Rising to 8.8 meters in height and weighing nearly 50 tons, the red bronze sculpture was officially unveiled after more than two months of construction.

It now stands prominently at the Cot Co Square, across from Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Vung Tau ward (Ho Chi Minh City), drawing large crowds eager to take photos and admire the craftsmanship.

The statue is placed atop a stone pedestal in the center of a water feature, surrounded by an artistic lighting and fountain system that promises a captivating night-time display.

Its form is dynamic  -  the whale's tail curves gracefully in mid-air, crafted with painstaking attention to detail that evokes both power and serenity.

Supporting the main sculpture are various auxiliary components, including a renovated flagpole, stone-paved grounds, a reflecting pool, and a commemorative stele introducing the Nghinh Ong (Whale Welcoming) Festival and the enduring spiritual belief in whale worship along Vietnam’s southern coast.

The sculpture was crafted in Ninh Binh, where artisans began by shaping a full-scale model in clay, then cast a composite mold to pour the bronze.

Inside the statue, a stainless steel frame reinforces the structure to withstand both physical stress and the corrosive marine environment.

Once completed, the massive piece was transported via a specialized vehicle to Vung Tau, where it was installed at a seafront site measuring 2,573 square meters.

The integrated water features and lighting at the statue's base further amplify its dramatic effect, especially in the evening.

Local residents and tourists alike have praised the monument for its lifelike expression and symbolic stance  -  the whale appears to be reaching toward the sea, its eyes full of soul and grace.

Nguyen Thi Lan, a visitor from Lam Dong, shared her impressions: “The ca Ong statue is incredibly large and commanding. You can spot it from far away. It’s visually striking and full of character. I think it’s going to become a must-visit check-in spot in Vung Tau.”

According to a representative from the Vung Tau Construction Investment Project Management Board, which oversees the project, red bronze was chosen for its longevity and ability to withstand the region’s harsh climate.

The whale statue is a signature element of a broader redevelopment project along Thuy Van Street in Vung Tau ward, with an overall investment of nearly $44 million.

Together with the Tam Thang Tower, this sculpture forms part of a wider effort to reshape the city’s coastal identity  -  blending aesthetic innovation with deep-rooted folk traditions of seafaring and spiritual protection.

Quang Hung