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The Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum is the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu, along with his wife and their daughter. As a memorial site that honors the nation's rich cultural heritage and patriotism, this is definitely a worthwhile stop on your Mekong Delta tours.
Vietnamese scholar and patriot Nguyen Dinh Chieu (1822 - 1888) was renowned for his literary contributions and unwavering moral integrity during a period of national unrest.
A staunch opponent of French colonial rule, Nguyen Dinh Chieu used literature to express patriotic ideals and criticize both foreign invaders and the Vietnamese collaborators. His legacy extends beyond poetry. He is revered as an example of Confucian virtue, a moral educator, and a national cultural icon.
The memorial altar of Nguyen Dinh Chieu
In 2021, UNESCO officially designated him a World Cultural Figure in honor of his enduring impact on Vietnamese literature and identity. In honor of his legacy, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum in Ben Tre has been named a Special National Historic Site, and his name is now used for many streets, schools, and cultural events throughout Vietnam.
The Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum is located in An Duc Commune, Ben Tre District, Vinh Long Province. The trip to the location is roughly 123 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway is the most practical route, as it takes about two hours and fifty-one minutes to drive there (note: tolls apply). An interprovincial bus, which costs roughly 3.83 USD per person, is also a good alternative for your Mekong Delta travel.
Ben Tre has a tropical climate since it is a part of the Mekong Delta region. The dry season, which lasts from December to April, is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Alternatively, if you're combining your Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum trip with other Mekong Delta tours, the flood season, which runs from September to November, offers a special charm with its picturesque flooded rice fields and lively river life.
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For a more culturally immersive experience, you might also want to visit during the annual Nguyen Dinh Chieu Festival. In addition to that, since it is only open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, be sure to carefully plan your schedule.
The Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum is a large architectural complex spanning more than 1.5 hectares of land and designed in the traditional Vietnamese temple architectural style. Photographs, records, and artifacts pertaining to late 19th-century anti-colonial movements in Southern Vietnam are on display for visitors.
The gallery in this historical site displays a comprehensive collection of Nguyen Dinh Chieu's works
The grounds also include the tomb of Nguyen Dinh Chieu and his wife. Nearby lies the resting place of their daughter, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Khue, better known by her pen name, Suong Nguyet Anh, a renowned poet and journalist who served as the editor-in-chief of Vietnam’s first women’s newspaper.
Although Nguyen Dinh Chieu was not originally from Ben Tre, he devoted much of his life to cultural and artistic contributions in the region. Because of this, Ben Tre has made July 1st, his birthday, a significant cultural tradition in the region.
Traditional poetry recitations, cai luong performances, and incense-offering ceremonies are just a few of the events held at the Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum during the festival. Traditional folk games like sack races, clay pot smashing, and tug of war are also available to visitors.
The site features historical artifacts and informative displays
Vietnam's rich history and cultural legacy can be explored in an immersive way during this festival. Along with learning about Nguyen Dinh Chieu's life and contributions, you'll also acquire knowledge about Vietnamese history during the 1900s time period through your Mekong Delta travel.
A distinctive Southern Vietnamese dish, Ben Tre coconut rice is renowned for its naturally sweet and fragrant flavor. To give it a creamy flavor, the cook will steam the rice inside a whole coconut, allowing it to absorb the fresh coconut juice.
Best enjoyed hot right after cooking, this dish is traditionally served with shrimp stir-fried in coconut juice, especially river-caught mud shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors.
A bite of crispy pancake with flavorful toppings is truly a life's wonder
This local version of the popular Vietnamese savory pancake, known as banh xeo, that is filled with oc gao, a tiny river snail indigenous to the Mekong Delta, is a must-try when visiting Ben Tre.
The batter, made with coconut milk, is poured into a hot pan and topped with the snail mixture, shredded jicama, and bean sprouts. It's then cooked until golden and crispy before being folded in half and served piping hot.
According to the locals, the best way to enjoy this pancake is with fresh herbs and greens, such as mustard leaves, lettuce, starfruit leaves, and cucumber, and a spicy dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and garlic.
If you're feeling adventurous, try grilled duong dua, which is a local species of worm that lives inside coconut trees. These larvae are skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal until golden brown and aromatic.
To enjoy it, simply wrap the grilled worm in the greens, dip it into a tamarind fish sauce, and take a bite. The nutty flavor of the coconut worm, the strong sourness of the tamarind, and the aromatic herbs combine to create a memorable texture combination that captures the daring essence of Mekong Delta cuisine.
Don't miss out on the local liquor
Fermented sticky rice is used to make this wine, and traditional Eastern herbs are frequently added for flavor and health benefits. The end result is an authentic Mekong Delta flavor, a mildly spicy, slightly sweet, and refreshingly smooth liquor that leaves a warm but delicate aftertaste.
The Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum is a captivating destination that's well worth a visit if you're looking to go beyond the typical Mekong Delta tours. Add this hidden gem to your itinerary and allow Asia King Travel to lead you on an enriching and unforgettable adventure.
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