Cao Đài Temple
Discover the Cao Dai Temple in Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island and learn more about this fascinating religion. This temple is much smaller than the larger one found in Tay Ninh, however there is a certain sense of calm here, the entrance is free, and the sea views from the towers is something visitors would not want to miss — just watch out for the low ceilings!
Cao Đài Phú Quốc
The Cao Dai (pronounced “Cow Die”) religion of South Vietnam appeared in 1919 and it is said that religion originated on Phu Quoc Island. Today there are over 2,000,000 followers of Cao Daism in Vietnam.
“Cao Dai” literally means high tower and attempts to integrate and reconcile the major world religions. The main tenet of Caodaism is that we may follow different religions but we all share the same god. In its cosmos it perceives Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam are all human efforts to worship and communicate with the one Supreme Being and this is why you will see a lot of symbols such as a Buddhist swastika, a Christian cross, an Islam’s crescent moon and a Hindu’s Om symbol inside the temple.. The temple also counts Moses, Joan of Arc, Louis Pasteur, Vietnamese poet and prophet Trang Trinh, Sun Yat-Sen, Victor Hugo, and Jesus among its many saints.
The religion is referred to as Cao Daism and a person who practice this religion is called a Cai Daist. The main symbol of this religion is the left eye of god:
Don’t miss…
- The temple – The Cao Dai temple is quite unique and colorful. You will see a lot of different images of the world’s most popular religions as well as dragons and tigers.
- Ceremony – you can watch a simple worshiping ceremony at 6 AM and 12 PM everyday.
- Pictures – While inside the Cao Dai temple, navigate your way to the very top. Here you will have incredible views of Duong Dong Town, the river, and the sea. It is a perfect spot to take pictures.
Cao Dai History
Timeline
1919
The origins of the Cao Dai movement can be traced to 1919, when Ngô Văn Chiêu was contacted by the deity Cao Dai during seances in Phu Quoc.
1920
The Cao Dai movement was officially inaugurated on November 18, 1926.
1920 - 1930
Between the 1920s and 1930s, Cao Dai existed as an independent community in Tây Ninh, Vietnam, with schools, hospitals, and a government of its own.
1940 - 1950
Between the 1940’s and 1950’s, the Cao Dai community at Tây Ninh acted as an independent state, complete with their own taxes, police, and armed forces.
1997
In 1997, Cao Dai was officially recognized as a religion in Vietnam.
Religions
Hinduism Judaism Zoroastrianism Buddhism Taoism Christianity Islam
Did you know….
That on Phu Quoc Island there not one but two Cao Dai Temples? Both temples are located in Duong Dong Town. The less famous Cao Đài Hội Thánh is located on 30 Thang 4 Street at the edge of town and the other one, which is the more popular one, is located on Nguyen Trai street near the Phu Quoc Night Market and Dinh Cau Rock Temple.
The main Cao Dai Temple on Phú Quốc was built in 2008 and resembles the infamous Cao Dai temple found in Tay Ninh province near Ho Chi Minh City. It is a colorful temple with a lot of Technicolor relics.
Press play and tour the less famous on Phu Quoc
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Map
How to get there
The more popular Cao Dai Temple is easy to find as it is close to the Phu Quoc Night Market & Dinh Cau Temple. The lesser known Cao Dai Temple is tucked away at the edge of town.
