Vung Tau restricts visitors from checking in at Tam Thang tower from martyrs' memorial

Vung Tau ward prohibits tourists from standing on the inscription "Forever grateful to the fallen heroes" while taking photos of Tam Thang tower, located approximately 750 meters away.

Since its opening on 2/9, the Tam Thang tower at Back Beach, Vung Tau ward, has attracted thousands of visitors daily, especially in the evenings during the light and water shows. Many choose to take photos from the martyrs' memorial, some even climbing onto the inscribed tribute "Forever grateful to the fallen heroes" to pose, causing offense at the solemn site.

Tourists standing at the martyrs' memorial to take photos of Tam Thang tower in the distance. Photo: Vung Tau Ward People's Committee.

Tran Quoc Toan, head of the Vung Tau ward Department of Culture and Information, stated that local authorities have been strictly addressing disrespectful behavior, particularly during holidays and weekends.

"We will guide residents and visitors to choose appropriate photo locations and are considering installing barriers and ropes to protect the memorial area," Toan said.

Located at the intersection of five roads, the martyrs' memorial has become crowded with people taking photos, not only detracting from the area's aesthetic but also obstructing traffic. Many individuals crossing the street in search of the perfect shot create a potential safety hazard.

Thuy Linh, a Vung Tau ward resident, noted that since the Tam Thang tower's inauguration, the martyrs' memorial area has been constantly crowded, with many disregarding traffic to cross the road for photos.

"This situation causes traffic disorder and increases the risk of collisions, especially at night," Linh said.

Tam Thang tower illuminated with changing colors on the shore of Back Beach. Photo: Truong Ha

According to Toan, Vung Tau ward is collaborating with the project investor responsible for renovating Thuy Van street and Back Beach park to implement measures prohibiting all vehicles within the park. They are also proposing designated parking areas to accommodate visitors.

The Tam Thang tower, a 155 billion VND investment, was constructed in 75 days. It comprises 143 reinforced concrete pillars ranging from 4.55 to over 34 meters high, symbolizing three boats sailing out to sea. The design draws inspiration from the three ancient villages of Thang Nhat, Thang Nhi, and Thang Tam—the origins of Vung Tau city—places historically linked to the protection of the islands since the reign of King Gia Long.