In contrast with the busy atmosphere in the neighbouring Vung Tau Sea, Long Hai Beach in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province is quiet and peaceful with its beautiful, blue sea and primitive surroundings.

Dinh Co Temple seen from Long Hai Beach in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province

To reach Long Hai, Saigonese travelers have to go along Hanoi Highway to Vung Tau T-junction and turn right onto National Road 51. When you reach the T-junction at Ba Ria Township, go straight to Long Dien Town and Long Hai Beach. 

Tourists should not miss out on local specialties such as fried snail with garlic and onion; squid stuffed with onion and oil and grilled shrimp with salt and chili. 

Coming to Long Hai on March 3, the eleventh day of the second  lunar month, travelers can join the Dinh Co Festival with a number of rituals and festivities. 

Located at the top of the hill above Long Hai Beach, Dinh Co is a small temple which is dedicated to worshipping a drowned virgin.

Legend states that nearly 200 years ago, the body of 16-year-old girl Le Thi Hong Thuy drifted onto the beach.

Thuy was from Phan Rang Province and locals buried her on Co Son Hill and made a temple to pray for her soul to protect them, especially fishermen.

From the hill, tourists have a panoramic view of Long Hai Sea scattered with local homes, fishing villages, hotels and winding roads.

Source: SGT