1. Where is Nguyen Trung Truc Temple?
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is located on Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Vinh Thanh Ward, Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. It is about 800 m northwest of Rach Gia city and about 236 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh city.
2. How is Nguyen Trung Truc temple unique?
Nguyen Trung Truc temple is an important historical and cultural relic. It is relating with the name of the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc. Besides, along with Mac Cuu mausoleum, this is a destination of great historical significance for the people of Kien Giang. Among the nine temples worshiping Nguyen Trung Truc in the province, the temple in Rach Gia has the largest scale and the longest history.
In particular, with these great historical and cultural values, the Ministry of Culture – Information recognized Nguyen Trung Truc temple as a National Relic on March 23, 1988.
3. Brief biography of Nguyen Trung Truc
Nguyen Trung Truc was born under King Minh Mang, his real name was Chon. In 1859, he changed his name to Lich (Nam Lich). Later, because of his upright and honest character, his teacher gave him the nickname Trung Truc. He was the leader of the uprising movement against the French in Southern Vietnam. Moreover, he led many heroic battles, making glorious achievements. In 1868, he was captured by the French colonialists and executed at Rach Gia market.
To commemorate the hero’s merits, people secretly worshiped him in the Nam Hai Dai Tuong Quan Temple (Ca Ong Temple). Initially, the temple was just a simple thatched roof built by fishermen next to Kien River and Lang Canal, about 100 meters from the East Sea. After many historical changes, the temple was renovated many times. And the temple was rebuilt and in 1964 inaugurated in 1970 on a more spacious scale.
4. How to get to Nguyen Trung Truc Temple?
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is located near the center of Rach Gia city, it is very convenient for tourists to visit. So you can easily get here by foot, motorbike or taxi. You can move according to the following instructions:
Starting from Tam Bao Pagoda Rach Gia, you cross Duc 1 bridge, turn left onto Tran Hung Dao street. Continue on Tran Hung Dao street for about 550m, you turn right onto 3 Thang 2 street. Go straight for 500m on 3 Thang 2 street and turning right onto Nguyen Cong Tru street. Then, going another 200m to Nguyen Trung Truc Temple.
5. Discovering the beauty of Nguyen Trung Truc Temple
5.1 Unique architectural beauty:
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is built in the traditional oriental architectural style with a “Tam” layout. Including three main areas: main hall, east wing and west wing. Moreover, each area is meticulously and elaborately decorated, showing the delicate beauty of ancient architecture. In addition, the temple gate is in the style of a three-door gate with three entrances, imbued with ancient colors. It stands out with its impressive two-story tiled roof decorated with the image of “two dragons fighting for a pearl”.
5.2 Majestic bronze statue:
The highlight of the temple’s architecture is the statue of Nguyen Trung Truc cast in bronze and painted in reddish brown. Previously, this statue was placed in the Rach Gia “cage market” area, then moved to the temple. Therefore, the statue exudes the majesty and majesty of the Vietnamese national hero.
5.3 Main hall – A place where architectural quintessence converges:
The main hall is a unique architectural work with a curved tiled roof at four corners. It is decorated with sophisticated patterns, inspired by nature and plants. Besides, the two pillars in front of the main hall are embossed with winding dragons, creating a majestic and magnificent look.
In particular, the structure of the main hall is sturdy with ten concrete pillars, each with an octagonal base. Inside the main hall, in addition to the altar of Nguyen Trung Truc, there are also altars to worship Duc Pho Co Nguyen Hien Dieu, Pho Lanh Binh Lam Quang Ky, etc.
5.4 Cool green space:
In front of the main hall is the tomb of Nguyen Trung Truc. In the temple grounds, they placed the rockery next to an ancient banyan tree that provides lush shade. So, it creates a peaceful and extremely cool space.
6. Nguyen Trung Truc Temple Festival
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple Festival is a unique cultural activity. It has been relating with the spiritual life of the Rach Gia people for generations. Every year, on three days: 26, 27 and 28 of the 8th lunar month, local people and tourists from all over flock to the temple to worship. In order to participate in the festival, to commemorate the merits of the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc.
Furthermore, the festival not only demonstrates the noble tradition of “remembering the source of water” of the Vietnamese people. It is also an opportunity to review the heroic history of the homeland, to pay tribute to the hero who made great contributions in the fight against foreign invaders.
Imbued with the identity of folk culture with the characteristics of the river region of the Southwest. Therefore, Nguyen Trung Truc Temple Festival is one of the typical cultural events of Kien Giang province. It attracts a large number of people and tourists to participate.
7. Enjoying Kien Giang specialties when visiting Nguyen Trung Truc temple
When traveling to Nguyen Trung Truc temple, you will enjoy Kien Giang cuisines. They are a delicate blend of the flavors of the sea and the countryside. They will bring unique and unforgettable culinary experiences to you all.
7.1 Herring salad
People made this salad from fresh herring, combined with grated coconut, shallots, peanuts, herbs and sweet and sour fish sauce. Moreover, herring salad has a harmonious sweet and sour taste, the richness of coconut, the aroma of herbs, making it a great appetizer.
7.2 Bun Ken
A typical Khmer dish, with small noodles and rich broth. They cooked it from fish and special spices, such as: fish sauce, wormwood, turmeric, lemongrass. In particular, Bun Ken Ha Tien has a unique, spicy and aromatic flavor.
7.3 Fresh seafood
With the advantage of a long coastline, Kien Giang has a rich and diverse source of seafood. You can enjoy delicious fresh seafood dishes, such as: shrimp, crab, squid, fish, …In addition, they are processed in many different ways, from steaming, grilling, stir-frying to hot pot.
7.4 Sour hotpot with lemongrass and turmeric with rich shark in Kien Giang
Sour hotpot with lemongrass and turmeric with shark – a type of small shark. This is a famous specialty dish of Kien Giang, it attracts diners by the sour, slightly spicy, and aromatic flavor of lemongrass and turmeric mixed together. With the sweet and fatty taste of rich shark, it is unique and unmistakable. Moreover, shark meat is chewy, delicious, and nutritious and people often processed it into many delicious dishes. Of which, sour hotpot with lemongrass and turmeric is the most popular dish.
8. Accommodation when visiting Nguyen Trung Truc temple
When traveling to this famous historical landmark, you can refer to some of the accommodations below:
- Kiet Hong Hotel. Address: 40 Nguyen Cong Tru, Vinh Thanh, Rach Gia City, Kien Giang.
- My Phuong Hotel. Address: Road No. 5, Lot A7, Unit 10+11+12, Tay Bac Urban Area, Rach Gia City, Kien Giang.
- Ngoc Thanh Hotel. Address: L3 Unit 1-2 Tran Quang Khai Street, An Hoa Ward, Rach Gia City, Kien Giang.
- Saigon Rach Gia Hotel. Address: 844 Nguyen Trung Truc, An Hoa Ward, Rach Gia, Kien Giang.
- BamBoo Homestay. Address: 03 Ton Duc Thang, An Hoa Ward, Rach Gia, Kien Giang.
- Nha Minh Homestay. Address: 51 D. 3 Thang 2, Thanh Van, Rach Gia, Kien Giang.
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is not only a historical mark in the heart of Kien Giang. Furthermore, it is also a symbol of patriotism, indomitable spirit, and strong will of the people of Southern Vietnam. Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on the Mekong Delta tour to visit this ancient Nguyen Trung Truc temple. It will definitely be a meaningful experience, helping you understand more about the heroic history of the Vietnamese people.
