Ta Cu Mountain: A Spiritual Masterpiece in the Heart of Binh Thuan
Discover the Ta Cu Mountain tour, a must-visit spiritual and natural landmark in Binh Thuan, Vietnam. From the monumental reclining Buddha statue and historic pagodas to panoramic views via a modern cable car and lush biodiversity, this mountain offers both serenity and adventure. Whether you choose to hike its scenic trails or ride the cable car, the Ta Cu Mountain tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with culture, nature, and breathtaking vistas.
>>> Read more: Phan Thiet Weather: Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Luxury Trip
Highlights of the Ta Cu Mountain Complex
Below are some highlights of the Ta Cu Mountain Complex, featuring Vietnam’s largest reclining Buddha, historic pagodas, scenic cable car rides, panoramic views, rich biodiversity, and vibrant seasonal flora amidst a serene natural setting.
The Monumental Reclining Buddha Statue
The crowning jewel of Ta Cu Mountain is the “Sakyamuni Entering Nirvana” statue, a massive white reclining Buddha that stretches 49 meters in length and stands 11 meters tall. Recognized as the largest reclining Buddha in Vietnam, this impressive monument was constructed between 1962 and 1966 using reinforced concrete covered in white lime.
Located near the mountain’s summit, the statue is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers a profound sense of serenity against the backdrop of the lush forest.
Spiritual Heritage of the Mountain Pagodas
Ta Cu Mountain is home to a sacred complex of pagodas, most notably the Linh Son Truong Tho (Upper Pagoda) and Long Doan (Lower Pagoda), which together are known as the Mountain Pagoda.
Built in the late 19th century, these temples feature traditional Nguyen Dynasty architecture with curved tiled roofs and intricate carvings. Visitors can explore peaceful courtyards, ancient tomb towers, and a group of three 7-meter-tall white statues representing the Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara, and Mahasthamaprapta.
Modern Cable Car and Panoramic Views
For those who prefer a scenic ascent, a modern Austrian-designed cable car system transports visitors from the base to the mountain’s peak in approximately 10 minutes. The 1,600-meter ride provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Binh Thuan province, including vast dragon fruit orchards, the distant Ke Ga Lighthouse, and the blue coastline of the East Sea.
Rich Biodiversity and Nature Reserve
As a protected nature reserve, the Ta Cu Mountain Complex is a haven for biodiversity, boasting over 178 animal species and 150 types of medicinal plants. Hikers traversing the 2.5-kilometer trail may encounter rare wildlife such as black-shanked douc langurs, silvered langurs, and various exotic birds.
The natural landscape is further enhanced by seasonal flora, including vibrant yellow apricot blossoms and purple Bang Lang flowers that bloom along the slopes in spring.
How to Get to Ta Cu Mountain
Ta Cu Mountain in Binh Thuan, Vietnam, is accessible from Mui Ne/Phan Thiet (about 1 hour) or Ho Chi Minh City (about 3 hours) by booking a taxi, private car, or taking a guided tour.
From Mui Ne / Phan Thiet
Travelers coming from Mui Ne or Phan Thiet can reach Ta Cu Mountain in approximately one hour. The most convenient options include:
Taxi or Private Car
Booking a taxi or private car provides a direct and comfortable journey, ideal for families or groups. The drive allows you to enjoy the countryside views along the way.
Guided Tours
Many local operators offer guided tours from Mui Ne or Phan Thiet. Tours often include transportation, entrance tickets, and information about the mountain’s history and attractions.
Once at Ta Cu Mountain, visitors can choose between a cable car ride or a hiking trail:
Cable Car Ride:
The cable car takes about 15 minutes to reach the top, costing 250,000 VND per person. This option is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed ascent while enjoying scenic views.
Hiking Trail:
For adventure seekers, a steep and challenging hiking trail offers a more immersive experience, with lush forest surroundings and stunning viewpoints along the way.
From Ho Chi Minh City
For those coming from Ho Chi Minh City, Ta Cu Mountain is approximately 150 kilometers away, taking around 3 hours by car. Options include:
Private Car or Taxi:
The most convenient option for a direct trip. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure availability and competitive rates.
Guided Tours:
Many tour companies in Ho Chi Minh City offer one-day trips to Ta Cu Mountain, often combining stops at nearby attractions such as Phan Thiet city or Mui Ne beach.
Train Journey:
Travelers interested in a scenic route can take the Sjourney Luxury Train from Ho Chi Minh City to nearby stations, then transfer by taxi or car to the mountain. This option is ideal for those who want a relaxed travel experience combined with sightseeing. More information on the luxury train journey can be found here.
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City passes through bustling towns and countryside landscapes, making it a scenic and comfortable trip for those traveling longer distances.
>>> Read more: Phan Thiet Private Tour: Explore the Ancient Chams Culture in a Slow, Luxurious Way
Other Nearby Attractions in Binh Thuan
Below are some nearby attractions in Binh Thuan that visitors can easily explore during their stay:
Po Sah Inu Cham Towers
Located on Ong Hoang Hill about 7 km from Phan Thiet, these are the remains of an ancient group of Cham temples built in the late 8th to early 9th century to worship the Hindu deity Shiva. The towers, noted for their unique brick architecture without mortar, are a national monument and still a site for important Cham cultural festivals like the Kate festival.
Ke Ga Lighthouse
Situated on a small, rocky island called Hon Ba, approximately 30 km south of Phan Thiet, this is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Vietnam. Built by the French in 1897 using granite imported from France, the lighthouse stands 65 meters above sea level and serves as a vital guide for ships. Visitors can take a short boat trip to the island to admire the architecture and the wild, natural rock formations.
Red Sand Dunes
Mui Ne is famous for two distinct sets of sand dunes: the Red Sand Dunes (or Pink Sand Dunes) and the White Sand Dunes (Bau Trang). The smaller Red Dunes are closer to the main town and known for their vibrant, shifting colors at sunset, perfect for sand-sledding.
Open Hours And Tickets Price Of Ta Cu Mountain
Tà Cú Mountain is generally open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The ticket prices for entrance and the cable car (gondola) vary for adults and children, with package options available.
Operating Hours
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The last trip down the mountain is reportedly at 5:00 PM.
Ticket Prices
Prices are listed in Vietnamese Dong (VND) and are subject to change.
Entrance Fee Only (for those hiking up the mountain):
- Adults: 50,000 VND
- Children: 30,000 VND
Cable Car (Gondola) Round Trip (separate from the entrance fee if purchased individually):
- Adults: 100,000 VND
- Children: 60,000 VND
Package Ticket (includes sightseeing/entrance fee and round-trip cable car):
- Adults: Approximately 225,000 VND – 250,000 VND
- Children: Approximately 135,000 VND – 150,000 VND
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ta Cu Mountain Tour
What is the best time of year to visit?
The ideal time is the dry season from November to April. Visiting during the Lunar New Year (Tet) in early spring is popular for pilgrims, as the mountain is decorated with blooming flowers and the weather is cool and clear.
How long is the actual cable car ride?
The modern cable car system takes about 6 to 15 minutes to reach the upper station, significantly faster than the 2-hour trek.
Can I climb the mountain instead of taking the cable car?
Yes, there is a trekking path consisting of over 1,000 stone steps stretching roughly 2.5 kilometers. The hike is challenging and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top for fit hikers. Some visitors choose to hike up and take the cable car down to save their knees.
Are there monkeys on the mountain?
Yes, it is common to spot wild monkeys along the forest paths leading to the reclining Buddha statue.
Conclusion
The Ta Cu Mountain is a perfect blend of spirituality, nature, and adventure. Witness the majestic reclining Buddha, explore historic pagodas, and enjoy panoramic views atop the mountain.
For a seamless and memorable journey, contact Sjourney directly via hotline (Phone/WhatsApp) at +84-975-119-466 to book your tour and discover the beauty of Ta Cu Mountain with ease.
————–
SJourney
Hotline (Phone/whatsapp): +84-975-119-466
Email: inquiry@vietnamluxuryexpress.com
Head office: No. 15/52 Giang Van Minh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
The Travel Story Team is the editorial group behind Vietnam Luxury Express – passionate storytellers and travel enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the art of luxury train journeys across Vietnam.
