The edge of nirvana

Nestled in central Binh Thuan Province’s Thuan Nam Town, Ta Cu Mountain is renowned for its lush forests and wild beauty.
In addition, the popular tourist attraction boasts the longest reclining Buddha statue in all of Southeast Asia – perched atop the mountain.
Ta Cu is located in Ham Thuan Nam District near National Highway 1A and 28 kilometers south of Phan Thiet Town. With its peak situated nearly 650 meters above sea level, Ta Cu finds itself ensconced in verdant flora and maintains year-round temperatures of 18-22OC.
To reach the mountain peak requires two hours of hiking along a path of rocky steps and steep slopes. But for the adventurous, the trip provides stunning scenery including overgrown ancient trees with creeping roots, trickling springs and jagged outcrops.
For those looking for a more gentle ascent, a 1,600-meterlong cable car system is available to whisk visitors to the mountaintop. The gondola also allows for spectacular bird’s-eye views of the rolling green hills and mountain foliage.
While passing Bang Lang Slope, visitors can see ancient trees with delicate violet flowers and flocks of diminutive butterflies floating over wild blossoms next to fresh-water springs.
Tourists may find themselves entering a soft white cloud of mist as they near the mountain peak, adding to the mystical feel of the area. From high above, visitors can also see down to National Highway 1A, along with the twisting road, houses with red-tile roofs, winding rivers, terraced rice fields, and breathtaking gardens.
As the cable car approaches the final station, visitors will be able to see the Ham Tan coastline far below in the distance. Located near to the peak is the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda and behind it lies the imposing 49-meter-long statue of Sakya Mouni Buddha, ready to enter nirvana.
Visitors too may feel as if they are on the precipice of heaven as they contemplate the awe of the great, arresting statue surrounded by nature in all its splendor.