Explore Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House in Dong Thap, a historic gem tied to The Lover. Discover eco-tours, costs, and attractions with Legend Travel Group!
Capture the timeless beauty of Dong Thap’s cultural gem (Source: Internet)Located in the heart of Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Ward, now part of Tien Giang Province, Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is a 128-year-old national relic that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural styles, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually. Famous for its connection to Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover (adapted into the 1992 film L’Amant), the house tells the poignant love story of Huynh Thuy Le and the French writer. Its riverside setting along the Sa Giang River, rich history, and cultural significance make it a must-visit for travelers seeking romance and heritage. Legend Travel Group, a leading sustainable tour operator, offers eco-friendly tours to immerse you in this iconic site while supporting local communities. Book your adventure via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com
As of July 1, 2025, Dong Thap Province has merged into Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as the administrative center. Dong Thap is now a ward, but the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House remains a key tourism highlight, supported by upgraded infrastructure like cycling paths, electric boat networks, and a VND600 billion flood control project, ensuring seamless access to this cultural treasure.
With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tourism operator, dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s cultural and environmental heritage. Our Huynh Thuy Le tours combine guided visits with eco-friendly activities like cycling and electric boat rides, led by local experts who share the house’s history and love story. Supporting communities in Dong Thap, My Tho, and Sa Dec, we align with Tien Giang’s “Green Delta” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for an authentic, eco-conscious experience!
Photograph the historic allure of Dong Thap’s heritage (Source: Internet)Situated at 255A Nguyen Hue Street, Ward 2, Sa Dec City, 150 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is a 258-square-meter masterpiece built in 1895 by Chinese merchant Huynh Cam Thuan and renovated in 1917 by his son, Huynh Thuy Le. The house’s tropical monsoon climate features a dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and a rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F, with peak rainfall of 100–400 mm in August–October). Its unique architecture and connection to The Lover make it a cultural highlight, drawing visitors from France, Germany, and beyond.
Unique Architecture: The house blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and French styles, with a yin-yang tiled roof, boat-shaped gables, and intricate wood carvings of birds, flowers, and bamboo. The exterior resembles a French villa, while the interior features Chinese-style altars and Renaissance-inspired reliefs.
Romantic History: The house is tied to the love story between Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras, who met in 1929 on the My Thuan ferry. Their forbidden romance, detailed in Duras’ 1984 novel The Lover, captivates visitors with its timeless narrative.
Cultural Significance: Recognized as a provincial relic in 2008 and a national relic in 2009, the house preserves Southern Vietnam’s architectural and historical heritage.
Eco-Tourism Hub: Located near Sa Dec Flower Village and the Sa Giang River, it’s ideal for sustainable tours combining cultural exploration with eco-friendly activities.
Experience Dong Thap Tours with sustainable exploration (Source: Internet)Explore the house’s three compartments, including the central altar to Quangong, guest rooms, and antique furniture, with guides sharing the love story of Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras.
Cost: Entry $2 (50,000 VND, includes English/French/Vietnamese guide, tea, and ginger jam).
Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM daily.
Highlights: Intricate wood carvings, historical artifacts, The Lover narrative.
Tips: Book a guide for deeper insights; included in our Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80).
Experience the house’s ambiance with an overnight stay in one of two restored rooms, offering a unique blend of history and comfort.
Cost: $25–$45/night (625,000–1,125,000 VND, includes breakfast and lunch).
Highlights: Authentic stay, riverside views, cultural immersion.
Tips: Book 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during Tet; limited rooms.
Dine at the house’s on-site restaurant, offering Mekong Delta specialties like lotus root salad and grilled snakehead fish.
Cost: Meals $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND); drinks $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Highlights: Lotus-based dishes, romantic riverfront setting.
Tips: Try lotus tea; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Capture the house’s ornate architecture and vibrant flower gardens, or join cultural workshops like “Don Ca Tai Tu” music sessions.
Cost: Workshops $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Highlights: Renaissance reliefs, Chinese altars, flower-framed shots.
Tips: Visit at sunset for golden-hour photos; included in our Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80).
Pair your visit with eco-friendly tours to Sa Dec Flower Village (4 km) or Tan Thuan Dong Floating Market (30 km).
Cost: Boat tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); bike rentals $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).
Highlights: Vibrant flower gardens, bustling river markets.
Tips: Book through Sa Dec River Tours (+84) 930 234 789; included in our Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90).
By Bus:
Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to Sa Dec: $10–$18 (250,000–450,000 VND, 3–4 hours).
My Tho to Sa Dec: $4–$7 (100,000–175,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours). Providers: Phuong Trang (+84) 1900 6067.
By Car/Taxi:
Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Dec: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, 3–4 hours). Route: Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway–National Highway 1A–National Route 80.
My Tho to Sa Dec: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND, 1 hour). Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84) 2773 686 868, Grab app.
By Motorbike:
Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Dec: $6–$12/day (150,000–300,000 VND, 3–4 hours). Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals (+84) 938 456 789.
Tips:
Book buses online via VeXeRe or Baolau; use offline maps (Maps.me) with Huynh Thuy Le as a landmark.
Avoid Tet holidays for less crowding.
Transfers included in our Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450).
Start your Dong Thap Travel with tranquil vibes (Source: Internet)Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for clear skies and comfortable exploration; Tet (January–February) brings vibrant flower markets nearby. Book 3–4 weeks in advance.
Rainy Season (May–November): Lush greenery and Sa Giang River views; 15–25% tour discounts. August–October is best for serene visits.
Tips: Visit in late afternoon for cooler weather and sunset views; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.
Hotels and Homestays (Sa Dec or Cao Lanh):
Lotus Haven Homestay: Tan Quy Dong, Sa Dec (4 km). $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 939 123 456.
Mekong Charm Hotel: 120 Tran Hung Dao, Sa Dec (1 km). $25–$60/night (625,000–1,500,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 927 345 678.
Sen Vang Resort: Cao Lanh (35 km). $90–$180/night (2,250,000–4,500,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 913 789 123.
Restaurants:
Nha Hang Sen Viet (Sa Dec, 1 km): Lotus-based dishes, bánh xèo. $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND). Open: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Pho Sa Dec (Sa Dec, 1 km): Rice noodle soup. $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND). Open: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Cafes:
Sa Dec River Cafe (Sa Dec, 500 m): Riverside views, coffee $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Open: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Lotus Bloom Cafe (Tan Quy Dong, 4 km): Coffee, lotus tea $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Open: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Pubs:
Mekong Moon Bar (Sa Dec, 1 km): Beers, cocktails. $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND). Open: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM.
Tip: Support local eateries using organic ingredients; carry VND for small vendors.
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Dong Thap Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season. Modest clothing (no shorts or sleeveless tops) to respect the cultural site.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for nearby boat tours.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.
Tech Gear: Smartphone, camera for photography; portable charger.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag for souvenirs, straw to support sustainability.
Tip: Use a small backpack for convenience; carry VND for entry and vendors.
Entry and Activities:
Entry: $2 (50,000 VND, includes guide, tea, ginger jam).
Guided tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Overnight stay: $25–$45/night (625,000–1,125,000 VND, includes meals).
Workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Dining: Meals: $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Accommodation:
Homestays: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
Hotels: $25–$60/night (625,000–1,500,000 VND).
Resorts: $90–$180/night (2,250,000–4,500,000 VND).
Transport to Sa Dec:
Bus from Ho Chi Minh City: $10–$18 (250,000–450,000 VND).
Taxi from My Tho: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost:
Budget: $20–$50 (homestay, meals, entry).
Mid-range: $50–$100 (hotel, guided tours, dining).
Luxury: $120–$250 (resort, overnight stay, private tours).
Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; ATMs are available in Sa Dec and My Tho.
Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for Tet or peak season (December–April).
Seasonal Tips:
Dry Season: Ideal for comfortable visits and nearby flower markets; pack sunscreen.
Rainy Season: Lush river views; bring waterproof gear.
Sustainability: Support local artisans; use bicycles or electric boats for nearby tours to reduce carbon footprint.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Huynh Thuy Le as a landmark.
Safety: Secure valuables; avoid touching artifacts to preserve the site.
Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào” (hello); tip guides $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Dress respectfully (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent near the river.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Huynh Thuy Le and beyond:
Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Guided tour of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, Sa Dec Flower Village, Thap Muoi Lotus Festival. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.
Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90/person): Huynh Thuy Le visit, electric boat tour in Tram Chim National Park, cycling through flower gardens. Includes transfers, snacks, guide.
Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Dine at Huynh Thuy Le, explore Sa Dec markets, lotus-based cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.
Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Huynh Thuy Le, Xeo Quyt, homestays ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links around this page!
Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House in Dong Thap Ward is a timeless Mekong Delta treasure, blending architectural elegance with a captivating love story. Legend Travel Group’s Dong Thap Tours guide you through this national relic and its vibrant surroundings, ensuring a sustainable Dong Thap Travel experience that supports local communities and eco-tourism. Plan your visit with our guide and book your eco-conscious adventure today!
Ready to step into the romantic history of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and discover the Mekong Delta’s cultural charm!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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