Whale Festival

22 Sep 2021 - 24 Sep 2021 | Chau Doc

Held in the coastal city of Vung Tau, this festival commemorates whales, a sacred animal of the area. According to legend, Emperor Gia Long was saved from a sinking ship by these majestic creatures and he elevated their status in court, making whales a local diety and protector of fishermen. A procession of locals symbolically picks up the whale god from the sea and parades it through the city en route to Thang Tam Temple. Folk games, songs and offerings are part of the festivities.