🛕 Nguyen Trung Truc Temple – A Tribute to a National Hero 🇻🇳

📍 Location: 18 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Rach Gia
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
💵 Entry Fee: Free of charge

Among the few pagodas and temples in Rach Gia, the Nguyen Trung Truc Temple stands out as a must-visit destination for history buffs and cultural travelers alike. Conveniently situated right next to the Phu Quoc ferry terminal, this sacred site makes for a perfect quick stop before or after your island journey. 🚤

🙏 Honoring a Legendary Resistance Leader

Inside the temple, you’ll find a striking portrait of Nguyen Trung Truc in a black traditional robe and headdress, prominently displayed in the main hall. 🖼️
The centerpiece altar features a brass urn flanked by elegant stork statues perched on turtles, symbolizing longevity and strength. The urn is believed to contain the ashes of the revered local hero.

Out front, a powerful statue of Nguyen Trung Truc unsheathing his sword captures the spirit of defiance. A similar statue can be found in the heart of the city, reminding visitors of his legacy throughout Rach Gia. ⚔️

🔥 The Heroic Legacy of Nguyen Trung Truc

From 1861 to 1868, Nguyen Trung Truc led fierce guerrilla resistance against French colonial forces in the western Mekong Delta. One of his most iconic acts was the ambush and burning of the French warship L’Esperance in 1861—an act that inspired widespread hope and resistance across the country. 🚢🔥

Pursued by French forces, Truc took refuge on Phu Quoc Island, continuing to command his forces from afar. However, in 1868, the French captured his mother to force his surrender. Truc gave himself up and was executed shortly after—right in central Rach Gia.

🗣️ His final, defiant words still echo in Vietnamese history:

“As long as the grass still grows on this land, our people will continue to resist foreign invaders.”

🌟 Why You Should Visit

  • 📸 Instagram-worthy architecture and historical statues

  • 🧘 A peaceful space to reflect on Vietnam’s history

  • 🚶 Perfect for a brief visit while traveling to/from Phu Quoc

Whether you’re a history lover or simply passing through, the Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is a powerful symbol of Vietnamese patriotism, bravery, and spiritual reverence. Make it a meaningful stop on your journey through Rach Gia. 🌿🇻🇳