Hon Ba temple was built on Hon Ba Island, from which visitors at sunset and sunrise can observe the most poetic views on the island.
The height of Hon Ba temple is four meters above sea level.
People can go to the temple by boat or on foot depending on the tides. But most visitors chose to walk for an exciting experience. As a result, they can only visit the temple twelve times a month.
Following this path means that they cross over a broad swath of rough ground filled with oysters with jagged shells. To avoid stumbling or scratching their skin, visitors must tread cautiously.
When the tides are out, especially on the 15th and 16th every month according to the lunar calendar, a 200-meter road which leads to Hon Ba temple will gradually emerge. Visitors should choose suitable footwear to walk on the road.
Hon Ba temple was built in the 19th century to worship gods, especially Thuy Long Than Nu, as residents believed this holy god could protect them from natural disasters and help fishermen with their trips.
Hon Ba temple has four worship periods a year (January, April, July, and October, according to the lunar calendar), depending on the tides. In January, especially on full moon day, travelers in tours around Vung Tau have a chance to go to Hon Ba temple to pray for a good year.
Mr. Hoai Duc, a visitor from Binh Thuan, said:” I was able to visit Hon Ba temple twice. Before I went on the trip, my friends told me to pay attention to the tides and choose a suitable time to visit. If my timing was wrong, I would not be able to find the path to the island.”
Mrs. Luu Chi, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, had the opportunity to go to the temple by both travel methods. She had to hire a boat to arrive at the temple as the tide was in that day. This helped her have experience for the next visit and, a couple of months later, she went to the island again with her family.
“As it was the weekend, there were a large number of travelers waiting until the tide was out to walk to the temple. In the evening, the lights from the temple made the surrounding view very alluring. This was an exciting experience for my family,” she said.
Photo: HTT Travel
Hon Ba temple is located on an island which has the same name. (Photo: @tam.maris)
The poetic beauty of Hon Ba Island in Vung Tau. (Photo: @princebon)
Travelers can only visit Hon Ba temple 12 times a month, depending on the tides. (Photo: @jkhobson)
Visitors can arrive at Hon Ba temple by boat if they cannot walk. However, they will have to enter the harbour to the east of the island before starting the journey. (Photo: Phuong Hang)
When the tide is out, a 200-meter road which leads to Hon Ba temple will gradually emerge. (Photo: @tuanto278)
Hon Ba temple is a well-known spiritual destination in Vung Tau. (Photo: @jkhobson)
In the temple, people worship many gods, especially Thuy Long Than Nu, a god that protects them from natural disasters and helps fishermen on their trips. (Photo: @jkhobson)
Visitors can enjoy many interesting activities while staying on Hon Ba island such as collecting oysters. (Photo: @ttgiianng)
Phan Dau
