Vung Tau is a well-known tourist destination in the southern region of Vietnam. Besides the lively ambiance of a beach city, Vung Tau also possesses a primitive and rustic charm, particularly at Hon Ba Island Vung Tau – one of the most popular Vung Tau attractions that draws many to relax and unwind. In this article from Asia Legend Travel, we will embark on an exciting journey to Vung Tau to explore this unique destination.
Overview of Hon Ba Island Vung Tau
Hon Ba Island Vung Tau (the Lady Island), also known as ‘Ba Vien Dan’ (Three Cannon Shots) or Archinard Island, is a breathtaking island located near the city of Vung Tau Vietnam, spanning approximately 5000 square meters. The island’s proximity to the mainland and its untouched natural beauty make it a top destination for adventure seekers and explorers. The island is home to the famous sacred temple, Hon Ba Temple (Mieu Hon Ba), and a picturesque pathway that connects Hon Ba Island Vung Tau to the Vung Tau beach.
Upon setting foot on the tranquil Hon Ba Island, visitors are immediately greeted by fresh air and abundant greenery composed of coconut trees, coastal she-oaks, areca catechu, and frangipani. The cool, transparent seawater mirrors various uniquely shaped rocks, producing a perfect mix of peacefulness and raw beauty that is truly captivating. The island is especially magical at sunrise and sunset when the gentle sunlight bathes the island in a warm, golden glow, creating an ethereal atmosphere that is truly magical.
As for its specific location, Vung Tau Hon Ba Island is situated at the southern tip of Back Beach in Vung Tau city, approximately 200 meters from Cape Nghinh Phong (Cape Saint James) and at the base of Small Mountain. The island can be seen from the top of Small Mountain, where the Vung Tau statue of Christ the King resides. A view from the shoulder of the statue provides a breathtaking panoramic sight of Hon Ba Island Vung Tau.
Unlike other historical sites in Vung Tau that were built in a modern style, Hon Ba retains its original, poetic, and ancient charm. The local authorities plan to enhance the island’s allure by constructing an artistic bridge from the base of Small Mountain to the island and refurbishing the Hon Ba Temple. These improvements are intended to boost its attractiveness as a sightseeing and spiritual tourism destination in the coastal city of Vung Tau.
How to Get to Hon Ba Island Vung Tau
It is fairly simple to reach Hon Ba Island from the center of Vung Tau City. If you’re traveling by motorbike, head to Back Beach and park halfway up the Thuy Van slope. Then, walk along a long sand stretch towards the sea.
From there, there are two ways to reach Hon Ba Island: by boat or by foot along a 200-meter-long stone path that connects Vung Tau city and Hon Ba. The pathway, however, is not always visible. It only appears during low tide on the 14th and 15th of the lunar month for a two-hour period. This scenic sea path, one of a kind in Vietnam, allows visitors to take a leisurely stroll to explore Hon Ba Island.
Once visitors reach the island, the Hon Ba Temple, a popular and sacred site in Vung Tau, is immediately visible due to the island’s small size. A visit to Hon Ba Island and its temple is an unforgettable part of any Vung Tau travel experience.
Hon Ba Temple (Lady Temple) on Hon Ba Island
For residents of Vung Tau and those in neighboring provinces, the Hon Ba Temple in Vung Tau has been a place of worship and admiration for many years. The stories surrounding this temple are intriguing. Let’s explore them below!
The stories about Hon Ba Temple
Hon Ba Temple, also known as, Mieu Hon Ba, Mieu Ba, or the Lady Temple, was constructed in 1781 by a Central Vietnamese believer named Ho Quang Minh. This temple was originally built to worship a female deity known as the Water Dragon Holy Lady (Thủy Long Thần Nữ) or Mother Thoai (Mẫu Thoải), whom locals believe controls the weather, thereby ensuring smooth and safe fishing trips for fishermen. Since its construction, Hon Ba Temple has become an important spiritual and cultural symbol in the area.
The Hon Ba Temple holds a significant and sacred story. In 1939, a French officer named Archinard fired three cannon shots at the temple, but only one caused minor damage to a corner of it. A few days later, this officer died in the temple due to an accident with his firearm. Following this incident, French colonists began to regard the Lady Temple as sacred and refrained from destroying it. Even though the French renamed the island Archinard, the locals continued to call it Hon Ba Island or Ba Vien Dan Island (meaning Three Cannon Shots Island).
In 1971, a man from Tra Vinh named Thanh Phong, who had migrated to Vung Tau for work, gathered local residents to renovate the temple. The present temple, raised 4 meters from the ground, serves as a place of worship for various deities. The temple is also notable for a tunnel measuring 6 meters long and 3 meters wide, which once served as a secret meeting place for communists during wars. Every year, the Hon Ba Temple bustles with festivities and rituals in January, April, July, and October (according to the lunar calendar), with January being particularly vibrant.
The structure of Hon Ba Temple
Upon arriving on the island and climbing a few stairs, visitors enter through a gate that leads to the Hon Ba temple. The temple, similar in size to a residential house, is modestly decorated without the large statues found in other Vung Tau temples.
The main hall of the temple, facing southeast, is built in a four-pillar style. It consists of two levels of roofs, covered with red tiles, and decorated with stylized phoenix figures. The upper floor, a smaller one, counters the intense coastal city sun and adds to the temple’s sanctity. The main hall is the place to worship Water Dragon Holy Lady.
The central worship area within the temple also features a table for offerings with five statues of five deities, known as ‘Ngũ Hành Nương Nương’ or ‘Ngũ Đức Thánh Phi.’ These deities represent the five elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, which, according to ancient Eastern philosophy, are fundamental components of the universe. The act of worship here embodies respect, gratitude, and humanism in the local culture, making this as a temple about the universe.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Here are some tips for an enjoyable visit to Hon Ba Island Vung Tau.
Best time to visit Vung Tau Hon Ba Island
For those interested in experiencing the cultural traditions of Vung Tau, the best times to visit Hon Ba Vung Tau are in January, April, July, or October according to the lunar calendar. These months coincide with the main festivals of the temple on the island.
For those looking for a beach vacation in Vung Tau, in addition to a visit to Hon Ba Island, the best time to visit is between November and April of the following year. There is less rain and more sun during this period, making it ideal for sightseeing.
If you’re interested in walking the mysterious path across the sea to Hon Ba Island, be mindful of the timing. This path is only visible during low tide, which occurs for a few days each month, for 2-3 hours at a time. Typically, it’s most visible on the 14th and 15th of the lunar month, starting around 5 in the afternoon. During this time, you can easily walk from the coastline to the island.
Important notes for visitors
Below are some important notes that you should keep in mind before visiting Hon Ba Island Vung Tau.
- Check Vung Tau weather and low tide timing before your trip.
- Be mindful of sharp rocks and broken oyster shells.
- Wear shoes to protect your feet as the rock surface can be slippery.
- Avoid pushing and jostling as the location can be crowded with other tourists.
- Wear modest clothing since this is a spiritual site.
- Wait for the sea to fully recede before you proceed.
- The sea pathway to Hon Ba Island Vung Tau typically appears between 4 and 6 in the afternoon, so remember to bring drinks and light food.
- Keep the environment clean by not littering in the sea or at the sightseeing location.
Even with the passage of time, Hon Ba Island Vung Tau preserves its untamed charm and poetic allure. For those interested in exploring a spiritual location while appreciating raw natural beauty, Hon Ba Island is the perfect choice in Vung Tau. A visit to Hon Ba provides a sense of calm and tranquility. So, let’s set off on this adventure.
