The Nghinh Ong (Whale worshiping) Festival takes place each year in the Thắng Tam communal house in Thang Tam ward from the 16th to 18th days of the 8th lunar month. It offers a chance for fishermen to express their gratitude towards the Nam Hai God (a whale) and the sea gods for protecting and supporting them in their life out at sea, while praying for peace and a good fish catch. The festival has also become a unique tourism offering in Vung Tau city, attracting tourists from inside and outside of the country. The Nghinh Ong Festival took place this year from September 29 to October 1, with a host of unique and diverse activities attracting a large number of local people and tourists. Local authorities are working to effectively preserve and exploit national heritage and historical relics for tourism development, since hidden deep in these traditional festivals and relics are cultural values passed down for many generations. The harmonious combination between the ritual and the festival and between tradition and modernity leaves a good impression on visitors. In the first 7 months of 2023, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province welcomed some 8.5 million visitors, a 20% increase over the same period last year. It is expected to welcome nearly 14 million visitors during 2023./.