The Binh Thuy Ancient House in Can Tho is an intact artifact with a fascinating combination of Eastern and Western architecture. Created in the 19th century, it captures the beauty and culture of Southern Vietnam’s heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Introduction To Binh Thuy Ancient House
Situated in the center of Can Tho City in Mekong Delta, the Binh Thuy Ancient House is an exceptional and meticulously preserved gem of the past. Found at 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, this estate is over 100 years old and is a delightful representation of Eastern meeting Western architectural styles, such as charming French-style windows and elegant Vietnamese-style wooden altars situated within a tropical garden and along a serene riverfront.
A visit to the Binh Thủy Ancient House transports you back in time to observe the lifestyle of a wealthy family living in the Mekong Delta in the early 20th century. This home has been in the Duong family for generations, and you will find lots of antiques, family heirlooms, and unique architectural features that are a combination of colonial French and traditional Vietnamese culture. The home is the perfect choice whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, as it invites you to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the scene.
History Of Binh Thuy Ancient House
From the late 18th century onwards, Can Tho, known as the “land of peace and prosperity,” drew settlers from afar, and among them was the Duong family, whose presence is still felt through the Binh Thuy Ancient House.
The house was originally built by Mr. Duong Van Vi, a third-generation descendant, who made it with wood and tiles and then reconstructed it himself some thirty years later. After he died in 1904, his youngest son, Duong Chan Ky, rebuilt his father’s masterpiece until it was completed in 1911.
The house has a rich history spanning over 150 years, is well-kept and preserved, and is one of the few ancient houses that is still in its original architectural form. Today, the house is not only a cultural heritage site, but it has also served as a setting for famous movies such as The Lover (France), The Beauty of Tay Do, and Paths of Silt.
In 2009, the Binh Thuy ancient house was classified as a National Architectural and Artistic Heritage site. Visiting this beautiful home serves as a window into the abundance of cultural and historical influences of the Mekong Delta region.
Unique Architecture Of Binh Thuy Ancient House
Each guest arriving at Binh Thuy Ancient House is instantly impressed by the unique combination of Eastern and Western architectural influences. Built when Western culture was prominent in Vietnam, the house features European sophistication complemented with traditional Vietnamese furnishings to create an ambiance that is both majestic and graceful.
Exterior Architecture
From the outside, Binh Thuy Ancient House could easily be mistaken for a French colonial villa. Its iron fence and concrete posts offer a contemporary and refined impression. Beyond the wall is a traditional Chinese triple entrance gate made up of four large posts, as two posts are made from cement and the other two are made from wood, with a green-tiled roof, adorned with red and yellow carvings featuring fish, unicorns, and flowers. There are also two prominent signs, one is a Chinese sign that states, “Phuoc An Hieu,” and the Vietnamese sign, “Phu Tho Ho Duong,” which translates to the Duong Family Ancestral House.
The exterior is a work of art, with beautifully molded columns, arches, and window screens. Two dual staircases lead to the front door, placed between a pair of old, bronze lamps from French colonial times. The house sits on a multi-story foundation atop which the building is sited to prevent flooding, a smart adaptation to the flooding conditions of the Mekong Delta. The Duong family evidently even lined the bottom with 10cm of coarsely ground salt, a traditional way to ‘drive out’ insects and increase ventilation for good feng shui as well.
Interior Architecture
Inside, the house breaks from the common three-section format of Southern homes, instead stretching into five airy sections. The floors are dark-toned tiles imported from France, bringing a sense of lasting elegance. Intricately carved wooden arches separate and unify the main living spaces (the front hall, the middle hall, and the back living quarters).
The furnishings are a splendid manifestation of East–West. The sitting room has a classic Louis XV French salon set and crystal chandeliers, while other rooms have Vietnamese antiques: a Ming–Qing era wine set, Yunnan marble tables, and celadon vases taller than a meter. However, among this Western influence, the family’s altar gives pure Vietnamese expression, a striking reminder of both cultural pride and respect for tradition.
This graceful balance between East and West, modernity and legacy, makes Binh Thuy Ancient House not simply an architectural treasure, but rather a living example of the Duong family’s sophisticated style and cultural respect.
3 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
A trip to Binh Thuy Ancient House offers more than just beautiful architecture; it allows visitors to experience the charm of an era gone by. Whether taking memorable photos for nostalgia or exploring film history, there are experiences here that you don’t want to miss.
Check in to Binh Thuy Ancient House
One of the best things to do in this location, as well as the Mekong Delta, is to take beautiful vintage-looking photos. The timeless nature of the home serves as a breathtaking backdrop for nostalgic photos, especially if you wear warm tones or muted colors. Couples and friends love to come while dressed elegantly and snap memorable portraits in the beautiful blend of decor that combines eastern and western themes. Each area of the house has a story, which creates impactful and lifetime memories in your photos.
Visit An Influential Movie Location
Binh Thuy Ancient House was the filming location for several famous Vietnamese movies, such as Nguoi Dep Tay Do, Cong Tu Bac Lieu, and Nhung Neo Duong Phu Sa. The notch of beauty in the space transports visitors to early 20th-century southern Vietnam, where culture was alive with art. The most notable movie filmed here is the award-winning and internationally known film, The Lover (1992), directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. With so much to see, each step you take through the house is like a scene out of a movie.
Uncover Its Past And Cultural Traditions
Besides its architecture, the house has more than a century of interesting stories. It was constructed by the Duong family in the late 19th century, representing the wealth and good taste of Southern elites. Visitors will see valuable antiques, hear the family’s history, and experience the harmonious combination of Vietnamese spirit with French influence that makes Binh Thuy so appealing.
Entrance Fee
The cost of entry to the Binh Thuy Ancient House is 15,000 VND per person.
Interestingly, this charge is not determined by local authorities but rather by the homeowners themselves. As the house is still a private heritage property of the Duong family, they have chosen to leave a small leaf to show respect. This is a way to ask the family for permission to enter and look around their ancestral home at your own pace.
Opening Hours
- Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If you get here in these time periods and find the gate locked, then you can contact Mr. Bay (the homeowner) on 0987 055 963 for support.
The Binh Thuy Ancient House is located in Can Tho, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where the weather has two specific seasons. The dry season from December to August has good weather with golden sunshine and blooming flowers in the garden, and you will have a great time exploring and taking photographs.
The rainy season (September to November) is also a good time to visit the house in conjunction with other Can Tho attractions like Cai Rang Floating Market, Bang Lang Stork Garden, or Sa Dec Flower Village for an authentic local atmosphere.
How To Get To Binh Thuy Ancient House
Binh Thuy Ancient House is situated approximately 5-6 km from the center of Can Tho city, at 142/144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy Ward. It will take only about 10-15 minutes to reach this destination from Ninh Kieu Wharf. Below are the most common options for transportation to the Ancient House.
- Traveling by Motorbike: You can rent a motorbike from your hotel for around 120,000-150,000 VND for a day, then take the route Nguyen Trai – Cach Mang Thang Tam- Bui Huu Nghia. Traveling by motorbike is relatively fast, convenient, and allows for exploration of the nearby attractions.
- Traveling by Taxi or Grab: This will cost about 60,000-80,000 VND (one-way). This is the best option if you are traveling with friends or family and want a simplified experience.
- Traveling by Bicycle: If you enjoy a slower pace, you can also take the canal road, which is a nice way to spend time getting to the Ancient House. You will be cycling in the fresh air and lush countryside scenery in Can Tho, so the trip will be equally pleasurable as the final destination.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Binh Thuy Ancient House
Before arriving at Binh Thuy Ancient House, remember to consider the local culture and maintain a quiet atmosphere on this site. With that in mind, here are a few quick travel tips to help you enjoy your visit and be respectful:
- Dress simply and respectfully. Dressing in traditional ao ba ba attire is preferable for good-looking, culturally appropriate images.
- Speak quietly and refrain from making excessive noise that will disturb others.
- Keep the location clean, and please, do not litter, so that the peaceful and calm setting of the house can be kept intact.
- If you would like to take images in the worship area, you must ask the owner for permission first and speak quietly.
- Choose shoes that are comfortable to walk in to explore the house and the surrounding areas.
FAQs About Binh Thuy Ancient House
Before visiting Binh Thuy Ancient House, various travelers have a few common questions about tickets, opening hours, experiencing locals, etc. Below is a list of some commonly asked questions that we hope will help plan your trip.
Can I take photos inside the house?
Yes, photography is permitted in most areas in the house, but be considerate and ask about taking photos in the worship area. If you wear a more traditional outfit like áo bà bà, they look great in vintage pictures.
How long will it take to see the house?
It is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You may easily lose track of time by wandering around the house, while getting lost in architecture and family history, and enjoying the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Many visitors also stop at other local attractions afterwards, such as the Cai Rang Floating Market.
Final Thoughts: Is Binh Thuy Ancient House Worth Visiting?
Binh Thuy Ancient House is not simply a monument. It is a vibrant representation of the culture and history of Southern Vietnam. Its beautiful harmony of French and Vietnamese architecture, serene gardens, and perennial stories make it an unmissable place in Can Tho. If you love history, photography, or would just like to get a flavor of local customs, this one-hundred-year-old house is an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip with Seni World today and explore the beauty of this famous place in the heart of the Mekong Delta.
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