Ta Cu Mountain
Nguyen Van Linh, Ham Thuan Nam, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan
Located in southern Vietnam—an hour’s drive from the White Sand Dunes of Mui Ne—Ta Cu Mountain offers a wealth of natural and spiritual delights. The giant statue of a reclining Buddha, which is a whopping 160 feet (49 meters) in length, has made the mountain a popular tourist destination and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
The Basics
Tours of Ta Cu Mountain usually last a full day and depart from Phan Thiet or Mui Ne, a coastal town about four hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Excursions usually include a 10-minute cable car ride that takes you to the mountain’s summit, and lunch at a restaurant with views of the surrounding landscape. Tour the area with a guide to gain information and understanding about Buddhism in Vietnam.
Things to Know Before You Go
Ta Cu Mountain is a must-visit for nature lovers and travelers interested in Buddhism.
Rather than taking the cable car, you can hike to the mountain summit.
Combine a visit to the mountain with the sand dunes and streams of Mui Ne on a 2-day tour.
The cable car ride costs a few dollars round-trip.
How to Get There
Ta Cu Mountain is located just off Highway 1, approximately 18 miles (30 kilometers) from the city of Phan Thiet. If you’re not part of an organized tour, the easiest way to reach the mountain is by motorcycle or taxi, as public transportation options are limited.
When to Get There
Regardless of the time of year, southern Vietnam experiences high temperatures, particularly during the afternoon. If you’re planning to hike to the top of Ta Cu Mountain, try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Buddhist Relics on Ta Cu Mountain
In addition to the colossal reclining Buddha statue, the mountain is also home to the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, which dates back to 1861 and features distinctive bright red tiers. Many Buddhist monks make a pilgrimage to the mountain and stay overnight in the pagoda.
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