Designed by the French architect Chnavat, the lighthouse was completed in 1899 and boasts a unique and sophisticated octagonal design. The Ke Ga Lighthouse is recognized by the Vietnam Book of Records as the tallest lighthouse in the country (65m) with nearly 200 steps and a light range of 22 nautical miles. It is also the oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia, having existed for over 100 years. Since its opening, the Ke Ga Lighthouse has played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of ships navigating the southern sea region.
A unique feature of this lighthouse's design is that instead of using ordinary four-cornered stones, all the granite blocks used in its construction were carved into flat, rectangular sections. During construction, they simply needed to be fitted together in the correct order, from bottom to top, and required minimal mortar, yet the slabs remained tightly fitted and durable.
With an age of over 100 years, Ke Ga Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Southeast Asia. The Vietnam Book of Records Center also confirms it as the tallest lighthouse in Vietnam. - Photo: Vietnam Times Magazine
Inside the Ke Ga Lighthouse, there are 183 spiral steel steps leading to the top, along with dozens of steps leading to the lamp itself, creating a stunning work of art that no photographer can miss.
According to maritime history in this area, Ke Ga Cape is considered an extremely treacherous location. With many underwater reefs and whirlpools, the sea off Binh Thuan - La Gi was once considered a terror for seafarers in the past. Many merchant and fishing boats passed through this area and sank due to the inability to determine their coordinates and location. To meet the transportation needs of the French colonial exploitation and foreign merchant ships passing through, the French colonial government researched and built the Ke Ga lighthouse. During the construction of the lighthouse, many people died due to construction accidents. Currently, there is still a cemetery here - the resting place of those who died during the construction of this structure.
Considered the oldest lighthouse in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, the Ke Ga Lighthouse is not only a maritime structure that ensures safer navigation around the Ke Ga Cape area, but also a magnificent and unique work of art amidst the vast natural "museum." Hundreds of years have passed, enduring the ravages of war and countless storms, yet this ancient lighthouse still stands tall and majestic on the sea, serving as a guiding light for sailors navigating perilous waters, a flame of undying faith in the hearts of Vietnamese fishermen.
Viewed from above, the Ke Ga lighthouse stands tall and imposing amidst the vast and picturesque sea. Under the hand of Mother Nature, the island where the lighthouse is built also boasts hundreds of rocky outcrops with rich colors and unique shapes, stacked upon each other in a spectacular display. The turquoise blue of the sea, the yellow of the granite rocks, and the soothing green of the trees on the island create a pristine, peaceful, and captivating natural landscape.
Thanh Tra (compiled)
Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/383/140304/ngon-hai-dang-co-nhat-viet-nam
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