The cable car system stretches up Ta Cu Mountain in Binh Thuan Province

Saigon Times

Tourists and pilgrims from near and far are traveling to Ta Cu (or Takou) Mountain in Binh Thuan Province this summer to explore the picturesque scenery of the mountain's rainforest and visit the largest statue of a reclining Buddha in Vietnam.

The white stone statue of Thich Ca Nhap Niet Ban (Buddha entering Nirvana) lies just below the summit of the almost-700-meter-high mountain, about 28 kilometers southwest of Phan Thiet City and 167 kilometers north of HCMC.

The statue is 49 meters long and 18 meters high. Surrounded by wild vegetation and dark clouds on a rainy afternoon, the Buddha¡¯s silent smile appears perfectly peaceful, touching believers and non-believers alike.

Local lore says the statue was sculptured in 1962. Linh Son Truong Tho Tu Pagoda, close to the mountain top, is surrounded by stone tables and chairs, where visitors can rest to drink tea, talk with the monks and enjoy the view.

Pilgrims and tourists often crowd the pagoda complex in the early days of spring and during the full moon, as well as at other times of the year to pray and sightsee.

Because the complex is under renovation, visitors are encouraged to each take at least two bricks in a plastic bag from the foot to the top of the mountain.

This not only gives pilgrims absolution but also helps the pagoda construction workers.

You can either hike up through the forest for two to three hours or take the 1.64-kilometer cable car system. Trekking offers walkers a chance to see birds, monkeys, wild flowers and other animals and plants up-close along the trail up to the peak.

Hikers are advised to dress appropriately and leave high-heels at home. It's also recommendable to take along warm clothing, mosquito repellent, torches and raincoats because it's the rainy season in the region now.

The moving cable cars offer you a broader overview. High above the forest, you can enjoy the panorama of the flora diversity below you, as well as the scenery of paddy fields, green hills, rivers and the sea in the far distance.