VI
EN
Architectural landmarks and memories of a golden age.
Located along the Sa Giang River, the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house has long been one of the distinctive cultural symbols of Sa Dec, Dong Thap. Built in the late 19th century, the house is associated with the name of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le – one of the wealthiest merchants in Southern Vietnam at that time. After more than a century, the building has retained almost its original form, becoming a vivid testament to the East-West fusion in architecture and the lifestyle of the upper class in Southern Vietnam in the past.
Stepping through the dark wooden door, the interior unfolds with a symmetrical layout and exquisite carvings on the balustrades, pillars, and horizontal plaques. Traditional East Asian architecture is skillfully blended with classic French lines, creating an overall effect that is both dignified and graceful. More than just a residence, the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is a space reflecting the lifestyle, aesthetics, and thinking of a period of significant historical change.
The interior architecture skillfully blends traditional East Asian style with classic French design elements.
Besides its architectural value, the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is also widely known for its association with the film *The Lover* (L'Amant) - a film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Marguerite Duras. Although some scenes were filmed in other locations in the Mekong Delta, the true love story between Huynh Thuy Le and the French writer has made this house a cinematic symbol deeply connected to the cultural memory of Sa Dec.
Today, the exhibition space of the old house still preserves many documents and images related to the work, contributing to attracting tourists who love cinema and literature to come and learn more about a love story that once transcended cultural and historical boundaries.
In the living room, visitors can observe and learn about the house, as well as scenes from the movie "The Lover" that were set here.
With its outstanding architectural, historical, and artistic values, this place has been recognized as a historical site, opened to visitors, and has become a familiar stop on the journey of many tourists exploring Sa Dec.
A slow-paced living space in the heart of Sa Dec.
On January 18th, among the visitors to the ancient house was the family of Trevor, Marija, and their daughter Emma from Australia. After nearly a week in Vietnam, having departed from Ho Chi Minh City, the family chose to travel independently, exploring landmarks and destinations along the Mekong River to fully experience the rhythm of life in the Mekong Delta.
Trevor, Marija, and their daughter Emma, who came from Australia, visited the Huynh Thuy Le ancestral home.
While searching for information about Sa Dec on Google Maps, the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house emerged as a prominent destination. Not part of a fixed tour and not overly crowded, the ancient house perfectly embodies the family's desired atmosphere: unhurried, authentic, and rich in cultural depth.
“The air here is so fresh, everything is much more peaceful than Ho Chi Minh City,” Trevor shared. For them, Sa Dec is not just a tourist destination, but a place to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life, observe the local people's daily lives, chat with them, and smile at tourists with genuine friendliness. That feeling, according to Marija, is what makes the trip more memorable than even the most famous check-in spots.
The simplicity and unpretentiousness of the people and the culturally rich locations made this family from Australia prefer Sa Dec to bustling tourist cities.
After Sa Dec, the family will continue their journey to Chau Doc, carrying with them their first impressions of a peaceful Mekong Delta, where time seems to slow down.
A meeting point for Tet ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and nostalgic photo opportunities.
Besides attracting international tourists, the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is also a familiar destination for Vietnamese people, especially during the Lunar New Year season. During these days, the house's ancient atmosphere seems to be infused with new life as many people choose it as a place to take photos before the Lunar New Year.
Yellow walls, weathered wooden door frames, and sun-drenched courtyards create scenes that evoke the spirit of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) of yesteryear. The combination of ancient architecture and traditional clothing not only has aesthetic value but also recalls the lifestyle and festive atmosphere of Tet in Southern Vietnam in the past.
It is precisely this simplicity and lack of excessive arrangement that makes the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house an ideal setting for those seeking natural, unpretentious beauty. Here, every little corner has enough depth to tell a story, from the old wooden table and chairs, the spiral staircase, to the light filtering through the window in the afternoon.
Currently, Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is open to visitors daily, with an entrance fee of 40,000 VND for adults. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are exempt from admission fees. Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can visit in both the morning and afternoon, combining their visit with other attractions in the central Sa Dec area.
After the tour, Trevor's family continued to experience the local cuisine and were particularly impressed with Sa Dec's banh tam bi (rice noodle dish with pork skin) - a simple yet flavorful dish. For them, it was these small experiences: an old house, a local dish, a short conversation with the locals that made the trip valuable.
The Huynh Thuy Le ancient house is not just a historical site to admire, but also a vibrant living space where the past and present intersect. From international tourists exploring the Mekong with digital maps to Vietnamese people reminiscing about Tet through the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), everyone finds their own way to connect with this heritage.
Amidst the tranquil Sa Dec River, the old house still stands silently, quietly preserving stories longer than time itself.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Huynh Thuy Le ancient house, with its blend of Asian and European architecture, is a popular choice for many people as a backdrop for traditional New Year's photos.
.jpg.jpg)
