Nui Mot Pagoda: A sacred “heavenly paradise” amidst Côn Đảo

One Mountain Pagoda (also known as Van Son Temple), located on the top of Nui Mot - one of the prominent high points of Côn Đảo - is known as a space where the majestic beauty of nature and the tranquility of the Zen world are in harmony. From its high position, the sea breeze blows and the green of the mountains and forests open up on all four sides, the pagoda becomes an ideal resting place for those who seek peace and calm their minds after days of hustle and bustle. Not only a place of worship, Van Son Temple It is also a familiar spiritual and cultural address for local people, where visitors can entrust their good wishes, contemplate profound spiritual values, and feel at peace amidst the pristine scenery of Côn Đảo.

As a typical spiritual destination of the island, Chua Nui Mot – Van Son Temple – carrying within it layers of historical sediments and community memories, associated with folk beliefs as well as the journey of fighting to protect the Fatherland. It is the interweaving of the sacred and the real, of tradition and majestic landscape, that has created the unique attraction of the pagoda. Coming here, visitors not only light incense sticks to pray for peace, listen to the bells ringing into the clouds and mountains, but also have the opportunity to admire the whole view of Côn Đảo from above, to feel their hearts open, relieved and grateful. Therefore, Chua Nui Mot is not only a famous place, but has become an indispensable milestone in the journey of discovering Côn Đảo of many people—a place to worship, to find the slow breath of the soul, and to bring with them an unforgettable experience.

Origin of the name "One Mountain Pagoda"

Van Son Pagoda (literally Van Son Tu) is located on the slope of Mot Mountain in District 1, TP16T. Because the pagoda stands on this famous mountain, local people often call it One Mountain PagodaAccording to Ba Ria Newspaper - Vũng Tàu also recorded "Van Son Pagoda (popularly known as Nui Mot Pagoda) is the only pagoda in Côn Đảo". The name "Nui Mot Pagoda" appeared since the pagoda was built (around 1964) and became a popular name among the people.

• Source: The name “Mot Mountain Pagoda” comes from the fact that the pagoda is located on Mot Mountain. This is a local name, helping locals and tourists easily identify the location of the pagoda.
• Date of birth: According to documents, the pagoda on Mot Mountain was built in 1964. Since then (and until now), people still call the pagoda by the name of the mountain and the word "pagoda". This name is associated with the history of the pagoda's establishment during the time of the old government.
• Cultural and historical significance: “Mot Mountain Pagoda” is simply a popular name for positioning purposes. In the context of Côn Đảo, this name emphasizes that this is the only pagoda on Mot Mountain, contributing to highlighting the historical and spiritual value of the pagoda in the lives of local people.

Origin of the name "Van Son Tu"

The official name of Nui Mot Pagoda is Van Son Temple. On December 4, 2009, Van Son Pagoda was recognized as a historical relic and scenic spot of Ba Ria province - Vũng Tàu, and was officially called by this name. According to local sources, Van Son Pagoda was established in 1964 under the initiative of Venerable Thich Tam Giac. Initially, the pagoda was just a small hermitage, built to pray for the heroes and soldiers who died in Côn Đảo. The name "Van Son" was associated with this time and became the official name since its establishment.

• Source: “Van Son Tu” is the name given right after the pagoda was founded in 1964. According to Ba Ria newspaper – Vũng Tàu, “Van Son Tu was established in 1964, under the movement of the late Venerable Thich Tam Giac”. Thus, the name Van Son Tu is associated with the history of the pagoda’s founding.
• Date of birth: The name “Van Son Tu” appeared at the same time as the pagoda was built in 1964. After 1975, the pagoda continued to be used by the people with this name in religious activities. The popular name “Chua Nui Mot” existed alongside the official name.
• Meaning: In Chinese, “Van” (雲) means “cloud”, “Son” (山) means “mountain”. Therefore, “Van Son Tu” can be understood as “Cloud Mountain Pagoda” – evoking the image of a pagoda located high on the top of a mountain, where clouds and mist cover it. This name carries a solemn and pure nuance in Vietnamese Buddhist culture. It emphasizes the combination of natural scenery (mountains, clouds and sky) with the sacred spirit of the pagoda.
• Cultural and historical context: Van Son Tu is the only pagoda in Côn Đảo, so this name has become a spiritual symbol of the island region. Although Côn Đảo was previously called "hell on earth" because of the prison, the name "Van Son" (cloud mountain) represents the people's desire for peace and kindness after many ups and downs. The name Van Son Tu is also consistent with the tradition of naming pagodas in Vietnam - often associated with mountains, natural scenery or local spiritual elements.

Address and directions

Nui Mot Pagoda is located on the top of Mot Mountain, about 3km from the center of Côn Đảo town. To reach the pagoda, visitors will have to go through a challenging but also interesting journey. The road up the mountain is steep, winding, winding among the majestic nature of Côn Đảo. Visitors can choose to walk or ride a motorbike to the pagoda. If walking, the journey will be about an hour long, and although quite tiring, it will bring a memorable experience when you can admire the wild natural scenery, breathe fresh air and enjoy the peace.

For those who want to save time or do not want to get tired because of the steep road, traveling by motorbike is the right choice. However, no matter which means of transport is chosen, the road to Chua Nui Mot still brings interesting experiences and absolute peace. When reaching the top of the mountain, visitors will admire the panoramic view of Côn Đảo from above. The vast landscape with blue sea, smooth white sand beaches, and small islands around makes visitors feel like they are lost in a fairy world, far away from all the noise of everyday life.

History and culture

Nui Mot Pagoda is not only a Buddhist temple, but also a witness to the heroic struggle history of the people of Côn Đảo. Built in the 19th century, the pagoda has witnessed many ups and downs of the land of Côn Đảo. During the war, Côn Đảo was the place to detain many revolutionary soldiers, and Nui Mot Pagoda is the place to mark the memories of a difficult historical period.

The pagoda is not only a place to worship Buddha but also carries historical stories, associated with revolutionary prisoners who were imprisoned in Côn Đảo. This is a place for future generations to remember and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of protecting the Fatherland. Many tourists come here not only to visit but also to learn more about the history of Côn Đảo, to feel the sacrifice of revolutionary heroes, who have attached their lives to this sacred land.

Architecture of Núi Một Pagoda

The architecture of Chua Nui Mot is typical of pagodas in Southern Vietnam. From the curved tiled roof to the elaborate decorative motifs on the walls, everything shows the respect and admiration for Buddhism and the folk beliefs of the local people. The pillars and beams of the pagoda are made of wood, meticulously carved, depicting images associated with Vietnamese folk culture such as images of flowers, plants, and Buddhist symbols.

Inside the temple, the space is pure and peaceful with large Buddha statues, solemn altars, and traditional worship items. Every detail in this space has a special meaning, creating a wonderful harmony between architecture and nature, allowing visitors to feel the peace and purity in their souls. The walls in the temple are decorated with folk motifs, creating a mysterious, close and cozy space.

The natural beauty surrounding One Mountain Temple

Not only possessing unique architectural beauty, Chua Nui Mot also has a prime location, surrounded by majestic nature, providing a wonderful space for visitors to admire. From the top of the mountain, you can look far away to admire the entire Côn Đảo. The pristine, green beaches, the undulating small islands and the waves lapping the shore create a beautiful natural picture. These moments become even more mysterious when you come here at dawn or dusk, when the gentle light shines on the sea, creating an unforgettable romantic and lyrical space.

In particular, the road to Chua Nui Mot is also part of the experience. You will go through winding, steep roads, through lush tropical forests. Large, shady old trees along both sides of the road create an airy, pleasant space for visitors. The sounds of the forest, the chirping of birds and the scent of flowers and leaves will make you feel like you are lost in another world, where there is no noise of modern life.

With its natural beauty, the serenity of space and profound historical values, Chua Nui Mot is not only a tourist destination but also a place associated with the spirituality, history and culture of Côn Đảo. This is an ideal place for visitors to find peace, relax and learn more about the spiritual values of this sacred land.

Experience visiting One Mountain Temple

1. Ideal time to visit:
   Chua Nui Mot can be visited all year round, but the best time to come here is during the dry season (from November to April next year). During this time, the weather in Côn Đảo is pleasant, with little rain, making it convenient for visitors to travel and visit.
2. Plan before you go:
   Because the road to Chua Nui Mot is quite steep and long, if you intend to walk, prepare yourself physically. If you go by motorbike, you need to be careful because the roads have many dangerous curves. In addition, bring enough drinking water, snacks and necessary personal items to make the trip more comfortable.
3. Appropriate clothing:
   Because it is a sacred place, when visiting Chua Nui Mot, you need to dress politely and elegantly. If you intend to participate in sacred activities such as worshiping Buddha, choose modest and comfortable clothing.
4. Beware of wild animals:
   Côn Đảo is home to many wild animals. When visiting Chua Nui Mot, you may encounter some animals such as monkeys, snakes or large insects. Always keep a safe distance and do not disturb them.

Cuisine Côn Đảo – Must-try dishes

Côn Đảo is not only famous for its attractive tourist attractions but also has a rich and diverse culinary culture. The dishes here often use fresh ingredients from the sea, with a rich flavor typical of the island sea.

• One-sun dried mackerel: A specialty dish of Côn Đảo, made from fresh mackerel, dried in the sun and then grilled or fried. This dish has a delicious, attractive taste, especially when eaten with white rice or spicy and sour spices.
• Dried squid: Squid at Côn Đảo is dried in the sun, then grilled to have a very special flavor. You can enjoy this dish at coastal restaurants.
• Côn Đảo noodle soup: The noodle soup at Côn Đảo has a different flavor compared to noodle soup in other regions. The noodles are chewy, the broth is sweet and can be eaten with shrimp, fish or squid.

Why choose the Phú Quốc Express high-speed train to get to Côn Đảo?

Côn Đảo, with its pristine beauty and rich history, is one of the most attractive destinations for domestic and international tourists. To reach Côn Đảo, take the high-speed train. Phu Quoc Express is the ideal choice for travelers to save time and enjoy a wonderful sea journey. The Phú Quốc Express high-speed ferry offers a high-quality service from Port Trần Đề to Côn Đảo with a quick travel time of only about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This is one of the most convenient and time-saving options for travelers to explore the magnificent beauty of Côn Đảo.

Ticket types and prices for routes Trần Đề – Côn Đảo of Phú Quốc Express

• VIP ticket: 590,000 VND (Monday - Thursday), 590,000 VND (Friday - Sunday, Holidays)
• Eco Ticket: 390,000 VND (Monday - Thursday), 450,000 VND (Friday - Sunday, Holidays)
• Children's ticket: 312,000 VND (Monday - Thursday), 360,000 VND (Friday - Sunday, Holidays)
• Senior ticket: 312,000 VND (Monday - Thursday), 360,000 VND (Friday - Sunday, Holidays)
• Ticket for disabled people: 292,500 VND (Monday - Thursday), 337,500 VND (Friday - Sunday, Holidays)

Details:

• Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Ship: Large ship Côn Đảo 36 + Trung Nhi with 598 seats (including 30 VIP seats, 568 ECO seats)
• Departure port: Fishing Port Trần Đề (Sóc Trăng)
• Port of call: Ben Dam Port (Côn Đảo)

The journey to Côn Đảo will be easier with the high-speed train Phú Quốc Express. Visit the website phuquocexpress.com or call hotline 0901868878 to book high-speed ferry tickets to Côn Đảo. What are you waiting for? Enjoy a gentle sea journey, admire the beautiful seascape and discover the heroic history of this mythical island! Book your tickets today and get ready for a memorable trip to Côn Đảo - the sacred and beautiful land of the Fatherland!

Photo source: Collected

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