Vietnam coastline and islands are dotted with sacred whale temples (lÔng Nam Hải) . These are shrines dedicated to the “Whale Lord”. Fisherman of past prayed to the Whale Lord and viewed him as their protector that could rescure boats during storms or trouble at sea. When a great whale is washed ashore the locals fisherman would have a funeral and bury the whale. After a few years the whale is exhumed and the skelatal remains housed in the whale temple. The temples are usually a mix of whale skeletons and typical shrine ornamentation.
Among the whale temples are:
Vạn Thủy Tú Temple (Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận): Built in 1762, this is the oldest and largest whale temple in Vietnam, housing over 500 whale skeletons, including a massive 22-meter-long specimen.
Lăng Tân (Lý Sơn Island, Quảng Ngãi): Famous for its massive, historic skeletons and acts as a cultural repository for island fishermen.
Phuoc Hai Whale Cemetery: The largest whale graveyard in the country, located in Vung Tau.
Vạn Nam Thọ (Đà Nẵng): A notable central coastal temple that preserves skeletal remains and local seafaring heritage.
Lăng Ông Nam Hải (Vũng Tàu): A sanctuary where local maritime communities pray for safe voyages and good weather.
