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Notable Figures

People of Dong Thap

From revolutionary heroes to talented artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs — the people who bring glory to Dong Thap

Võ Duy Dương (Thiên Hộ Dương)

Uprising Leader

1827 — 1866Binh Dinh

Heroes

First Anti-French Hero in Dong Thap

Granted the title "Thien Ho" (administrator of a thousand households) by Emperor Tu Duc, he established a base at Go Thap and led the first large-scale anti-French uprising in the Mekong Delta. Despite his sacrifice, his indomitable spirit lives on.

Achievements
Established resistance base at Go Thap
Led anti-French uprising 1864–1866
Granted "Thien Ho" title by Emperor Tu Duc

Nguyễn Tấn Kiều (Đốc Binh Kiều)

Deputy Uprising Commander

? — 1866Dinh Tuong (now part of Dong Thap)

Heroes

Loyal Deputy of Thien Ho Duong

Doc Binh Kieu was the most loyal deputy of Thien Ho Duong. He sacrificed on June 27, 1866 defending the Go Thap base, even before his leader Thien Ho Duong.

Achievements
Fought courageously at Go Thap
Continued resistance after leader's death

Nguyễn Sinh Sắc

Patriot, Vice-Doctor (Mandarin)

1862 — 1929Nghe An

Heroes

Father of President Ho Chi Minh

Mandarin Nguyen Sinh Sac resigned from his post due to dissatisfaction with colonial rule and came to Cao Lanh in 1917. He lived simply, teaching Confucian classics and practicing traditional medicine for the poor. His tomb in Cao Lanh is a National Relic.

Achievements
Earned Vice-Doctor degree — prestigious Nguyen Dynasty title
Resigned mandarin post in protest against French colonialism
Taught and practiced medicine for people in Cao Lanh

Phạm Thị Hằng (Từ Dụ Thái Hậu)

Grand Empress Dowager of Nguyen Dynasty

1810 — 1902Go Cong, Tien Giang (former), now part of Dong Thap

Business

Mother of the Nation — Tu Du Hospital namesake

Tu Du — daughter of Grand Minister Pham Dang Hung from Go Cong. Wife of Emperor Thieu Tri, mother of Emperor Tu Duc, renowned for her intellect and knowledge of classics. Tu Du Hospital (HCMC) is named after her.

Achievements
Grand Empress Dowager
Tu Du Hospital named after her

Nguyễn Hữu Thị Lan (Nam Phương Hoàng Hậu)

Last Empress of Vietnam

1914 — 1963Go Cong roots, Tien Giang (former), now Dong Thap (family from Go Cong, born in Saigon)

Business

The Last Empress — Beauty of Go Cong

Nam Phuong — the last Empress of Vietnam, wife of Emperor Bao Dai. Her family was from Go Cong (grandfather Le Phat Dat — richest man in Cochinchina), born in Saigon, studied in France. She remains a symbol of Vietnamese women's grace and intellect.

Achievements
Last Empress of Vietnam
Symbol of Vietnamese women's modernization

Nguyễn Thị Thập

Vice Chair of National Assembly

1908 — 1996Chau Thanh, Tien Giang (former), now part of Dong Thap

Business

Outstanding Revolutionary Leader

Nguyen Thi Thap — revolutionary from Tien Giang, joined the movement at 20. Chaired the Vietnam Women's Union (1956–1974), served as National Assembly delegate and Vice Chair. First and only woman awarded the Gold Star Order (1985).

Achievements
Gold Star Order (1985) — first Vietnamese woman
Chaired Vietnam Women's Union (1956–1974)
Vietnamese Heroic Mother

Trương Hùng Minh (NSƯT Minh Nhí)

Meritorious Artist, Comedian

1964Sa Dec, Dong Thap

Artists

"Comedy King" of Southern Vietnamese Theater

Meritorious Artist Minh Nhi is one of Vietnam's most veteran comedians. With his natural, witty performance style, he won the Mai Vang Award and has mentored generations of young artists in Ho Chi Minh City.

Achievements
Mai Vang Award — Best Theater Actor
Meritorious Artist title
Mentor to generations of artists

Đỗ Như Cát Phượng

Actress, Director

1970Sa Dec, Dong Thap

Artists

Multi-talented Actress from Sa Dec

Cat Phuong is famous for her versatile acting in both drama and comedy. From rural Sa Dec, she rose to become one of Vietnam's most beloved actresses, winning multiple Mai Vang Awards.

Achievements
Multiple Mai Vang Awards for Best Stage Actress
Success in drama, comedy, and film

Phạm Minh Luân

Actor

1985Dong Thap

Artists

Valedictorian Actor, TV Drama Star

Minh Luan graduated top of his class from the HCMC College of Cinema and Theater, known for impressive TV drama roles. He takes great pride in being a son of Dong Thap.

Achievements
Valedictorian of HCMC Drama College
Runner-up Tinh Bolero 2016
Over 100 TV shows, active charity work in Dong Thap

Puka (Nguyễn Kiều Cẩm Thơ)

Comedian, MC

1990Lai Vung, Dong Thap

Artists

Cuoi Xuyen Viet Runner-up — New-Gen Comedian

Puka (real name: Nguyen Kieu Cam Tho) is Vietnam's most beloved new-gen comedian. From Lai Vung, Dong Thap, she graduated from HCMC University of Theater and Cinema, became Cuoi Xuyen Viet Runner-up 2016. Major success with Gao Nep Gao Te, Hop Dong Yeu Duong. Married singer Gin Tuan Kiet (2023).

Achievements
Cuoi Xuyen Viet Runner-up 2016
TV hit: Gao Nep Gao Te, Hop Dong Yeu Duong
Success in comedy, film, and hosting

Giáng Tiên (Nguyễn Thị Thủy Tiên)

Lyrical Singer

1983Tan Hong, Dong Thap

Artists

Lyrical Voice of the Mekong Delta

Giang Tien is a successful lyrical singer with a warm, deep voice characteristic of the Mekong Delta's daughters.

Achievements
Multiple successful lyrical, bolero, and folk albums
Former member of Ruby music group

Nguyễn Anh Dũng

Agriculture Scientist

Scientists

"Farmer's Scientist"

Nguyen Anh Dung is a self-taught farmer-scientist honored as the "Farmer's Scientist" for successfully breeding high-quality rice varieties, making significant contributions to Mekong Delta agriculture.

Achievements
Bred rice varieties: LD2012, Red Jade Pineapple, Sen Viet, Purple Lotus
"Farmer's Scientist" award (2018)
Only farmer in Mekong Delta to receive this honor

Lê Thanh Tùng

CEO of Tipharco

Business

Outstanding Entrepreneur — Pharmaceuticals

Le Thanh Tung (born 1990) is CEO and Vice Chairman of Tipharco Pharmaceutical JSC, holds a PhD in Finance & Investment. He was honored among Vietnam's TOP 100 Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs 2025.

Achievements
TOP 100 Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs 2025
Grew Tipharco into a leading regional pharmaceutical company

Nghệ nhân Đờn ca tài tử

Folk Artists

Cultural

Guardians of Southern Vietnamese Music

Don Ca Tai Tu artists in Dong Thap preserve and promote the traditional music of Southern Vietnam — an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO in 2013.

Achievements
Preserving UNESCO heritage — Don Ca Tai Tu
Teaching younger generations

Nghệ nhân dệt chiếu Định Yên

Traditional Artisans

Cultural

Golden Hands of Mat Weaving

The Dinh Yen mat-weaving village (Lap Vo) has a centuries-old tradition. Skilled artisans maintain traditional weaving techniques, creating exquisite products famous throughout the Mekong Delta.

Achievements
Maintaining centuries-old weaving tradition
Products famous across the Mekong Delta

Hồ Biểu Chánh (Hồ Văn Trung)

Pioneering Southern Vietnamese Novelist

1884 — 1958Binh Thanh, Go Cong, Tien Giang (former), now part of Dong Thap

Artists

Father of Modern Southern Vietnamese Novels

Ho Bieu Chanh — pioneering Southern novelist with over 100 works steeped in Southern culture. His philosophy of 'good triumphs evil' profoundly influenced Vietnamese literature.

Achievements
Over 100 works of Southern literature
Father of modern Southern novels

Trần Hữu Trang

Cai Luong Playwright

1906 — 1966Cho Gao, Tien Giang (former), now part of Dong Thap

Artists

Master Cai Luong Playwright

Tran Huu Trang — master playwright of Cai Luong theater with masterpieces like To Anh Nguyet, Lan and Diep, Doi Co Luu. The Tran Huu Trang Theater (HCMC) and prize are named after him.

Achievements
Masterpieces: To Anh Nguyet, Lan va Diep, Doi Co Luu
Tran Huu Trang Theater named after him

Phạm Kim Thành

Entrepreneur, Chairman

1985Dong Thap

Entrepreneurs

Chairman & CEO of Phuong Thanh Dental

Pham Kim Thanh — leading Dong Thap entrepreneur, Top 100 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Entrepreneurs 2025. Built a modern dental clinic system in the Mekong Delta.

Achievements
Top 100 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Entrepreneurs 2025
Built modern dental chain in Mekong Delta

Lưu Tuấn Lâm

Entrepreneur, CEO

1988Dong Thap

Entrepreneurs

CEO Phuong Thanh Dental — Top 10 Mekong Delta

Luu Tuan Lam — the only Mekong Delta representative in Vietnam's Top 10 outstanding young startup entrepreneurs 2024. Expanded Phuong Thanh Dental to 23 dental chairs and 60 staff.

Achievements
Top 10 Outstanding Young Startup Entrepreneurs 2024
Sole Mekong Delta representative

Trương Văn Chính

Entrepreneur, Chairman

1983Dong Thap

Entrepreneurs

Chairman of Chon Chinh Import-Export Co.

Truong Van Chinh — successful import-export entrepreneur from Dong Thap, Top 100 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Entrepreneurs 2025. Developed Dong Thap agricultural brands for international markets.

Achievements
Top 100 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Entrepreneurs 2025
International export of Dong Thap agricultural products

Nguyễn Thị Thu Cúc

Entrepreneur, COO

1985Dong Thap

Entrepreneurs

COO of Viet Nga Group

Nguyen Thi Thu Cuc — young female entrepreneur from Dong Thap, COO of Viet Nga Group Corporation. Top 100 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Entrepreneurs 2025.

Achievements
Top 100 Outstanding Young Vietnamese Entrepreneurs 2025
COO of Viet Nga Group

Phạm Đức Thuyên

Entrepreneur, Director

1970Tien Giang

Entrepreneurs

Director of Phu Dat Manufacturing & Trading Co.

Pham Duc Thuyen — outstanding Tien Giang entrepreneur, Director of Phu Dat Manufacturing & Trading Co. Honored as 'Outstanding Tien Giang Entrepreneur' for exceptional contributions to local economic development.

Achievements
Outstanding Tien Giang Entrepreneur
Local economic development contribution

Lê Văn Thái

Entrepreneur, Chairman

1965Tien Giang

Entrepreneurs

Chairman & CEO of Tien Giang Mechanical JSC

Le Van Thai — Chairman & CEO of Tien Giang Mechanical JSC. Outstanding Tien Giang entrepreneur, major contributor to the Mekong Delta's mechanical engineering industry.

Achievements
Outstanding Tien Giang Entrepreneur
Mekong Delta mechanical industry development

Huỳnh Đình Điển

Landowner, Capitalist

1880 — 1948Go Cong, Tien Giang

Entrepreneurs

Go Cong Billionaire of French Colonial Era

Huynh Dinh Dien — one of the richest tycoons in Go Cong during the early 20th century French colonial era. Owned thousands of hectares and numerous commercial enterprises. A symbol of the indigenous bourgeoisie of Go Cong.

Achievements
Billionaire of Go Cong in French era
Landowner of thousands of hectares

Châu Minh Hải

Entrepreneur, Director

1975Tien Giang

Entrepreneurs

Self-Made Entrepreneur — Agricultural Supplies

Chau Minh Hai — from water-carrying laborer to outstanding Tien Giang entrepreneur in agricultural supplies. His startup story strongly inspires the Mekong Delta region.

Achievements
Self-made from zero to outstanding entrepreneur
Leading Tien Giang agricultural supplies enterprise

Thiện Nhân Rì Viu

TikToker, Western Cuisine Content Creator

1995Dong Thap

Influencers

Mekong Delta Food TikToker with Millions of Followers

Thien Nhan Ri Viu (real name Tong Thanh Nhan) — TikToker from Dong Thap, famous for cooking tutorials and Mekong Delta food culture videos with charm and humor. Had millions of TikTok followers. Business Administration graduate who spreads Western cuisine culture through social media.

Achievements
Millions of TikTok followers — Mekong cuisine
Spread Dong Thap food culture

Huỳnh Quốc Dũng

TikToker, Content Creator

1992Dong Thap

Influencers

2M TikTok Followers — Creative Home Appliance Reviews

Huynh Quoc Dung — TikToker from Dong Thap with 2 million followers. Famous for creative product reviews of home appliances. Honored as an outstanding content creator in the 'Home & Life' category in 2023.

Achievements
2 million TikTok followers
Outstanding 'Home & Life' content creator 2023

Mỹ Huyền (Huyền Phi)

TikToker, OCOP Agricultural Livestreamer

1993Mekong Delta (near Dong Thap)

Influencers

2M+ Followers — Livestreaming Dong Thap OCOP Agricultural Products

My Huyen (TikTok channel Huyen Phi) — a Mekong Delta girl with over 2 million TikTok followers and nearly 68 million likes. Actively supports Vietnamese agricultural product sales via livestream, especially Dong Thap OCOP products.

Achievements
2M followers, 68M likes on TikTok
Supports Dong Thap OCOP product sales

Jimin Young (Huỳnh Hồng Ngọc)

TikToker, Beauty Blogger

2001Dong Thap

Influencers

533K+ Followers — Makeup Transformation

Jimin Young (Huynh Hong Ngoc) — TikToker from Dong Thap, born 2001, famous for viral makeup transformation videos. Over 533K followers and 11.6 million likes. Openly shared her cosmetic surgery journey in Korea.

Achievements
533K+ followers, 11.6M likes on TikTok
Viral makeup transformation videos

KuTee Sa Đéc

Vlogger, Sa Dec Lifestyle YouTuber

1990Sa Dec, Dong Thap

Influencers

Mekong Delta Simple Life Vlogger

KuTee Sa Dec — vlogger focused on simple life in Sa Dec, Dong Thap. Videos about food, people, and humble everyday stories — showcasing the authentic beauty of Sa Dec to the online community.

Achievements
Promoting Sa Dec food and culture
Authentic Mekong Delta lifestyle YouTuber

Ngọc Bếp Củi

YouTuber, Rural Cuisine Content Creator

1994Dong Thap

Influencers

Mekong Delta Wood-Fire Cooking YouTuber

Ngoc Bep Cui — YouTube channel from Dong Thap, sharing videos of wood-fire cooking in the countryside. A TikTok-viral tourism spot and authentic rural Mekong Delta culinary experience.

Achievements
TikTok-viral Dong Thap tourism spot
Spreading rural wood-fire cooking culture

Trương Định (Trương Công Định)

Grand Marshal of the West

1820 — 1864Quang Ngai, settled in Go Cong (old Tien Giang, now part of Dong Thap)

Heroes

Anti-French Hero — Grand Marshal of the West

Truong Dinh refused the ceasefire order from the Hue court and was proclaimed 'Grand Marshal' by the people of Go Cong. He led heroic anti-French resistance and died on August 20, 1864 at Ao Dinh — refusing to fall into enemy hands. The Truong Dinh uprising complex (tomb, temple, Dam La Toi Troi, Ao Dinh, Luy Phao Dai) was recognized as a Special National Monument in 2024.

Achievements
Led anti-French resistance in Go Cong 1862–1864
Proclaimed 'Grand Marshal of the West' by the people
Complex recognized as Special National Monument (2024)

Nguyễn Hữu Huân (Thủ Khoa Huân)

Patriot Scholar, Anti-French Confucian

1830 — 1875My Tho (old Tien Giang, now part of Dong Thap)

Heroes

Indomitable Patriot — Captured Three Times, Never Surrendered

Nguyen Huu Huan (Thu Khoa Huan) — a brilliant Confucian scholar, top graduate in the 1852 Gia Dinh regional exam. Captured three times by the French, three times he remained defiant. Executed in 1875 at My Tho, he became an enduring symbol of patriotism. His tomb and temple in My Tho are a national heritage site. Annual memorial on 15th of 4th lunar month.

Achievements
Top graduate of 1852 Gia Dinh regional exam
Captured 3 times, continued anti-French resistance
Symbol of Tien Giang patriotism — National heritage site

Tứ Kiệt Cai Lậy

Four Anti-French Heroes

~1840 — 1870Cai Lay, old Tien Giang (now part of Dong Thap)

Heroes

Four Heroes — Symbol of Anti-French Resistance in Cai Lay

Nguyen Thanh Long, Tran Cong Than, Ly Van Ngoc, Nguyen Van Tiep — four heroes revered by the people of Cai Lay. They led anti-French resistance from 1868-1870 and died heroically defending their homeland. The Tu Kiet Shrine in Cai Lay is a National Historical Monument honoring their indomitable patriotism.

Achievements
Led Cai Lay resistance 1868–1870
Tu Kiet Shrine — National heritage site

Quyền Linh

Actor, National MC

1969Tien Giang (old), now part of Dong Thap

Artists

Vietnam's National MC — Most Beloved TV Host

Quyen Linh — actor and Vietnam's beloved 'national MC' from Tien Giang. Famous for heartwarming TV shows: 'Rise Above Yourself' and 'Do You Want a Date?'. Multiple Mai Vang Award winner. Beyond entertainment, he's known for extensive charity work, building hundreds of homes for the poor in the Mekong Delta.

Achievements
National MC — Multiple Mai Vang Awards
Built hundreds of charity homes in Mekong Delta
'Do You Want a Date?' — Vietnam's most popular dating show

Lý Hải

Singer, Director, Film Producer

1972Tien Giang (old), now part of Dong Thap

Artists

Box Office Wizard — Director of Lat Mat Blockbusters

Ly Hai — top Vietnamese singer from Tien Giang. From pop star, he pivoted to directing and created the 'Lat Mat' franchise that shattered Vietnamese box office records. 'Lat Mat 7: One Wish' (2024) grossed 516.8 billion VND — the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time.

Achievements
Lat Mat 7 — 516.8B VND, Vietnam's #1 all-time film
Singer: millions of records sold
Director of record-breaking Lat Mat franchise

Tăng Thanh Hà

Actress, Model, Entrepreneur

1986Go Cong, old Tien Giang (now part of Dong Thap)

Artists

Vietnam's 'Jade Beauty' — Iconic Actress of a Generation

Tang Thanh Ha — known as Vietnam's 'Jade Beauty', from Go Cong (old Tien Giang). Famous for 'Suddenly Want to Cry' (2008), Pepsi commercials, and numerous hit films. Married to businessman Louis Nguyen, currently runs F&B and fashion businesses.

Achievements
'Jade Beauty' — Vietnam's beauty icon of the 2000s
Star of 'Suddenly Want to Cry'
F&B and fashion entrepreneur

Lâm Khánh Chi

Singer, Actress, Entrepreneur

1977Tien Giang (old), now part of Dong Thap

Artists

Vietnam's Most Famous Transgender Singer

Lam Khanh Chi — singer and actress from Tien Giang, famous for her sweet bolero vocals. As Vietnam's most beloved transgender artist, she became a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community. Married in 2017, active in showbiz and beauty business.

Achievements
Vietnam's most famous transgender singer
Vietnam's LGBTQ+ icon
Bolero singer and entrepreneur

Vân Trang

Actress, Model

1989Tien Giang (old), now part of Dong Thap

Artists

Talented Actress from Tien Giang

Van Trang — famous actress from Tien Giang, known for diverse roles across Vietnamese cinema and television. From romantic leads to challenging villain roles, she consistently impresses audiences.

Achievements
Versatile actress — film and television
Multiple film awards

Thầy Giáo Ba (Nguyễn Tiến Thành)

Streamer, Gaming Content Creator

1989Dong Thap

Influencers

Vietnam's Most Famous Streamer — Thay Giao Ba

Thay Giao Ba (Nguyen Tien Thanh) — Vietnam's most famous gaming streamer from Dong Thap. YouTube channel with millions of subscribers. Beyond streaming, he owns SBTC eSports organization and multiple digital entertainment ventures.

Achievements
Vietnam's #1 gaming streamer
Owns SBTC eSports organization
Millions of YouTube subscribers

Khương Nhựt Minh

YouTuber, Charity Facebooker

1990Dong Thap

Influencers

Dong Thap Charity YouTuber

Khuong Nhut Minh — a well-known YouTuber and Facebooker from Dong Thap, focused on charity work and sharing Mekong Delta lifestyle content. He regularly organizes charitable trips, donating Tet gifts to the poor and charity homes in Dong Thap.

Achievements
Active charity work in Dong Thap
YouTuber promoting Mekong Delta life

Explore the important historical milestones of Dong Thap

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