Explore Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, Vung Tau’s iconic Buddhist site in Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal ward! Discover eco-friendly visits and sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group.
Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, a revered Buddhist landmark in Vung Tau, now a ward of Ho Chi Minh City following Vietnam’s administrative merger effective July 2025, lies 95 km southeast of Ward 1 (formerly District 1). Attracting over 150,000 visitors annually, this pagoda, built between 1961 and 1963, is celebrated for its 17-meter Blessing Tower and majestic Gautama Buddha statue atop a lotus blossom. With a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F), it offers a serene retreat year-round. Entry is free, with donations at $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
The pagoda’s sustainable practices, such as minimal waste and eco-friendly offerings, align with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” initiative. Nestled amid lush foliage resembling a jungle, it provides a tranquil escape and a cultural lookout point. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours offer an eco-conscious exploration of Thich Ca Phat Dai, supporting local communities. Book via links on this page or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative reform has merged Ba Ria - Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, reclassifying Vung Tau as a ward. Use “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” for seamless navigation with ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, crafts eco-friendly tours to Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, perfect for travelers seeking spiritual and cultural immersion. Our low-impact transport, like electric shuttles and bicycles, and expert English-speaking guides highlight Vung Tau’s heritage, ecosystems, and green practices. Supporting local communities, we align with Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible experience!
Located on Tran Phu Street in Vung Tau’s Ward 5, Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture, blending white cement structures with a verdant, jungle-like setting. Its iconic Gautama Buddha statue, seated on a lotus blossom, and the 17-meter Blessing Tower, housing 13 sacred spheres, symbolize spiritual enlightenment. The pagoda’s intricate statues, like Phat Dan Sinh and Cat Toc Di Tu, reflect Vietnam’s Buddhist heritage. Sustainable practices, including biodegradable offerings and minimal environmental impact, preserve its sanctity. Just 1.5 hours from Ward 1, it’s a central stop near Back Beach and Tran Phu Market, ideal for cultural exploration.
These sustainable activities, costing $0–$7, offer spiritual and cultural enrichment:
Find tranquility near the Gautama Buddha statue, best at 8:00 AM, free entry, with optional donations of $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid plastic offerings; maintain silence.
Tip: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Cultural Tour ($50–$80).
Admire the 17-meter tower, best at 9:00 AM, free, learning about its 13 sacred spheres and Buddhist symbolism.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use digital guides to reduce paper waste.
Tip: Photograph exterior details; avoid climbing tower interior.
Taste sustainable seafood like banh khot, 3 km away, best at 6:00 AM, for $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND), supporting local vendors.
Cost: $1–$5.
Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose locally sourced seafood; use reusable bags.
Tip: Try grilled squid; 10-minute drive from the pagoda.
Pedal 4 km to this 10-km beach, best at 7:00 AM, with bike rentals at $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND), enjoying coastal views.
Cost: $3–$5; beach access free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; avoid littering.
Tip: Rent near Tran Phu Street; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Coastal Tour ($60–$90).
Explore this 1862 landmark, 5 km away, best at 7:00 AM, for $1 (25,000 VND), with panoramic city views.
Cost: $1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on trails; use reusable bottles.
Tip: Combine with pagoda visit; wear comfortable shoes.
Visit from November to April for dry, sunny weather (22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F), ideal for temple visits and outdoor activities. The rainy season (May–October) offers a quieter ambiance but requires rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (500–2,000 daily visitors) than weekends (10,000–20,000), especially during Lunar New Year or the 1st and 15th lunar days when locals pray for luck. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) provide a serene experience, while afternoons (3:00–5:00 PM) suit market visits and beach trips.
Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, 95 km from Ward 1 and in Vung Tau’s Ward 5, is reachable in 1.5–2 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 1.5 hours via Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 1.5 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) one-way; $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By High-Speed Ferry: From Bach Dang Wharf to Vung Tau, 1.5 hours, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip, then a 10-minute xe om ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) to Tran Phu Street. Book via GreenlinesDP.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 51, 2 hours, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Futa or Hoa Mai buses from Mien Dong Station to Vung Tau, 2 hours, $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) round-trip, then a 10-minute xe om ($1–$2) to the pagoda.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Ward 1 to Vung Tau, 1.5 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.
From Tan Son Nhat Airport: Private car ($30–$45 or 750,000–1,125,000 VND, 2 hours); Xanh SM taxi ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND); or airport bus to Ward 1 ($0.80 or 20,000 VND, 30 min) + ferry ($10–$15).
Navigation Tip: Save “Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs to Tran Phu Street. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Ferries or electric taxis reduce emissions; group buses lower per-person impact.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; confirm taxi/xe om fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable journey:
Clothing: Modest attire (cover shoulders/knees), light layers; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; comfortable shoes.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Cultural Gear: Small backpack, notebook for reflections, camera for exterior shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for offerings ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Cash for donations/vendors; avoid plastic items.
Activity and Nearby Fees
Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda: Free; donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Tran Phu Market Seafood: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND).
Vung Tau Lighthouse: $1 (25,000 VND).
Back Beach Activities: $4–$7 (100,000–175,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Banh Khot): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Buddhist Charms): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Ward 1)
Private Car: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).
High-Speed Ferry + Xe Om: $12–$19 (300,000–475,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day.
Public Bus + Xe Om: $7–$11 (175,000–275,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Vung Tau: $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND).
Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $7–$15 (bus + xe om, free entry, snacks).
Mid-range: $25–$40 (ferry + xe om, activities, guided tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium tour, dining).
Tip: Budget for activities ($0–$7) and transport ($7–$60); carry cash for donations/vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit at 6:00–9:00 AM for tranquility; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (500–2,000 vs. 10,000–20,000 on weekends). Avoid 1st/15th lunar days for quieter visits.
Booking: No entry tickets required; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead. Book ferries early for weekends.
Sustainability: Bring reusable items; offer eco-friendly donations (e.g., rice). Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2).
Navigation: Save “Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps; ask locals on Tran Phu Street for directions. Avoid night rides on rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables; follow temple etiquette. Confirm fares for taxis/xe om.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly; remove shoes before entering halls. Avoid photography inside sacred areas.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry hand sanitizer for market visits.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda’s spiritual allure:
Vung Tau Cultural Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Thich Ca Phat Dai, Tran Phu Market, and seafood lunch ($3–$7). Includes guide, transport.
Vung Tau Coastal Spiritual Escape ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Thich Ca Phat Dai, Back Beach, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, ferry.
Ho Chi Minh City & Coastal Journey ($280–$420/person, 3 days): Thich Ca Phat Dai, Can Gio Mangrove, eco-lodges. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda in Vung Tau Ward, a coastal gem in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Region, Ho Chi Minh City, enchants with its iconic 49-meter Gautama Buddha statue and 17-meter Blessing Tower, drawing over 150,000 visitors yearly, located just 95 km from Ho Chi Minh City’s Ward 1. Sustainable practices like eco-friendly offerings and community-led conservation preserve its serene charm. Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Tours guide you through this spiritual retreat, ensuring a sustainable Vung Tau Travel experience with cultural immersion and visits to nearby Back Beach and Tran Phu Market for banh khot ($2–$5, 50,000–125,000 VND). Whether meditating by the lotus statue or savoring coastal flavors, Thich Ca Phat Dai promises an unforgettable eco-spiritual journey. Book your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group today!
Ready to discover Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda in Vung Tau? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable coastal adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Thich Ca Phat Dai Pagoda Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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