Long Thanh Communal House

icon-location8/3 Street, Hamlet 4, Ward 5, Vinh Long City, Vinh Long Province, Vietnam
Long Thanh Communal House, also known as Long Thanh Mieu Vu, is located on the bank of Long Ho River, Ward 5, Vinh Long City, about 3 km from the city center. Built in 1754 and ranked as a national historical and cultural relic since 1991, the communal house stands out with its ancient architecture and profound cultural and spiritual values, attracting tourists who love to explore the history and culture of the West.

Long Thanh Communal House – A Centuries-Old Architecture in Vinh Long

Long Thanh Communal House, also known as Long Thanh Mieu Vu, is located in Ward 5, Vinh Long City, along the Long Ho River, about 3 km from the city center. This historic temple is a significant cultural monument for the local community and is an ideal destination for those who enjoy exploring the historical and spiritual values ​​of the Mekong Delta. Particularly, Long Thanh Communal House is a great place for architecture enthusiasts, offering the charm of ancient architectural styles.

A Long History

Around 1754, settlers such as the Mai, Ho, Mac, Vo, and Doan families established the Long Thanh village. The first temple was initially built from temporary materials at the Bung Binh junction in Hung Long Hamlet. In 1844, Nguyen Van Khiem, a benefactor of the village, donated land along the Long Ho River to move the temple to a more convenient location.

The new temple was built with wood and brick, in a larger and more solid structure. On November 19, 1853 (the 5th year of Emperor Tu Duc’s reign), Long Thanh Communal House was granted the title "Bon Canh Thanh Hoang Chi Than" and the honorific name "Quang Hau Chanh Truc Huu Thien Don Ngung Chi Than." In 1913, thanks to the contribution of Nguyen Thi Mai, the temple was completely rebuilt and renamed Long Thanh Mieu Vo.

Long Thanh Communal House was officially recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument on March 25, 1991.

Ancient Architecture with Southern Vietnamese Features

Long Thanh Communal House is not only a place of worship but also an architectural gem of the Mekong Delta. Built in the traditional Southeast Asian style, the temple is designed in the typical structure of a village temple in Southern Vietnam. The architecture includes five peak-roofed structures, two smaller "banh it" shaped roofs, and fish-scale tile roofing. The temple complex also features a main hall, a guest house at the rear, and a front area for the martial arts rituals and ceremonial music, giving the temple a distinct and impressive look.

The temple is spacious, capable of accommodating hundreds of people at once. In front of the temple, there is an altar to the God of Agriculture, a shrine to the White Tiger, and the Five Elements Goddess. Inside the main hall, there are altars for the Thanh Hoang deity and the Ta Huu Ban (Side Guardians). Notably, the wooden plaque inscribed with "Long Thanh Mieu Vo" was exhibited in Marseille, France, in 1922, where it won a bronze medal.

A Cultural and Spiritual Destination

Long Thanh Communal House is not only an architectural treasure but also a spiritual center, preserving many traditional rituals of the people of the Mekong Delta. Every year, the temple holds two major festivals: the "Ha Dien" festival on the 14th-15th of the 3rd lunar month and the "Thuong Dien" festival on the 16th-17th of the 10th lunar month. The "Ha Dien" festival is the larger of the two, attracting a large number of local people and descendants returning from afar to participate in the festival, reconnecting with family and friends. Additionally, the temple preserves many traditional ceremonies such as "Te Tuc Yet," "Chanh Te," "Te Tien Hien," "Te Hau Hien," "Xay Chau," "Hat Boi Singing," and "Hat Chau."

Directions and Opening Hours

To get to Long Thanh Communal House, you can drive from the center of Vinh Long City along Pho Co Dieu Street (National Highway 53) for about 7 km. Then, turn left onto Tran Phu Street, cross the Cho Cua Bridge, and continue for another 350 meters to reach the temple. Long Thanh Communal House is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, and entrance is free. This makes it an ideal place for an independent and flexible exploration during your travels.

A Perfect Check-in Spot for Travel Enthusiasts

With its perfect combination of history, culture, and beautiful ancient architecture, Long Thanh Communal House is an ideal spot for travelers looking to take memorable photos. It is not only a place of worship but also a fantastic destination to learn about the stories of a land, a community, and the unique cultural traditions of the people of the Mekong Delta.

Plan your visit to Long Thanh Communal House and experience the sacred, serene atmosphere of Vinh Long in your own personal travel style.

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