Ta Cu Pagoda, also called Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, is perched at 400m on Ta Cu Mountain, Ham Thuan Nam District, Binh Thuan Province, 30km south of Phan Thiet City. Here, the scenery is enchanting with a long coast, diverse rocks, and surrounding forest, which make Ta Cu Pagoda appear great and imposing.
In the mid nineteenth century, a herbalist named Tran Huu Duc (1812-1887) came to Binh Thuan Province to practice Buddhism and medicine. He moved to Ta Cu Mountain in 1872 and lived in a deep cave. Many people who used the forest would visit him and made him a small temple to live in where he made herbal remedies for locals.
The small temple was renovated into Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda, which attracts many pilgrims.
On the top of the mountain is a 49-meter long, 10-meter high statue of Lying Sakyamuni Buddha done by sculptor Truong Dinh Y in 1962. No power-tools were used to build the statue. It was a true labor of love. The statue is of the dying Buddha, reclining on his right side. The compassionate and peaceful smile on the exalted face touches Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Open since 2003, Ta Cu Mountain tourist site covers 25ha. In late 2003, the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda was recognized as national cultural relic.
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