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The villa of Governor Vo Ha Thanh, also known as "the Governor's mansion," located on the banks of the Dong Nai River, is one of the rare ancient architectural works that still survive from the French colonial era. Built in 1924, this villa boasts a distinctly French architectural style, with high-end building materials and interior furnishings entirely imported by sea. This not only reflects the wealth of the Governor's family but also demonstrates the importance of the homeowner in the social context of the time.
The villa is designed in the Indochinese style, evident in its symmetrical architectural details, large columns, and wide windows that let in natural light. This style emphasizes luxury while maintaining functionality. Elements such as balconies, sloping tiled roofs, and large wooden windows are all aimed at creating a spacious, airy environment, suitable for the tropical climate of Southern Vietnam, and connecting the living space with the natural riverside landscape.
Beyond its architectural value, this villa also holds many historical stories. In 1996, it was chosen as the main setting for the film "The Beauty of Tay Do." Notably, during the great flood of 1952, the house became a shelter for over 100 people, saving them from homelessness. This event is deeply etched in the memory of the local community, making the villa not just an architectural structure but also a symbol of safety and protection during difficult times.
This villa, with its unique architecture and rich cultural and historical value, was once the setting for the famous film "The Beauty of Tay Do".
Furthermore, the villa of Governor Vo Ha Thanh is also closely associated with the economic development of Bien Hoa. Vo Ha Thanh, from an ordinary laborer, became one of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the region thanks to his ownership of a large rubber plantation and quarry. The villa, with its exquisite French architecture, is a testament to his family's prosperity during the colonial period.
Currently, the descendants of Mr. Vo Ha Thanh are still living in this villa. However, due to its location on land designated for the construction of the Dong Nai River waterfront road project, the villa is facing the risk of demolition. This project, with a total length of over 5 km and an investment of nearly 2,000 billion VND, aims to improve transportation infrastructure and develop the local economy.
However, the decision to demolish the villa has met with opposition from many cultural experts and the community. They argue that, given the historical, cultural, and architectural value of the house, its preservation is necessary. Mr. Tran Quang Toai, Chairman of the Dong Nai Historical Science Association, emphasized that the villa is not only an ancient architectural structure but also an important part of local history.
Given the cultural value of the house, on the afternoon of September 20th, the People's Committee of Dong Nai province established a survey team comprising representatives from the Department of Construction, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Historical Science Association, and the leaders of Bien Hoa city to consider preservation options.
Mr. Tran Dang Ninh, Chairman of the Dong Nai Tourism Association, also expressed a similar view. He suggested that the villa of Governor Vo Ha Thanh could be transformed into a museum or historical education center, contributing to introducing local culture to tourists. However, he also emphasized the need for coordination among relevant parties to find a suitable financial and legal solution.
Dr. Ngo Viet Nam Son, an architect and scientist, suggested several solutions for preserving this ancient villa. Firstly, the entire structure could be relocated using the methods of professional house movers (often referred to as "miracle workers"). Another option is to adjust the road design, extending it towards the Dong Nai River to protect the villa without demolition.
The Dong Nai riverside road project, spanning 5.2km and connecting Hoa An Bridge to Binh Hoa commune in Vinh Cuu district, commenced in 2021 with a total investment of 1,300 billion VND.
The conflict between heritage preservation and infrastructure development is not a new issue in Vietnam, and the case of the Governor Vo Ha Thanh's villa is a prime example. The Dong Nai riverside road project plays a crucial role in improving transportation infrastructure, reducing congestion, and boosting the local economy. However, demolishing a building of cultural and historical value like this villa could damage the community's memory and cultural heritage.
Authorities are currently considering various options, including rerouting the road to avoid destroying the villas while still ensuring the project's effective development. The final decision is still under discussion, but the event has sparked much debate about sustainable development, cultural heritage protection, and how to manage these valuable assets.
