What is Our Lady of Nui Cui?
Our Lady of Nui Cui is a Catholic pilgrimage site located in Gia Tân 1 Commune, Thống Nhất District, Đồng Nai Province, about two hours northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The shrine sits on a hill overlooking Trị An Lake, a large reservoir that also serves as a popular camping and fishing area.
The site is centered around a massive 50-meter-tall statue of the Virgin Mary, completed in stages after the cornerstone was laid in 2015. It was built to mark the 50th anniversary of the Xuân Lộc Diocese, which covers much of Đồng Nai and is one of Vietnam’s largest Catholic communities.
Today, the complex is recognized as the biggest Catholic pilgrimage center in Southeast Asia, with space for gatherings of over 100,000 people. While it mainly serves pilgrims who come to attend Mass or join large religious festivals, it also attracts curious travelers who want to see the statue and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Getting there
From Ho Chi Minh City, the Shrine of Our Lady of Nui Cui is around 70 kilometers away, which takes roughly two hours by car depending on traffic. The drive follows National Route 1A through Đồng Nai Province before turning inland toward Trị An Lake.
The most practical way to reach the site is by private car or motorbike. Many visitors combine it with a countryside trip to Trị An Lake or continue further on to Cát Tiên National Park. If you don’t drive yourself, you can hire a private car with driver, which is the easiest and most comfortable option.
It’s technically possible to take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to towns in Đồng Nai and then switch to a taxi or motorbike taxi, but this adds time and hassle. Public transport connections are limited and not very convenient for foreign travelers. For that reason, visiting with your own transport or as part of a custom trip is by far the best choice.
What to see at Our Lady of Nui Cui
1. The Statue of Our Lady of Nui Cui
The centerpiece of the site is the 50-meter-tall Virgin Mary statue, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam. Its design carries strong symbolism: the 17-meter base represents Mary’s age at the Annunciation, the 33-meter statue body refers to the lifespan of Jesus, and the full height of 50 meters commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Xuân Lộc Diocese. It’s an impressive landmark, whether viewed up close or from a distance across the lake.
2. Hilltop Views
From the platforms and open areas around the statue, you get sweeping views over Trị An Lake, the surrounding rubber forests, and the countryside of Đồng Nai. On clear days, the lake shines below with islands and fishing boats visible in the distance. Benches and shaded areas near the statue offer quiet spots to sit and take in the scenery.
3. The Pilgrimage Center
The wider complex includes churches, prayer spaces, and a large square designed to accommodate huge religious gatherings. It’s built to welcome more than 100,000 people, making it the largest Catholic pilgrimage center in Southeast Asia. Some areas remain under construction or development, so the atmosphere can feel a little unfinished, depending on when you visit.
4. Religious Events and Mass
Masses are held daily in the complex, with additional services on weekends and special celebrations on the 1st and 13th of each month led by the bishop. These ceremonies draw many Catholic pilgrims from across the region. While visitors are welcome to attend, the focus is very much on the religious community, and the experience can feel less accessible if you are not Catholic.
5. Peaceful Retreat Atmosphere
Outside of big events, the site is often calm, with quiet paths, fresh air, and spaces where you can pause for reflection. Many people visit not only to pray but also to enjoy the peaceful hilltop environment. That said, the level of serenity depends on timing—weekends and holidays bring crowds, while weekdays tend to be much quieter.
Tips for visiting Our Lady of Nui Cui
- Dress code: Wear modest clothing suitable for a religious site. Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or revealing outfits.
- Footwear: Bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll need to walk stairs and paths around the complex.
- Timing: Mornings are cooler and more pleasant for walking. Weekends and holidays can be much busier with pilgrims.
- Respect: Keep quiet in prayer areas and avoid loud conversations or phone use near the statue and churches.
- Bring: Carry water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and small snacks, especially if visiting during the hot season.
- Combine: Consider adding Trị An Lake, camping by the reservoir, or a stopover en route to Cát Tiên National Park for a more rounded trip.
Is it worth visiting?
For Catholic pilgrims, Our Lady of Nui Cui is a meaningful and important destination, both for worship and for its role as the largest pilgrimage center in Southeast Asia.
For general travelers, it’s less of a must-see. The main attraction is the enormous Virgin Mary statue and the hilltop views over Trị An Lake. On its own, the site doesn’t justify a long detour, but it can be a peaceful and interesting stop if you’re already visiting Trị An or traveling toward Cát Tiên National Park.
In short: worthwhile if you’re curious about Vietnam’s Catholic culture or want to add variety to a countryside trip, but not essential if your time is limited.
