Having the opportunity to travel to Can Tho after visiting Cai Rang floating market, walking Ninh Kieu wharf, enjoying fruit, gardening cuisine … you should come to visit ancient houses carrying the marks of delta river culture. Meanwhile, Binh Thuy ancient house (Vietnamese: nhà cổ Bình Thủy, nhà cổ means ancient house) is a famous tourist attraction in Can Tho City. It has outstanding culture and architecture and is one of three famous ancient houses representing the culture of the Mekong Delta River. This is an indispensable destination for travelers whether when you’re traveling with a group or solo.
History of the Binh Thuy ancient house
The ancient house of Bình Thủy located at 144 Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thuy District. The house was built in 1870 and owned by the Duong family. In 1911, a member of the 4th generation of this family, Mr. Duong Chan Ky refurbished the house. He created a harmonious space mix of European and traditional designs. In the 1980s, Mr Duong Van Ngon – a member of the 5th generation collected lots of priceless orchids and grew an orchid garden around the house.
Until now, the house has existed for over 150 years and has been one of the designs well preserved. A visit to this destination will be an opportunity to learn fascinating things about the house’s history and architecture.
The architecture of Binh Thuy ancient house
The house was built on a total area of about 6,000 square meters and divided into five compartments. The iron fence and gate were designed in the style of a French mansion. The front is attached with the sign “Phuoc An Hieu”.
The main compartment is reached by two ways of bow-shaped stairs, which were designed on both sides and looked harmonious. There are two other straight staircases leading to the two wings of the house.
Going up the stairs through the front into the house is a series of windows ensuring ventilation for the house. Also, its foundation is about one meter higher than the land surface, making the house more spacious and comfortable. That why you could not find any fan or air conditioner inside.
Although the architecture of the house, the living room is decorated in European style, one of the most important places – the worshipping area decorated with the traditional style of the locals in the Mekong Delta river. The incense burners, lamps and carved structures were all very delicately decorated.
All the sculptures of the house are taken from the image of animals that bring prosperity to the householder such as bats, birds, peacocks, shrimp, crabs, dragons, and phoenixes …
Besides, the image of Ochna integerrima, lotus, Asteraceae, bamboo, and orchids are also skillfully and ingeniously brought in.
In addition, the house also has been preserving many valuable antiques for centuries such as marble furniture with a diameter of 1.5m, thicker than 6cm, originating from Yunnan province, China, white lanterns from the XVIII century, cups of tea and wine from the Ming-Qing dynasty, three sets of lavish wooden chairs and tables, big vases with 1.2 meter high, Louis XV style salon, a chandelier dating back to the 18th century….
This shows a harmonious East-West cultural communication, selectively expressing the sophisticated aesthetic tastes of the owner.
In the end, with its architectural and historical value, Bình Thủy ancient house has been recognized as an “artistic relic national-level” and chosen as the studio of many renowned Vietnamese films, depicting the life of the local people in the past. Director Jean Jacques Annaud used this house, instead of Huynh Thuy Le ancient house in Sa Dec city, to make a famous film called L’Amant (the Lover).
If you can travel to the West to Can Tho, do not forget to visit Binh Thuy Ancient House – the most beautiful old house in Tay Do (The Western city).
Useful information
- Best for Family, couples, and solo
- Entrance: 10,000 – 15,000VND.
- Best time to visit: Daily 07:00 – 16:00 am
- Other tourist spots nearby: Binh Thuy temple, Phong Dien floating market, Bang Lang stork sanctuary, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery, Ong Temple…
