The Magnificence of the Ta Cu Mountain
The Magnificence of
the Ta Cu Mountain
Praised for its location and panorama, the Ta Cu Mountains rise above the Phan Thiet coastline
with valour and grandeur. From the scenic cable cart up to the reclining Buddha statue
on the top, another full-day that complements any Vietnam stay perfectly.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Located 28 km west of the beaches of Phan Thiet (an hour outside the alluring beaches of Mui Ne), the renowned Ta Cu Mountain is home to two important pagodas which are seen as pilgrimage sites for the Buddhist faithful.
With its height of 563 metres above sea level, the mountain peak and its two religious shrines can be reached by taking over 2200 steps or the more convenient aerial tram. Weather permitting, views from the top of the mountain give visitors an overview of the primarily agricultural landscape down below, ranging from rice paddy fields to dragon fruit plantations.
TRAIL ITINERARY
07:30 - 14:00
Leave Phan Thiet in the early morning for a scenic drive to the Ta Cu Mountains. The drive along the coastal road is one of the more scenic ones in the country, as the land becomes increasingly drier and the area more rural. Apart from the beautiful views of the sea, you pass by Khe Ga, a very much photographed lighthouse, numerous small hamlets and villages where you get a chance to see the local population, mostly unaffected by tourism and preserving a simpler way of life.
You will spot Ta Cu Mountain from a distance as it rises from the flat surrounding landscape. The climb to the top via its stairs and paths are for the extremely fit, yet we opt for the cable cart that swiftly and safely reaches the top of the mountain. As the cable car ascends, the air becomes cooler, and you can begin to hear the rustle of the trees with the wind and the singing of the birds.
The cable car ride takes about ten minutes to reach the crest and then descends for another few minutes until you disembark for the 300 meters walk up to the Reclining Buddha. The Buddha is about 11 meters high and 49 meters long and is surrounded by trees, protecting it from the elements. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, known for its excellent Vietnamese cuisine, after your guide will tell you the story about this immense Buddha image.
The fact that Buddhist practitioners this place is considered sacred and pilgrimages here says enough about the importance of this mountain and its reclining Buddha image. Our day ends with a visit to a fish sauce factory, one of Asia’s stable ingredients that make Vietnamese food so definable Vietnamese. You will arrive back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
