Van Thuy Tu Whale Temple
Vạn Thủy Tú
An ancient temple where Phan Thiet fishermen worship whales. It enshrines a whale skeleton about 22 meters long, said to be one of the largest whale skeletons in Southeast Asia.
Van Thuy Tu Temple was built in 1762 and represents the whale-worship beliefs of the south-central coast of Vietnam. Fishermen regard the whale as the “General of the South Sea” who rescues people in distress at sea. Whenever a whale carcass washes ashore, it is solemnly buried and its bones are enshrined in the temple. The temple holds hundreds of whale skeletons, and the giant skeleton about 22 meters long is the temple's treasure. There are also offerings and displays of fishermen's daily life. The temple is near downtown Phan Thiet, admission is inexpensive, and it can be visited within half a day together with Phan Thiet Water Tower and Duc Thanh School. Please dress appropriately and keep quiet when entering the temple.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–11:00 and 13:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Phan Thiet Water Tower
- Duc Thanh School & Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Doi Duong Beach Park
- Po Sah Inu Cham Towers
- Lau Ong Hoang Ruins
- Fishermen Show (Huyen Thoai Lang Chai)
- Ong Dia Rock Beach
- Sealinks Wine Castle