Con Phung Island Coconut Religion & Cai Mon Fruit Orchards Ben Tre

Category: Island Riverine Eco-Tourism & Coconut Kingdom | Location: Tan Thach, Chau Thanh & Vinh Thanh, Cho Lach, Ben Tre Province

Floating gently amid the lower reaches of the Tien River, Con Phung (Phoenix Island, also famously known as the Coconut Religion Island) belongs to Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province. It is one of the four legendary sacred river islands named after mythical creatures: Long (Dragon), Lan (Unicorn), Quy (Turtle), and Phung (Phoenix). In the mid-20th century, the island became the spiritual commune of the Coconut Religion (Đạo Dừa) founded by mystic Nguyen Thanh Nam, which advocated global religious unity and consumption solely of pure coconuts. Today, the fascinating architectural relics of the Coconut Religion still stand intact on Con Phung, featuring the Nine Dragons Courtyard flanked by majestic gold-painted dragon columns, the multi-tiered Peace Tower, and an enormous ceremonial bronze urn. Beyond its intriguing esoteric lore, the island is a vibrant artisan hub showcasing master carvers transforming coconut wood, husks, and shells into exquisite crafts, alongside relaxing wooden sampan journeys navigating shaded tidal canals beneath towering water coconut fronds. Continuing deeper into Cho Lach District leads to the Cai Mon Fruit Orchards, celebrated as the fruit basket and nursery heartland of the Mekong Delta. Walking beneath the lush emerald canopy of generational orchards, visitors can hand-pick and savor luscious rambutan clusters, thin-skinned mangosteens with snowy succulent segments, aromatic Chin Hoa durians, and prized green-skinned pink pomelos, experiencing the supreme generosity and sweetness of Mekong alluvial soils.