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The Mystical Shrine of Vung Tau: Unveiling the Tale of a Tragic, Talented Young Woman

19 May, 2025

Dinh Cô: The Legend of an Unfortunate Maiden

According to folklore, in the 19th century, a young woman from Central Vietnam accompanied her parents to the South in search of a better life. They settled in Long Hai, making a living from coastal fishing. The girl, known for her kindness and compassion, often helped the local villagers and was beloved by many.

One fateful day, while gathering herbs to heal the sick, she was caught in a fierce storm and swept away into the open sea. Her body drifted ashore at Long Hai beach. The heartbroken villagers set up a temporary altar on a nearby sand dune to pay their respects and offer daily prayers. Soon, mysterious phenomena began to occur. During times of impending disasters or storms, the villagers claimed to see a vision of a young woman in white, who would appear in their dreams, offering protection. Additionally, there was an abundance of fish in the sea, making fishing easier for the fishermen. The villagers believed that the girl had become a benevolent spirit, a guardian deity of Long Hai’s seas.

Out of gratitude, the villagers built a shrine on the hill, named Dinh Co. Over time, with multiple renovations, Dinh Co has transformed from a small, humble shrine to a grand temple complex in Southern Vietnam, boasting majestic architecture with vibrant red-tiled roofs, dragon statues, and a moon disc, all surrounded by a solemn worship space.

According to the book Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi, at Thuy Van mountain, there was a shrine called Dinh Co, where a 17-18-year-old girl had been swept away by a storm and washed ashore. The locals buried her and later dreamed of a girl named Thi Cach, who claimed to be their protector. As a result, they built a temple to worship her as a female deity.

Inside this historic site is a three-sectioned tiled-roof shrine built along the hillside. On the right are the halls dedicated to Tien Hien and Hau Hien, a display area for ceremonial robes, and an office for the Management Board.

The triple-arched gate, adorned with dragon and tiger motifs, leads up to 37 steps towards the main hall. Inside, there are seven altars, with the central one dedicated to the maiden (whose real name was Le Thi Hong). Her statue, about 0.5 meters tall, is dressed in a red robe with gold trim and a jeweled headdress. The other altars honor various deities, including Diêu Trì Phật Mẫu, Chúa Cậu, Ngũ Hành, Tứ Pháp, Ông Địa, and Thần Tài…

In addition to the main hall, the fishermen have set up altars for deities such as Cửu Thiên Huyền Nữ, Chúa Ngọc, Chúa Tiên, Bà Mẹ Sanh, as well as temples dedicated to Quan Âm, Quan Thánh, and Hỏa Tinh Thánh Mẫu. With its rich history and unique cultural value, Dinh Co was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1995.

Located by the sea, visitors to the shrine are treated to a panoramic view of the serene landscape.

Unique Rituals and Folk Beliefs

Throughout the year, Dinh Co hosts various traditional rituals, including the Lunar New Year celebration, Tam Nguyen (on the 15th day of the first, seventh, and tenth lunar months), and the Duanwu Festival (on the 5th day of the fifth lunar month). However, the most prominent and grandest event is the Dinh Co Festival, also known as Le Co, Via, or the anniversary of the maiden’s death, held on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the second lunar month.

The festival attracts a large number of visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast region, combining pilgrimage with sightseeing and exploration of Long Hai beach at the beginning of the year.

The Dinh Co Festival in Ba Ria – Vung Tau is one of the largest water festivals for fishermen in the Southern region.

The festival consists of two main parts: the procession of the maiden’s palanquin and the ritual offerings at the main hall. The rituals are conducted solemnly, including the procession of the palanquin, incense offering, and prayers for national peace and prosperity, and abundant seafood catches. Attendees dress respectfully and bring offerings such as fruits, incense, and fresh flowers to pay homage to the maiden.

The festival also features vibrant cultural activities such as hat boi (Vietnamese classical opera), don ca tai tu (Southern amateur music and singing), lion and dragon dances, folk games, and camping competitions. While the atmosphere is lively, the event maintains a sense of reverence and respect for the revered female deity.

For fishermen, visiting Dinh Co is not only about seeking blessings but also an opportunity to “show off their trade” and express their gratitude to the sea and the deity who has protected them during their fishing expeditions. Many boat owners consider it a crucial ritual to visit Dinh Co before the fishing season, hoping for a bountiful and safe harvest.

Today, Dinh Co is not just a sacred place for the people of Long Hai but also a prominent cultural and spiritual tourist destination in Ba Ria – Vung Tau. Located on a hill, with the vast blue sea in front and a green casuarina forest in the back, Dinh Co offers a harmonious and tranquil environment for visitors seeking spiritual solace and a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Delicious Local Specialties near Dinh Co

Muc Mot Nang (Sun-Dried Squid)

Muc Mot Nang is a signature delicacy of Long Hai, renowned for its combination of fresh squid and traditional drying techniques. The squid, either tube or leaf type, is caught daily and cleaned before being sun-dried for 24 hours, preserving its tenderness while adding a slight firmness to the texture.

Muc Mot Nang is not only a popular menu item at seaside restaurants but also a top choice for souvenirs, thanks to its good preservation and high nutritional value.

When cooked, the squid is grilled over charcoal until it emits a distinctive aroma, with the flesh turning ivory white and the edges slightly charred for a crispy texture. It is typically served with chili salt or chili sauce, enhancing the natural sweetness and providing a delightful chewy texture.

Goi Ca Mai (Mai Fish Salad)

Goi Ca Mai is a unique dish of Long Hai. Ca Mai is a small, slender fish with white flesh and a mild flavor, commonly found during the early spring. Due to its low fishy taste, it is ideal for preparing raw fish salads without causing hesitation among diners.

After cleaning and carefully deboning, the fish is soaked in lime juice to “cook” it. It is then mixed with ingredients like garlic, chili, fried shallots, roasted sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts. The highlight of the dish is the skillfully prepared sweet and sour fish sauce, tailored to local tastes.

Goi Ca Mai is typically served with grilled rice paper and fresh herbs such as perilla, basil, and mint, resulting in a refreshing, flavorful, and well-balanced dish.

Banh Xeo Hai San (Seafood Pancake)

While banh xeo is a popular dish in many regions, Long Hai’s version stands out with its generous use of seafood and distinct flavor. The traditional cast-iron pan is placed over a charcoal stove, and the batter is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric powder for a vibrant yellow color. During cooking, shrimp, squid, bean sprouts, and scallions are added to create a hearty and naturally sweet filling.

The result is a small, crispy golden pancake with a soft and fragrant interior. Banh Xeo Hai San is typically served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a diluted fish sauce dip. The combination of the crispy pancake, savory seafood filling, and harmonious dip creates a delightful dish that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.

Banh Xeo Hai San is a delicious, crispy seafood treat.

Additionally, visitors to Long Hai can explore Phuoc Hai fishing village, one of the oldest and busiest fishing communities in the area. It is not only a source of fresh seafood but also an ideal place to immerse yourself in the daily life of coastal fishermen.

Here, you can enjoy freshly prepared seafood dishes at reasonable prices while savoring the natural sweetness of the sea amidst a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Phuoc Hai fishing village is just a 15-minute drive from Dinh Co. In the early morning, you can witness the bustling scene of boats docking with their daily catch of squid, shrimp, fish, and crab. At dawn or dusk, the village presents a picturesque view of rustic beauty against the vast sea, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts or those seeking a tranquil escape.