Binh Thuy temple, (Vietnamese: đình Bình Thủy, đình means temple) also know as Long Tuyen Ancient Temple, is the place to worship Thanh Hoang, a deity that is enshrined the village. Among all the remaining ancient communal houses in the southwestern region, it can be said that Binh Thuy in Can Tho is one of the most majestic and most splendid art style. Coming to visit the temple, you not only admire the ancient architecture, but also have the opportunity to learn the history of formation of this sacred temple.
General information about Binh Thuy temple
The Binh Thuy temple is located at 46/11A Le Hong Phong Street, Binh Thủy Ward under Can Tho Bridge and next to the bank of Binh Thuy River, opposite the river with Nam Nha pagoda and nearby is the road leading to the old house of Binh Thuy.
This is a favorite spiritual destination of local people. Normally they come here to pray for peace, good health or remember the merits of national heroes.
Besides worshiping the Gods of Shennong; Tiger; Forest, and Water, there are stele statues of some heroes and patriotic leaders such as Ho Chi Minh, Nguyen Trai, Tran Hung Dao…
Opening hours of Bình Thủy communal house: Morning 7:30 – 10:30 and afternoon 13:30 – 17:30.
Architecture of Binh Thuy temple
The temple was first built in 1844, mainly by bamboo, wood and thatched, and on a plot of land more than 4000 m². It is built on a high and deep foundation, the front and the back temple has square shape, each side has 6 columns. The pillars are large, round make the buildings more stable.
The main sanctum, on the top of the roof is covered with ornamentation of people, qilin, and common carp transforming into dragons.
The front of the house is cement columns decorated with delicate embossed flowers.
The place where the small square house is located is Nghi Thượng’s altar used as the main ceremony of festivals. In the middle of the temple is the main altar. Opposite the right wall is the altar of the dignified Tiên Giác and the altar of Tiền Hiền. Close to the innermost wall in the nave is the altar of the Hậu Đế, the two sides are two altars Hữu Bang and Tả Bang. Outside the temple, there are two large shrines worshiping the Shennong and the Tiger God.
Binh Thuy Temple is a valuable work in artistic architecture. Although it was built in the early 20th century, the temple’s architecture still retains many traditional architectural elements of the nation. The temple still retains the decorative motifs close to national art.
The wood carving art here is very delicate and lively. Hidden under this temple is not only the traditional history origin of an ancient village of the South, but also the place to preserve the quintessential values of culture in the delta river. On September 5, 1989 the temple was certified as a national monument.
Festival at Binh Thuy temple
Every year, the local people organize the festivities of Thượng Điền (breaking land), held from April 12 to April 14 (lunar calendar), and Hạ Điền (initiating farm work), held on December 14th and 15th (lunar calendar as well).
The festival has a lively and joyful atmosphere with folk games such as duck-dropping, tug-of-war, singing, racing boat and cooking local foods …
Racing boat in Binh Thuy Temple during festival
This is a cultural festival that attracts thousands of people everywhere to participate and pray for the nation’s peace, good weather, peaceful family. Binh Thuy temple celebration is one of the three largest congregations in the Mekong Delta river.
- Best for: Family, couple, solo, pilgrims
- Entrance: Free
- Other tourist spots nearby: Phong Dien floating market, Bang Lang stork sanctuary, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery, Cai Rang floating market, Ong Temple…
