Top 8 Historical and Cultural Landmarks in Binh Thuy, Can Tho

The historical site Linh Co Temple was originally built from bamboo and leaves in 1907, and later reconstructed with solid materials and precious wood in 1914. During 1945, the temple followed the "Scorched Earth Resistance" policy, preventing the French from establishing a military base there. In the period when the Party Committee of Can Tho operated secretly, this temple served not only as a sacred place but also as a hiding spot for key leaders. It became a venue for many important meetings organized by Can Tho’s province and town officials. The temple is surrounded by beautiful ornamental plants and features a main gate, a sanctuary, a rear hall, and a lecture hall. A curved wall encloses the temple, with one main entrance and two side gates. Behind the main gate is a crescent-shaped lotus pond, bordered by willow trees, with a 3-meter-high open-air statue of Avalokitesvara in the center. The left-side side gate serves as the main entry to the temple, and houses several stupas. On the right side, there is a large courtyard with a shrine to the Five Elements and Earth gods, and many varieties of decorative flowers. Inside the main hall, there are numerous Buddha statues arranged with great dignity, along with three wooden plaques inscribed with Chinese characters: "Linh Co Temple" in the center, "Tam Vô Tư Địa" on the left, and "Rewarding Good, Punishing Evil" on the right. The rear hall, following the main hall, holds the altar to the nation and President Ho Chi Minh, and is used for receiving guests. Further beyond is the lecture hall, where scriptures are taught and sermons are held. The temple houses many ancient statues crafted from rare materials, including 17 high-art statues made of precious wood.

The historical site Nam Nha Temple was built in 1895 by Nguyen Giac Nguyen, a student of the famous scholar Bui Huu Nghia. It became a key site for revolutionary activities, particularly during the anti-French resistance, and served as a meeting point for members of the Annam Communist Party in the Hau Giang region. The temple also hosted Phan Boi Chau, who used the space to rally support, promote the Eastern School Movement, and raise funds for the cause. The temple is surrounded by a serene, lush garden filled with tall pine trees, cypress, and other old-growth trees that extend toward the scenic Hau River. The temple's entrance is marked by two columns, with couplets that feature the characters 'Nam' and 'Nha'. The right-side inscription reads: 'Nam di da duoc nguyen nhan, bat nhai cam thanh thong giac lo', while the left-side inscription says: 'Nha dinh chieu thien khach, bo de thuu anh cai thien mon', which reflects the teachings of both spiritual and national values, inspiring love for the country and social consciousness. The temple grounds are paved with traditional ceramic tiles, and the main hall is a solid five-room brick structure. Behind the main hall is a long corridor with two guest rooms. On either side of the temple, there are two tiled buildings – the East Lan Duong (Men's Hall) and the West Lan Duong (Women's Hall), both connected to the kitchen. Located near the peaceful Bình Thủy River, the temple houses sacred objects over a century old, and it is home to a valuable wooden scripture collection.

The Hau Giang Special Committee was a Communist Party organization in the South of Vietnam during the French colonial resistance. In September 1929, comrade Chau Van Liem led the founding meeting of the Annam Communist Party’s Hau Giang Special Committee, which included key figures such as Ung Van Khiem, Ngo Gia Tu, and Ha Huy Giap, with comrade Ung Van Khiem serving as Secretary. This committee played a crucial role in leading the revolutionary movement and establishing party organizations throughout the Hau Giang region. The headquarters of the committee was located in a row of six houses, built in a simple street-front style with traditional tiled roofs, typical of rental properties, offering no special architectural features. In 1995, the People's Committee of Can Tho and the local community of Bui Huu Nghia Ward erected a memorial plaque to honor the Hau Giang Special Committee. While the architecture remains unchanged, the original house no longer holds any of its historical artifacts.

Long Quang Temple, a site of historical and artistic significance, was founded in 1825 by the monk Võ Văn Quyền, initially as a small hermitage. Over time, it underwent multiple renovations and name changes. In 1966, the temple was rebuilt and renamed Long Quang Ancient Temple. It became a vital center for communication and shelter for many activists working within the city and surrounding areas of Can Tho. Many of the temple's monks and followers later joined the Viet Minh and National Guard during the two wars for national independence.

The temple’s brick entrance features two tiled roofs and a pair of white dragons facing the Dharma wheel above. On the main columns, two Chinese couplets are displayed. The main hall follows the “Upper Floor, Lower Porch” architectural style, with five entrances. At the center of the hall is the primary altar, adorned with an exquisitely carved wooden plaque inscribed with the four Chinese characters “Đại Hùng Bảo Điện.” Inside the hall, there are numerous Buddha statues and altars dedicated to deities, arranged in a dignified manner. The temple is particularly renowned for its finely carved wooden statues, including the set of 18 ancient Arhat statues, which are preserved in excellent condition and hold both artistic and religious value.

Address: 155/6 Bình Chánh Area, Long Hòa Ward, Bình Thủy District.

The Vườn Mận Base is a historical and cultural site that served as the command center for the 1968 Tet Offensive in Can Tho. It played a key role in the uprising and coordinated attacks during the Mậu Thân Offensive.

When visiting Vườn Mận, one cannot forget the family of Lê Văn Tiểu, who generously provided their house and orchard as a base for the general command of the offensive and the special forces in Can Tho and surrounding areas. The base featured numerous secret underground bunkers and fortified combat positions, made from palm trunks, earth, wood, and rice husks. All bunkers were equipped with two exits and concealed by the orchard’s pink peach trees. Along the edge of the garden were various combat positions, designed in Z and L shapes. Vườn Mận was a key revolutionary stronghold during the resistance against American forces, located in the dense network of enemy bases along the Vòng Cung (Ring Road) and was considered the defense belt protecting inner Can Tho. From here, the command center executed surprise attacks on the enemy's headquarters in the IV Military Region, contributing significantly to the nationwide victory.

On May 19, 2011, the construction of the Vườn Mận Base historical and cultural site began, which includes various components: a multifunctional building, a historical monument stele, secret bunkers, and a model of the heroic Vietnamese mother Tạ Thị Phi's house. The development of this site is intended to preserve and honor the glorious past of the nation’s struggle for independence, as well as to pay tribute to those who sacrificed for the country’s freedom.

Address: Bình Thường B Area, Long Tuyền Ward, Bình Thủy District.

The Bình Thủy Communal House, also known as the Long Tuyền Ancient Temple, is a historic and unique structure that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the nation. It is said that the temple was first built from bamboo leaves in 1844 and later received the royal title "Bổn Cảnh Thần Hoàng" from Emperor Tự Đức in 1952. The local people, filled with joy, rebuilt the temple at the Bình Thủy creek, and it has undergone several renovations since then.

The temple consists of two main sections: the main temple and the "lục ấp" area. The main temple features five buildings, including two square structures—one serving as the front hall and the other as the main sanctuary. The "lục ấp" area contains a stage for performances and a house dedicated to preparing offerings. Inside the temple, deities such as Bổn Cảnh Thành Hoàng, Bùi Hữu Nghĩa, Nguyễn Trung Trực, and Đinh Công Tráng are worshiped. Outside the temple, there are two large shrines dedicated to the Tiger God and the Agricultural God, while near the gate stand shrines for the Forest God and the Canal God, who is responsible for water management.

Each year, two major festivals take place at the temple: the "Kỳ Yên Thượng Điền" ceremony on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of the 4th lunar month, and the "Hạ Điền" festival on the 14th of the 12th lunar month. These festivals honor Bổn Cảnh Thành Hoàng, praying for peace and celebrating the divine. The atmosphere is filled with excitement, as the ceremonies include traditional rituals, opera performances, folk games, and artistic fruit tray competitions. The Bình Thủy Communal House Festival is one of the largest in the Mekong Delta, drawing numerous participants and visitors from all over.

Address: Lê Hồng Phong Street, Bình Thủy Ward, Bình Thủy District (under the Bình Thủy Bridge).

Bùi Hữu Nghĩa, whose scholarly name was Nghi Chi (1807-1872), was a distinguished son of Bình Thủy District, Cần Thơ. In 1835, he passed the prestigious Giải Nguyên exam at the Gia Định examination hall, earning him fame across the Southern provinces, where he was widely known as "Thủ Khoa Nghĩa". He was a righteous and incorruptible official, beloved by the people, and became famous for his role in the Láng Thé Creek case of 1848. In addition to his administrative duties, he was also a renowned educator, physician, poet, writer, and playwright, playing a significant role in the cultural landscape of Southern Vietnam in the late 19th century. He was honored as one of the region's four most outstanding figures. His works, imbued with deep human values, expressed his love for the country and family, contributing significantly to the nation's literature. The people, in admiration of his talents and virtues, built altars in his honor at Bình Thủy Communal House and Nam Nhã Pagoda.

The memorial complex dedicated to Scholar Bùi Hữu Nghĩa is considered one of the most significant historical and architectural landmarks in Cần Thơ. It was inaugurated on March 1, 2013, on the 141st anniversary of his death. The entrance gate to the memorial is designed in the style of a curved-roof tam quan gate, intricately carved. Inside the memorial park, there is a spacious garden filled with greenery and a cool lotus pond. The complex includes a memorial hall, a temple, a guest house, an exhibition house, and other structures. Behind these buildings lies the tomb of Bùi Hữu Nghĩa and his wife, which has been renovated on the foundation of their original stone tomb built in 1872. Located about 2 meters underground, the actual tomb can be accessed via a passage. Surrounding the tomb are several stelae engraved with some of his most famous poetry. Each year, on the 21st day of the first lunar month, people from all walks of life gather to pay their respects to this great scholar and patriot.

Address: Huỳnh Mẫn Đạt Street, Bùi Hữu Nghĩa Ward, Bình Thủy District.

The Bình Thủy Ancient House is a historical architectural gem, originally built as the Dương family shrine by Dương Văn Vị in 1870. Constructed with wood and tiled roofs in the French style, the house was renovated in 1911. Despite enduring the harsh impacts of two major wars, this family temple has withstood the test of time and remains one of the few well-preserved old houses in Bình Thủy.

The house is especially notable for its unique architecture, which blends Eastern and Western influences in a carefully chosen, harmonious manner while maintaining the essence of Vietnamese cultural identity. The structure represents a transitional style from the 19th to 20th century, reflecting the affluence of the upper class in the Mekong Delta, particularly in Cần Thơ. Locals often refer to it as the "Bình Thủy Orchid Garden House" due to its fifth-generation owner, Dương Văn Ngôn, who had a passion for ornamental orchids and organized orchid exhibitions and exchanges with enthusiasts.

The house consists of several rooms, with a rock garden in the front yard where stones and water are carefully arranged. To the right lies the orchid garden, while a 40-year-old cactus, standing 8 meters tall, graces the left side. A small room within displays the owner’s self-painted artwork. At the back, there is a fruit garden. Inside the house, the decor combines Southern Vietnamese style with luxurious French elements, featuring exquisite carvings. The altar area is particularly impressive, with a golden lacquered altar table, ceremonial objects, a mother-of-pearl inlaid bed, and other carefully crafted furniture. The house has become a popular spot for both local and international visitors, as well as film crews.

Address: 144 Bùi Hữu Nghĩa Street, Bình Thủy Ward, Bình Thủy District.