Christ of Vung Tau

The statue stands with outstretched arms perched on the hill overlooking the ocean.

Some 847 steps and a gauntlet of tourists taking selfies lie between you and the statue, with no shade to protect you from the scorching sun – take water and try to set out before 09:00 to beat the heat and the crowds.

The view from the base of the statue is partially obstructed by tree branches – you can actually get a better vantage from the Vung Tau lighthouse. For that great view you need to climb up the statue, 100-plus stairs to the top where you can literally stand on Jesus’ shoulders. The stairs are narrow and short for a larger Westerner. Also, as it gets more and more crowded, it begins to bottleneck and you may have to wait for a few minutes before you get a spot in the lookout. Not everyone can say they’ve climbed a 32-metre tall Jesus.

The statue is treated like a church and there is a long list of do-nots, most of which get ignored by the tourist hoards. The dress code, however, is strict: your shoes must be removed, knees and shoulders covered, no tank tops are allowed or you will be turned away. If you haven’t come prepared, you can purchase a dirt cheap T-shirt from the gift store.

The entrance to the statue is located on the coastal road Ha Long Street, right at the very southern tip. There is no official admission fee, more like a forced donation for entering the statue and for parking at the bottom. 10,000 dong should suffice for each.