Historic HCM City temple falling apart

      At three centuries and three decades old, the Thong Tay Hoi Temple is among HCM City’s oldest historical sites, but not enough is being done to protect it from the ravages of time and human predations.
Although it will take a lot of money to restore and preserve the temple, the government should provide much needed care for the national historical and cultural site, said Nguyen Van Ty, temple keeper for the last 12 years.
Built in 1679 between Thong Tay and An Nhon districts (currently Go Vap district), the temple is dedicated to two sons of Emperor Ly Thai To – Dong Chinh Vuong and Duc Thanh Vuong – who are said to have founded the southern region of the country.
As of now, the temple still keeps its original architecture and materials and about 37 valuable objects including sculptures, the altar, decorations and a horizontal lacquered board.
However, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on seven years of implementing the Culture and Heritage Law, the Thong Tay Hoi Temple is now one of 18 among 55 national historical sites in the city that have been severely damaged.
The temple has lost nearly three quarters of its land – from 5,188sq.m to 1,500sq.m. Part of original temple – made of wood and thatched leaves and later of terracotta tiles – was taken to build a local school while another part has been occupied by surrounding households.
After many restorations, the temple has the appearance and architecture of constructions during the 18th and 19th centuries with three gates in the east, a main chapel, a theatre for vong co (nostalgic tunes) concerts, and a room to accommodate guests that are in a dilapidated condition.
The main chapel always gets wet when it rains due to a leaking roof and broken glass that had been put in place during restoration work in 1998.
Rains also flooded the guest room because its floor has not been raised, and woodworm has infested 48 carving pillars inside the chapel.
Ty said many sponsors were willing to rebuild the two sides of the theatre where artists prepare before performances, but the construction had to be cancelled because people were occupying most of land for the right side.