Discover Nguyen Trung Truc Temple - Preserving Heroic Valor in Ganh Dau

Nguyen Trung Truc (born Nguyen Van Lich, also known as Quan Lich or Hai Chon) was born in 1838 in Binh Nhut village, Cuu Cu Ha commune, Cuu An district, Tan An prefecture, Gia Dinh province (now Thanh Duc commune, Ben Luc district, Long An province; originally from Binh Dinh). Coming from a fishing family, he was well-versed in martial arts and classical books. Due to his upright character, his master gave him the style name “Trung Truc” (Loyal and Upright).

When the French colonialists invaded Cochinchina (1859), he joined the insurgents under Truong Dinh, quickly becoming a prominent leader. His two most glorious feats include:

• Fire on Nhat Tao (December 10, 1861): He commanded the insurgents using a fake wedding ambush to burn down the French warship L’Espérance on the Nhat Tao River (Long An), eliminating dozens of enemy troops. This was the first victory involving the burning of a French vessel in Southern Vietnam.
• Surprise Attack on Kien Giang (June 16-19, 1868): He led troops in a surprise attack on the Rach Gia fort, eliminating many French officers and capturing a large store of weapons.

After being heavily surrounded, to protect his insurgents and the people of Phu Quoc, he surrendered himself on September 19, 1868. The French took him to Rach Gia and executed him on October 27, 1868 (at the age of 30). Before going to the execution ground, he left behind an immortal saying: “As long as the French pull up all the grass in Vietnam, only then will there be no more Vietnamese fighting the French”, symbolizing the nation's indomitable spirit. His death did not end the resistance but ignited a patriotic fire spreading throughout Southern Vietnam.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple in Ganh Dau was built by local residents in 1993, located at Cape Ganh Dau – a site associated with the final days of Nguyen Trung Truc on Phu Quoc island before he surrendered himself. This is one of the first temples in Kien Giang to honor the national hero, alongside worship places in Long An (his hometown) and Rach Gia (where he sacrificed his life).

In 1986, locals built a commemorative tomb within the temple grounds. In 2011, the site was officially recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic. Between 2015 and 2016, Kien Giang province conducted a large-scale restoration with a total budget of over 30 billion VND, completed and inaugurated on October 30, 2016, bringing a more spacious and cohesive appearance. Every year, from the 27th to the 29th of the 8th lunar month celebrating his sacrifice anniversary, a traditional festival is held with activities such as historical reenactments, lion dances, and traditional opera (hat boi), attracting numerous locals and tourists.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple in Ganh Dau was constructed according to the characteristic Southern "Tam" (三) character architectural layout, consisting of three main components: Main Hall, East Wing, and West Wing. The overall structure carries a traditional style, simple yet solemn in design, with red tiled roofs, sturdy lim wood pillars, and intricately carved dragon and phoenix patterns, deeply imbued with Vietnamese village communal hall marks.

• Main Hall: The center is the altar shrine of Nguyen Trung Truc with the horizontal lacquered board reading “Anh Khí Như Hồng” (Heroic spirit bright like a rainbow). Co-worshipped on both sides are Deputy Commander Nguyen Hien Dieu, Deputy Commander Lam Quang Ky, and other heroes. In addition, there are altars for Grand Commander Dai Can, 30 national heroes, and martyred insurgents.
• East-West Wings: Dedicated to early and later benefactors (Tien hien, Hau hien), Thuy Long (Water Dragon Goddess), and various deities.
• Grounds: Majestic bronze statue of hero Nguyen Trung Truc, commemorative tomb, and a spacious, airy courtyard overlooking the sea.

The space here is quiet, blending with the sound of waves and incense smoke, creating a solemn atmosphere and evoking a vivid reminder of the heroic spirit of a historical era.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is located in Ganh Dau commune, Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang province. This location is about 20–25 km from Duong Dong center (some routes may vary from 30–40 km) and only about 1 km from Bai Dai, making it very convenient to combine sightseeing.

How to get there:

• From Duong Dong: Rent a motorbike (around 200,000 VND/day), taxi, or private car. Take route DT973 or pass through the primeval forest (30/4 road – Cach Mang Thang Tam – Duong Dong - Cua Can).
• From Phu Quoc Airport: About a 40-50 minute drive.

Opening hours: Open daily from early morning to late evening with free entry (early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the sun).

Tips for visitors:

• Dress politely and modestly.
• Bring incense, flowers, and fruits if you wish to offer tribute.
• Maintain cleanliness and refrain from taking improper photos inside the main hall.
• Best time to visit: 8th lunar month (festival period) or the dry season (November to April).

After visiting and offering incense at Nguyen Trung Truc Temple, you can take advantage of your time to explore more attractive nearby destinations, enriching your itinerary in the northern area of Phu Quoc Island.

Some recommended suggestions:

• Swimming at Ganh Dau Beach with its pristine surroundings, natural rock formations, and crystal-clear water
• Exploring Phu Quoc National Park or relaxing at Bai Dai (Long Beach) – one of the island's beautiful beaches
• Visiting the tomb of Mrs. Le Kim Dinh in the Cua Can area, about 10–15 km away

Combining attractions near Ganh Dau not only helps optimize your schedule but also offers a more comprehensive view of Phu Quoc's characteristic nature, history, and culture.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is not only a sightseeing destination but also a repository of historical, cultural, and indomitable national values associated with Nguyen Trung Truc. Amidst the peaceful environment of northern Phu Quoc island, the temple offers visitors a chance to learn about a memorable period of history while experiencing the unique spiritual beauty of Kien Giang. If you have the opportunity to visit Phu Quoc, a stop at Nguyen Trung Truc Temple will be a meaningful experience, adding cultural and historical depth to your vacation.