Is this island big enough to hold dreams? Look around! Here on Cù Lao Phủ Island, now known as Phường Hiệp Hòa, the Đồng Nai River embraces a history as rich as its waters. Phường Hiệp Hòa, established in 2019 from the merging villages of Nhất Hòa, Nhị Hòa, and Tam Hòa, carries echoes of maritime trade and ambitious dreams. In the 18th century, this island bustled as a thriving trading port. Japanese, Chinese, and Western ships docked here, drawn by the promise of commerce. This era saw the rise of Trần Thượng Xuyên, a figure instrumental in developing Cù Lao Phủ. A believer in the “Minh Hương” movement, he chose exile over pledging allegiance to the Nguyễn lords, a testament to the island’s independent spirit. Phường Hiệp Hòa, meaning “United Harmony,” speaks to its origins. It’s a testament to the merging of these three villages, each with its own story. This island, a stone’s throw from bustling Biên Hòa City, offers a tranquil escape. It beckons with the whisper of the river and a past etched in its very soil.
Hàm Luông River
The gentle rocking of a sampan on the water. This is the Hàm Luông River. A vital artery coursing through