Tran Trinh Huy was one of the first people in Vietnam to own a personal aircraft.
The mansion was constructed entirely with materials imported from France, including the iron components.
Local lore suggests the house was built to compete with the luxury of colonial French officials in the region.
The building was designed by a French architect who arrived in the region to survey local infrastructure.
The mansion remains one of the most intact examples of French-colonial residential architecture in the Mekong Delta.
The Prince of Bac Lieu was widely known for a series of urban legends regarding his immense gambling losses and extravagant lifestyle.
The Prince of Bac Lieu’s House is a preserved colonial-era mansion built in 1919 for Tran Trinh Huy, a legendary playboy often referred to as the 'Prince of Bac Lieu'. Designed by a French architect, the structure features a blend of Western architecture and traditional Vietnamese decor. The interior showcases original imported materials, including Italian marble, French ceramic tiles, and stained glass. The house serves as a museum displaying artifacts and personal belongings reflecting the affluent lifestyle of the early 20th-century southern Vietnamese elite. It represents the historical wealth and land ownership dynamics of the Mekong Delta during the French colonial period. Visitors can tour the living quarters, dining areas, and private rooms, many of which maintain their vintage period furniture. The property is currently managed as both a historical site and a boutique accommodation facility.
The front facade features the iconic original architecture, while the grand staircase inside offers the best interior perspective.
Visit the bedroom areas to see the specific period furniture that contrasts significantly with local architecture of the same era.
Inquire about the guided tours provided on-site to understand the specific historical context of the Tran Trinh family.
The site functions as a hotel; be respectful of private areas that may be occupied by guests.
Do not mistake the nearby replica buildings for the original historical mansion.
Modest clothing is expected; remove shoes when entering specific carpeted or antique bedroom areas.
