Phung Island is located in Tan Thach commune, Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre province. It lies just below the Rach Mieu Bridge, which connects the two provinces of Ben Tre and Tien Giang, making Phung Island a popular travel destination that intersects both provinces.
When visiting Phung Island, tourists can enjoy the fresh air, explore, and experience various exciting activities. Local artisans have created eye-catching, intricate works of art from coconut trunks and roots. Visitors can not only admire these pieces but also purchase them as souvenirs for loved ones.
History and Significance of the Name Phung Island:
Phung Island was formerly called Tan Vinh Island. It was initially a small islet connecting the Tien River, covering an area of 20 hectares. Due to the rich sedimentary deposits, the island’s area expanded to 50 hectares over time. In the early 20th century, Nguyen Thanh Nam came here and built the Nam Quoc Phat Pagoda. During construction, workers discovered an antique bowl shaped like a phoenix, leading to the island being named Phung (Phoenix) Island. Phung Island is also known by another name, Dao Dua Island, due to Nguyen Thanh Nam establishing the Duoc Dao religious sect while building the pagoda.
What to Do When Visiting Phung Island?
- Visit the Duoc Dao Historical Site: Also known as Nam Quoc Phat Pagoda, this site features a dragon courtyard with nine intricately carved dragon pillars. Surrounding it are gates, tall towers, caves, and mountain models.
- Visit the Coconut Candy Factory: Here, you can see the entire process of making coconut candy, from cutting coconuts to mixing, cooking, cutting, and wrapping the candy—all done traditionally by hand.
- Alligator Fishing: This is an exciting activity on Phung Island. You can try your hand at catching alligators here.
- Visit the Bee Farm: This traditional village produces honey from longan flowers, which has a distinct sweet taste. You can also experience this activity, but be sure to follow the farm owner’s instructions.
- Horse Cart Ride Around Phung Island: Riding in a horse-drawn carriage is a fun way to explore the island, making you feel like royalty from ancient times.
- Coconut Museum: In this museum, you’ll see products made from coconut trunks, roots, and fruits, such as handbags, Buddha statues, and more.
Du Lịch Cồn Phụng Bến Tre hiện đang là một địa điểm tham quan không thể bỏ lỡ khi tới du lịch Bến Tre. Là một cù lao nằm trong hệ thống Tứ Linh: Long, Lân
How to Get to Phung Island:
Phung Island is about 15 km from Ben Tre city. You can travel via National Highway 60, which takes around 25 minutes by motorbike or car. Afterward, you can hire a boat to reach the island.
Phung Island Tour Packages:
Tips for Visiting Phung Island:
- When to Visit: You can visit Phung Island at any time, but two periods are particularly noteworthy. The summer months from June to August are great for seeing ripe fruit orchards. From September to December is the flood season in the Mekong Delta, giving the island a new, vibrant look.
- What to Eat at Phung Island: You can enjoy meals in garden or riverside settings that are cool and relaxing. The local cuisine is diverse, with dishes such as fish hotpot, fried sticky rice, crispy snakehead fish, butter-fried coconut worms, and coconut rice.
- What Activities to Try: In addition to sightseeing and trying local specialties, you can join fun activities like fishing in ditches, balancing on bikes across bridges, and walking on ropes over ponds.
- What to Buy as Souvenirs: When visiting Phung Island, you might want to buy some local products such as cakes, candies, coconut handicrafts, and honey as gifts for friends and family.
