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Dong Tam Snake Farm and the ancient Tan Dong Pagoda are two unique destinations you should prioritize when visiting Tiền Giang.
Discover the unparalleled beauty of Tiền Giang's must-visit destinations.
Dong Tam Snake Farm
Located approximately 9km from the center of My Tho city, Dong Tam Snake Farm is hailed as the kingdom of Vietnamese snakes, housing over 400 species.
Dong Tam Snake Farm is Vietnam's largest snake farm, established in 1979. Snakes here are bred for venom extraction to meet domestic treatment and export demands, encompassing more than 50 different venomous species.
Experience the fascinating world of Tiền Giang tourism, where you can marvel at everything from harmless to extremely venomous snakes. Here, snakes roam freely across three distinct areas tailored to each species' nature: the water island habitat, the venomous snake enclosure, and the python sanctuary.
Dong Tam Snake Farm opens its doors to visitors daily from 7 am to 5 pm. Admission prices are 30,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Established with the aim of snake venom extraction for serum production and treating snakebites in neighboring areas, Dong Tam Snake Farm serves as a vital resource for the community.
Tourists visiting Tiền Giang can observe venomous snakes and receive expert guidance on prevention measures. Additionally, the farm hosts a small medical facility specializing in treating victims of snakebites, saving thousands of lives annually.
Tan Dong Temple
When you travel to Tiền Giang, you'll undoubtedly be amazed by the over 110-year-old temple embraced by a sacred Bodhi tree in Tan Dong.
Tan Dong Temple is nestled amidst sprawling grasslands, comprising the main sanctuary, auxiliary buildings, and temple courtyard. The temple's facade features a carving dating back to 1907, with its exact construction date remaining a mystery. While many elders believe the temple dates back to the reign of King Minh Mang, the architectural motifs and carvings adorning the temple bear the distinctive characteristics of Nguyen dynasty temple architecture.
In the past, the temple served as a venue for Ky Yen, Thuong Dien, Ha Dien festivals, and Ong praying ceremonies. During the French colonial period, it became a meeting place for revolutionary soldiers, while during the American War, it turned into a detention center, interrogation site, and suppression base for families with revolutionary ties. After liberation, the number of visitors to the temple gradually declined, leaving it desolate and untended.
Over time, only the main altar in the sanctuary has retained its original decorations intact. However, about 30 years ago, three Bodhi trees emerged, soaring high above the temple roof. Their roots extended to cling to the walls, with some running along cracks and crevices of the temple, serving as sturdy pillars.
For locals, the Bodhi trees are seen as guardian deities, both protecting the temple and providing support against harsh weather and storms. Today, the local community places great faith in the temple, lighting incense early in the morning and evening, cleaning, and worshipping Tan Phong Temple as a special historical relic.
A small note for visitors is that although the temple may not be as large and grandiose as others, if you have the opportunity to visit, please tread lightly, speak softly, avoid jesting, climbing, or causing damage to the value of the ancient temple.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourJuly 21, 2020
