Fodor's Expert Review Reclining Buddha at Ta Cu Mountain

The largest reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia is on Ta Cu Mountain, which dominates the skyline in an otherwise low-lying landscape. Located about 28 km (17 miles) southwest of Phan Thiet, the 49-meter-long and 18-meter-high white concrete Buddha is at the top of a large temple complex, past a range of other deities, and offers stunning views of the surrounding land. Access is via a cable car that provides stunning views of the area and then a long haul up some steep stairs. There are usually plenty of pilgrims praying and lighting incense for all of the deities, including the reclining Buddha (Thich Ca Nhap Niet Ban), depicted as he enters Nirvana and shown with the most serene smile on his face. Several years ago, when renovation work was underway, every visitor to the site was asked to carry two bricks to the top of the complex for general absolution as well as to assist the construction workers.