Top 8 Most Famous Spiritual Attractions in Vung Tau

Quan The Am Bodhisattva Pagoda, also known as Phoda Son Quan Am Bodhisattva Temple, is located on the circular road of Nui Lon, in Vung Tau, just 500 meters from Bai Dau beach. Despite being a small temple built in 1976, its central feature is a striking 16-meter-tall statue of the Bodhisattva Quan Am, crafted from reinforced concrete. This statue, portraying a serene and compassionate woman with a gentle face, gazes out towards the sea, holding a Cam Lo vase, standing upon a lotus throne. It is a beautiful and significant tourist attraction in Vung Tau.

The statue, made of reinforced cement, depicts a peaceful and wise face, directed towards the sea. This temple not only boasts beautiful architecture but also showcases the remarkable skill of the sculptors and the dignified, kind appearance of the Bodhisattva. Visitors often come here to stand beneath the statue, light incense, and express their wishes for peace, health, and prosperity for themselves and others, leaving with a sense of inner peace.

After enduring the passage of time, the temple underwent restoration in 1993. This has led to an increasing number of visitors and devotees coming to pay respects at the Quan The Am Bodhisattva Temple. While visiting Vung Tau for its entertainment and leisure activities, be sure to take some time to visit this tranquil and beautiful old temple to show respect and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

Address: Bai Dau, 178 Tran Phu, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

Linh Son Ancient Temple is a historic temple located at 104 Hoang Hoa Tham, Vung Tau. Although it is not large, it is the oldest temple in the area. Initially, the temple was built on the slopes of Nui Nho, but in 1919, the French occupied the area and constructed villas for their pilots. Shortly after, another temple was built at a new location, which remains to this day.

The Linh Son Ancient Temple is situated on a quiet and peaceful road. While its architecture is modest, it preserves the traditional Buddhist heritage of the past. Inside the main hall, there is a 1.2-meter-tall golden-coated stone statue of Buddha, intricately carved to create a kind and lifelike expression.

According to local legend, over a year ago, a group of fishermen from Central Vietnam discovered two stone Buddha statues buried in the ground on the slopes near Bai Dau. After retrieving the statues, they sought permission to take them. Local villagers, believing the statues to be historical relics, insisted they be kept. The smaller statue was eventually taken, and the larger one was brought back to the temple, where it remains as the main statue at Linh Son Ancient Temple.

Address: 104 Hoang Hoa Tham, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

Duc Thanh Tran is a significant figure in Vietnamese folk culture and spirituality. His legacy represents the deep connection between historical events and the folk traditions of the Vietnamese people.

In Vung Tau, a grand temple has been built to honor him. This reflects the widespread reverence for Tran Hung Dao, not only as a brilliant military leader but also as a saint, revered by the Vietnamese people.

For many years, the Duc Thanh Tran Temple in Vung Tau has been a profound spiritual destination for locals. The annual death anniversary of Tran Hung Dao is observed at the temple on the 20th of August in the lunar calendar. Over time, the ceremony has grown beyond the local community, becoming a national festival that draws visitors from across the country. The festival activities also serve as an important occasion to instill national pride and love for the country in future generations.

Address: 68 Ha Long, Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

Hon Ba is a small island off the coast of Vung Tau, home to the Ba Temple which was built in 1881 by a local from Central Vietnam.

Every year, the Hon Ba Temple holds four religious ceremonies, aligned with the lunar calendar months of January, April, July, and October. During low tide, a stone pathway is revealed beneath the sea, allowing visitors to walk across to the island. Especially in January, particularly on the full moon, many Vung Tau tours bring visitors here to pray for health and happiness in the coming year. This is when the temple sees the most activity and crowds.

Over the years, Hon Ba Island has maintained its untouched natural beauty. If you're seeking a spiritual retreat combined with a serene natural setting in Vung Tau, Hon Ba Island is an ideal destination. Visiting this island allows guests to relax and find peace in nature.

Address: Hon Ba Island, Ba Ria – Vung Tau (From the Jesus Christ Statue, head towards Nghinh Phong Cape, and the island will appear in the distance, standing solitary amidst the sea.)

The Chon Khong Zen Monastery, part of the Truc Lam Yen Tu sect, is located on the slopes of Big Mountain. Established in 1969-1970 by Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, the monastery spans approximately 2,000 square meters and is a Buddhist complex that includes the main hall, a bell tower, the Truc Lam patriarch’s stelae, Tu Tai Hill, and the peaceful Tieu Dao path.

At an altitude of 80 meters above sea level, the monastery is surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and lush trees. The steep path to the monastery, lined with many steps, rewards visitors with stunning views of the temple nestled in nature, offering a sense of tranquility and peace during visits.

In front of the main hall, various ornamental plants such as cypress and pine create a green oasis at the center of the monastery. On the left side of the hall, the bell tower houses a large bronze bell, cast in 1998, weighing about 1 ton. From the bell tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Vung Tau city and the coastline.

The Chon Khong Zen Monastery is considered one of the most beautiful Truc Lam monasteries in Vietnam. It is a place for Buddhist pilgrims, visitors, and those seeking spiritual peace and knowledge of Zen Buddhism.

Address: 44 Vi Ba, Ward 1, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau

The Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda is not only renowned for its large-scale Buddhist architectural complex but also stands as a prominent religious and tourist destination that attracts many visitors from distant places to Vung Tau City.

Resembling a crescent moon, the pagoda is divided into three levels, ranging in height from 3 to 9 meters above sea level: Level 1 includes the main gate and flower garden; Level 2 features a resting area and traditional exhibition space; Level 3 houses the Zen Lam Temple and Buddha relics. The site also boasts a number of other architectural and sculptural works, including many large and small statues, most notably the 10-meter-high statue of the Buddha and 16 relics of the Buddha.

Covering more than 5 hectares, Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda presents a reenactment of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, set amidst serene and vibrant natural surroundings. It has become a beautiful landmark rich in cultural, historical, and religious significance in Vietnam.

In 1957, Le Quang Vinh, a civil servant during the French colonial era, built a meditation temple at the foot of Big Mountain, called Zen Lam Temple. In 1962, seeing its beautiful and sacred location, as well as its accessibility, the Vietnam Buddhist Association decided to redesign and expand Zen Lam Temple, renaming it Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda. In 1989, the pagoda was honored by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a National Historic Site.

Address: 608 Tran Phu, Ward 5, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

Thang Tam Shrine in Vung Tau is dedicated to three local leaders from the Phuoc Thang village, established to protect the merchant ships of the Vietnamese under the royal decree of King Gia Long. It stands as a significant symbol of the village’s struggle for independence, making it an invaluable historical landmark of Vietnam.

The Thang Tam Shrine Historical Site also includes the Nam Hai Royal Tomb and the Miếu Bà Ngũ Hành, both of which hold substantial historical value. Due to their spiritual significance, particularly among fishermen, locals regularly visit the shrine to pray for peace and prosperity for themselves and their families.

Initially built during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang as a modest thatched house, the shrine underwent renovations starting in 1835, with the addition of tiled roofs. By 1965, it had been fully restored and reinforced into the structure we see today. In 1991, the Thang Tam architectural complex was officially recognized as a National Cultural-Historical Monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information.

The ancient architecture, with intricate carvings on beams, rafters, columns, and rafters, leaves a lasting impression on visitors, especially international tourists. The roofs of the temples, dedicated to the founding ancestors and Miếu Bà Ngũ Hành, are adorned with yin-yang tiles, featuring the “Two Dragons Worshiping the Moon” motif, created with exceptional craftsmanship. Inside the shrine, offerings and decor are lavishly gilded, and at the Nam Hai Royal Tomb, visitors can view the preserved skeleton of a giant whale, discovered over 100 years ago and measuring more than 12 meters in length.

During holidays and festivals, especially when major events or rites take place, locals visit the shrine to offer incense and pray for good fortune. The largest celebrations, such as the Peace Prayer Festival (from February 17th to 20th in the lunar calendar), the Whale Worship Festival (from August 16th to 18th in the lunar calendar), and the Miếu Bà Festival (from October 16th to 18th in the lunar calendar), draw large crowds of tourists.

On major full moon days, the children of Vung Tau and many tourists join together to make pilgrimages to Miếu Bà. The unique rituals, such as waiting for the low tide and walking barefoot on the stone paths, attract many visitors who come to experience the cultural practices and pray for peace and safety.

Address: 77A Hoang Hoa Tham, Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

Nirvana Vihara, also known as the ‘Reclining Buddha Temple,’ signifies the highest sanctity in Buddhism. Construction of the temple began in 1969 and was completed in 1974, funded entirely by the contributions of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers, with the supervision of Venerable Thich Thien Hue.

Spanning an area of 10,000 square meters, the temple is set on the slopes of Small Mountain in Vung Tau, facing the ocean. It is an architectural gem that attracts thousands of visitors annually. A towering pagoda, standing 21 meters tall with 42 steps, marks the entrance to the temple. Each step represents a Buddhist scripture, symbolizing the 42 earliest sutras brought to Vietnam in the 2nd century. Built from reddish-yellow glazed bricks, the pagoda features three lotus buds at the top, each facing a different direction. A brass incense burner sits at the foot of the pagoda, designed in the form of the Four Sacred Animals (Dragon, Lion, Turtle, and Phoenix).

The entrance gate is adorned with intricate carvings of a lion and the four characters “Nirvana Vihara,” while statues of the “Good God” and the “Evil God” stand on either side, symbolizing reverence and solemnity at the temple's threshold. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by the serene ambiance of the Sala flower garden, representing the moment the Buddha entered Nirvana.

The main hall houses a 12-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, embodying the “Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.” The statue is raised 2.5 meters off the ground, with a depiction of the Buddha's disciple witnessing his transition into Nirvana. Another Four Sacred Animals incense burner, crafted over two years by an artisan from Ben Tre and donated to the temple in 1971, is placed in front of the hall. Flanking the burner are two 5-meter-tall pagodas: one houses the Medicine Buddha statue, while the other contains the Amitabha Buddha.

The rear hall is dedicated to the Buddha and the great masters who helped spread Buddhism. On the second floor, a 12-meter-long Bát Nhã boat, symbolizing salvation from suffering, is displayed. Passing through the boat, visitors encounter the statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Avalokiteshvara, in a gentle pose, offering relief from illness and suffering.

On the third floor, apart from the Bát Nhã boat, there is a bell tower with a square design, topped with a dragon motif. Inside, a massive bronze bell stands 2.8 meters tall and weighs tons.

Address: 66/7 Ha Long, Bai Dua, Ward 1, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau