Located just off the Vietnamese National Route is the Tà Cú Mountain. It’s an area that encompasses dense jungles, networks of limestone caves and unique Buddhist monuments – a destination that’s well worth the visit during your vacation in Vietnam.
Getting There
The mountain is just off Highway 1, around 38km away from Phan Thiet, meaning it’s in the driving distance if you’re staying at a Mui Ne resort such as the Anantara Mui Ne Resort. The highway is quite the scenic drive as well; you’ll be traveling past dense expanses of tropical rainforest complete with the calls of roving forest birds.
The Way Up
There are two ways to reach the mountain’s peak – you can go on a two-hour hike or take the cable car. The climb might take longer and more effort, but if you have the stamina for it, it’ll let you examine various Buddhist shrines on your way up.
Tran Huu Duc’s Voyage
It is said that the main pagoda atop the mountain was constructed under the guidance of Tan Huu Duc, a Buddhist monk. Huu Duc had led a retinue of his followers up the mountain to seek refuge and build themselves a sanctuary. On your way up you’ll pass by the Forefather’s Cave, which is said to be where the monk meditated back in the day.
The Reclining Buddha
The Reclining Buddha is Tà Cú Mountain’s most famed feature. This statue measures an astounding 49m in length, making it the largest Reclining Buddha statue in South East Asia. Since its construction in 1972, the statue has become an important stop for Buddhist pilgrimages.
