Father Truong Buu Diep was reportedly given the chance to escape his captors but chose to stay and die alongside 70 of his followers.
The site acts as both a tomb and a functioning parish church for the local Catholic community in Bac Lieu.
The tomb was reconstructed and expanded in the early 21st century to accommodate the surging number of visitors.
Many devotees travel to the site specifically to request miracles or personal guidance, viewing Father Diep as a local saint.
The Tomb of Father Diep, also known as the Tac Say Church, is a major Catholic pilgrimage site in the Mekong Delta region. It serves as the final resting place of Father Francisco Xavier Truong Buu Diep, a priest who remained with his parishioners during the conflict of 1946. The site features a distinctive three-story architectural structure inspired by traditional Vietnamese temple aesthetics combined with Catholic symbolism. Pilgrims from across the country visit the tomb to seek blessings and offer prayers at the marble sarcophagus. The complex includes a large church building capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers during peak religious celebrations. The grounds are meticulously maintained with gardens that provide space for quiet reflection. The architecture emphasizes verticality, with three prominent towers visible from the surrounding rural landscape.
The front plaza providing a full view of the three-tiered church towers.
Visit during weekdays to avoid the heavy crowds of weekend pilgrims.
Carry a small umbrella for protection against the intense Mekong sun or sudden tropical rain.
Respect the ongoing prayer services, which are often held throughout the day.
Attempting to take photos directly inside the sanctuary during active mass or prayer services.
Extremely crowded during the anniversary of Father Diep's death in March.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; maintain silence while inside the church and near the tomb.
