Hoa Hao Buddhism was founded by Huynh Phu So, who is regarded as a saint by its devotees and called Great Prophet Huynh, in 1939 in Hoa Hao village, Tan Chau district of the former Chau Doc province (now Phu Tan commune, An Giang province). Its core values are filial piety, loyalty, and patriotism, with a focus on practicing the faith at home.
Local follower Bui Thanh Lam said that Hoa Hao Buddhism takes Buddhism as its foundation, integrated with the philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism, along with the unique teachings of Great Prophet Huynh.
“It is therefore closely aligned with Vietnamese customs and traditions, distilled from the essence of those three schools of thought. We follow the Buddha while learning human ethics—studying Buddhism to cultivate ourselves. Spreading Hoa Hao teachings means spreading Buddhist philosophy and the values of Confucianism and Taoism, which harmonize with Vietnamese culture and lifestyle,” said Lam.
Following an administrative merger effective July 1, 2025, the new Phu Tan commune incorporates the former Phu My town and the communes of Tan Hoa, Tan Trung, and Phu Hung. More than 90% of its residents are Hoa Hao Buddhists.
The commune is home to the Central Executive Board of the Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha, four subordinate executive boards from the pre-merger units, and the Hoa Hao Buddhist Intermediate School.
According to Le Ngoc Loi, Deputy Chairman of the Central Executive Board and Head of the Charity and Social Affairs Committee, The State has increasingly facilitated the activities of religious organizations, including Hoa Hao Buddhism.
“Great Prophet Huynh taught the Four Debts of Gratitude: to ancestors and parents and to the nation – which includes the responsibility to protect the country and its territory – and to others. Only when the nation is strong can the people prosper. Many followers have contributed to national defense, becoming martyrs or wounded soldiers,” Loi noted.
Each year, Phu Tan welcomes large numbers of followers from all over Vietnam for the anniversary of the sect’s founding on the 18th day of the 5th lunar month and the Prophet’s birthday on the 25th day of the 11th lunar month. Local residents demonstrate their hospitality by offering free drinks and food—such as bread, sticky rice, potatoes, rice, and porridge—to pilgrims and other visitors.
Phu Tan commune is a standout in social welfare activities, including building houses for the poor, constructing rural bridges and roads, and planting free herbal medicine gardens. In collaboration with the Central Executive Board and benefactors, the commune has built 120 “great unity” houses and mobilized resources for 2 rural bridges, strengthening public trust in local authorities.
Government support for religious freedom is reflected in the Hoa Hao Buddhist Intermediate School—the only institution of its kind under the Central Executive Board. Phan Chi Tam, a student at the school, told VOV, “I’ve learned a lot here, both general education and Hoa Hao Buddhist teachings. After graduation, I hope to become a religious teacher to help spread those values and contribute to social charity work.”
The Hoa Hao Buddhist community in Phu Tan commune eagerly participate in charitable initiatives, patriotic movements, and new rural development. With the guiding motto of “good life, beautiful religion”, its dignitaries and followers continue to strengthen national unity and contribute to local socio-economic development.
