Tao Phung Moutain (Nui Nho-Small Moutain) is one of the two beautiful mountains on the city of Vung Tau. The moutain is not very high, around 170m from the sea level. The moutain with two mounts is flattened from North to South: one end is Cau Da; another is a windy Nghinh Phong cape. 800 steps will lead you to the statue of Christ and an artillery point with two old big canons from the 19th century. The place has been recognized as a national historical-cultural relic.

The statue of Christ on the mountain started its construction in 1974 by the Catholic Church. The first phase was finished in 1974. And for many reasons, the construction was put off for many years. And then, it was finished in 1994 in a elaborate inauguration ceremony and it has soon became a tourist attraction in Vung Tau. Standing in harmony with the surrounding nature, the statue is indeed a piece of art with national and religious identity.

The 32-meter statue was put in a bow-shape pedestal, his face facing the vast sea and his hand outstretching as a protection gesture to people. Although it was made of stone, its details show great delicacy and creation. In front of the pedestal is a bas-relief of “The Last Supper” – the famous painting by Leonard de Vinci. Behind of it is another bas-relief depicting “Jesus gives Saint Peter the keys”. And other 130 winding steps will bring you to the outstretching arms, where you are welcomed by cool sea breezes and can have a 3600- degree view of the beautiful coast.

Tourists can also find two big old canons nearby. The guns are put on a 10.5-meter-base that can turn 360or adjusted the fire range by a cog system. The artillery point is one of the three ones that made the defensive line of Vung Tau by the French at the end of the 19th century.

 It can be said the statue of Christ of Vung Tau on Tao Phung Mountain is another version of that in Rio de Janiero, Brazil – the biggest statue of Christ all over the world. According to the Vietnam Guinness Book Center, of 30 profiles nominated as Asia Records, 10 from Vietnam were chosen by Asian Record Organization, and the statue of Christ of Vung Tau is one of them, which was announced on May 26th, 2012.

Tao Phung Mountain and the statue of Christ should be a must-do in the itinerary of those who are interested in the art of sculpture and who are in love with the beautiful seaside city of Vung Tau.