Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda
Thích Ca Phật Đài
A large Buddhist garden on the north slope of Big Mountain, with a white seated Shakyamuni statue and sculptures of the Buddha's life set into the hillside, overlooking the bay.
Thich Ca Phat Dai was built between 1961 and 1963 beside Tran Phu Street at the northern foot of Big Mountain. It is one of the best-known Buddhist sites in South Vietnam. The grounds rise in terraces up the hillside, featuring a white lotus-seated Shakyamuni statue about 11 meters tall and sculptures of key scenes from the Buddha's life: his birth, renunciation, enlightenment and nirvana. There is also a reliquary stupa and a Bodhi tree transplanted from India. From the higher levels you can look out over the bay. Entry is free; the grounds are open roughly 06:00 to 17:00. Dress modestly. It can be combined with the White Palace and the Ho May Park cable car on the same route.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Our Lady of Bai Dau
- Ho May Park & Cable Car
- White Palace (Bach Dinh)
- Front Beach (Bai Truoc)
- Xom Luoi Seafood Market
- Thang Tam Temple & Whale Temple
- Back Beach (Bai Sau)
- Vung Tau Lighthouse