Van Thanh Mieu Temple


Sitting in pleasant grounds across from the river, this temple is southeast of town. Confucian temples such as this are rare in southern Vietnam. The front hall honours local hero Phan Thanh Gian, who led an uprising against the French colonists in 1930. When it became obvious that his revolt was doomed, Phan killed himself rather than be captured by the colonial army. The rear hall, built in 1866, has a portrait of Confucius above the altar.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. An Binh

1.73 MILES

The most popular and easiest island to visit is An Binh. You can take the public ferry across and cycle around on your own, but it's better to be on the…

2. Cai Be Floating Market

7.03 MILES

This river market is still the principal attraction on a boat tour from Vinh Long, although it has shrunk considerably due to new bridges and roads…

3. Xeo Quyt Forest

13.92 MILES

Around 35km southeast of Cao Lanh is the magnificent 52-hectare Xeo Quyt Forest near My Hiep village. One vast swamp beneath a beautiful thick canopy of…

4. Huynh Thuy Le Old House

15.1 MILES

This wonderfully atmospheric 1895 house on the riverfront was once the residence of Huynh Thuy Le, the son of a rich Chinese family who had an affair with…

5. Sa Dec Flower Village

16.62 MILES

There are many small nurseries lining the river and canals here, each with a different speciality, although the town is most famous for its roses. The…

6. Ong Temple

19.64 MILES

In a fantastic location facing the Can Tho River and decorated with huge, constantly burning incense coils, this Chinese temple is set inside the…

8. Can Tho Museum

19.68 MILES

This large, well-presented museum brings local history to life with mannequins and life-size reproductions of buildings, including a Chinese pagoda and a…