Buzz
When travelers think of Phu Quoc, they envision pristine beaches, azure waters, and white sandy shores lined with coconut trees. Beyond the picturesque serenity of the coastal region, Phu Quoc Island is renowned for its sacred Dinh Cau. So what draws a large number of visitors to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc each year? Let's explore this seaside shrine with Mytour.
1. Introduction to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc
1.1 Geographical Location of Dinh Cau
Beyond the stunning turquoise beaches and tranquil fishing villages, Phu Quoc is also renowned for its spiritual landmarks. One of the most sacred places is Dinh Cau Phu Quoc.
Dinh Cau (also known as the shrine of Long Vuong) is located on the western side of 'Pearl Island Phu Quoc', just 200 meters away from the center of Duong Dong town. This proximity makes it convenient for travelers staying in Duong Dong to easily explore Dinh Cau and nearby attractions.
The image of Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is built near the sea.
Specifically, Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is located in Ward 2, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang. Dinh Cau sits on a rocky promontory near the sea, where the Duong Dong River flows into the sea, hence also known as Dinh Cau Point.
Standing within the precinct of Dinh Cau facing the sea, visitors can cast their eyes over the blue beach and admire the nearby rocky shores with continuous waves crashing against them.
1.2 Religious Beliefs Revered at Dinh Cau
Dinh Cau is a shrine dedicated to the Mother Goddess according to folklore. Inside the main hall of Dinh Cau, visitors will find statues of worship to the Jade Empress and her two sons, Tai and Quy, who are real figures from the central region, reflecting a cultural fusion between Central and Southern Vietnam.
Statues of worship inside the main hall at Dinh Cau.
Furthermore, within Dinh Cau, visitors can witness the blending of Vietnamese, Cham, and Chinese cultures. Notably, the statues of two young men placed alongside the Jade Empress statue in the main hall, instead of solely worshiping her as in the Mother Goddess culture in the delta regions. The main reason for this is the occupational nature of the fishermen in the island's coastal areas.
Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is considered one of the most sacred shrines in the southern island region because locals believe that since its establishment, the shrine has helped fishermen avoid casualties during fishing trips. That's also the main reason why Dinh Cau is built close to the sea.
To pray for a year of favorable weather, avoiding storms and rough seas, the local people organize festivals and ceremonies during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) and other major holidays throughout the year.
2. The History and Architecture of Dinh Cau Phu Quoc
2.1 The History of Dinh Cau
According to local legend in Phu Quoc, Dinh Cau began construction around the 17th century by the island's early settlers. At that time, the island was not as densely populated as it is today.
After surviving several close calls with waves and miraculously washing ashore on a rocky outcrop, some islanders established the Long Vuong shrine to express gratitude and make offerings every time they set sail.
The shrine that visitors often visit today was first built in 1937 and subsequently renovated in 1997.
Besides the legend of Lady Ngoc Nuong and the two Princes, there are many other myths surrounding the origin of Dinh Cau Phu Quoc. Among them is the tale of the miraculous rock outcrop that emerged from the sea to save fishermen, or the legend of the hermit hidden in the caves, later referred to as the Princes, and the establishment of the shrine.
2.2 Architecture of Dinh Cau
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the southern part of the motherland, Dinh Cau embodies a blend of multiple cultures, most prominently reflected in the architecture of the shrine.
Visitors to
Dinh Cau exhibits architectural features reminiscent of the temples in Northern Vietnam.
Moreover, upon entering the shrine, visitors will encounter images of dragons - symbols of the Vietnamese people and beliefs - engraved on the pillars inside the temple.
At the entrance of Dinh Cau Phu Quoc, visitors will encounter a canopy resembling a boat supported by two meticulously carved columns adorned with a pair of dragons embracing the moon on the roof. Before reaching the main hall of Dinh Cau, visitors must ascend 29 steps.
3. What does Dinh Cau Phu Quoc offer?
3.1 What to Expect at Dinh Cau Phu Quoc
3.1.1 Visiting Dinh Cau
Renowned for its utmost sanctity on Phu Quoc Island, many visitors to Phu Quoc make a stop at Dinh Cau for worship and to seek blessings 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 its extremely convenient geographical location, from Dinh Cau Phu Quoc, one can overlook the breathtaking scenery of the emerald island seascape. Whether standing in front of the shrine or within its premises, visitors can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and admire the scene of the sunny beach, azure sea, and white clouds, all incredibly serene and picturesque.
Admiring the sea of Phu Quoc from the vicinity of Dinh Cau.
Not only beautiful during the day when the weather is fine, but watching the sunset over the sea from Dinh Cau is also favored by tourists. As the sun sets into the sea, the green hue of the ocean blends with the orange glow of the sun, creating 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 should not miss this magnificent scenery.
Due to its location on the western coast of Phu Quoc Island, Dinh Cau is one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunset.
3.1.3 Participating in the Dinh Cau Festival
Held on the 15th and 16th of the lunar October, the Dinh Cau Festival attracts not only local residents but also foreign tourists. The festival is organized with great solemnity, featuring rituals such as the Yết Cậu Ceremony, the Nghinh Cậu Ceremony, the Chánh Tế Ceremony, etc., praying for a peaceful year and a prosperous fishing season.
Following the rituals, there is a festive atmosphere with numerous fun activities such as sack races, pot smashing, boat racing on the sea, etc. While Dinh Cau Phu Quoc usually exudes tranquility and solemnity, during the festival season, it becomes livelier than ever before.
3.2 Other Tourist Attractions around Dinh Cau
For over 300 years, Dinh Cau has maintained its solemn and venerable atmosphere as a sacred site despite welcoming thousands of tourists annually.
However, over time, there have been more tourist spots emerging around Dinh Cau Phu Quoc such as the beach next to Dinh Cau, Ong Lang Beach, Ham Ninh fishing village, etc. Therefore, tourists often prefer 4-day-3-night Phu Quoc tours or longer day trips.
3.2.1 Beach next to Dinh Cau
Surrounding Dinh Cau Phu Quoc, there are numerous 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, there is a famous rock formation resembling a turtle's head with a tiger's tail.
Tourists often come here to sit on these 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 similar to 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.
Benefiting from its geographical location, shielded from wind 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 due to this characteristic.
Ong Lang Beach offers a romantic and serene setting for tourists to enjoy the scenery of the emerald island seascape.
Tourists can visit Ong Lang Beach after exploring Dinh Cau Phu Quoc as these two destinations are not far apart. Taking photos on the smooth white sandy beach or the ancient rock formations, snorkeling to admire coral reefs, or kayaking along the coast are activities that most tourists experience here.
3.2.3 Long Beach Phu Quoc
Stretching from Dinh Cau Cape to Khoe Tau Ru, Long Beach is the longest beach on Phu Quoc Island, with about 20km of coastline. From Duong Dong town, tourists only need to drive about 15 minutes to reach the beautiful and vast Long Beach.
Tourists can freely check in at Long Beach.
Similar to other beaches in Phu Quoc, Long Beach boasts fine white sand lining the azure waters of the emerald sea. Visitors can come here to enjoy the beauty of the sea along with the cool shade of coconut trees.
Long Beach is particularly famous for its elaborate infrastructure, allowing tourists to take stunning check-in photos with a luxurious background.
3.2.4 Night Market at Dinh Cau Phu Quoc
The Phu Quoc Night Market is one of the most vibrant and entertaining nightlife spots on this paradise island. The market is at its busiest around 8 p.m. and typically closes around 11 p.m., depending on the number of visitors.
The Phu Quoc Night Market attracts lively crowds at night.
The bustling and lively atmosphere of the Phu Quoc Night Market captivates visitors with its vibrant trading activities in the evening.
The night market is divided into two sections: one specializes in selling souvenirs, while the other focuses on street food. Therefore, visitors to Phu Quoc Night Market can 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 coconut candy and ice cream to local seafood specialties, there is a wide variety of food available, making a visit to Phu Quoc Night Market an exciting evening experience.
3.2.5 Pearl Farm Facilities
Another must-visit destination near Dinh Cau Phu Quoc 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 visitors to learn about the pearl production process.
Here, visitors will witness the process of pearl cultivation from seeding to harvesting, as well as the sorting and processing into dazzling pearls. Additionally, visitors can admire over 3000 pearl design samples at Long Beach and receive specific consultations from staff during the tour.
4. How to Get to Dinh Cau Phu Quoc?
Travelers can reach Dinh Cau Phu Quoc using various transportation options to Phu Quoc such as airplanes, ferries, canoes, and then move to Ward 2, Duong Dong town in Phu Quoc city. Whether travelers are visiting Phu Quoc and staying in Duong Dong town or other areas in Phu Quoc, they should start from the center of Duong Dong town for convenient transportation.
From the center of Duong Dong, travelers take Tran Hung Dao Street. Next, they turn onto Vo Thi Sau Street to reach 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 is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to welcome visitors.
5. Things to Note When Visiting Dinh Cau
-
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.
-
Avoid filming or taking photos inside Dinh Cau. Not only in Dinh Cau but in most places of worship, photography is discouraged.
-
Similarly, it would be unpleasant if the place of worship is filled with litter left by tourists. Therefore, tourists should be extremely careful not to litter in the area of Dinh Cau and its surroundings.
-
Casual conversation is normal on every trip, but when visiting a sacred place like Dinh Cau, tourists should speak gently and politely.
-
The ticket price for Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is a common concern for many tourists. However, Dinh Cau welcomes visitors for natural exploration without charging admission fees.
Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is one of the must-visit destinations 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 Mytour's hotline Mytour for detailed advice on island tours.
