh Cau (also known as the temple of Long Vuong) is located on the western side of the 'Pearl Island of Phu Quoc', just about 200 meters from the center of Duong Dong town. This is convenient for travelers staying in Duong Dong as they can easily visit Dinh Cau and nearby tourist spots.
An image of Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc is constructed near the sea.
Specifically, Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc is situated in Ward 2, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang. Dinh Cau sits on a rocky promontory by the sea, where the Duong Dong River flows into the ocean, hence it is also called Cape Dinh Cau.
Standing within the grounds of Dinh Cau facing the sea, visitors can gaze out at the blue beach and admire the nearby continuous rocky shore.
1.2 Religious beliefs worshipped at Dinh Cau
Dinh Cau is a temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess according to folklore. In the main hall of Dinh Cau, visitors will see statues of worship to Lady Ngoc Nuong Nuong and Cau Tai, Cau Quy - two sons of the Mother Goddess. These are real characters in the Central region and represent the cultural intersection between the Central and Southern regions.
Statues of worship in the main hall at Dinh Cau.
Moreover, within Dinh Cau, visitors also witness the fusion of Vietnamese, Cham, and Chinese cultures. Particularly noteworthy are the two young men statues placed alongside the statue of Lady Ngoc in the main hall, instead of solely worshiping her in the main hall as in the Mother Goddess culture in the delta region. The main reason is due to the nature of the fishermen's profession in the island's coastal areas.
Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc is considered one of the most sacred temples in the southern island region because the locals believe that since its establishment, it has helped fishermen avoid human casualties during fishing trips. That's also the main reason why Dinh Cau is built near the sea.
To pray for a year of favorable rain and wind, avoiding large waves and strong winds, the locals here organize festivals and ceremonies during Tet Nguyen Dan and other major festivals throughout the year.
2. History of Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc and its architecture
2.1 History of Dinh Cau
According to the legend passed down by the people of Phu Quoc, Dinh Cau began construction around the 17th century by the island's first inhabitants. At that time, the island was not as densely populated as it is today.
After surviving numerous waves and luckily washing ashore on a rocky promontory, some islanders erected a temple to the Dragon King to express gratitude and pray for safety each time they set sail.
The present temple that tourists often visit was initially built in 1937 and then underwent renovation once again in 1997.
Alongside the legend of Lady Ngoc Nuong Nuong and her two Sons, there are many other legends surrounding the origin of Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc. Among them are tales of a miraculous rocky promontory emerging from the sea to save fishermen or stories of hermits hiding in caves, later known as Sons, and establishing temples.
2.2 Architecture of Dinh Cau
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, in the southern part of our homeland, Dinh Cau embodies a fusion of various cultures, most evident in the architecture of the temple.
Visitors to Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc
Dinh Cau exhibits architectural features reminiscent of temples in Northern Vietnam.
Moreover, upon entering the temple, visitors will encounter depictions of dragons - symbols of the Vietnamese people and beliefs, intricately carved on the pillars within the temple.
Before the entrance of Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc, visitors will notice a canopy resembling a boat supported by two meticulously carved columns and a pair of dragons flanking the moon atop the roof of the temple. To enter the main hall of Dinh Cau, visitors must climb 29 steps from the gate.
3. What Does Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc Offer?
3.1 What's Inside Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc
3.1.1 Visiting Dinh Cau
Renowned for its utmost sanctity on the Pearl Island of Phu Quoc, many visitors come to Phu Quoc to visit Dinh Cau to seek luck and peace. Especially on the first day of the month or on full moon days, Dinh Cau welcomes a large number of both tourists and locals for worship.
3.1.2 Admiring the Sea from Dinh Cau
With an extremely convenient geographical location, from Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc, one can admire the vivid emerald seascape of the island. Whether standing in front of the temple or within its premises, tourists can relish the cool sea breeze and behold the serene and picturesque scenery of sunny beaches, azure seas, and white clouds.
Admiring the sea of Phu Quoc from the vicinity of Dinh Cau.
Not only beautiful during the sunny daytime, but also favored by tourists is the sunset view from Dinh Cau. As the sun descends into the sea, blending the blue sea with the orange glow of the sun, it creates an incredibly poetic scene.
This place is known as one of the most beautiful sunset viewing spots in Phu Quoc. Visitors who come to visit Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc in the late afternoon must not miss this stunning scenery.
Due to its location on the west coast of Phu Quoc Island, Dinh Cau is one of the most beautiful sunset spots.
3.1.3 Participating in Dinh Cau Festival
Held on the 15th - 16th of the lunar October, the Dinh Cau Festival attracts not only locals but also foreign tourists. The festival is conducted with great solemnity, featuring rituals such as the Yết Cậu Ceremony, Nghinh Cậu Ceremony, Chánh Tế Ceremony, ... praying for a peaceful year and a favorable fishing season.
After the ceremony comes the festive part with many fun activities such as sack races, pot smashing, boat racing at sea, ... On regular days, Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc exudes a serene and solemn atmosphere, but during the festival season, it becomes livelier than ever.
3.2 Other Tourist Destinations around Dinh Cau
Existing for over 300 years, Dinh Cau still maintains the solemn and venerable atmosphere of a sacred site despite welcoming thousands of tourists annually.
However, over time, around Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc, there have been more tourist destinations known to travelers, such as the beach next to Dinh Cau, Ong Lang Beach, Ham Ninh Fishing Village,... Therefore, tourists often prefer 4 days 3 nights Phu Quoc tours or longer day tours.
3.2.1 Beach next to Dinh Cau
Surrounding Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc are many beautiful rock formations. Thanks to the crashing waves and erosion over time, most of the large rocks here have unique and interesting shapes. For example, the famous turtle-headed rock is found here.
Tourists also often come here to sit on the rocks and admire the sea waves or take artistic photos at these rock formations.
3.2.2 Ong Lang Beach
Also located on the west coast of Phu Quoc Island like Dinh Cau, Ong Lang Beach is not far from Duong Dong town. Tourists only need to travel about 6km from the town center to reach the beautiful Ong Lang Beach.
Thanks to its geographical location sheltered from winds and waves, Ong Lang Beach is quite calm, with not too many sea waves. Many tourists appreciate the tranquility and gentleness of Ong Lang Beach because of this.
Ong Lang Beach offers a romantic and peaceful setting for tourists to enjoy the beauty of the emerald island seascape.
Tourists can visit Ong Lang Beach after visiting Dinh Cau, Phu Quoc because these two destinations are not far apart. Taking photos on the smooth white sand or ancient rock formations, snorkeling to admire coral reefs, or kayaking along the coast are activities that most tourists experience here.
3.2.3 Truong Beach, Phu Quoc
Stretching from Dinh Cau Cape to Khoe Tau Ru, Truong Beach is the longest beach on Phu Quoc Island, spanning approximately 20km of coastline. From Duong Dong town, tourists only need to drive about 15 minutes to reach the beautiful and vast Truong Beach.
Tourists can enjoy unlimited check-ins at Truong Beach.
Similar to other beaches in Phu Quoc, Truong Beach boasts fine white sand running along the emerald green coastline. Tourists can come here to enjoy the beauty of the sea along with the shade of coconut trees.
Truong Beach is particularly famous for its meticulously crafted scenery, allowing tourists to take stunning check-in photos with a luxurious background.
3.2.4 Night Market at Dinh Cau Phu Quoc
The night market in Phu Quoc is one of the most exciting entertainment spots on this pearl island. The Phu Quoc night market is busiest around 8 p.m. and usually closes around 11 p.m. depending on the number of visitors.
The Phu Quoc night market attracts lively evening crowds.
The Phu Quoc night market captivates tourists with its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, especially during the bustling evening trading hours.
The night market is divided into 2 sections: one specializes in selling souvenirs, while the other focuses on street food. Therefore, visitors to the Phu Quoc night market not only buy souvenirs for friends and family but also indulge in street food - one of the most enjoyable activities here.
From sweet snacks like candies and ice cream to seafood specialties, there are plenty of options available, ensuring that visitors have a fascinating evening at the night market.
3.2.5 Pearl Farming Facilities
Another nearby attraction to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc that visitors would regret missing out on is the pearl farming facilities such as Long Beach Pearl Farm, Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm, and Quoc An Pearl Farm.
Visiting pearl farming facilities allows you to learn about the pearl production process.
Here, visitors can witness the pearl farming process from seeding to harvesting and extraction, turning into a dazzling pearl. Additionally, visitors can admire over 3000 pearl designs at Long Beach and receive specific advice from staff during the tour.
4. How to Get to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc?
Travelers can reach Dinh Cau Phu Quoc by various means of transportation to Phu Quoc such as airplanes, boats, canoes, and then move to Ward 2, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc City. Whether tourists are traveling to Phu Quoc and choosing to stay in Duong Dong Town or other areas in Phu Quoc, they should depart from the center of Duong Dong Town for easier transportation.
From the center of Duong Dong, travelers take Tran Hung Dao Street. Next, they turn onto Vo Thi Sau Street to see Dinh Cau Night Market and Dinh Cau Cape. Travelers can choose to go by motorbike or car as the road is easy to navigate and the distance is relatively short.
Many travelers wonder what time Dinh Cau Phu Quoc opens, and the answer is that Dinh Cau opens daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to welcome visitors.
5. Things to Note When Visiting Dinh Cau
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As it is a place of spiritual worship, visitors to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc should dress modestly and respectfully.
Visitors should opt for long dresses and avoid short attire when visiting Dinh Cau.
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Be mindful not to film or take photos inside Dinh Cau. Not only Dinh Cau but most places of worship prohibit photography.
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Similarly, it would be detrimental if the place of worship is filled with litter left by tourists. Therefore, tourists should be extremely careful not to litter within the premises of Dinh Cau and its surrounding areas.
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Casual conversations are normal during every trip, but when visiting sacred places like Dinh Cau, tourists should speak gently and respectfully.
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The admission fee to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is a common question among many tourists, however, Dinh Cau welcomes visitors for free, without any entrance fee.
Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is one of the destinations that tourists should not miss, not only because it is the most sacred shrine but also because of the breathtaking landscape when looking from the shrine to the sea and the nearby rocky shores. To complete the trip to Phu Quoc, tourists can directly call the hotline of Mytour Mytour for detailed advice on island tours.
