Temple of Van Thuy Tu

Van Thuy Tu Temple was built in 1762 to commemorate Ca Ong (Whale) who was believed to be a god of King Nam Hai. Whale has long been considered a guardian angel to protect fishermen from dangers at sea, there have been many mysterious legends about whales saving fishermen from unexpected disasters.

The architecture of the temple is quite simple like other temples in Binh Thuan, in the middle of the temple is the altar of Nam Hai god, on the left is "Thuy Long Thanh Phi" (Ba Chua conquers the sea), on the right is "Thailand". Ancestors Ancestors". Despite its small scale, Van Thuy Tu Temple always attracts tourists by its collection of about 600 sets of whale remains. Because, usually, after a whale dies and the carcass is washed ashore, people will hold a solemn funeral, then take it away for burial. Three years later, people will excavate the whale's grave, clean the skeleton and bring it to Van Thuy Tu Temple, where the whale is worshiped as a god. Among the whale skeletons at Van Thuy Tu Temple, the largest skeleton is up to 18m long with a date of nearly 120 years and the second largest skeleton is 14m long, which has been kept since 1953.

In addition, Van Thuy Tu Temple is also a place to display many artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty such as the ordination of 24 old kings, terracotta statues, incense tables, lacquer boards and clock bells.

Every year, on the 20th day of the sixth lunar month every year, Van Thuy Tu Temple will hold a Cau Ngu festival to pray for good business, smooth sailing, and a bountiful harvest. In this festival, people will perform solemn rites, perform traditional folk songs and organize typical games of coastal residents.

Van Thuy Tu Temple was ranked as a national historical relic in 1996. Today, the temple is one of the famous places attracting many tourists in Phan Thiet.

Operating hours : 09:00 - 17:00 on weekdays

Entrance fee : 10,000 VND/person including tour guide