1. Where is Dinh Ba Phu Quoc?
Dinh Ba Thuy Long Thanh Mau is a temple dedicated to the goddess Kim Giao, also known as Lady Kim Giao. It is one of the most renowned spiritual destinations in Phu Quoc, holding sacred significance in the beliefs of the local people and attracting visitors from far and wide.
Dinh Ba Thuy Long Thanh Mau (Photo: Collected)
Address: Dinh Ba is located at No. 4 Vo Thi Sau Street, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
Entrance fee and visiting hours:
Ticket price: Free of charge. This is an open and accessible destination for all.
Opening hours: Dinh Ba is open daily, from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors the flexibility to plan their trip.
Highlights of Dinh Ba Phu Quoc:
- Situated on the right bank of the Cua Can River, Dinh Ba features traditional architecture with gracefully curved tiled roofs, intricate decorative motifs, and a spacious courtyard. A notable feature is the Tam Quan Gate adorned with detailed carvings, including majestic dragon and phoenix figures. Inside the main hall, two large pillars carved with crane motifs stand out at the entrance.
- Dinh Ba is closely linked to the legend of Thuy Long Thanh Mau, a revered goddess believed to have protected and blessed the island for generations.
Spiritual and cultural significance:
- For the people of Phu Quoc, Dinh Ba is a spiritual icon where religious rituals are held to preserve the cultural and historical values of the island. Every year, the temple welcomes thousands of visitors, especially during early spring festivals.
- Thanks to its convenient location, peaceful atmosphere, and deep spiritual meaning, Dinh Ba Phu Quoc is a must-visit stop on any journey to discover the Pearl Island.
2. Festivals at Dinh Ba Phu Quoc – A Unique Blend of Culture and Spirituality
Dinh Ba Phu Quoc is not only a sacred destination but also the venue of the traditional Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival, a vibrant cultural and spiritual celebration deeply rooted in the heritage of the Pearl Island.
Time and location of Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival:
Time: The festival is held annually on the 18th and 19th days of the first lunar month. This is a special occasion for both locals and visitors to pray for peace and good fortune in the new year.
Location: The festival takes place in Ong Lang Hamlet, Cua Duong Commune, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province.
Traditional palanquin procession during Dinh Ba Ong Lang Festival (Photo: Collected)
The significance of Dinh Ba Festival:
The Dinh Ba Festival is not only a religious event but also a time for community bonding and preservation of local traditions. It honors Thuy Long Thanh Mau – the guardian goddess worshipped by the islanders. Locals believe that the presence of the goddess brings peace, bountiful harvests, and prosperity to the island.
The festival at Dinh Ba Phu Quoc is a lively mix of solemn rituals and festive cultural activities:
Worship ceremonies: Incense offering and tribute rituals to pray for health, peace, and happiness.
Exploring ancient architecture: Visitors can admire traditional architecture with intricately carved details in a sacred setting.
Festival cuisine: Guests can enjoy local specialties such as banh tet mat cat (pandan sticky rice cake), herring salad, and bun ken (a Phu Quoc-style fish noodle dish). These dishes are not only delicious but also hold spiritual significance during the festive period.
Folk games and community activities: Traditional games like tug-of-war, sack races, and lion dances add vibrant energy and joy to the event.
Local specialty stalls: Visitors can shop for souvenirs and Phu Quoc specialties like sim wine, pearls, and finely crafted handmade goods.
The lively atmosphere of Dinh Ba Festival (Photo: Collected)
The Dinh Ba Festival offers travelers a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual life of Phu Quoc’s people. Beyond the festive excitement, visitors will also feel the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
3. Essential Tips for Visiting Dinh Ba Phu Quoc
If you’re planning a trip to Dinh Ba Phu Quoc, don’t miss these helpful travel tips:
3.1. How to get to Dinh Ba Phu Quoc
Dinh Ba enjoys a convenient location, just about 3 kilometers from the center of Duong Dong Ward. The route is easy to navigate and suitable for all types of transportation:
By motorbike or private car: From Duong Dong town center, take DT 45 road, turn onto Nguyen Van Thu Street, continue straight along Nguyen Trung Truc Street. At the intersection with Vo Thi Sau Street, turn left — you’ll see Dinh Ba right ahead.
By taxi or ride-hailing services: Taxis are widely available in Phu Quoc, especially convenient for groups. The fare from the town center to Dinh Ba is approximately VND 100,000, depending on the type of vehicle and time of day.
Motorbike rental: Rental prices range from VND 120,000 to 150,000 per day, allowing flexibility and freedom to explore surrounding attractions at your own pace.
3.2. Nearby attractions to explore
While visiting Dinh Ba, travelers can enrich their itinerary by checking out several nearby landmarks:
Dinh Cau Temple: One of the most iconic spiritual symbols of Phu Quoc. In addition to its religious value, it offers stunning views where the sea and rocky cliffs meet in harmony.
Ong Lang Beach: A tranquil and relatively untouched beach, perfect for sunrise watching and peaceful relaxation.
The unspoiled beauty of Ong Lang Beach (Photo: Collected)
- Ham Ninh Fishing Village: A traditional village well-known for fresh seafood and its serene, authentic island lifestyle.
- Phu Quoc Night Market: Located not far from Dinh Ba, this market is ideal for evening strolls, food tasting, and souvenir shopping. Here you can find many local specialties such as fish sauce, sim wine, and handcrafted gifts.
3.3. Important notes when visiting Dinh Ba Phu Quoc
To make the most of your experience at Dinh Ba, keep the following in mind:
Dress appropriately: Choose respectful and modest attire to honor the spiritual setting. Avoid wearing short, revealing, or informal clothing.
Maintain reverence: Behave respectfully while exploring the site. Refrain from making noise or inappropriate jokes. When offering incense or making offerings, follow proper procedures to avoid disturbing others.
Keep the area clean: Do not litter or damage the surroundings. Use the available trash bins to help preserve the environment.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid the midday heat. Consider visiting during the festival season to enjoy a vibrant cultural atmosphere and engage in traditional rituals.
Aside from this meaningful spiritual destination, Dinh Ba Phu Quoc also serves as a wonderful stop during the Lunar New Year holiday. For a more dynamic experience, travelers can head to An Thoi and immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere with spectacular performances and dazzling fireworks at Sunset Town – part of the Sun Paradise Land Phu Quoc ecosystem, the entertainment capital of one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
