Uncover one of the Mekong Delta’s most mysterious hidden gems at Gian Gua Relic (Khu Di Tích Giàn Gừa), a unique ecological and historical site located in the quiet countryside of Phong Dien that has woven a “matrix” of roots covering nearly 3,000 square meters. This comprehensive Gian Gua Relic travel guide takes you deep into the “jungle,” revealing the fascinating story of how this tree served as a secret revolutionary hideout and exploring the sacred temple of the “Lady of the Upper Realm”. From the best times to capture surreal light rays for photography to essential tips on mosquito protection and combining your trip with the nearby, we provide everything you need for an unforgettable eco-adventure.
Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide
An Overview of Gian Gua Relic
A glance of Gian Gua Relic
- Age: Estimated to be over 150 years old
- Location: Nhon Nghia Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho (approx. 14km from the city center)
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 30 – 45 minutes
- Famous For: A massive single tree covering 2,700m², revolutionary history, and a mysterious “jungle” atmosphere
About Gian Gua Relic
While it is called a “relic,” Gian Gua is first and foremost a biological masterpiece. The name “Giàn Gừa” literally translates to “Gua Trellis.”
- A Natural Masterpiece: Originally, this area was a vast swamp filled with many Gua trees. Over a century, despite destruction from war and urbanization, one primary Gua tree survived and regenerated. Its branches grew out, dropped aerial roots down to the mud, and formed new trunks, creating a complex, interwoven lattice that looks like a carefully constructed wooden trellis. Today, it feels less like standing under a tree and more like entering a living cave.
- A Witness to History: During both the French and American wars, this dense, impenetrable foliage provided perfect cover for Vietnamese guerrilla fighters. It was a meeting point, an ammunition depot, and a training ground. Despite being bombed and defoliated multiple times, the tree miraculously regenerated, becoming a powerful symbol of the resilience of the local people.
- Spiritual Sanctuary: Nestled within the roots is a small temple dedicated to Ba Thuong Dong Co Hi, a female deity believed to protect the land and the soldiers. Locals often come here to pray for health and peace, adding a layer of sacred silence to the rustling of the leaves.
Integrating the Gian Gua Relic into the Can Tho bike tour offers travelers a truly authentic and unforgettable journey into the deep historical and spiritual heritage of the Mekong Delta.
Video about Gian Gua Relic (Eng subtitles)
Planning Your Visit to Gian Gua Relic
Location & Address
Gian Gua Relic is located in a quiet rural area of Phong Dien District, far removed from the city noise.
- Address: Nhon Khanh Hamlet, Nhon Nghia Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City.
- Distance: It is approximately 14 km from Can Tho city center (Ninh Kieu Wharf).
- Landmark: It is located across the river from the famous Vam Xang Fruit Garden.
Operating Hours & Schedule
The site is open daily for visitors and pilgrims.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
- Best Time to Visit: The site is heavily shaded by trees, so it is cool all day. However, for the best atmosphere and photography, visit in the morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) when shafts of sunlight pierce through the dense canopy of branches.
- Festivals: If you want to witness local culture, visit on the 28th day of the 2nd Lunar Month, when the annual festival honoring the “Lady of the Upper Realm” takes place with traditional music and offerings.
Admission & Duration
- Entrance Fee: Free. There is no ticket required to enter the relic site.
- Parking: There is a designated parking area for motorbikes and cars near the gate. Parking fees are nominal (around 5,000 VND for a motorbike).
- Duration: The site is relatively compact. A visit usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk around the root system, burn incense at the temple, and take photos.
How to Get There
Getting to Gian Gua used to be difficult, but improved roads and bridges have made it much easier.
- By Motorbike/Car (Road Route):
- From Can Tho city center, take Nguyen Van Cu Street (Extended) towards Phong Dien District.
- Continue straight until you reach the Vam Xang Bridge (Cau Vam Xang).
- Cross the bridge and immediately turn left. Follow the small paved road for about 3 km. You will see signs for “Khu Di Tích Giàn Gừa.” The road is paved and accessible for both motorbikes and 4-7 seat cars.
- By Boat:
- This is a fantastic way to experience the Delta. You can hire a small boat (sampan) from Cai Rang Floating Market.
- The boat ride takes you through small, winding canals lined with nipa palms before docking directly at the relic site. This turns the trip into a true eco-adventure.
Must-Try Experiences at Gian Gua Relic
Walk Inside the “Living Matrix” of Roots
The defining experience here is the feeling of walking inside a tree rather than just looking at one.
- The Sensation: As you step onto the wooden walkways or paved paths, you are immediately engulfed by a dense, tangled web of branches and aerial roots. The canopy is so thick that it blocks out most of the scorching midday sun, dropping the temperature by several degrees.
- The Scale: Wander through the 2,700 square meter area to appreciate how a single ancient Gua tree has cloned itself into a massive, interconnected forest. It feels like stepping into a primeval world or a scene from a fantasy movie.
Pay Homage at the Temple of the Lady
Nestled right in the embrace of the ancient roots is the temple dedicated to Ba Thuong Dong Co Hi (The Lady of the Upper Realm).
- The Legend: Locals believe she is the guardian spirit who protected the revolutionary soldiers hiding here during the war and continues to bring peace to the region.
- The Ritual: Even if you are not religious, lighting a stick of incense here is a respectful way to connect with the local culture. The sight of smoke curling up through the twisted branches creates a deeply spiritual and serene atmosphere.
Capture Surreal “Jungle” Photos
For photographers and Instagram enthusiasts, Gian Gua offers a backdrop unlike anywhere else in the Mekong Delta.
- The Aesthetic: The chaotic, twisting lines of the grey roots contrast beautifully with the vibrant green leaves.
- Best Angle: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the “roof” of branches. If you catch the sunlight filtering through the leaves (creating sunbeams), you can take mystical, moody portraits that look like they were taken in an enchanted forest.
Witness the “Scars” of History
While admiring the nature, take a moment to look closer at the tree trunks.
- Resilience: You may see oddly shaped knots or regrown bark. These are often the “scars” from the war. This area was heavily bombed and sprayed with defoliants during the resistance years.
- The Lesson: The fact that the tree not only survived but thrived, covering the traces of destruction with new life, serves as a powerful symbol of the resilience and vitality of the Vietnamese people.
Insider Tips for an Enhanced Visit
To ensure a comfortable and respectful trip to this unique eco-historical site, here are some practical tips:
- Bring Insect Repellent: This is the most important tip. Because the canopy is very dense and the ground can be damp (it was originally a swamp), mosquitoes are quite active here even during the day. Apply repellent before entering the tree area to avoid getting bitten while taking photos.
- Dress Modestly: Although it feels like a nature park, there is a functioning temple dedicated to the Holy Lady inside. Please dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) if you plan to enter the shrine area to offer incense.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be walking on paved paths that wind through roots and uneven ground. Avoid high heels; comfortable sneakers or flat sandals are best for exploring the “matrix” of roots safely.
- Silence is Golden: The atmosphere here is naturally quiet and solemn. Locals believe the site is sacred, so avoid shouting, playing loud music, or climbing on the ancient roots, which could damage the tree and is considered disrespectful to the spirits.
- Combine with a Fruit Garden: The road to Gian Gua passes through the heart of Phong Dien’s orchard district. You should definitely combine this visit with a stop at the nearby Vam Xang Fruit Garden (just across the bridge) to enjoy fresh fruit and a hammock rest after exploring the relic.
Combining Gian Gua Relic with Nearby Attractions
Because Gian Gua is located further from the city center (about 14 km), it is best to pair it with other nearby countryside spots to make the trip worthwhile. Here are the best combinations:
- Can Tho Fruit Gardens: A nearby lush fruit garden offering fruit picking and traditional folk music.
- Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery: The largest Zen monastery in the Delta, known for its peaceful ambiance and architecture.
- My Khanh Tourist Village: A popular complex featuring ancient houses, animal races, and traditional village life.
- Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve: A vast wetland conservation area further south, perfect for bird watching and boat tours.
- Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm: A unique artisan farm in My Khanh commune where you can see the chocolate-making process and taste fresh cacao products.
- Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli: Visit this famous household in Nhon Ai commune to see the traditional making of “Banh Hoi” and enjoy their special “hammock-shaped” noodles.
- Ong De Eco-Tourism Village: A popular recreational spot in My Khanh offering “farmer for a day” activities like ditch fishing, mud sliding, and crossing “monkey bridges.”
- Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory: Located near the floating market route, this is where you can see the colorful process of making traditional “Hu Tieu” noodles.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gian Gua Relic
Is there an entrance fee for Gian Gua Relic?
No, admission to Gian Gua Relic is completely free for all visitors. The site is open to the public as both a historical monument and a place of worship. There is a small donation box at the temple if you wish to contribute to the upkeep of the site, but it is not mandatory.
How old is the giant Gian Gua Relic tree?
The exact age is difficult to determine due to the complex root system, but researchers and locals estimate the tree to be over 150 years old. It is officially recognized as a “Heritage Tree” of Vietnam due to its massive size, unique regeneration, and historical significance.
Is it difficult to get Gian Gua Relic?
Not anymore. In the past, it was only accessible by boat or rough trails. Today, there is a paved road leading almost all the way to the entrance, accessible by motorbikes and cars (4-7 seats). It is about a 30-40 minute drive from Can Tho city center.
Can I climb the tree roots in Gian Gua Relic for photos?
No, climbing on the roots is strictly prohibited. The site is considered a sacred place of worship, and climbing the tree is seen as disrespectful to the spirits. Additionally, stepping on the roots can damage the ancient bark and affect the tree’s health. Please stay on the designated paved walkways.
What is the best time to visit Gian Gua Relic?
The site is open all day, but the best time to visit is in the morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM). At this time, the sunlight filters through the dense canopy creating beautiful light rays (sunbeams) perfect for photography, and the temperature is cooler.
Is there food available at the Gian Gua Relic?
There are no restaurants or food stalls inside the relic site itself, only a few small vendors selling drinks and incense outside the gate. It is recommended to combine your visit with a nearby fruit garden (like Vam Xang) or an eco-resort for lunch.
