Thang Nhi Village Communal House is one of Vũng Tàu’s most representative ancient communal houses, closely linked to the protection of coastal waters and the formation of seaside villages from the early 19th century. Together with Thang Nhat and Thang Tam Communal Houses, it offers a vivid portrait of land reclamation, village founding, and the distinctive folk beliefs of Southern Vietnam’s coastal communities.
Origins in the Early 19th Century
According to stone steles preserved on site, Thang Nhi Village Communal House was established in the early 19th century. In 1802, King Gia Long appointed Lê Văn Lộc to command the Thang Nhi vessel, alongside the Thang Nhat and Thang Tam vessels, with the mission of guarding the Vũng Tàu–Cần Giờ coastal waters. Their duties included suppressing pirate activity and ensuring safe fishing grounds for the people of Gia Định.
In the second year of Emperor Minh Mạng’s reign (1822), Lê Văn Lộc was officially commended by the royal court for his contributions to maritime defense. He later gathered settlers to reclaim land, develop fishing livelihoods, establish hamlets, and found Thang Nhi Village, one of the earliest and most important villages in Vũng Tàu.
Lê Văn Lộc – The Deified Guardian of Thang Nhi
For his merits in safeguarding the sea and building the local community, Lê Văn Lộc was revered by villagers as the Guardian Deity of Thang Nhi. Thang Nhi Village Communal House was founded to honor his virtues, leadership, and moral authority—recognizing him as both a military commander and a spiritual pillar for early coastal settlers.
The stone stele within the communal house grounds not only records historical events but also reflects the community’s enduring gratitude toward a forebear who played a decisive role in shaping the land.
A Communal House Amid the Coastal City
Today, Thang Nhi Village Communal House stands within a bustling residential area of Vũng Tàu, yet it retains a solemn and tranquil atmosphere. Its gate, brick-paved courtyard, incense burners, and symbolic decorations bear the hallmarks of Southern Vietnamese communal-house architecture, creating a serene spiritual space amid the modern seaside city.
Local residents regularly come here to offer incense and pray for peace, favorable weather, calm seas, and abundant catches—wishes deeply rooted in the lives of fishing communities.
Traditional Festivals at Thang Nhi Village Communal House
Each year, the Ky Yen Festival of Thang Nhi Village Communal House is held over three days, from the 10th to the 12th of the 11th lunar month. The festival provides an occasion for the community to honor their forebears, preserve traditional customs, and strengthen social bonds within village life.
A Cultural Stop When Exploring Vũng Tàu
Beyond its role as a place of worship, Thang Nhi Village Communal House is a meaningful cultural stop for visitors seeking to understand the history of Vũng Tàu, the spiritual life of coastal residents, and stories associated with Southern Vietnam’s land-reclamation era.
Amid the dynamic rhythm of the seaside city, this ancient communal house quietly preserves memories of the past—reminding present generations of the enduring tradition of gratitude and remembrance cherished by the people of Thang Nhi.
