Our Lady of Bai Dau Shrine is one of the most revered Catholic pilgrimage sites in Vung Tau. Nestled on the western slope of Nui Lon (also known as Tuong Ky Mountain), the shrine overlooks the vast ocean, harmoniously blending sacred architecture with the serene beauty of mountains and sea. For decades, it has welcomed countless pilgrims and visitors who come to seek peace, pray, and admire one of the city’s most iconic religious landmarks.
From the Wilderness of Vung May to the Sacred Grounds of Bai Dau
Before becoming the well-known Bai Dau, this area was originally a remote forested region called Vung May. In 1926, the land—approximately 10 mẫu (about 36,000 m²)—was registered by Mr. Lê Hữu Lương and later transferred to Mr. and Mrs. Nguyễn Hồng Ân (known as Vệ Ân). That same year, they built a small stone chapel next to their intended burial site.
In 1927, the couple donated both the land and the chapel to the Paris Foreign Missions Society. At that time, the area was isolated and uninhabited, so the missionaries cleared the forest, planted mulberry trees, and raised silkworms to support the local community. These activities gradually shaped the new identity of the region, giving rise to the name Bai Dau—the “Mulberry Beach.”
The Early Formation of the Pilgrimage Site
A major milestone came in 1962–1963 when Father Phaolô Nguyễn Minh Tri, the parish priest of Vung Tau, undertook the construction of a 7-meter statue of Our Lady of Graces on the mountainside. On August 11, 1963, Archbishop Phaolô Nguyễn Văn Bình blessed and inaugurated the statue, marking the beginning of Bai Dau as a place of Marian devotion.
In 1965, when the Diocese of Xuân Lộc was established, Bishop Giuse Lê Văn Ấn officially declared Bai Dau the Marian Center of the Diocese. From then on, countless pilgrimages, feasts, and spiritual gatherings enriched the life of the faithful, turning the shrine into a cherished spiritual home for Catholics across the region.
The Grand Restoration and the Modern Our Lady of Bai Dau Shrine (1992–1995)
A new chapter began on January 1, 1992, when Bishop Phaolô-Maria Nguyễn Minh Nhật laid the cornerstone for the major restoration of the shrine, starting with the construction of the monumental Statue of Our Lady of God.
The 32-Meter Statue of Our Lady of God
Completed and inaugurated on December 31, 1994, the statue stands 32 meters high at an elevation of 60 meters above sea level. Carved in striking white, Our Lady gently raises the Infant Jesus as if offering Him to all who seek her protection. Facing the open sea, the statue symbolizes maternal love, blessing, and divine grace flowing toward humanity.
The New Shrine of Our Lady of Bai Dau
On March 19, 1994, construction began on the new Our Lady of Bai Dau Shrine, completed on July 22, 1995. The sanctuary measures 46 meters in length and 26 meters in width, accommodating up to 1,000 worshippers. Its architectural design resembles a sailing ship catching the ocean wind, symbolizing the Church journeying forward with faith amid the waves of life. The spacious forecourt also serves as an outdoor altar for major liturgical celebrations.
Sacred Structures within the Pilgrimage Complex
The 14 Stations of the Cross
Originally built in the 1960s and fully restored in 2008, the Stations stretch along a winding mountain path leading to the statue of the Risen Christ. The 3-meter sculptures set within natural rock formations and greenery create a deeply contemplative atmosphere.
The 20 Mysteries of the Rosary
The path leading to the main statue is adorned with 2.5-meter sculptures depicting the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries. Once a construction route for transporting materials, it became a beautiful Rosary Way completed in late 1995.
The Traditional Chapel
This historic stone chapel, originally built on the mountainside, now houses the relics of 71 Vietnamese Martyr Saints. It is also the site of perpetual Eucharistic adoration by priests, religious, and lay faithful. A 3-meter statue of the Martyrs stands in front of the chapel, honoring their heroic witness.
Our Lady of Bai Dau Shrine – A Symbol of Faith and Peace in Vung Tau
The entire complex of Our Lady of Bai Dau Shrine is thoughtfully designed—from the entrance gate and landscaped gardens to the mountain paths, gentle stairways, statue platforms, and the modern sanctuary. Blessed with both spiritual depth and natural beauty, the shrine offers a peaceful retreat for prayer, reflection, and admiration of sacred art.
Today, Our Lady of Bai Dau Shrine is not only a major Catholic pilgrimage site but also one of Vung Tau’s most beloved tourist attractions. Visitors from all faiths come to admire the impressive architecture, enjoy the tranquil setting, and send their prayers heavenward amid the harmony of sea, sky, and mountain.
