Buzz
Venturing to Can Tho offers more than just river tourism and indulging in garden-fresh produce and local delicacies. You can also visit the ancient houses steeped in the cultural essence of the Mekong Delta. The ancestral home of the Duong family has always garnered attention and warmly welcomed countless visitors from near and far each year.
Front view of Binh Thuy Mansion (Photo: @minhchauarc)
Binh Thuy Mansion in Can Tho
Panoramic view of the ancient house – Cần Thơ tourism destination (Photo: @locn19)
Situated at 142/144 Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thuy, Can Tho, Binh Thuy ancient house is one of over 70 ancient houses in Can Tho province, often referred to as the 'Western Capital'. Built in 1870, it belongs to the Duong family. This ancient house is one of the few remaining intact ones to this day, holding significant value in supporting research and understanding the culture, customs, and practices of the Mekong Delta people during the transitional period between two centuries.
Unique Architecture
Unlike other houses heavily influenced by Western architecture, Binh Thuy ancient house is a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, featuring a French-style villa architecture. The house comprises five compartments surrounded by a fence and an iron gate adorned with patterns resembling French mansions, along with a series of decorative motifs of fish, mythical lions, or flowers and leaves made of cement on the roof ridge and gables.
What captivates the first-time visitors here are the 4 majestic curved staircases leading from the courtyard into the main house, along with a series of windows ensuring excellent ventilation for the house. Every column made of lime, from the arrangement of the rooms to the interior design, is meticulously crafted by the owner to ensure symmetry. All floor tiles are directly imported from France.
Entrance gate adorned with French mansion-style patterns (Photo: @_irisleisgood_)
Staircase leading to the main hall (Photo: @makontq)
Windows with strong European style combined with Asian culture (Photo: @vanphan7589)
Interior architecture of the building (Photo: @lenlichdichoi)
Ceiling adorned with various patterns (Photo: @mei.vo.0106)
All floor tiles are directly imported from France (Photo: @christian_trannn_classic)
Every detail is meticulously cared for by the owner (Photo: @phanbom)
However, the altar area still maintains its original architectural style, adorned with strong Eastern elements to preserve the traditional cultural essence. Additionally, visitors can also ask the owner for further explanations about the architectural style and the hidden meanings behind each decoration of the house.
Binh Thuy Orchid Garden and Extensive Antiquities Collection
Renowned not only for its unique architecture, Binh Thuy ancient house is also known for the Binh Thuy Orchid Garden and the extensive collection of valuable antiquities it houses.
Mr. Duong Van Ngon, the fifth-generation descendant of the house, has collected countless rare orchid species from all over and invited friends to admire the flowers, making it a gathering place for flower enthusiasts, especially orchid lovers. The ancient house is also famous far and wide for its over 40-year-old Golden Barrel Cactus from Mexico.
