Đình Thần Nguyễn Trung Trực: The Hero’s Temple of Gành Dầu
#HeroWorship
#IndependenceSpirit
#IslandHeritageLocated near the coastline of Gành Dầu in northwestern Phú Quốc, this temple honors Nguyễn Trung Trực, a revered 19th-century national hero known for his courage and unyielding resistance against French colonial forces. It stands as both a place of worship and a symbol of patriotism deeply rooted in southern Vietnamese identity.
Location: Gành Dầu Hamlet
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ptBh2XbcXCBjuE7UA
Hours: Open daily from morning to late afternoon (hours may vary)
Fee: Free entry; donations accepted
History
The temple was first established in the 1990s on land overlooking the sea, believed to be near one of Nguyễn Trung Trực’s final strongholds. It underwent major reconstruction in 2016, transforming into one of Phú Quốc’s most important cultural and spiritual landmarks.
Legend
Nguyễn Trung Trực (1838 – 1868) was a resistance leader who led local militias against French forces in the Mekong Delta. He became legendary after burning the French warship Espérance on the Vàm Nhựt Tảo River in 1861 — an act of defiance that made him a symbol of southern valor.
Before his execution, legend says he recited a final poem that encapsulated his spirit of loyalty and defiance:
“Thư kiếm tùng nhung tự thiếu niên,
Yêu gian đảm khí hữu Long Tuyền,
Anh hùng nhược ngộ vô dung địa,
Bão hận thâm cừu bất đái thiên.”
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“Enlist with sword and book since youth,
Courage in the waist flows as a dragon’s spring,
If heroes find no place on this earth,
Resentment, deep hatred, cannot live beneath one sky with enemy.”
Etiquette
Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes before entering the main hall. Speak quietly; incense offerings are welcome at the altar. Avoid flash photography during ceremonies or prayer time.
Local Practices
Locals and visitors come to offer incense, flowers, and prayers to honor Nguyễn Trung Trực’s spirit and his unwavering patriotism. The temple is considered a place of strength, where fishermen and island residents pray for peace, protection, and courage before setting out to sea.
Đình Nguyễn Trung Trực Festival
The festival takes place every year from 26 – 28 of the 8th lunar month, drawing thousands of attendees. The festival includes traditional processions, music, folk performances, and communal offerings — all in remembrance of the hero’s sacrifice and enduring legacy.
Nearby Attractions
Gành Dầu Beach: A tranquil bay near the temple, known for its calm waves and sunset views.
Gành Dầu Market: A lively local market offering fresh seafood and daily island life.