(VOVWORLD) - Ba Ria-Vung Tau (now part of Ho Chi Minh City) is famous, not only for its beaches and beautiful scenic spots, but as a land rich in cultural traditions, with many historical, religious, and spiritual sites. This has made spiritual tourism blending culture and belief increasingly popular here.
 The main hall of Nirvana Vihara (Photo: phatgiao.org.vn) |
Vung Tau is called “The land of Buddhism and the sea.” Atop Nui Lon (Big Mountain), the Thich Ca Phat Dai pagoda emerges like a shining pearl from the green forest, serene and majestic. The path to the pagoda winds up stone steps flanked by lush trees, with the subtle scent of incense in the air. The statue of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating beneath a Bodhi tree is a highlight, a place where both locals and visitors come to find a moment of tranquility.
Another notable spiritual site is Niet Ban Tinh Xa (Nirvana Vihara), located on the slope of Nui Nho (Small Mountain), considered one of the most beautiful pagodas in Vũng Tàu ward.
In the heart of Vung Tau lies Linh Son pagoda, also known as the Golden Buddha pagoda. It was ranked among Vietnam’s top 100 spiritual tourism destinations and has been recognized as a national historical and cultural relic site. The pagoda welcomes Buddhist followers year-round, but especially during the Lunar New Year.
"I often come to Linh Son pagoda in the New Year to pray for peace, prosperity, and success for my family,” said a local resident.
“At the beginning of the year, Buddhists visit the pagoda to pray for peace for their families and seek guidance toward good deeds and away from wrongdoing, in accordance with Buddha’s teachings," said another local.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau is also home to many temples closely tied to folk beliefs and ancestral worship. Ngu Hanh temple in Long Hai commune represents the Mother Goddess worship of Southern Vietnam.
Every year, the whale worshipping festival and the festival to honor the Mother Goddess of the Land are celebrated, attracting thousands of fishermen and other visitors who come to pray for peace, good luck, bountiful fish harvests, and happiness.
Another destination is the Thang Tam communal house, where locals honor their predecessors. One of the region’s oldest relic sites, it has both historical and spiritual significance. Meanwhile, the Long Son Grand House is an architectural complex built in a style that blends folk beliefs with Confucianism and Taoism.
 The Long Son Grand House (Photo: Hoang Tuyet/baotintuc.vn/VNA) |
What makes Ba Ria-Vung Tau stand out in the national spiritual tourism landscape is its harmonious fusion of spiritual sites with breathtaking natural beauty. The 32-meter-tall Jesus Christ statue atop Nui Nho, draws thousands of visitors each year.
"The statue is magnificent, capturing the solemn majesty of Christ the King. Climbing up here is exhausting, but I was determined to make the journey," said a pilgrim.
"This statue is an exceptional tourist destination in Vung Tau. I come here to see the city from a new perspective," said a visitor.
 A panoramic view of Vung Tau (Photo: Nguyen Trang /ittpa.baria-vungtau.gov.vn) |
A trip to Con Dao, a beautiful and sacred island in Vung Tau, is like stepping back into the past. It’s a deeply spiritual place that reminds people of patriotism, national pride, and post-war recovery. Notable destinations include Hang Duong cemetery and the tomb of heroine Vo Thi Sau.
Spiritual tourism here is an opportunity for visitors to connect with the country’s history, its spirit, and one’s inner self.