Tan Thach Village, situated in Ben Tre – the heart of the Mekong Delta, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking peace and cultural insight. Join us as we explore the charm of Tan Thach Village and discover the hidden treasures waiting to be explored in this tranquil part of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
Location
Tan Thach Village is located in Ben Tre Province, just 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City. With its charming river and water scenery, and a lot of cultural activities and services, Tan Thach Village attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to explore and experience it.
Best Time To Visit
Tan Thach village belongs to the Mekong Delta region. It enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, with minimal impact from storms. This makes it a great place to visit any time of the year. Every season brings its own set of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
During the summer months (June to August), the fruits are in full bloom, with a variety of tropical fruits like mangoes, coconuts, durians, rambutans, and mangosteens.
The floating season (September to November) offers a unique experience as visitors can hop on boats guided by locals and explore the canals and lush green landscapes.
How To Get There
If you are in Hanoi or the northern provinces, the quickest and most convenient method is by air. Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the destination, with direct flights available from Hanoi and Hai Phong.
From Ho Chi Minh City, which is less than 100 km away, you can opt for a private car or bus travel, taking around 2 hours. Alternatively, driving by motorcycle is an option, you just need to follow the directions on Google Maps.
What To Expect in Tan Thach Village
Tan Thach Communal House
Tan Thach Communal House (Tan Thach Temple) is located in peaceful Hamlet 9 of Tan Thach Commune in Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province. It was built in 1841 and originally named Thach Ho Temple.
This temple has been a place for worshiping the Village Guardian Spirit for over 180 years. Visiting this historical gem gives you a fascinating look into its rich history and unique architecture.
The Three-Entrance Gate (Cong Tam Quan)
Your visit to Tan Thach Temple starts at its striking three-entrance gate, made of bricks and cement and covered with a traditional tiled roof with two white porcelain dragon statues standing proudly on it, symbolizing protection and power. The gate has three entrances, with the main entrance in the middle.
According to folk belief, the main entrance in the center is reserved for monks, priests, and royalty to offer incense, while the left and right entrances are designated for men and women.
The structure of the village temple follows the shape of the Chinese character “三” (Tam) with three main sections, each with its specific function and displaying different architectural designs.
Gian Vo Ca
The Gian Vo Ca hall, with its three main rooms and two wings, serves as the heart of the temple’s major festivals and ceremonies, such as the Ky Yen festival.
Gian Vo Quy
The Gian Vo Quy hall is another impressive part of the building, with five main rooms and two wings set up in a cross shape. The horizontal beams that go through the columns give a feeling of openness and stability. This area has a table for burning incense in honor of the Buddha and is mainly used for rituals and ceremonies.
The Main Hall (Gian Chinh Dien)
The Main Hall, also known as Gian Chinh Dien, is the main spiritual area of Tan Thach Temple. At the front of this hall is an altar, the central spot for offerings and prayers. This altar is for worshiping the important spirits and gods, showing the temple’s strong spiritual importance.
The Hung Kings, considered the national ancestors, are honored in the central room. Next to them is a special area for President Ho Chi Minh. The side rooms have altars for the Guardian Spirit with gold-covered statues.
Front Guest House
Connected to the Main Hall of the Tan Thach Communal House is the kitchen house (also called the cooking house). Right next to the cooking house is the Front Guest House – where the ancestors who opened up and cultivated the land, and the later ancestors who served the people and the country, are worshiped.
Tan Thach Communal House is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The intricate craftsmanship of the temple, along with its peaceful setting, helps visitors connect with the past and appreciate the rich traditions kept alive here.
Con Phung Island
Rowing rustic rowboats
Rowing rustic rowboats is a typical activity in the Mekong Delta region. These rowboats are operated skillfully by locals who navigate the rivers and canals with great speed and efficiency. Visitors can join boat rides with them to explore the Con Phung tourist area, which maintains its wild, natural appearance with lush green coconut groves.
You can also relax and swim under the shade of canoes or small boats and chat with the friendly boat drivers. It’s a great spot to unwind and learn about local life after a day of exploring.
Dao Dua Relic Area
When visiting Con Phung Island, be sure to check out the Dao Dua Relic Area, which is home to the fascinating Hoa Binh Tower. This unique eight-sided tower has nine floors made from pieces of ceramic vases with dragon and phoenix designs, creating intricate and beautiful patterns. The tower is not only a stunning piece of architecture but also a spiritual place where heaven and earth are said to meet.
In the middle of this historical site is the Nine Dragons Courtyard. It has nine tall pillars with impressive dragon carvings, painted in bright gold on a blue background. This courtyard is where Dao Dua followers hold ceremonies and are surrounded by gates, pathways, tall towers, mountain models, and caves.
Another interesting feature is the model of the Apollo spacecraft. This model shows where Mr. Coconut Monk would climb up, with his followers pulling him higher to seek guidance from the Jade Emperor. The Apollo spacecraft represents the dream of exploring space and symbolizes the open-mindedness and higher thinking that Mr. Coconut Monk believed in.
Joining Coconut Candy workshop
Making coconut candies is a tradition that is deeply ingrained in the culture of Southwestern Vietnam. Every step, from mixing and cooking to cutting and packaging, is done with care and love by local farmers.. At the candy workshops, visitors can not only watch the candy-making process but also join in, getting a taste of the warm atmosphere of the traditional craft village.
Visiting bee farm
Beekeeping is an important part of life here in Con Phung. Here, you can easily find a family who practices the traditional job and learn about how honey is made. Along with enjoying a tasty honey tea, you can buy this special honey to give as a gift. The sweet and fragrant honey is a big part of the experience in Con Phung, giving you a chance to try something unique from the region and share it with friends and family.
Enjoying Southern amateur music
Southern Amateur Music (Don Ca Tai Tu) is a cultural treasure recognized by UNESCO. This type of music includes duet singing and musical styles that are common in the South. It’s a usual part of Southern folk culture and is often performed by regular folks, like men and women from rural Southern areas after they finish their work for the day.
Visiting Con Phung Island, you can listen to this special musical genre while sitting in traditional thatched-roof houses and enjoy the atmosphere of the Mekong Delta region while sampling the diverse local fruits such as longan, rambutan, papaya, melon, and guava.
Savoring a mouthful of local specialties
At Con Phung, visitors can enjoy both the beautiful water scenery and the delicious traditional dishes of the Mekong Delta region. These dishes are made from fresh local ingredients such as coconut core salad, deep-fried elephant ear fish, Con Phung fried sticky rice, and boiled shrimp in coconut water. All of them are expertly prepared by the local chefs, your task is to prepare an empty stomach for filling.
Tips When Visiting Tan Thach Village
- You can stay in a homestay near the riverside to get the best Mekong Delta river sunrise experience.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and scarf for visiting temples/pagodas.
- Renting a scooter, car, or bike is recommended to explore the area on your own.
Tan Thach Village offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta. For additional travel planning resources and insights into Ben Tre Province, explore VietnamTour.in’s holiday planning page and Ben Tre travel guide.
