Located right by the sea in My Khe Village, Tam Thanh Commune, My Khe Van—also known as My Khe Whale Temple—is one of the oldest spiritual structures on Phu Quy Island. Established around 1785, the temple has existed for more than two centuries, serving as a sacred space where generations of local fishermen worship the Whale God (Nam Hai), the guardian deity of those who make their living at sea.
The temple’s long-standing presence reflects the early settlement history of the island—when ancestors reclaimed the land, built villages, and established whale temples as protective sanctuaries for the fishing community. My Khe Van still preserves two royal decrees (sắc phong) bestowed by Emperor Khai Dinh, honoring the Whale God.
Annual Ceremonies and Rituals
My Khe Van hosts three major ceremonial cycles each year, following the traditional principle of
“Spring Prayers – Autumn Gratitude” (xuân cầu, thu báo).
1. Spring Offering (Tế Xuân)
Held between the 1st and 3rd lunar months, this ceremony prays for:
- Peace and safety for the community
- Favorable weather
- Abundant harvests
- Prosperous fishing voyages
Fishermen ask the Whale God to bless their journeys as they set out to sea.
2. Autumn Offering (Tế Thu)
Conducted between the 7th and 9th lunar months, this ceremony expresses gratitude to the Whale God for:
- A safe and successful fishing year
- Calm seas
- Plentiful catches
It is a symbolic “thank-you” ritual marking the end of the fishing season.
3. Kỵ Cố Ceremony – The Main Annual Festival
The most important event takes place on the 20th day of the 4th lunar month.
This ceremony commemorates the very first whale that washed ashore at My Khe Village. According to tradition, fishermen performed a proper burial, enshrined its sacred remains (ngọc cốt), and established the whale temple to honor its protective spirit.
For local fishermen, this day holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing respect for the sea and gratitude for the divine guidance believed to protect their lives.
Cultural Recognition
Thanks to its historical and cultural value, My Khe Van was officially recognized as a Provincial-Level Historical and Cultural Site under Decision No. 2154/QĐ-UBND, dated October 30, 2012, issued by the People’s Committee of Binh Thuan Province.
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