The Hung King Temple in Can Tho stands as a magnificent spiritual landmark, bridging the ancient history of Vietnam’s founding fathers with the vibrant life of the Mekong Delta. This comprehensive guide explores the architectural majesty, spiritual importance, and cultural legacy of the Hung King Temple in Can Tho, providing an essential overview of its unique design features, visiting logistics, and the transformative cultural experience offered by Mekong Smile for travelers seeking to reconnect with Vietnam’s ancestral roots.
At Mekong Smile, we believe that heritage is the thread that connects generations. Located near the gateway to the city, the Hung King Temple (Đền thờ Vua Hùng tại Cần Thơ) is a premier destination for travelers seeking a profound cultural connection with the “resilient spirit” and ancestral wisdom of Vietnam.
Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide
Overview of Hung King Temple
A Glance at Hung King Temple
- Location: Vo Van Kiet Street, Binh Thuy Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City.
- Site Type: National Spiritual and Cultural Heritage Landmark.
- Significance: The largest and most prominent temple dedicated to the Hung Kings in Southern Vietnam.
- Atmosphere: Grand, sacred, and serene, featuring a massive lotus pond and intricate stone carvings.
- Size: Approximately 4 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Key Highlights: The main temple shaped like a giant bronze drum, 18 stone pillars symbolizing 18 generations of kings, and the majestic relief sculptures.
- Average Visit Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Understanding Hung King Temple: A Legacy of Gratitude
The creation of the Hung King Temple in Can Tho is a modern expression of the traditional Vietnamese ethos: “When drinking water, remember the source.” Inaugurated in 2022, this temple serves as a spiritual focal point for the people of the Mekong Delta to pay respects to the Great Ancestors without traveling to the distant northern highlands. It is a “living museum” of national pride, representing the “vibrant living heritage” of a people who carry their history wherever they settle. This landmark ensures that the legacy of the 18 Hung Kings remains a guiding light for the cultural and spiritual growth of Southern Vietnam.
Video: The Lotus and the Drum
To witness the architectural grandeur and the peaceful rhythm of this sacred site, watch a cinematic highlights:
What Makes Hung King Temple Special?
The Hung King Temple in Can Tho is the spiritual heart of the Delta’s modern landscape. It is not just a place of worship; it is a structural masterpiece that harmonizes ancient iconography with contemporary engineering.
Today, it stands as a symbol of cultural unity. Visitors can observe how the entire complex is laid out in the shape of a blooming lotus, with the main temple rising like a majestic bronze drum from the water. Observing the 18 stone pillars surrounding the main hall highlights the deep connection between the historical “spirit of the nation” and the rhythmic development of Can Tho as a regional hub.
“With Mekong Smile, you will discover that every inch of this temple is a coded message from history. Our experts point out the specific motifs on the 18 stone pillars, ensuring the ‘vibrant living heritage’ is technically and spiritually accurate.” – Mr Jimmy, Business Development at Mekong Smile
Planning Your Visit to Hung King Temple
Location
The temple is strategically located on the main road connecting the international airport to the city center, making it an easy first or last stop.
- Exact Address: Vo Van Kiet Street, Binh Thuy, Can Tho.
- Distance: About 4km from Can Tho International Airport and 6km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.
How to Get There
- By Taxi/Private Car: The most convenient way via Vo Van Kiet Boulevard.
- By Electric Bus: For a “green” and airy ride, take the city’s electric bus line which stops directly in front of the temple gates.
- The Mekong Smile Way: We can integrate the temple into our Can Tho City tour, providing seamless transfers and expert storytelling that connects the temple’s history with nearby ancient sites.
Opening Hours
- Operating Hours: 07:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 01:30 PM – 05:00 PM (Daily).
- The Golden Hour: 08:00 – 09:30 AM is perfect for capturing the reflection of the temple in the lotus pond and enjoying the cool morning breeze.
Product & Service Pricing
| Item / Service | Estimated Price (VND) | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | Free | Free |
| Parking Fee (Motorbike/Car) | 5,000 - 20,000 VND | $0.20 - $0.80 |
| Incense & Flowers (Optional) | 20,000 - 50,000 VND | $0.80 - $2.00 |
Note: While entry is free, Mekong Smile recommends a professional guide to explain the complex architectural symbolism. For a complete experience, consider our Can Tho City Tour package.
The Experience at Hung King Temple
The Symbolic 18 Pillars
Walk through the grand entrance to see 18 monolithic stone pillars. Each pillar represents one of the 18 generations of Hung Kings who founded and defended the nation. It is a powerful visual representation of the “resilience and spirit” of the Vietnamese people through millennia.
The Bronze Drum Architecture
Experience the awe of standing before the main hall, which replicates a giant Dong Son bronze drum—a symbol of Vietnamese civilization. The intricate carvings of Lac birds and everyday ancient life on the exterior walls provide a fascinating look at the “rhythm of history.”
The Sacred Main Hall
Step inside to pay your respects. The interior is a sanctuary of wood and gold, featuring statues of the Hung Kings, the Great Mother Au Co, and the Great Father Lac Long Quan. The scent of incense and the grand acoustics create a “transformative journey” into the heart of national spirituality.
The Lotus Pond & Landscaping
Take a mindful walk around the perimeter. The temple is surrounded by a vast circular pond filled with lotuses, symbolizing purity. Observing the bridge and the greenery offers a moment of peace and reflection amidst your busy Delta journey.
The Relief Sculptures
Explore the side walls to see massive stone reliefs depicting the legend of the 100 eggs and the history of Vietnam’s national defense. Our Mekong Smile guides help bring these static images to life with storytelling that resonates with the “spirit of the land.”
Combining Hung King Temple with Can Tho’s Hidden Gems
The temple is located in the historic Binh Thuy district, the city’s cultural heart. After your visit, take a short drive to the Binh Thuy Ancient House to see 19th-century architecture, or explore the sacred Binh Thuy Temple, a masterpiece of communal architecture. For a nature-filled adventure, hop over to Son Islet (Con Son) to visit the Can Tho Floating Fish Farm and witness the “flying fish” spectacle. For spiritual seekers, the Nam Nha Pagoda offers a serene escape, while the vibrant Ba Bo Flower Village completes your cultural circuit.
To complete your trip, explore our curated list of top hotels in Can Tho and our guide to the top restaurants in Can Tho. This combination ensures a journey that captures the full spectrum of the Delta’s spiritual, historical, and modern soul.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hung King Temple
Why should I visit the Hung King Temple with Mekong Smile?
Booking with Mekong Smile turns a sightseeing stop into a deep cultural immersion. Our guides explain the “hidden geometry” of the drum architecture and the legends of the 18 kings that are essential to understanding the Vietnamese identity.
Is there a dress code for the Hung King Temple?
Yes. As this is a sacred site, guests should wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered). Mekong Smile always advises our guests on appropriate attire before the tour begins.
Is the Hung King Temple accessible for seniors?
Yes, the complex is spacious and mostly flat, with ramps provided for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. Mekong Smile ensures the walking pace is comfortable for everyone.
Can I visit the Hung King Temple on the way to the airport?
Absolutely. Its location on the airport road makes it a perfect final cultural stop before your flight. Mekong Smile can arrange a “Final Heritage” transfer that includes a temple visit and airport drop-off.
What is the significance of the bronze drum shape at Hung King Temple?
The bronze drum is the most sacred artifact of ancient Vietnam. By building the temple in this shape, Can Tho honors the “resilience and spirit” of the ancestors who laid the foundation for the nation thousands of years ago.
