Are you ready to explore one of Vietnam’s most captivating historical sites? Our in-depth travel blog will walk you through the Binh Thuy ancient house, offering insider tips and fascinating insights to enhance your visit.
The Story of Binh Thuy Ancient House
The Binh Thuy Ancient House has been standing for more than 150 years. The Duong family, who were very wealthy, built it in 1870. They wanted a grand home that would show off their money and good taste. The family has taken great care of the house over the years. Because of this, you can see today how people lived long ago.
Many people know this house from a famous movie. In 1992, a French film called “The Lover” used the Binh Thuy Ancient House as a filming location. This movie, based on a book by Marguerite Duras, made the house even more popular. Now, people who love movies and history come from all over to see it.
The Amazing Architecture of Binh Thuy Ancient House
When you first see the Binh Thuy Ancient House, you’ll notice how different it looks from other buildings. The house mixes two very different styles: French colonial and traditional Vietnamese. This mix creates a look that you won’t see anywhere else.
Unique design of the house
The house is built on a high foundation. The house was designed to be higher than normal houses to prevent flooding in the old Mekong Delta area.
- The Roof: Look up, and you’ll see beautiful tiles in the Vietnamese style. The edges of the roof curve gently, just like old Vietnamese buildings. This roof keeps the house cool in the hot weather.
- The Front Porch: A big, open porch wraps around the front of the house. This porch looks like something you’d see in Europe. It’s a great place to sit and watch people walk by on the street.
- Pretty Decorations: The house has many small, beautiful details. You’ll see iron designs on the railings, colorful glass in the windows, and wooden panels with fancy carvings. These show how skilled the builders were.
Here’s an interesting fact: When building the main part of the house, the Duong family put a 10-centimeter-thick layer of salt under the tiled floor. People in southern Vietnam often do this when building houses. They believe the salt keeps insects away, makes the house airy, and protects against bad spirits.
Inside the Binh Thuy Ancient House
When you step inside the Binh Thuy Ancient House, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. The rooms are full of old things that the family has kept for many years. These items show us how rich people lived in the early 1900s.
Here are some of the interesting things you’ll see inside:
- The Main Hall: The heart of the house, featuring an ancestor altar adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations.
- European Furniture: Exquisite pieces imported from France, including ornate chairs, tables, and cabinets, reflect the family’s wealth and cosmopolitan tastes.
- Porcelain Collection: A vast array of fine Chinese and European porcelain, showcasing the family’s appreciation for international art.
- Vintage Photographs: Black and white images of family members and historical events offer a glimpse into the lives of the Duong family and the broader context of the time.
One thing that makes you really respect and like the owner of Binh Thuy Ancient House is this: Even though the house mixes Eastern and Western cultures, the family altar in the house is still purely Vietnamese.
The Enchanting Garden – A botanical paradise
One of the most captivating aspects of the Binh Thuy Ancient House is its lush, meticulously maintained garden. As you wander through this green oasis, you’ll encounter:
- Rare Orchids: A stunning collection of orchids, some of which are over 100 years old.
- Bonsai Trees: Expertly pruned bonsai specimens, showcasing the art of miniature landscaping.
- Ornamental Ponds: Serene water features home to colorful koi fish and water lilies.
Before you visit
Address of Binh Thuy Ancient House
You can find Binh Thuy Ancient House at 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City. The house is about 9 kilometers from the center of Can Tho City.
Opening Hours of Binh Thuy Ancient House
Binh Thuy Ancient House is open twice a day:
- Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If you arrive during these times but find the house closed or don’t see anyone selling tickets, you can call Mr. Bay (the house owner) at 0987 055 963. He will come right away to help you.
How much does it cost?
To visit Binh Thuy Ancient House, you need to buy a ticket. Each ticket costs 15,000 VND (about 65 cents in US dollars) per person. The Duong family, who owns the house, sets this price. It’s not a ticket from the local government.
The house is a private property owned by the Duong family. You can think of this small fee as asking the family’s permission to visit their home. Once you buy a ticket, you can stay as long as you want.
Must-see attractions nearby
The Western Capital (Can Tho) is truly a place that amazes visitors with its simple but very attractive beauty. Besides Binh Thuy Ancient House, Can Tho has many other beautiful and interesting places for you to discover!
Binh Thuy Temple
Near Binh Thuy Ancient House in Can Tho is Binh Thuy Temple. This place combines spiritual tourism with learning about culture. Interestingly, the owner of Binh Thuy Ancient House also gave a lot of money to build this temple. It’s a valuable piece of Vietnamese art and architecture from the time when people first settled in the Western South region in the 19th century.
Ninh Kieu Wharf
Ninh Kieu Wharf is a place you can’t miss when visiting Can Tho. You’ll have a chance to enjoy Mekong Delta food with famous Can Tho specialties at many busy eating areas and night markets.
Ong Pagoda in Can Tho
Ong Pagoda is an old temple that’s more than 100 years old in Can Tho. This is a Chinese temple built with special architecture that has stayed the same since it was first built. It’s an ancient place with many beautiful angles for taking photos. You can also try asking for fortune slips right at Ong Pagoda.
Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang Floating Market is the most famous tourist place in Can Tho. It’s been voted as one of the 10 most beautiful canals and is always in the top 3 most beautiful floating markets in Asia. You can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Mekong Delta’s largest floating market.
Hope this travel blog will help you plan your perfect visit to the Binh Thuy ancient house while discovering Can Tho. Don’t miss the opportunity to step back in time and experience the magic of this cultural gem. Book your trip to Can Tho today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Vietnam’s architectural heritage!
Mo Nguyen – from Luxury Mekong Cruise
