Con Phung (Phoenix Islet)

Con Phung (Phoenix Islet) is a small river island on the Tien River, a branch of the Mekong River, in Tan Thach commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre, Vinh Long Province. It is notable as the former center of the Coconut Religion founded by Nguyen Thanh Nam (Dao Dua) in 1963. Today it is a popular Mekong Delta ecotourism destination known for coconut groves, religious relics, craft workshops and river cruise experiences.

Visitors reach the islet by motorized boat from piers in My Tho or Ben Tre and explore a flat, green river island shaded by coconut palms and fruit orchards. The site centers on the preserved relics of Dao Dua, including his meditation platform, nine dragon pillars and museum exhibits. Visitors can walk along shaded paths, see coconut candy and handicraft workshops, visit a bee farm for honey tea, ride a horse-drawn carriage, and take a hand-rowed sampan through small canals lined with nipa palms.

Con Phung was the headquarters of the Coconut Religion (Dao Dua) founded in 1963 by Nguyen Thanh Nam (1910-1990), known as the Coconut Monk. He established a meditation and preaching complex on the islet with distinctive structures such as the nine-dragon courtyard and pillars. After 1975 the religious activity ended and the site was preserved as a historical and tourism complex reflecting this unique period in Mekong Delta history.

The islet is culturally significant as the center of the Coconut Religion, a syncretic faith that blended Buddhism and Christianity and promoted peace and coconut-based living. It remains an example of Mekong Delta river-island culture, showcasing coconut-related crafts, orchard agriculture, folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu) and traditional riverine lifestyle.