WHALE TEMPLE VUNG TAU
Whale Temple Vung Tau. Thang Tam Temple, also known as Whale Temple, is a traditional tourism destination that can not be missed when visiting Vung Tau City. A visit to this temple gives an intriguing view into the dynamic customs of this picturesque Vung Tau seaside city, as well as a glimpse into Vietnam's rich past.
Whale Temple Vung Tau Information:
Address: 77A Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau City
Opening: 08:00 - 17:00
The Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple) is a major cultural and historical landmark located on Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau City, near Vung Tau's Back Beach. This complex includes three landmarks: the Thang Tam Temple, the Ba Ngu Hanh Temple (or Temple of the Five Elements), and the Ca Ong Mausoleum (also known as the Whale Tomb). The location is thought to have a "án sơn tụ thủy" position, which implies it's at the foot of a mountain and a collecting spot for water. This site is a must-see for anybody visiting Vung Tau.
The temple is located on a big plot surrounded by shade trees such as tamarind and coconut, as well as bonsai plants, which creates a green and fresh atmosphere. Every year, many people from near and far gather to pray for blessings. Seafarers, particularly fishermen and sailors, frequently visit the temple to pray for peace and prosperity for themselves and their families.
Notably, this historical complex houses 13 royal sealed manuscripts from the Nguyen Dynasty. The Thang Tam Temple Vung Tau (Whale Temple Vung Tau) worships all of the appointed deities. These deities, revered as the locals' patron saints, are thought to have helped the nation and rescued the citizens.
Whale Temple Vung Tau Legendary:
The Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple) was constructed in 1802 during the reign of King Minh Mang. Originally, it was a basic building constructed of bamboo and leaves. However, thanks to community efforts, it had been renovated to a tiled roof structure by 1835. Additional improvements were completed in 1964, resulting in the strong, full building we see today.
According to historical accounts, traders along the Ben Nghe River were regularly attacked by pirates. To address this, King Gia Long appointed three commanders for protection. By 1822, the monarch had honored these commanders by granting them responsibility over three communities. Mr. Pham Van Dinh administered the first village, Thang Nhat (the first boat). Mr. Le Van Loc oversaw the second boat, Thang Nhi. Mr. Ngo Van Huyen took charge of the third boat, Thang Ba. After they died, the king had a temple erected at Vung Tau to commemorate their services to the province.
When you arrive at the Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple), you will observe the huge and solemn Tam Quan gate. This gate has a tiled roof with two levels of yin and yang tiles. Bas-reliefs on the neighboring walls portray typical imagery of dragons, tigers, the eight immortals crossing the sea, and carp changing into dragons.
Thang Tam Temple is a great example of Southern Vietnam's old architectural style, which is widely seen in community buildings. The temple consists of four interlinked structures: Tien Hien, the Hall, the Main House (Dinh Trung), and the Martial Arts stage, all joined by a side aisle. The roof is covered with Yin and Yang tiles, with the focal point being 'Two Dragons adoring the Moon'.
Inside Tien Hien, there are four shrines devoted to the Village God: Tho Cong, Tien Hien, Hau Hien, and Tien Vang-Hau Vang. The Hall serves as a gathering venue for local residents. The Main House, which has been rebuilt with reinforced concrete, has a horizontal lacquered board engraved in both Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as 10 altars.
Thang Tam Temple also has thirteen royal edicts from the Nguyen Dynasty for the deities worshipped in the community-dwelling. These deities include Than Nong, Thien Y A Na, Ngu Duc, Thanh Phi, Hau Hien, Hoi Dong, Phu An - Cao Cac, Thien Su, Ngu Tho, and Ngu Tu - Tien Hien. Tuong and Boi singing performances at temple rites take place on the Martial Arts stage.
When you enter the relic area, you will see the Ba Ngu Hanh Temple (Temple of the Five Elements) on your left. This temple honors the five feminine goddesses: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. It also commemorates national defenders, Chinese warriors revered for their devotion and morality who, like Guan Gong, are always ready to help sailors in distress, as well as village gods.
How to Get to Whale Temple Vung Tau?
Proceed from Vung Tau's Front Beach Park to Truong Cong Dinh Street. At the junction, turn right onto Hoang Hoa Tham Street. Alternatively, from Vung Tau Front Beach, take Ha Long Street to Back Beach (Thuy Van). Turn into Hoang Hoa Tham Street, which is opposite Flagpole Park. Proceed a bit further to the Thang Tam Temple Vietnam (Whale Temple).
If you don't have access to an internet map, contact a native in Vung Tau for instructions. Remember to dress modestly when visiting this holy location.
Whale Tomb:
Concurrently with the construction of the Ba Ngu Hanh Temple, the Ca Ong Mausoleum was built to the right of the historic site. This mausoleum preserves the skeleton of a big whale (Ca Ong) 12m in length, found by a Vung Tau fisherman around a century ago.
The temple boasts old architecture and three enormous glass cabinets with whale bones, which correlate to three altars. There are also two altars on the far left and far right: one for the Ba Sau (Turtle God) and another for the ancestor of local traditional music.
The Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple) hosts three main events each year. The Peace Praying Festival takes place from the 17th to the 20th of the second lunar month, the Nghinh Ong Festival from the 16th to the 18th of the eighth lunar month, and the Mieu Ba Festival from the 16th to the 18th of the tenth lunar month.
These traditional festivities, particularly the Nghinh Ong Festival, are important to Vung Tau's culture and draw visitors from all around. Despite being celebrated for many generations, Thang Tam Temple's celebrations retain their ancient rites and traditions, which include folk games, lion dances, and 'Tuong' performances.
In recent years, the Vung Tau City officials have improved the Nghinh Ong Festival by increasing cultural events, sports, and art programs. These enhancements provide a dynamic environment, boosting enjoyment for residents and promoting the festival's worth. This strategy also seeks to attract tourists and increase local tourism.
Some notes when visiting Whale Temple Vung Tau:
- Here are some practical ideas to help you enjoy your visit to Thang Tam Temple (Whale Temple).
- When visiting Thang Tam Temple, dress simply.
- Be calm and courteous. Do not leave garbage and observe the temple's laws.
- Make sure to check the Vung Tau weather before your travel.
- Taking part in the Thang Tam Temple celebration is enjoyable.
- Consider taking a Vung Tau vacation with Asia Legend Travel. They can tell you more about Thang Tam Temple and assist you arrange your visit.
- If you have time, try to explore the neighboring Vung Tau attractions, such as Big Mountain, Small Mountain, Hon Ba Island, Nghinh Phong Cape (Cape Saint James), White Palace, Christ of Vung Tau, and so on.
Hotline/ WhatsApp: +847-6666-0606
Email: info@friendlytravel.vn
