Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House: Exploring Vietnam's Cultural Heritage

If you are planning to visit Vietnam, there is no shortage of cultural landmarks and tourist attractions to visit. One such place that should definitely be on your list is the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, a fascinating example of Vietnamese architecture and history.

In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this ancient house.

Introduction to Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House

Located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is a traditional Vietnamese house that was built over 100 years ago. The house is located in Sa Dec city, in Dong Thap province.

The house is famous for its unique architectural style, which combines both Chinese and French influences. The house was originally built by the Huynh family, a wealthy Vietnamese family who made their fortune in the rice trade.

The History of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House

The Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House was built in 1895 by the Huynh family, one of the wealthiest families in Sa Dec city. The house was built over a period of four years, and was completed in 1899.

The house was designed by a Chinese architect, and the materials used in its construction were sourced from both China and France. The house was built in a traditional Vietnamese style, but also incorporates elements of Chinese and French architecture.

Over the years, the house has been owned by several different families. During the Vietnam War, the house was used as a hospital. In 1985, the house was purchased by the Le family, who have since restored it to its former glory. Today, the house is open to the public, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

Architecture of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House

The Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is a masterpiece of Vietnamese architecture. The house is built on a plot of land that measures 6,000 square meters, and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The house itself is made of wood, and features intricate carvings and decorations. The roof of the house is made of red tiles, and the walls are painted in a soft pink color.

The house is divided into several different sections, each of which serves a specific purpose. There is a reception area, a living room, a dining room, and several bedrooms. The furniture in the house is also made of wood, and features intricate carvings and designs.

Ticket price for Huynh Thuy Le ancient house

The ticket price is very reasonable at only 20,000 VND (about $1) for both local and foreign visitors, which includes an English, French, or Vietnamese speaking tour guide, along with tea and ginger jam. If you’re feeling hungry, you can enjoy lunch or dinner here for only 100,000 VND (about $4) per person.

Additionally, there are two rooms available that can accommodate up to four people if you’d like to spend the night. The room rates range from 550,000 VND ($23) to 1,000,000 VND ($42) per night, which includes both lunch and breakfast.

When you enter the house, you will be struck by its beauty and elegance. The house is filled with antiques and artifacts, including furniture, ceramics, and art pieces. The gardens surrounding the house are also worth exploring, as they are filled with flowers and plants that are native to the Mekong Delta region.

Where is Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House?

The Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, also known as the Huynh Phu House, it can be found at Sa Dec City center, Dong Thap Province.

If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a little over 140km away via National Road 1A towards Sa Dec City. You can easily get here by car or motorbike.

• Address: 255A Nguyen Hue Street, Ward 2, Sa Dec, Dong Thap
• Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cQhYCbwLaKJU2PNB8

Cultural Significance of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House

The Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is not only a masterpiece of Vietnamese architecture, but also an important cultural landmark. The house represents the wealth and status of the Huynh family, who were one of the most prominent families in Sa Dec city.

The house also reflects the cultural influences of China and France, which were both important trading partners of Vietnam at the time.

The house is also significant because it has been featured in several works of literature. The house is featured prominently in the novel “The Lover” by Marguerite Duras, which is based on the author’s own experiences in Vietnam. The novel has been translated into several different languages, and has helped to bring international attention to the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House.

Novel love story from novel to film about the ancient house Huynh Thuy Le

The Lover is a movie based on the novel of the same name, telling the love story of Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras. Starring top actors of the time such as Jane March, Leung Ka Fai, and Lisa Faulkner, the movie was shot in Vietnam in 1986, completed in 1990, and officially released in 1992.

Although the movie is about the love story of Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras, the main shooting location of the movie is the Binh Thuy ancient house. Initially, the producers intended to choose the original Huynh Thuy Le ancient house. However, at that time, the house was being used as an office of the economic police department in Sa Dec town and was not accepted.

In 1984, the novel The Lover was published, which made a huge impact as it recounted a deep love story between East and West. It received the Goncourt Prize – the most prestigious literary prize in France. At that time, the novel was translated into 43 different languages.

In 1992, the novel was adapted into a movie with the famous Asian actor of that time, Leung Ka Fai, in the leading role. The movie also made a big splash with good box office revenue and many film awards.

The Tragic Love Story of Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras

The Binh Thuy ancient house is closely associated with the tragic love story between Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras.

He was the son of a wealthy Chinese family. She was a 16-year-old girl with the beauty, innocence, and naivety of a French girl. They met by chance on a My Thuan ferry. At that moment, love at first sight occurred for both of them.

They started to get to know each other and date. However, their love story encountered many obstacles when the family of the young man, Huynh Thuy Le, opposed their relationship.

The Huynh family was a well-known Chinese lineage at that time. Marrying a Western girl with a not-so-good family background was taboo. Huynh Thuy Le begged his father with all his might, but still was rejected. Their love affair lasted 18 months with sweet moments intertwined with pain and sorrow.

Finally, it ended with heartbreak. Huynh Thuy Le had to follow his parents’ wishes and marry a Chinese girl. The young woman received a large sum of money from the Huynh family and returned to her country, they parted ways in tears.

A Fateful Reunion.

Many years later, Huynh Thuy Le had become a middle-aged man. He went to Paris with his wife and accidentally met his deep love of the past. He no longer recognized the young girl he once knew, but his heart recognized her. They met again and reminisced about their love. Marguerite Duras wrote about their love affair in her novel, The Lover.

Preservation Efforts

In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve and restore the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House. The Le family, who currently own the house, have invested significant resources in restoring the house to its former glory.

The house has also been recognized by the Vietnamese government as an important cultural landmark, and steps have been taken to protect it from damage or destruction.

Conclusion

The Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is a fascinating example of Vietnamese architecture and history. It represents the wealth and status of the Huynh family, as well as the cultural influences of China and France on Vietnam. If you are planning to visit Vietnam, be sure to add the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

Embark on a journey to Dong Thap and uncover the rich history and charm of Huynh Thuy Le ancient house, a true gem of the Mekong Delta region: Dong Thap full day tour.

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