Mount Tà Cú Pagoda, also knows as Linh Sơn Trường Thọ Pagoda, is located on Tà Cú mountain, 30km south of Phan Thiết city, Bình Thuận Province. The pagoda is most famous as the site of the statue of the reclining Gautama Buddha and panoramic views of the farms below the mountain. Therefore, exploring the Tà Cú mountain has become a worthy thing to do in Phan Thiết.
About the mount Tà Cú Pagoda
In 1872, after being ordained, monk Hữu Đức retreated in a rock cave on Tà Cú mountain (currently know as Hang Tổ). The Linh Sơn Trường Thọ was the name given by King Tự Đức in 1880 when the monk cured Từ Dũ’s illness – the mother of the King. When the monk Hữu Đức passed away in 1887, monk Tâm Hiền built a new temple at the foot of the mountain, later named Long Đoàn Pagoda or Lower Pagoda and Linh Sơn Trường Thọ Pagoda named Uper Pagoda.
In 1963, a Buddhist follower named Trương Đình Tri began construction of the 49 meter-long, seven meter-high reclining Buddha, located near Hang Tổ. It took almost 3 years to complete the project and has become a favorite hotspot for tourists. There is also a group of Amitabha Buddha, the Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva statues displayed just around 50 meters from the statue of Nirvana.
Tà Cú mountain is not only an alluring tourist sight but also a National Nature Reserve due to its diversifying flora and fauna. Many rare species which is listed in the Red Book have found in this area. Furthermore, the mountain has long been famous for its precious medicinal plants which attract many scientists and researchers come to visit and study.
How to get here
Tà Cú Mountain is located along National Highway 1A. From Ho Chi Minh City, you need to cross about 170km and stop at kilometer 30 from Phan Thiết, there is a road turning towards the sea for more than 2km to the foot of Tà Cú mountain.
From the foot, there are 2 ways to go up the mountain.
- Climb up the mountain: follow more than 1000 winding stone steps, thread through the vast forest of leaves. It takes about 3 – 4 hours to reach the top of the mountain. This route is suitable for those who are adventurous, have good health or want to do camping in the mountains.
- Cable car: it only takes about 15 minutes to reach the top of the mountain. Sitting in the cable car cabin, you can enjoy and admire the panoramic view of the mountain.
Indeed, mount Tà Cú Pagoda is one of the must-visit destinations when it comes to Phan Thiết tourism. Now is the time to depart and experience. Wish you have a great trip!
