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Dinh Van Thuy Tu is a renowned tourist destination in Phan Thiet city, exhibiting the largest whale skeleton collection in Vietnam and surpassing records in the Southeast Asia region.
Experience Phan Thiet with a Visit to the Largest Whale Skeleton Museum in Southeast Asia
Established in 1762, the former Dinh Van Thuy Tu was located by the sea, facing the East Sea, and served as a place where a 22-meter-long whale washed ashore. According to local beliefs, this place venerates the Sea God to express gratitude for protecting fishermen during their perilous days at sea. Today, the palace is situated on Nguyen Ong Street, Duc Thang Ward, Phan Thiet City.
The palace is renowned nationally and internationally for its unique and rare features, preserving many historical and cultural artifacts related to the formation and development of Binh Thuan's fishing industry, especially in the Central South region. This shrine holds 24 precious royal decrees from the Nguyen dynasty, as Nguyen generals were often rescued by whales at sea. Additionally, the palace boasts Han-Nom cultural heritage, horizontal lacquered boards, and couplets on a bronze bell over 140 years old.
When visiting the palace, passing through the triple gate, on the left is Ngoc Lan Holy Land – a spacious area for burying whales, and on the right is the exhibition hall of Nam Hai whale bones – where the gigantic skeleton of a gray whale (humpback whale), with a length of 22 meters and weighing 65 tons, has been nearly completely reconstructed.
Step inside and you'll see the altar dedicated to the Sea God, Nam Hai Cu Toc Ngoc Lan Deity (also known as the Sea God - the whale), on the left is the altar of Thuy Long Saint Phi Nang Nang, and on the right is the altar of Hi Hoang Thai Hieu immortal teacher. This is a distinctive feature compared to other palaces in the Central region. To this day, the central area of the palace houses over 100 whale skeletons, nearly half of which date back 100 to 150 years, with some larger skeletons worshipped with great reverence.
Behind the main temple dedicated to 'Past virtue, present virtue, past grace, present grace, past creation, present creation' - referring to those who have contributed to the establishment of fishing villages. In this area, visitors have the opportunity to try holding a 'ghè' tube - an ancient ceramic vase - measuring 20cm in height and 12cm in diameter.
According to the legend of the whale, when the palace was completed, it took three days for the stormy weather to subside. Some fishing boats were trapped at sea, and were rescued by the whale. The whale itself perished due to exhaustion while guiding the fishermen's boat to safety.
Scientists explain the phenomenon of whales rescuing humans as when it rains heavily and storms, whales are battered by large waves and seek a refuge to withstand the rough weather. The fishermen's boats are made more stable with the whale's support. Eventually, both are pushed ashore by the waves. Sometimes the whale succumbs to exhaustion, sometimes it safely returns to the open sea when the sea calms down.
Additional Information:
– How to get there: Dinh Van Thuy Tu is approximately 1 km away from the center of Phan Thiet city, located at the corner of Nguyen Ong and Phan Chu Trinh streets, in Duc Thang ward, Phan Thiet city, Binh Thuan province.
– Admission Prices: Children 20,000 VND, adults 40,000 VND.
– Opening Hours: from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
According to VnExpress
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourNovember 11, 2019
