Guide To the Temples and Pagodas of Vietnam: #9 Thanh That Temple

The Thanh That Temple is a Cao Dai temple on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc. Cao Dai is one of the more unusual religions in Vietnam and their temples are immediately recognisable by the gaudy colours and distinctive design.

Multi-coloured and dominating the street on which it stands
The religion often called Caodaism is a relatively modern religion, being as it was established in 1926. This religion combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism and Islam. It draws ethics from Confucianism, practices of the occult from Taoism, the theories of Karma and rebirth from the Buddhists, and the hierarchical procedures of Catholicism, including having a Pope.

Prayer mats laid out ready for morning prayer

Male followers preparing for a ceremony in the very early morning
It’s adherents believe that early disciples Ngo Văn Chieu, Cao Quynh Cu, Pham Cong Tac and Cao Hoai Sang spoke directly to God. He told them to start the new religion. The ultimate goal of Cao Dai followers is to rejoin with God in heaven to end the cycle of death and rebirth. Female adherents are only allowed to wear white, whilst men can wear colours once they reach a certain level. Women who join the choir are not permitted to marry and sing in a strange almost illegible accent.

The religious cart used for ceremonial processions
The list of people that these people consider holy is unusual to say the least. Whilst some are to be expected, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad etc, others are not: Joan of Arc, and Victor Hugo.

Usual Cao Dai icons

Two ladies wearing traditional Vietnamese Non La hats walk past the temple
The Thanh That Temple is really quite odd, its entrance door also carries the legend “Tor Tranh Tay Ninh”; clearly a reference to the main Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City. A solitary old lady monk was banging the temple gong every minute for as long as I was there. She didn’t have a word of English. The temple was consecrated in 2008 and as with all Cao Dai Temples is decorated as if by Picasso on acid.

Previously Published:

1: Giac Lam Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/the-stunning-giac-lam-pagoda

2: Vinh Nghiem Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/saigon-attractions-vinh-nghiem-pagoda

3: The Ong Temple https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-3-the-ong-pagoda

4: The One Pillar Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-4-the-one-pillar-pagoda

5: Thai Vi Temple https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-5-thai-vi-temple

6: Phat Diem Cathedral https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-6-phat-diem-cathedral

7: Linh Phuc Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-7-linh-phuoc-pagoda

8: Bich Dong Pagoda https://steemit.com/travel/@inseasia/guide-to-the-temples-and-pagodas-of-vietnam-8-bich-dong-pagoda

I have been developing the InSeAsia website for three years. It genuinely is a labour of love. I have lived in Southeast Asia for 9 years and have no plans to ever leave.

Please follow me, up vote, comment and re-steem, and come and check me out. If ever you come to Saigon, Vietnam get in touch and we can meet up.

Website: https://www.inseasia.com

Steemit: https://steemit.com/@inseasia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InSeAsia/

Facebook group for Southeast Asia Steemians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/846253152208905/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4YQUTrPwK190V4vbJDLt_A

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inseasia/