Dinh Co Palace and Festival
Nestled along the scenic coast of Long Hai in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, the Dinh Co Palace Temple is a sacred spiritual site steeped in legend, community reverence, and vibrant tradition. For centuries, this temple has been a place where Vietnamese coastal communities gather to seek blessings for protection, prosperity, and peace, especially for fishermen who face the capriciousness of the sea. The rich history of Dinh Co, together with its annual festival, offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s enduring folk beliefs and coastal culture.
Origins of Dinh Co Temple
The temple was originally established to honor a compassionate young woman named Lê Thị Hồng (also called Thị Cách), who is said to have tragically perished in a shipwreck near Long Hai roughly two centuries ago. According to local legend, fishermen discovered her body washed ashore, and moved by her kindness and spirit, they buried her on Cô Mountain (now known as Ky Van Mountain) and erected a shrine in her memory. Over time, Lê Thị Hồng came to be worshipped as the Long Hai Goddess, protector of fishermen and the local community.
Despite challenges such as fires and storms that have damaged the temple over the years, the people of Long Hai have shown unwavering dedication in preserving and restoring this sacred site. It was relocated in 1930 to its present position on Ky Van Mountain, a place regarded as blessed with auspicious feng shui. The temple today stands not only as a spiritual sanctuary but as a cultural monument officially recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture and Information.
Dinh Co Palace Festival
Each year, the Dinh Co Festival celebrates this beloved goddess and the temple’s heritage with lively, heartfelt ceremonies lasting three days from February 10 to 12 on the lunar calendar.
The festival draws throngs of locals and pilgrims who participate in lantern ceremonies on the sea, lively boat races, lion dances, drum and gong performances, and traditional singing. On the main day, tens of thousands of boats decorated with colorful lanterns glide along the coast in a spectacular parade, sailing to the site where Lê Thị Hồng is believed to have met her fate. A ceremonial procession then takes place, symbolically returning the goddess and ancestors to the temple.
The festival’s vibrant rituals vividly express the community’s deep gratitude and prayers for safe voyages, abundant fishing, and peaceful lives in this coastal region. The atmosphere is filled with reverence, color, and joy, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in authentic local culture and witness a living tradition that has been lovingly passed down through generations.
A visit to the Dinh Co Palace Temple and experiencing its annual festival is a unique cultural journey, blending spirituality, history, and community celebration against the breathtaking backdrop of Long Hai’s coast. For a different temple experience, check out the Whale Temple in Vung Tau.