"Step back in time at a historic residence."
Bình Thủy Ancient House is one of the most remarkable and beautifully preserved heritage homes in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Located in Bình Thủy Ward, about 6 kilometers from the center of Can Tho City, this over-100-year-old house is an architectural treasure that showcases a perfect blend of French colonial style and traditional Southern Vietnamese culture.
The house is not only known for its aesthetic beauty but also for its cultural and historical value. It stands as a symbol of the lifestyle and affluence of upper-class families during the early 20th century in southern Vietnam. It attracts both domestic and international tourists, as well as filmmakers and photographers interested in capturing the charm of colonial Vietnam.
Bình Thủy Ancient House is located at 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Bình Thủy Ward, Can Tho. From the city center, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi, motorbike, or bicycle to reach the site. Visitors can use Google Maps or follow road signs to get to the house easily.
If you're arriving in Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus (4 hours) or a flight (1 hour). From the Can Tho airport or bus station, local taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab can take you directly to Bình Thủy Ancient House.
Can Tho has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). The best time to visit Bình Thủy Ancient House is during the dry season when the weather is sunny and ideal for exploring outdoor and heritage sites.
Temperatures generally range from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F) throughout the year. Mornings and late afternoons are comfortable times for a visit.
The house is open daily for visitors. The typical visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It's recommended to visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Bình Thủy Ancient House is famous for its unique combination of Eastern and Western architectural styles. The house has been used as a filming location for several famous Vietnamese and international movies, including the French film "The Lover" (L’Amant), which brought worldwide attention to this historical home.
The house is also famous for being privately owned and yet still preserved with great care by the Duong family, descendants of the original builders. Its elegant layout, detailed wood carvings, antique furniture, and rare collection of ceramics make it a must-see for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
The entrance fee to visit Bình Thủy Ancient House is modest, usually around 20,000 to 30,000 VND (less than $2 USD) per person. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the house. Friendly staff or family members are often available to share stories and explain the significance of the house’s features.
Photography is allowed, but visitors are asked to respect the property as it remains a private residence. Visitors are encouraged to explore both the interior and the surrounding garden.
The Bình Thủy Ancient House was built in 1870 by the Duong family and renovated in 1911. It reflects the lifestyle of a wealthy Vietnamese family during the French colonial period. While the exterior shows strong French influences with Roman-style columns, arched doorways, and tiled floors, the interior maintains traditional Vietnamese elements like altars, lacquered wood, and ancestral paintings.
The house is constructed on a raised foundation, typical of the region to protect from flooding. The combination of green shutters, intricate ironwork, ornamental floor tiles, and antique furniture makes this house architecturally and culturally significant.
- Take a Guided Tour: Learn about the family history and architectural elements of the house.
- Photography: Capture stunning images of the colonial and traditional features.
- Explore the Garden: Enjoy a walk through the orchid garden and outdoor yard with century-old bonsai trees.
- Learn Cultural Stories: Hear interesting tales about Vietnamese traditions, especially regarding ancestor worship.
- Film Location Sightseeing: Discover areas used in famous movies and TV shows.
- Buy Local Souvenirs: Occasionally, handcrafted items or cultural mementos are available for sale.
- The house was built by the Duong family, who have lived there for over five generations.
- It combines French colonial architecture with Vietnamese cultural symbolism.
- Featured in the internationally acclaimed film “The Lover” (1992).
- Contains a rare and valuable collection of over 100 antique artifacts and ceramics.
- The house has survived wars and urban development while maintaining its original structure.
- Visit During Dry Season: Weather is more suitable for photography and outdoor walking.
- Bring a Camera: There are countless beautiful angles inside and outside the house.
- Respect Private Areas: While most of the house is open to visitors, some rooms may still be in use by the family.
- Ask Questions: The hosts are knowledgeable and willing to share fascinating stories if asked.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: You’ll walk on tiled and sometimes uneven floors.
- Combine with Nearby Attractions: You can also visit nearby temples, local markets, or Ninh Kiều Wharf for a full cultural day.
- Arrive Early or Late: Avoid tour group crowds by coming right after opening or near closing time.
