In Tan An Hoi commune, Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, the modest yet historically significant Cay Sop Temple stands amid neatly planted trees. It holds a royal decree from Emperor Tu Duc in 1853, considered its most sacred treasure, and once concealed an extensive tunnel system that terrified enemy forces during the resistance wars.

Built in the early 19th century in the former Vinh An Tay village, the temple was originally wooden with a tiled roof, dedicated to the village’s guardian deity. To prevent French troops from occupying it in 1945, locals removed its roof, leaving only the main hall frame. In 1967, U.S. forces leveled it to build the Dong Du military base. After temporary relocation, it was rebuilt on its original site in 1975, with major repairs in 1997.

The royal decree is kept offsite for safety and ceremonially returned during the annual Ky Yen festival each lunar February. According to caretaker Do Thanh Son, villagers protected it even when the temple was destroyed, carrying it into hiding during wartime evacuations.

Beyond its cultural role, Cay Sop Temple was a revolutionary base. In the anti-French era, it was surrounded by dense forest and tunnels connecting to surrounding areas. These tunnels, dug covertly by mobilized villagers from neighboring communes, allowed guerrilla forces to launch surprise attacks. In 1949, it was a stronghold for ambushing enemy bunkers. During the anti-U.S. war, it served as a gathering point for youth joining the revolution and as a planning hub for assaults on Cu Chi district headquarters and nearby targets.

Though most tunnels are gone, remnants once restored for tourism have been reclaimed by vegetation. Recognized as a Ho Chi Minh City-level historical site in 2006, the temple still draws crowds each Ky Yen festival for offerings and remembrance ceremonies. While budget constraints have reduced cultural performances like hat boi (classical opera) to once every three years, the temple remains a symbol of resilience, heritage, and wartime ingenuity.