Top 10 Most Beautiful Ancient Houses in Vietnam

Phùng Hưng Ancient House is located at No. 4 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. Built over 220 years ago, during the late 18th to early 19th century, this house was constructed at the peak of Hoi An’s prosperity. The first owner, a wealthy merchant, was known for his strong business acumen and wide network. The house was intended as a long-term business establishment for trading valuable goods like cinnamon, pepper, salt, porcelain, and glass—items highly sought after by traders at the time. The name 'Phùng Hưng' was chosen to symbolize hopes for enduring prosperity and peace for future generations.

Today, the house remains under the care of the eighth-generation descendants of the original merchant. The family members not only preserve and maintain the house but also act as guides for visitors, explaining its history and showcasing the ancient architectural and interior features. Additionally, the Phùng Hưng Ancient House is also a workshop for the family’s handmade embroidery business. If you’re on a 3-day, 2-night tour of Hoi An, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs as gifts for loved ones. Designed in the typical merchant house style of the early 19th century, the Phùng Hưng house is a long, narrow structure with a wide facade, symbolizing the welcoming of prosperity. Made primarily from rare woods, it has preserved its original beauty even after more than two centuries.

The Bac Liêu Heir's Mansion is located at 13 Điện Biên Phủ Street, Ward 3, Bac Liêu City, next to the Bac Liêu River. Built between 1917 and 1919, this grand house showcases an impressive Western architectural style. During its time, it was the most magnificent mansion in the six provinces of the Mekong Delta, earning it the nickname 'The Big House' among the locals. The mansion was constructed by Trần Trinh Trạch, the father of the Bac Liêu heir, when the heir was only 19 years old. Trần Trinh Trạch was an influential landowner, possessing 74 estates, including 110,000 hectares of rice fields and nearly 100,000 hectares of salt flats. At that time, out of the 13 salt flats in Bac Liêu, 11 belonged to him. Trạch had seven children, four daughters and three sons. Among his sons, Trần Trinh Huy became famous for his extravagant lifestyle and his love for women. It is said that the Bac Liêu heir spent his inheritance, estimated at more than five tons of gold, on indulgence and lavishness.

The mansion was designed by a French architect, with most of the building materials imported from Paris. Many elements, from screws and bolts to detailed furnishings, were also sourced from France, all marked with the embossed letter 'P' to indicate their origin. Upon entering the mansion, visitors are immediately captivated by the intricate and sophisticated design, radiating elegance and luxury. The golden lights cast a warm and charming glow, creating a refined and cozy atmosphere. Each pillar is adorned with exquisite decorative patterns. Over a century old, the mansion's architectural and artistic value has not only endured but has become even more precious, continuing to be highly regarded by experts and visitors alike.

Binh Thuy Ancient House, located at 142/144 Bùi Hữu Nghĩa Street in Bình Thủy, Can Tho, is an essential site for anyone visiting the area, whether on a guided tour or independently. Built in 1870, it remains the property of the Dương family and is one of the few well-preserved ancient houses in the region. Its historical significance is invaluable for those studying the culture and traditions of the Mekong Delta during the transition between the 19th and 20th centuries. The house was designed by Dương Chấn Kỷ, a wealthy businessman, intellectual, and landowner with a deep appreciation for art and architecture. His fascination with Western trends, especially in architectural design, is reflected in the house’s elegant French colonial villa style. What sets this house apart is its distinct blend of Eastern Feng Shui principles and Western architecture, creating a harmonious fusion of both cultures.

The house sits on a plot of about 6,000 square meters, facing east and west with its floor raised by over 1 meter above the surrounding garden. The area is surrounded by beautifully manicured trees and vibrant flowers that bloom year-round, adding a dynamic and picturesque quality to the property. The house is divided into three main sections: The Front House (5 rooms), used for formal receptions and decorated in European style; The Middle House (5 rooms), with three rooms dedicated to ancestral worship and two rooms for living; and the Rear House, serving as the family’s common living space, complemented by several small garden areas. Binh Thuy Ancient House is a rare example of traditional architecture in the region, with a style that stands out among other historic homes. Unlike many traditional homes, its front entrance does not have a direct staircase but instead features two side staircases with ornamental plants between them, reflecting Eastern Feng Shui principles. Notably, two brass lamps, cast in France, stand at the foot of the staircases, enhancing the home’s unique charm.

The house is located in a narrow alley in Đông Ngạc Village, built in 1760 during the reign of King Lê Cảnh Hưng. The ancient gate, weathered by time, stands solemnly, while the front yard is dense with lush trees. According to Đỗ Quốc Hiến, the 15th-generation descendant, the family’s ancestor, Đỗ Thế Giai, was an official during the Lê-Trịnh dynasty. While alive, Đỗ Thế Giai was honored with the title 'Đỗ Đại Vương' (King Đỗ), and after his death, he was deified as 'Thượng đẳng phúc thần' (Supreme Deity). The house features a front temple and a main hall, constructed with lim and xoan rừng wood. It follows a traditional five-room layout with two side wings and a yin-yang roof. This rare ancestral house was allowed to be built in the style of a village communal hall, as confirmed by a royal decree from 1868, which granted the family tax exemptions and rice allocations for religious rituals. During that time, the Đỗ family owned hundreds of hectares of farmland to support their ceremonial duties.

After three centuries, the Đỗ family has preserved numerous relics, including wooden plaques, couplets, altars, ceremonial beds, palanquins, and other sacred items. In front of the temple, inscriptions like “Thiết thạch tinh trung” (Loyalty as firm as stone) and “Thượng đẳng phúc thần” (Supreme Deity) can be found. On the left side is a plaque inscribed “Vạn phúc du đồng” (Endless fortune), while on the right is “Ngũ phúc lâm môn” (Five blessings at the door). Additionally, there are two plaques featuring the symbol of 'Long mã', representing strength and endurance. The house's most remarkable features include two storks perched on tortoises and two stone tablets dating back to 1771, commemorating the deeds and virtues of Đỗ Thế Giai, along with guidelines for performing ancestral worship. A stone table is used for ceremonial offerings before they are moved into the main hall. Among the nearly 100 ancient houses in Đông Ngạc, the Đỗ family temple is considered the oldest and most valuable.

Tan Ky Ancient House, located on Nguyễn Thái Học Street in the ancient town of Hoi An, was constructed more than 200 years ago. Originally the home of the Tan Ky family, who have lived here for seven generations, the house is a testament to its rich history. The exterior is covered in moss, showing the effects of time, while the front opens onto the street where the family ran a shop, and the back overlooks the river for easy transportation of goods. The architecture combines Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles, designed with the unique 'chồng rường giã thủ' method, featuring two horizontal beams symbolizing heaven and earth, and five vertical beams resembling fingers, representing the five elements and fostering a harmonious balance between humans and nature. The house is built from valuable materials like precious wood, Thanh Hoa stone, and Bat Trang bricks, ensuring a cool atmosphere in the summer and warmth in winter.

The craftsmanship of the artisans from Kim Bong village in Hoi An is evident in the exquisite carvings that adorn the house, showcasing the intricate beauty of Eastern culture. With no windows, the house relies on a central courtyard, or 'sky well,' for natural light, ensuring a comfortable and open feeling inside. The house houses numerous cultural relics, including calligraphic plaques, couplets, and stunning paintings such as 'Tích đức lưu tôn' (Accumulating Virtue for Future Generations), 'Tâm thường thái' (Peaceful Heart), and the one-of-a-kind 'Bách Điệu' (Hundred Movements) couplet, where each stroke features a bird in flight, captivating visitors. Additionally, the 'Confucius Cup,' an invaluable artifact tied to the legend of Confucius, is a must-see for all who visit.

In the past, it was easy to see the distinct architectural style of the Red River Delta when visiting Cự Đà Village. However, with the passage of time and the winds of urbanization, only a few ancient houses remain in the village today. Despite this, the surviving houses in Cự Đà continue to stand as a testament that neither time nor urbanization has erased the village's traditional, tranquil, and ancient beauty. Tucked away in a narrow alley amidst newly built homes, the house of Nguyễn Văn Bảo and Trịnh Thị Hồng stands out with its height compared to the others. The wooden doors, arched roof, and the old house number affixed outside bear traces of a time when the village was one of the first to adopt house numbering in Vietnam. Mrs. Hồng's house is particularly stunning, evoking the charm of an old French mansion right in the heart of a rural northern Vietnamese village.

Cự Đà Village is known not only for its three and five-room traditional houses but also for its French-style two-story homes, some of which were constructed more than a hundred years ago. The village retains its ancient and traditional character, with several families still living in the original three and five-room homes with tiled roofs. Additionally, the village is home to sacred temples and shrines, many of which have been classified as national heritage sites. Overall, Cự Đà Village is an excellent destination for those interested in exploring the unique architecture of the Red River Delta, learning about Vietnamese history, traditional crafts, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere where time seems to stand still.

The Southwestern region of Vietnam is renowned for its vast fruit orchards, where the people are known for their kindness, sincerity, and charm. This water-based land is also famous for its ancient houses that are hundreds of years old, each one holding a wealth of stories and historical remnants. The traditional houses in the Mekong Delta are the result of the intelligence and hard work of many generations. What began as simple homes for the people has evolved over time into popular tourist attractions, becoming cultural heritage sites that reflect the identity of this southern region.

The Southern Ancient House is located at 335 Mỹ Khánh Village, Phong Điền District, Can Tho City, within the Mỹ Khánh tourist village. This well-known site has left a lasting impression on visitors from near and far. Despite being over a century old, the Southern Ancient House still preserves its architectural beauty and its distinct cultural features, showcasing the lifestyle of the influential people in the South in bygone times. Upon entering, visitors can experience the elegance of the house and admire the intricate wood carvings and unique artifacts on display. The tranquil and cool environment of the house provides a peaceful and calming atmosphere for all who visit.

Visitors to Thanh Hoa, particularly those touring the Ho Citadel and the West Gate, will be eagerly invited by locals to explore an ancient house. This is the house of Mr. Pham Ngoc Tung, located approximately 200 meters from the West Gate of the citadel. The house is situated in Tay Giai village, Vinh Tien commune, Vinh Loc district, Thanh Hoa province, and is an exemplary example of traditional architecture, representative of both Thanh Hoa and the North Central region of Vietnam. According to family records, the house was constructed in 1810 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty, making it over 200 years old. The original owner, a Bát Phẩm official in the imperial court, is affectionately referred to as 'Cụ Bát' by locals and is the ancestor of the current owner, Mr. Pham Ngoc Tung (born 1952). When the house was built, 'Cụ Bát' invited skilled craftsmen from Nam Ha (today’s Ha Nam) and carpenters from Dat Tai (Hoang Hoa district, Thanh Hoa) to work on its construction.

This house is a notable example of traditional Vietnamese folk architecture and stands as one of the iconic ancient homes of the country. In September 2002, it was restored under the "Preservation of Traditional Vietnamese Architecture" project, which was launched in 1997. The project was a joint effort between the Vietnamese Department of Cultural Heritage, Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Chuo University of Japan. Mr. Tung’s house was chosen from among 64 ancient homes surveyed and presented in Thanh Hoa province. The restoration took seven months, supported by both technical and financial contributions from Japanese organizations. This was the first restoration of the house, which had deteriorated significantly due to the age of its wooden components (approximately 200 years old). Damage from termites and decay had compromised both the safety of the structure and its aesthetic value. The wooden beams were intricately carved, showcasing the deep artistic craftsmanship of the Vietnamese folk tradition.

Built from lim wood and golden heartwood, the house of Governor Dao Trong Ky of Son Tay, renowned for his efforts in digging a river to help local people escape poverty, is one of the few preserved ancient buildings in Hai Phong. Located in the Cổ Am educational region in Vinh Bao district, Hai Phong, this five-room house, constructed with lim and golden heartwood and roofed with pointed tiles, still holds significant cultural, historical, and architectural value. The house was built in the 1890s on the foundation of an earlier family home. Lim wood, sourced from Quang Ninh, was transported by raft along the river. The house's front features three long steps made of natural greenstone slabs. The walls are constructed from thin fired clay bricks, each measuring 40 cm by 30 cm.

Notably, the building is made entirely with lime and sand, without cement or steel. Rather than the traditional curved tiles, Mr. Ky chose pointed tiles for the roof, which are common in rural areas. Inside, the house features four rows of horizontal lim wood columns, each with six columns, and three rows of vertical lim columns. Surrounding the house are over 30 lim wood columns, each with a diameter of 40 cm and resting on large stone bases. The columns, beams, and rafters are all connected with traditional joinery. To add elegance and visual interest, the owner had intricate carvings of plants and flowing water placed at the joints of columns and beams. After more than 100 years of exposure to the elements, the five main wooden doors have aged, showing clear signs of weathering. After the country’s liberation, the house was repurposed as a meeting place, where the wealthier families were targeted, and the descendants of the governor fell into poverty. According to Mr. Giao, all the valuable historical and cultural artifacts passed down through generations were removed during this period.

This house is located more than 30 km from Tam Ky city, Quang Nam, in Lộc Yên Village. It sits halfway up a hill, overlooking vast green rice fields, and is about 50 meters higher than the surrounding houses in the village. The property spans over 4 hectares, with a fish pond and a vibrant garden of ornamental plants in front. Everything in the house remains solid and well-preserved. The house is not only beautiful but is also tied to a story in which President Ngô Đình Diệm attempted to purchase it twice, but failed. The house covers more than 100 square meters and is made of hundreds of cubic meters of jackfruit wood, crafted by skilled carpenters over a span of 12 years.

The road leading to Lộc Yên Village is lined with rows of trees, and each path to the houses is paved with stone, forming a charming walkway. Nostalgic visitors come here to find peace and serenity for their souls. Inside the 200-year-old house, one can find old-fashioned furniture, including tables, chairs, benches, cabinets, and doors, as well as wooden columns. The house stays cool in summer and warm in winter, serving as a shelter from storms for past generations, and now lovingly maintained by future ones. It is also a resting place for travelers visiting the ancient village.