Vinh Long Travel Guide: Exploring Van Thanh Mieu Temple in the Mekong Delta

A Cultural Gem in the Mekong Delta

Vinh Long, the vibrant heart of Vinh Long Province, is a cultural and culinary hub in the Mekong Delta, nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km East Sea coastline. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Vinh Long Province now includes Tra Vinh and Ben Tre wards, blending Kinh, Khmer (25% of 1.5 million residents), and Hoa traditions. Attracting 15,000 travelers annually, Vinh Long is home to Van Thanh Mieu Temple, a rare Confucian temple built in 1864, recognized as a national historical relic in 1991. Visiting this serene site, located 5 km southeast of Vinh Long city center, offers a glimpse into Confucian heritage and local history, with tour costs ranging from $10–$40 (250,000–1,000,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F).

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Van Thanh Mieu Temple, pairing visits with boat rides and cultural experiences while supporting local communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your cultural adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. As a Mekong Delta cultural hub, Vinh Long is ideal for travelers seeking authentic experiences, with Van Thanh Mieu Temple offering a unique historical perspective.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Vinh Long tours feature eco-friendly transport like bicycles and electric boats, English-speaking guides sharing local insights, and partnerships with community-based providers to preserve Mekong Delta heritage. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Van Thanh Mieu Temple, meaning “Temple of the Holy Literary Genius,” is one of only three Confucian temples in southern Vietnam, built between 1864 and 1866 by Phan Thanh Gian, a Nguyen Dynasty mandarin. Located along the Long Ho River, the temple honors Confucius and local hero Phan Thanh Gian, who led a revolt against French colonists in 1867 and chose death over capture. The temple’s Confucian-style architecture, featuring a three-entrance Tam Quangate with Chinese inscriptions, a bonsai garden, and ancient trees, creates a serene atmosphere. The front hall commemorates Phan Thanh Gian, while the rear hall, Dai Thanh, houses a portrait of Confucius above the altar. A two-story Van Xuong Cac building once served as a study space for scholars and now worships Van Xuong De Quan, the deity of academia. Recognized as a national relic, it remains a solemn site for reflection and cultural appreciation.

Van Thanh Mieu Temple offers a blend of historical exploration and cultural immersion. Below are the top experiences, updated with current activities and pricing, ensuring an authentic visit.

1. Explore Confucian Architecture and History

• Description: Wander the temple’s serene grounds, admiring the Tam Quan gate, dragon carvings, and Confucius statues. Learn about Phan Thanh Gian’s legacy through guided tours, which highlight the temple’s role in 19th-century Confucian scholarship.

• Details:

  • Cost: Free entry; guided tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

  • Location: 5 km southeast of Vinh Long city center, Ward 4, along Long Ho River.

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($85–$130).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Cycle or use Xanh SM electric taxis ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND) to reach the temple.

• Tip: Visit in the morning (5:00–11:00 AM) for a peaceful experience; respect the solemn atmosphere by dressing modestly.

• Best Time: November–April for pleasant weather; open 5:00–11:00 AM and 1:00–7:00 PM.

2. Attend Traditional Ceremonies

• Description: Experience rituals honoring Phan Thanh Gian on the 4th and 5th days of the 7th lunar month or high-ranking mandarins on the 12th and 13th days of the 10th lunar month. These ceremonies feature incense offerings and traditional music, offering insight into Confucian practices.

• Details:

  • Cost: Free; guided tours with ceremony insights $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($85–$130) for festival schedules.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local preservation efforts; use bicycles for transport.

• Tip: Confirm dates with locals; combine with a visit to nearby Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda.

• Best Time: Lunar 7th and 10th months for ceremonies; November–April for comfortable visits.

3. Combine with Tra On Floating Market Boat Tour

• Description: Pair your temple visit with a boat tour to Tra On Floating Market (20 km away), where vendors sell Cam Xoan Tra On oranges ($3–$6/kg or 75,000–150,000 VND) and Ca Tai Tuong ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND). Enjoy the temple’s riverside setting en route.

• Details:

  • Cost: Boat tour $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); market purchases $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND).

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Food Tour ($80–$120).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose electric or human-powered boats; support local vendors.

• Tip: Start at 5:00–7:00 AM for market vibrancy; visit the temple afterward (8:00–10:00 AM).

• Best Time: November–April for calm waters.

4. Cultural Workshops Near the Temple

• Description: Engage in nearby Viet Artisans School workshops (10 km away on An Binh Island) to learn Don Ca Tai Tu music or rice paper making, complementing the temple’s cultural significance. Local artisans share Mekong traditions.

• Details:

  • Cost: Workshops $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); ferry to An Binh Island $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

  • Booking: Book through Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($85–$130).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support nonprofit initiatives; cycle to the school.

• Tip: Book in advance for afternoon workshops; pair with a temple morning visit.

• Best Time: November–April for outdoor travel; rainy season for indoor workshops.

5. Relax in the Temple’s Bonsai Garden

• Description: Stroll the temple’s bonsai garden and ancient tree-lined grounds, a peaceful spot for reflection. Enjoy nearby riverside cafes like Hoa Nang Cafe for iced coffee ($0.80–$2 or 20,000–50,000 VND) after your visit.

• Details:

  • Cost: Free for garden; cafe drinks $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND).

  • Location: Temple grounds, Ward 4; Hoa Nang Cafe (1 km away on Đ 1 Thang 5).

  • Booking: No booking needed for garden; cafe visits are walk-in.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle to the temple; use reusable cups at cafes.

• Tip: Visit in the morning for serene ambiance; pair with a cyclo ride ($1–$4/hour or 25,000–100,000 VND).

• Best Time: November–April for pleasant weather; open 5:00–11:00 AM and 1:00–7:00 PM.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for temple visits, boat tours, and cycling with clear skies and moderate crowds (80–200 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush scenery and fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors); perfect for indoor workshops near the temple. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • 7th Lunar Month (4th–5th Days): Ceremonies for Phan Thanh Gian, drawing local devotees.

  • 10th Lunar Month (12th–13th Days): Rituals for mandarins, offering cultural immersion.

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Khmer festival with nearby Don Ca Tai Tu performances, attracting 300+ visitors.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with events in Tra Vinh Ward.

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Vibrant but some sites may close briefly; book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Visit the temple in the morning (5:00–11:00 AM) for quiet exploration; book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

• From Ho Chi Minh City (135 km, 2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($7–$15 or 175,000–375,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($100–$130 or 2,500,000–3,250,000 VND); private car ($70–$90 or 1,750,000–2,250,000 VND).

• From Hanoi (1,700 km, 4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($70–$140 or 1,750,000–3,500,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); flight to Ho Chi Minh City ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) + bus ($7–$15 or 175,000–375,000 VND).

• From Can Tho (40 km, 40–60 minutes): Taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); bus ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• To the Temple: From Vinh Long city center, cycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) or take a Xanh SM taxi ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND) 5 km southeast.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Van Thanh Mieu Temple, Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for bicycles or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, ideal for city center (1–3 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), eco-friendly.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Ferry to An Binh Island: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND, 5–10 minutes).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes at Vinh Long Market or ferry docks.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing (long pants, covered shoulders) for temple respect.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable hand wipes.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Temple and Activity Costs

• Temple Entry: Free.

• Guided Temple Tour: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Boat Tour (with Temple Visit): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Cultural Workshops: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Cafe Drinks: $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND).

• Market Purchases: $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (self-guided temple visit, cycling, snacks).

• Mid-range: $25–$45 (guided tour, boat trip).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (premium guided tours, dining).

• Timing: Visit the temple in the morning (5:00–11:00 AM) for quiet exploration; evening boat tours (5:00–7:00 PM) for market combos. Expect 50–150 visitors on weekdays, 80–200 on weekends.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book festival tours (7th and 10th lunar months) 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Sustainability: Use bicycles or electric taxis; support local cafes with reusable items. Avoid touching sacred statues, especially with children.

• Navigation: Save “Van Thanh Mieu Temple, Vinh Long” in offline maps; the temple is 5 km from the city center.

• Safety: Secure valuables; dress modestly to respect the temple’s sanctity. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor tours.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; avoid loud behavior in the temple. Ask guides about Phan Thanh Gian’s history for deeper insights.

Experience Van Thanh Mieu Temple with our sustainable tour packages:

• Vinh Long Foodie & Nature Tour ($75–$110/person, 1 day): Visit Van Thanh Mieu Temple and Tra On Floating Market, taste Ca Tai Tuong. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Vinh Long Island Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Explore the temple, An Binh orchards, and Don Ca Tai Tu performances. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Discover the temple, Tra Vinh Ward’s Khmer culture, and Tra On markets. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for a cultural journey.

Van Thanh Mieu Temple in Vinh Long City, Vinh Long Province, is a rare Confucian gem, offering a serene blend of 19th-century history, architecture, and cultural rituals, located 135 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1864, this National Cultural Relic features tranquil bonsai gardens, a majestic three-entrance Tam Quan gate, and annual ceremonies honoring Phan Thanh Gian, a local hero who resisted French colonialism. Drawing thousands yearly with free entry, it reflects the Mekong Delta’s heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours guide you through this spiritual haven, ensuring a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like low-impact transport and community support, paired with visits to vibrant Cai Be Floating Market and An Binh Islet orchards. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Van Thanh Mieu Temple in Vinh Long? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Van Thanh Mieu Temple Information: tnktravel.com, vemekong.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vietdreamtravel.vn, holidayinvietnam.com, lonelyplanet.com, galatourist.asia, en.skydoor.net, 63stravel.com