The house features a high altar dedicated to the Chinese deity Quan Cong, reflecting the family's deep-rooted Cantonese heritage.
The floor tiles were imported directly from France to blend European aesthetic preferences with the local climate.
The structure survived several wars due to its strategic location and the family's influence in the region.
The specific design of the house, with its long, narrow layout, was intended to follow traditional Feng Shui principles while accommodating a massive amount of imported luxury goods.
Some of the original furniture and personal artifacts belonging to the Huynh family remain on display, providing a glimpse into the colonial-era lifestyle.
Nhà cổ Huỳnh Thuỷ Lê is a historic residence in Sa Đéc, Đồng Tháp, constructed in 1895 by Huynh Cam Thuan, a wealthy Chinese merchant. The house is famous for its association with the cross-cultural romance between Huynh Thuy Le and the French writer Marguerite Duras, which served as the inspiration for her novel 'The Lover'. The architecture displays a fusion of French, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles, featuring intricate wood carvings, stained glass, and a traditional layout. In 2009, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized the residence as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic. The house stands as a significant cultural landmark in the Mekong Delta region, preserving the lifestyle of 19th-century wealthy traders. Visitors can observe the transition from traditional wooden structural elements to European-inspired ornamentation added during a major 1917 renovation.
The central living room atrium, where the ornate roof beams and French-style tiles align perfectly.
Hire a local guide to explain the architectural details and the specific historical timeline of the Duras-Le relationship.
Bring a camera with a good low-light setting, as the interior is intentionally kept dim to protect the antique wood.
Visit during the early afternoon to catch natural light filtering through the colorful French stained glass windows.
Do not attempt to touch or lean on the antique furniture or wooden pillars, as they are fragile and under conservation.
Maintain a quiet volume; dress modestly as it is considered a historical monument.
