Located at the heart of Flag Square, at the intersection of Hoang Hoa Tham and Thuy Van streets, the 8.8-meter-tall red bronze Whale statue has emerged as a new symbol of the cultural identity and spirit of the coastal city of Vung Tau. Weighing approximately 40 tons, the monument is not only a large-scale artistic masterpiece but also the result of a remarkably meticulous and rigorous crafting process.
The creation of the statue was an impressive journey across Vietnam. It began with a full-scale clay model (1:1) in Binh Duong, after which the model was transferred to master bronze artisans in Y Yen, Nam Dinh, a region renowned for its long tradition of bronze casting, where the statue was cast using traditional handcrafted methods. To complete this massive undertaking, the construction team worked continuously for nearly two and a half months. Due to its monumental size, the statue was divided into several large sections and transported by specialized heavy-duty vehicles for final assembly in Vung Tau.
One of the most remarkable features of the monument is its exceptional durability. With an average thickness of about 20 mm, nearly seven times thicker than the Statue of Liberty, and reinforced by an internal stainless-steel framework, the structure is designed to withstand powerful coastal winds and resist corrosion in the harsh marine environment. The bronze surface has also been treated with specialized chemicals to create its distinctive green tone. Over time, a natural patina will gradually form, giving the statue a timeless, weathered beauty that sets it apart from earlier reinforced-concrete whale sculptures.
Today, the Whale statue stands majestically on a bronze pedestal shaped like ocean waves, rising from the center of a water basin within the square spanning more than 2,500 square meters. Captured in the dynamic moment of leaping above the sea, the statue symbolizes both the powerful vitality of the ocean and the enduring faith of fishermen in the Whale Deity, the sacred guardian believed to protect them from storms and danger at sea.
Together with its artistic lighting system, the monument creates a harmonious cultural space, enriching the experience of visitors to what has been recognized as “Asia’s Leading Beach Destination.” More than a sculpture, it serves as a bridge between centuries-old spiritual belief and modern coastal life, vividly reflecting the soul and unique identity of Vung Tau.
