Located just about 9 kilometers from downtown Can Tho, Binh Thuy Ancient House is a particularly well-preserved architectural jewel with around 150 years of history. This timeworn mansion has remarkably retained its original charm and elegance through the decades. Beyond being a historical place, it has become something of a cinematic legend thanks to its role as the setting for numerous legendary Vietnamese films shot in the 1990s.
Historical Background
Binh Thuy Ancient House, which was built in 1870, represents the unique architectural fusion that developed in Vietnam during the French colonial era. The house combines traditional Vietnamese elements with unique European design elements to create a stunning look that captures a key moment in Vietnam’s cultural history. The original structure has been carefully preserved through several generations, maintaining its authentic charm and historical significance.
The house was originally constructed by the Duong family, who were prominent landowners in the Mekong Delta region. For over six generations, the Duong family has owned this beautiful house, passing down not just the physical structure but also the stories, traditions, and cultural practices associated with it. Today, descendants of the family still live in some parts of the house while other areas are open to visitors. This makes the Binh Thuy Ancient house feel like a living museum, where people can feel at ease and at home.
Essential Information for Tourists
Address
Location: 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City, Vietnam. The house is conveniently located near the Binh Thuy River, just 9 kilometers from the center of Can Tho, making it accessible by both road and waterway transportation. The building is easy to spot because of its bright yellow front and fancy European-style features that make it stand out from the other buildings in the area.
>>>> Read More: A Detailed Mekong Delta Map for Tourist: All Cities and Attractions Opening Hours
Opening Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM The ancient house welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, allowing for flexible scheduling throughout your Can Tho itinerary. While the site remains open year-round, including most holidays, it’s worth noting that the family occasionally hosts private events or ceremonies that might limit access to certain areas. For the most comprehensive experience, planning your visit during mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays often provides the most relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Ticket Prices and Guided Tours
Ticket Price: 20,000 VND – 40,000 VND
Entrance to Binh Thuy Ancient House is remarkably affordable, at around 20,000 to 40,000 VND per person. For those seeking deeper insights into the house’s history and architectural significance, English-speaking guides are available for an additional 150,000 VND per group.
These guided tours typically last 45-60 minutes and provide valuable context about the Duong family history, the significance of various artifacts, and the unique architectural elements throughout the property. Photography passes are included in the standard admission price, though tripods may require special permission.
How to Get to Binh Thuy Ancient House
Visitors have two primary routes to consider when planning their visit to this colonial masterpiece:
From Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re traveling from
Ho Chi Minh City, you have several transportation options. The most convenient way is to take a bus from
Mien Tay Bus Station to Can Tho, which takes approximately 3-4 hours. From Can Tho’s central bus station, you can hire a taxi or motorbike taxi to reach Binh Thuy Ancient House in about 15-20 minutes.
>>>> Explore More: Mekong Delta Guided Tour from Ho Chi Minh City! From Can Tho City Center
From Can Tho’s city center, the Ancient House is approximately 5 kilometers away. You can easily reach it by taxi, motorbike taxi (xe ôm), or rented bicycle. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes by motorized transport or 30-40 minutes by bicycle, offering opportunities to observe local life along the way.
Architectural Highlights of Binh Thuy Ancient House
Exterior Features
The first thing visitors notice is the unique yellow façade with its complex European-inspired decorative accents. Elaborate columns and finely crafted moldings highlighting the French influence define the front entrance. The lovely garden around the house, with carefully kept bonsai trees, unusual flowers, and exotic plants, is maybe most remarkable. The garden was planned specifically to evoke peace that would accentuate the architectural grandeur of the house.
Interior Design Elements
The Main Hall
When you walk inside, you’ll find rooms that are filled with a nice mix of native Vietnamese furniture and European home decor. In the main hall, there is carved wood furniture with mother-of-pearl inlays, old chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings, and floor tiles made of ceramic that were brought in from France. These bright tiles have intricate designs that have kept their bright look for more than one hundred years.
Family Altar Room
One of the most culturally significant spaces is the family altar room, which maintains traditional Vietnamese ancestral worship practices. Here, lacquered wooden panels with gold leaf inscriptions honor the Duong family ancestors, demonstrating how Vietnamese spiritual traditions continued to thrive even as architectural styles evolved. The room contains numerous heirlooms, including porcelain pieces, bronze incense burners, and wooden ceremonial items.
Practical Tips From Locals
Best Time to Visit
While Binh Thuy Ancient House can be visited year-round, the most pleasant time is during the dry season from November to April, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is minimal. Early mornings (8-10 AM) or late afternoons (3-5 PM) offer the best lighting conditions for photography and a more comfortable experience exploring the property.
Photography Tips
The house’s unique lighting, colorful tiles, and architectural details make it a photographer’s paradise. For the best interior shots, visit during mid-morning when natural light streams through the windows. Remember to ask permission before photographing any family members who might be present, and be mindful of areas marked as private.
Nearby Attractions
It is impossible to visit Can Tho and leave without taking advantage of the city’s well-known floating market. The most accessible and largest floating market is the Cai Rang Floating Market, which is situated approximately 6 kilometers away from the Binh Thuy Ancient House. For an all-encompassing cultural experience, you might want to think about booking a boat excursion that departs in the morning and visits both of these locations.
>>>> Check out other Floating Markets Vietnam before coming to Vietnam Ninh Kieu Wharf
Located about 10 kilometers from Binh Thuy Ancient House, Ninh Kieu Wharf is considered one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Can Tho.
Along the right bank of the Hau River, in Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, this picturesque riverfront attracts visitors with its poetic river views and the distinct cultural flair of the Mekong Delta region. More than just a picturesque destination, it stands as the symbolic heart of Can Tho, deeply intertwined with the city’s proud and vibrant history. Conclusion
Binh Thuy Ancient House is more than just a beautiful piece of architecture; it’s also a living symbol of Vietnam’s complicated cultural past and the harmonious blending of Eastern and Western influences.
If you are inspired to discover more hidden gems like this across Vietnam, let YESD Responsible Tours be your guide. Our tours are crafted with heart, connecting you deeply to local heritage, supporting communities, and ensuring your travel has a positive impact. Book your
Mekong Delta adventure with YESD today, and let us show you the culture, stories, and people of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta Region. FAQs
Is Binh Thuy Ancient House still inhabited?
Yes, descendants of the original Duong family still live in portions of the house. This creates an authentic living museum experience where visitors can sometimes interact with family members who share stories and insights about the property’s history.
How long should I plan for my visit to Binh Thuy Ancient House?
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the house and gardens. If you’re particularly interested in architecture or photography, you might want to allow additional time.
Can I reach Binh Thuy Ancient House by boat?
While the house is located near the Binh Thuy River, most visitors arrive by road. However, custom boat tours can be arranged that include a stop near the property, offering a unique approach to this historical site.
What makes the architectural style of Binh Thuy Ancient House unique?
The house represents a distinctive architectural fusion known as “Indochine” style, which combines traditional Vietnamese spatial arrangements with French colonial decorative elements, creating a harmonious blend not found in either pure Vietnamese or pure French architecture.
Are there any restaurants near Binh Thuy Ancient House?
Several local eateries can be found within walking distance, offering authentic Mekong Delta cuisine. For a more comprehensive dining experience, you may want to return to Can Tho city center, where there are numerous restaurants catering to both local and international tastes.
Binh Thuy Ancient House, which was built in 1870, represents the unique architectural fusion that developed in Vietnam during the French colonial era. The house combines traditional Vietnamese elements with unique European design elements to create a stunning look that captures a key moment in Vietnam’s cultural history. The original structure has been carefully preserved through several generations, maintaining its authentic charm and historical significance.The house was originally constructed by the Duong family, who were prominent landowners in the Mekong Delta region. For over six generations, the Duong family has owned this beautiful house, passing down not just the physical structure but also the stories, traditions, and cultural practices associated with it. Today, descendants of the family still live in some parts of the house while other areas are open to visitors. This makes the Binh Thuy Ancient house feel like a living museum, where people can feel at ease and at home.
Location: 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City, Vietnam. The house is conveniently located near the Binh Thuy River, just 9 kilometers from the center of Can Tho, making it accessible by both road and waterway transportation. The building is easy to spot because of its bright yellow front and fancy European-style features that make it stand out from the other buildings in the area.>>>> Read More: A Detailed Mekong Delta Map for Tourist: All Cities and Attractions 
One of the most culturally significant spaces is the family altar room, which maintains traditional Vietnamese ancestral worship practices. Here, lacquered wooden panels with gold leaf inscriptions honor the Duong family ancestors, demonstrating how Vietnamese spiritual traditions continued to thrive even as architectural styles evolved. The room contains numerous heirlooms, including porcelain pieces, bronze incense burners, and wooden ceremonial items.
Binh Thuy Ancient House is more than just a beautiful piece of architecture; it’s also a living symbol of Vietnam’s complicated cultural past and the harmonious blending of Eastern and Western influences.If you are inspired to discover more hidden gems like this across Vietnam, let YESD Responsible Tours be your guide. Our tours are crafted with heart, connecting you deeply to local heritage, supporting communities, and ensuring your travel has a positive impact. Book your Mekong Delta adventure with YESD today, and let us show you the culture, stories, and people of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta Region.