Pho Islet, a heritage land in Southward expansion journey

Pho Islet (Hiep Hoa Islet), located in Tran Bien ward of Dong Nai City, is a historical site closely associated with Vietnam’s Southward expansion. Today, the area still preserves dozens of historical and cultural relics reflecting nearly 330 years of the formation and development of Dong Nai.

The statue of Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh stands inside the Nguyen Huu Canh Temple. In 1698, Commander Nguyen Huu Canh was dispatched by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu to govern and consolidate the Southern territory, where he established Tran Bien Garrison, laying the foundation for the formation and development of present-day Bien Hoa – Dong Nai region. The establishment of Tran Bien Garrison by Marquis Nguyen Huu Canh is regarded as a significant historical milestone in the process of asserting sovereignty and organizing administrative management by the Vietnamese feudal state in the Southern region.

Pho Islet is now home to 11 communal houses, six pagodas, one Cao Dai sanctuary, along with numerous hermitages, shrines and ancient tombs. Among them, three sites have been recognized as national historical and cultural relics, including Nguyen Huu Canh Temple, Dai Giac (Great Enlightenment) pagoda or Dai Giac ancient pagoda and Ong Pagoda. Each cultural structure in the area is tied to stories and events passed down through generations.

Also located on Pho Islet, Dai Giac ancient pagoda is considered one of the oldest pagodas in Southern Vietnam. Built in 1412, the pagoda serves as an important historical relic illustrating the early development of the Bien Hoa – Dong Nai region.

A panoramic view of Nguyen Huu Canh Temple on Pho Islet, a national historical and cultural relic site. Dong Nai City, formerly Dong Nai province, has continuously invested in preserving and upgrading the temple complex.

Ong Pagoda on Pho Islet was the first pagoda established by the Chinese community in southern Vietnam and was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1989.

Residents take part in the Ong Pagoda Festival. Held annually from the ninth to the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, the festival was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in 2023.

Located in the Southeastern part of Tran Bien ward, Pho Islet is surrounded by two branches of the Dong Nai River. Covering an area of around 700 hectares, the islet is often described as a “green pearl” in the middle of the Dong Nai River.

By Pham Tung - Translated Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha