VietNamNet Bridge – The traditional practice of taking pilgrimages in Vietnam has become a popular tourism product. The stillness of sacred places, while the smoke from burning incense curls upwards, brings the focus back to the rudiments of life, easing daily stresses and woes and instilling peace and reverence for the soul.
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| The statue of Bodhisattva at Thai Son Pagoda at the foot of Cau Mountain. (Photo: SGT) |
When you first arrive at the base of the mountain, you will see Thai Son Pagoda that was built in 1998 on five hectares. The pagoda has a tower and a 12-meter-high statue of Bodhisattva. It is extremely busy during festival times.
After seeing the pagoda, visitors should head to the rear where the stairs to the mountain top begin. The 1,000 stone steps zigzag upwards, shaded by trees and lined by flowers and boulders. Halfway up the mountain is a shop selling snacks and water and some hammocks where tourists can take a rest and recharge for the next 500 steps.
On the top is a 300 year old tree and a small temple dedicated to the worship of “Cau Bay” who locals believe can protect them and bring them luck.
Looking down is the 27,000 hectare Dau Tieng Lake. The lake, located in Phuoc Minh Commune in Tay Ninh Province’s, Duong Minh Chau District, is the largest irrigation reservoir in Vietnam with a capacity of 1.6 billion cubic meters, enough for 63,000 hectares of farmland in Tay Ninh and HCMC plus 40, 000 hectares in the provinces of Binh Duong and Long An.
Near the foot of the mountain is a thundering waterfall that crashes into Than Tho Lake below.
To reach the lake, tourists can follow National Highway No.13 to Thu Dau Mot Town in Binh Duong Province. At the second highway toll station on Binh Duong Boulevard, turn right on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street (744 Street) and follow it for 30 kilometers then go right at the T-junction of Thanh Tuyen Commune in Ben Cat District. This will take you through Dau Tieng Town of Dau Tieng District and keep going straight for another seven kilometers.
VietNamNet/SGT
