Imagine a place where the chaotic sounds of the city are replaced by the gentle splashing of oars and the rustling of coconut palms. Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Con Phung Island (also known as Phoenix Islet) is more than just a tourist stop—it is a living time capsule of Southern Vietnam’s history and culture.
At Sunday Go, with over 5 years of experience navigating the complex waterways of Vietnam, we believe that to truly understand the Delta, you must step foot on this legendary island. Whether you are a history buff fascinated by the mysterious Coconut Monk or a nature lover seeking a peaceful boat ride, this guide covers everything you need to know for your 2026 travel itinerary.
Introduction: Why Con Phung Island is the Soul of the Delta
Con Phung Island floats peacefully in the Tien River, acting as a green gateway to the Ben Tre province. Unlike other destinations that have become overly commercialized, Con Phung retains a rustic charm that feels authentic.
For international tourists, this island offers the perfect “micro-dose” of Mekong life. Within a few hours, you can experience handicraft villages, taste tropical fruits fresh from the orchard, and walk through architectural relics that exist nowhere else on earth. It is a sanctuary where nature meets serenity, offering a rare glimpse into the peaceful river lifestyle.
The Legend of Phoenix Islet: Meaning & Mythology
To understand the soul of this land, you must understand its name. In the local culture, the stretch of the Tien River between My Tho and Ben Tre is guarded by four islands, named after the “Tu Linh” (Four Sacred Animals):
- Dragon Island (Con Long): Symbolizing power and authority.
- Unicorn Island (Con Lan): Symbolizing peace and mercy.
- Turtle Island (Con Quy): Symbolizing longevity and patience.
- Phoenix Island (Con Phung): Symbolizing prosperity, grace, and rebirth.
While the Dragon and Unicorn islands belong to Tien Giang province, the Turtle and Phoenix Islet belong to Ben Tre—the kingdom of coconuts. The name “Phoenix” was given because, historically, the island’s shape resembled a phoenix spreading its wings, a sign of good fortune for the people living there.
The Coconut Monk: The Island’s Fascinating History
The true claim to fame for Con Phung is the Dao Dua Relic Site (Coconut Religion). This is not just a dusty museum; it is the former sanctuary of a fascinating historical figure named Nguyen Thanh Nam, also known as the Coconut Monk (Ong Dao Dua).
Who was the Coconut Monk?
Nguyen Thanh Nam was a scholar who studied in France but returned to Vietnam to seek a path of peace during the turbulent war years. He founded the “Coconut Religion,” a unique fusion of Buddhism and Christianity. His philosophy was simple: peace for the nation and harmony among people. He famously claimed to survive only on a diet of coconuts and water.
The Architecture of Peace
When you visit with Sunday Go, we guide you through the Nine Dragon Pillar (Cuu Trung Dai), a towering structure made curiously from broken pieces of porcelain and pottery. These colorful shards represent the idea that beauty and structure can be rebuilt from broken things—a powerful metaphor for peace. The site remains a unique cultural heritage landmark in the Mekong Delta.
Top Things to Do on Con Phung Island (Beyond Sightseeing)
A trip to Phoenix Islet is active and sensory. Here are the experiences we recommend for a fulfilling day:
Explore the Handicraft Villages
Ben Tre is famous for its coconut trees, and nothing is wasted. You can watch local artisans craft incredible souvenirs from coconut shells and wood. From kitchen utensils to intricate jewelry, the craftsmanship is undeniable.
Visit the Coconut Candy Workshop
The air here smells sweet like caramelized sugar. You can witness the entire process of making Ben Tre coconut candy—from grating the fresh flesh to boiling it in giant woks. Pro tip: Try a piece while it’s still warm and soft; it melts in your mouth differently than the packaged version.
Experience “Don Ca Tai Tu” Folk Music
Sit back in a lush garden and listen to Don Ca Tai Tu, a traditional musical art form recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Musicians use traditional instruments like the moon lute to tell stories of the river life while you enjoy tropical fruits and honey tea.
Crocodile Fishing
For those seeking a small thrill, the island has a crocodile farm where you can try “fishing” for crocodiles (feeding them bait from a safe distance). It is a popular activity for families and younger travelers.
How to Get to Con Phung Island: A Complete Logistics Guide
Getting to Phung Island typically involves a mix of road and river travel. The island is located near the Rach Mieu Bridge, about 85km from Ho Chi Minh City.
Option 1: The DIY Adventure
If you are an experienced solo traveler, you can take a bus from the Western Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Tay) in HCMC to My Tho or Ben Tre city (approx. 2 hours). From there, you must take a taxi to the tourist pier (usually at 30/4 Street in My Tho) and rent a private boat or join a group boat to cross the river.
- Challenge: Negotiating boat prices can be difficult if you don’t speak Vietnamese, and waiting for a boat to fill up can take time.
Option 2: The Stress-Free Sunday Go Experience
For international tourists aged 22-60 who value comfort and time, a packaged tour is the smartest choice.
- Why choose Sunday Go? We handle the logistics. Our Mekong 1-Day Highlights tour includes private car pickup from your hotel in HCMC, a pre-arranged boat waiting for you at the pier, and an English-speaking guide who can translate the deep history of the Coconut Monk.
- Benefit: No haggling, no waiting, just pure exploration.
Practical Information for Travelers (2026 Updated)
To ensure a smooth trip, keep these practical details in mind:
- Opening Hours: The tourist area is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (November to April) is ideal. However, fruit season peaks in June and July (rambutan and durian season).
- Ticket Prices (Estimates):
- Entrance Gate Ticket: Approx. 50,000 VND – 60,000 VND per person (includes sightseeing).
- Full Service Boat Tour: Prices vary based on group size, typically ranging from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND per person for a comprehensive boat trip visiting multiple islands.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable cotton clothes. Wear comfortable sandals or sneakers as you will be stepping on and off wooden boats.
Where to Eat: Local Delicacies on the Islet
You cannot leave the Mekong Delta without tasting its food. The cuisine here is fresh, herbal, and unique.
- Elephant Ear Fish (Ca Tai Tuong): The signature dish of the region. The whole fish is deep-fried to a golden crisp and served upright. You wrap the meat in rice paper with fresh herbs and dip it in sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Fried Sticky Rice Ball (Xoi Chien Phong): A giant, hollow ball of fried sticky rice that looks like a balloon. It is sweet, crunchy, and perfect for photos.
- Coconut Worms (Duong Dua): For the brave adventurous eater! These fat worms are eaten live in fish sauce or grilled. It is a delicacy of the coconut land.
Conclusion: Is Con Phung Island Worth It?
In a world that moves too fast, Con Phung Island forces you to slow down. It offers a perfect balance of education, culture, and nature. Whether you are marveling at the Peace Tower or sipping honey tea in a quiet garden, the “Phoenix Islet” leaves a lasting impression of the warmth of the Vietnamese people.
Are you ready to explore the Mekong Delta without the stress of planning? Let Sunday Go take you there. Contact us today to book your seat on our next adventure to the land of coconuts.
