• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-691812451205
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/van-thuy-tu-temple/1583645",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Van Thuy Tu Temple

Vietnam's whale-worship cult is thought to have originated in early Cham times. Fishing communities in southern Vietnam revere whales as near-divine beings who offer protection against storms, and there are whale temples dotted along the coast. This one is particularly fascinating to visit as it contains the skeleton of a 19m whale. The temple itself is said to date back to 1762 and also contains other cultural relics.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-216045135787
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/van-thuy-tu-temple/1583645",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-665029110632
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/van-thuy-tu-temple/1583645",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}