Van Thuy Tu Palace – A Tourist Attraction Rich in Maritime Culture
In the heart of the coastal city of Phan Thiet, there is a place that is not too noisy but leaves a lasting impression on many visitors. That is the Van Thuy Tu Temple – a structure closely associated with the spiritual life and maritime history of Binh Thuan fishermen for hundreds of years.
Unlike many other famous tourist destinations that boast modern or glamorous aesthetics, Van Thuy Tu Temple attracts visitors with its ancient charm, sacred atmosphere, and stories steeped in maritime culture. It also houses the largest whale skeleton in Southeast Asia – a source of pride for the people of Phan Thiet.
If you appreciate traditional values and want to understand more about the lives of fishermen in the past, then Van Thuy Tu Temple is definitely a worthwhile stop to experience when traveling to Phan Thiet and Mui Ne.
Overview of Van Thuy Tu Palace
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Address: 54 Duc Ong Street, Duc Thang Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province
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Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
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Reference ticket prices:
- Children: approximately 5,000 VND
- Adults: approximately 15,000 VND
For large groups accompanied by a tour guide, admission is often free.
Please note : Ticket prices may vary during holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), or peak tourist seasons.
Despite having existed for over two centuries, this place has retained almost entirely its ancient beauty and the tranquil atmosphere characteristic of a long-standing maritime shrine.
Directions to Van Thuy Tu Palace
From the center of Phan Thiet, you can easily get to the Palace by motorbike, taxi, or by hiring a private car.
If you're coming from the city center, follow Tran Hung Dao - Han Thuyen road, then turn onto Duc Ong street. The palace is located at number 54, so it's quite easy to find.
For tourists staying in Mui Ne or Ham Tien, hiring a private car with a driver is more convenient, especially when combining visits to multiple locations in a day, such as:
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Duc Thanh School
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Poshanu Cham Tower
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Phan Thiet Market
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Thanh Minh Temple
Parking fees at the Palace range from approximately 5,000 to 30,000 VND depending on the type of vehicle.
The History of the Formation of Van Thuy Tu Palace
According to historical records, the Van Thuy Tu Shrine was built in 1762 by fishermen from Thuy Tu village to worship the Whale God – a deity believed by coastal fishermen to always rescue them whenever they encounter strong winds and rough seas.
Initially, the shrine was just a small wooden house with a thatched roof located near the seashore. Through numerous renovations and expansions, it gradually became a structure with profound cultural and religious value for the coastal residents of Binh Thuan.
In 1996, Van Thuy Tu Palace was recognized as a National Historical Monument. In 2003, the famous whale skeleton found there was restored and preserved with the support of the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography.
In addition, the palace also preserves many valuable imperial decrees, horizontal plaques, and Han-Nom documents of great historical significance related to traditional maritime occupations.
Royal Decree Bestowing the Title of Great General of the South Sea Whale
One of the most remarkable features of the Palace is that it still preserves 24 royal decrees granted by the Nguyen dynasty kings over various periods, such as:
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Thieu Tri
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Tu Duc
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Dong Khanh
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Duy Tan
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Khai Dinh
According to folklore, King Gia Long was rescued by a whale during a great storm while crossing the sea. After ascending the throne, the king bestowed upon the whale the title "Great General of the South Sea" to commemorate this service.
Therefore, the belief in worshipping the Whale God not only carries spiritual significance but also reflects the very distinctive spiritual life of Vietnamese coastal fishermen.
Admire the Ancient Architecture of Van Thuy Tu Palace
The Van Thuy Tu communal house was built according to the traditional "four-pillar" architecture, with a system of columns, beams, and roofs bearing the distinctive mark of old village communal houses.
Stepping through the triple-arched gate, visitors will immediately feel the solemn and ancient atmosphere that envelops the entire grounds.
Highlights inside the Palace include:
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The main hall is dedicated to the Jade Unicorn God of the South Sea.
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Shrine of Thuy Long Thanh Phi Nuong Nuong
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Shrine dedicated to Quan Thanh
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Ngoc Lan Sacred Land – the burial place of the Whale God
The intricate dragon carvings, ancient motifs, and the patina of time covering each roof tile give this place a unique beauty, both sacred and serene.
If you have time to visit in the morning, you can combine it with a trip to Bau Trang in the afternoon to watch the sunset and fully experience the beauty of Phan Thiet.
The Place Where the Largest Whale Skeleton in Southeast Asia Is Preserved
The Pride of the People of Phan Thiet
What most intrigues visitors when they come to Van Thuy Tu Palace is the giant whale skeleton, considered the largest in Southeast Asia.
This skeleton has been identified as belonging to a gray whale with:
Moreover, this place also preserves more than 100 skeletons of whales of various sizes, some hundreds of years old. For the people of Phan Thiet, the whale is not simply a marine creature but also a symbol of protection and safety every time they go out to sea.
The Belief in Worshipping the Whale God Among Fishermen of Binh Thuan
Fishermen in the coastal areas of Binh Thuan have long believed that whales always appear to rescue ships in distress at sea.
According to ancient custom, the first person to discover a whale washed ashore is responsible for its burial and mourning as if it were a family member.
After many years, when only the skeleton remains, the fishermen will bring it into the shrine for solemn worship.
This belief not only expresses gratitude but also reflects the very unique spiritual and cultural life of the coastal inhabitants of Vietnam.
Rent a car to visit Van Thuy Tu Palace – Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service.
To make your exploration of Phan Thiet more convenient and comfortable, Bui Gia Travel offers a car rental service to visit Van Thuy Tu Palace, with a driver picking you up and dropping you off at your hotel, resort, or train station.
Tourists can combine their itinerary with visits to many other famous attractions in Phan Thiet - Mui Ne without worrying about finding their way or parking.
The diverse range of vehicles includes:
Suitable for families, groups of friends, or tour groups needing private, safe, and time-saving transportation.
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
If you have a day to explore Phan Thiet, you can refer to this itinerary:
Morning
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Van Thuy Tu Palace
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Duc Thanh School
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Phan Thiet Market
Afternoon
After your trip, don't forget to enjoy the local specialties such as:
The Van Thuy Tu Temple is not just a tourist attraction, but also a place that has preserved the soul of the Phan Thiet coastal region for hundreds of years. Amidst the increasingly vibrant tourist scene, it still retains its unique tranquility, enough for anyone who visits to feel the depth of the culture of Binh Thuan's coastal region.
