Dinh Ba Thuy Long Thanh Mau Ham Ninh is one of the most sacred spiritual sites for fishermen in Phu Quoc—a place where locals pray for peace, safety and smooth sailing before heading out to sea, while also enjoying the serene coastal atmosphere of Ham Ninh. Today, the shrine sits deeper inland within Ham Ninh village, though it was once located right by the shoreline. According to long-time residents, the original temple stood at the water’s edge, but coastal erosion forced the community to relocate it to its current position. Mr. Vo Van (65), a member of the Dinh’s management council, and Ms. Phuc (47), a resident living next door, both recall that when they first came here nearly 40 years ago, the shrine had already been moved to its present location.
The Ham Ninh temple complex consists of two main worship halls: the Nam Hai Hall dedicated to Cá Ông (the Whale God) and the Thuy Long Hall dedicated to the Sea Goddess. Outside the courtyard are two small altars arranged similarly to the “Co – Cau” shrines in the Tứ Phủ (Four Palaces) belief system. The Nam Hai Hall houses an entire whale skeleton, a sacred symbol among coastal communities, while the Sea Goddess Hall features two separate chambers. The outer chamber hosts a single incense bowl and a pair of ceremonial cranes, whereas the inner chamber enshrines a small yet revered statue of the Goddess, approximately 30 cm tall. On both sides of her altar are miniature wooden boats and local marine offerings. To the left of the entrance stands the wardrobe of the Goddess, filled with garments of various sizes—from adult outfits to small ceremonial attire—used to dress the Goddess during the annual festival held on the night of the 22nd and throughout the 23rd day of the third lunar month.
Just outside the Sea Goddess chamber hangs a small wooden plaque inscribed with the character “Tâm” (Heart). The accompanying dedication reads: “Quang Tu Quy Mao year, early spring, Hai Nam devotees Hoang Ung Tinh, Hoang Khanh Van, Hoang Dac Lan, Quach Vien Phien respectfully offer.” This votive plaque was donated in 1903 by worshippers from Hainan Island. It is believed they were seafarers who sought refuge or blessings at the temple, received divine protection from the Goddess, and later returned to express their gratitude. The existence of this relic demonstrates that Dinh Ba Ham Ninh has been regarded as a sacred and spiritually potent shrine since at least the early 20th century.
The temple venerates two deities: Nam Hai (Cá Ông – the Whale God) and Ba Thuy (Thuy Long Thanh Mau – the Sea Goddess). According to Mr. Vo Van, Thuy Long Thanh Mau is in fact Thiên Y A Na, the Cham–Vietnamese Mother Goddess whose worship was brought from Khanh Hoa to Phu Quoc by migrating fishermen. The annual festival of the Goddess coincides with the commemorative day of a whale’s stranding—a deeply meaningful event in whale worship—making it the most important celebration held at Dinh Ba Ham Ninh each year.
