Explore Nha Cong Tu Mansion in Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, a historic landmark tied to the legendary Bac Lieu Dude. Book eco-friendly tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta experience.
Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a cultural and historical treasure in the Mekong Delta, attracting 18,000 travelers annually with its 56 km coastline and diverse population, including 20% Khmer residents. Nha Cong Tu Mansion, built in 1919 and recognized as a National Historical Relic, is a must-visit for its opulent French-colonial architecture and connection to Tran Trinh Huy, the legendary “Bac Lieu Dude.” Visiting costs range from $2–$45 (50,000–1,125,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). This iconic mansion offers a glimpse into Bac Lieu’s storied past, blending luxury with cultural significance.
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Nha Cong Tu Mansion, integrating cultural experiences with low-emission transport like bicycles and electric taxis to support local communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta adventure.
Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Nha Cong Tu Mansion, located in Ward 3, is just 1.5 km from Bac Lieu’s center, making it easily accessible for exploring the Mekong Delta’s historical and cultural wonders.
With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local communities to preserve Mekong Delta heritage, aligning with Vietnam’s sustainable tourism goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.
Nha Cong Tu Mansion is synonymous with Tran Trinh Huy, known as the “Bac Lieu Dude” or “Black Prince,” a wealthy heir in the early 20th century during French colonial rule. Born into a prominent landowning family, Huy inherited vast rice fields and wealth from his father, Tran Trinh Trach, a council member. His lavish lifestyle—marked by anecdotes like burning money to boil eggs, hosting beauty contests, and traveling by private plane—earned him notoriety across southern Vietnam. The mansion, built for his family, reflects this opulence, offering visitors a window into the era’s elite culture. Guided tours share these tales, blending history with local folklore.
Cost: Entry $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); guided tours $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support preservation efforts with entry fees; avoid littering to protect the site.
Constructed in 1919 by French architects, Nha Cong Tu Mansion blends Eastern and Western styles, preserved meticulously despite its century-long history. Key features include:
Three-Story Design: The ground floor houses two grand bedrooms for Tran Trinh Huy and his father, a spacious living room, and two reception halls. The upper floor has three bedrooms and additional halls, with a terrace balcony overlooking the Bac Lieu River and market.
Luxurious Materials: Imported from France, materials like marble flooring, cast steel, decorative iron frames, and shimmering golden chandeliers bear the “P” stamp (for Paris), showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship.
Rare Antiques: The mansion displays intricately carved pots, jade ornaments, and the famous “winter and summer” bed, valued at millions in today’s currency.
Riverside Location: Positioned near the river and Bac Lieu Market, it epitomizes the “front house” ideal of accessibility and prestige.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use digital photography to minimize environmental impact; respect antique displays.
The mansion serves as a cultural hub, hosting Don Ca Tai Tu performances, a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013. These nightly southern folk music sessions, featuring instruments like the dan kim and dan bau, offer an authentic taste of Bac Lieu’s heritage. Visitors can also join historical workshops to learn about the mansion’s role in the Mekong Delta’s colonial past.
Cost: Don Ca Tai Tu performances $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); workshops $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local musicians with attendance; use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) during visits.
Dry Season (November–April): Clear skies and cooler temperatures (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F) with minimal rainfall (~100–200 mm) are ideal for exploring the mansion and nearby attractions, with 100–250 daily visitors.
Rainy Season (May–October): Lush surroundings enhance the mansion’s scenic riverside setting, with fewer crowds (70–180 daily visitors) despite high rainfall (~1,800–2,000 mm). Short showers (1–2 hours) allow ample exploration time.
Festivals:
Ok Om Bok (October/November, lunar 10th month): Combines mansion visits with Khmer boat races and music at Tac Say River (free entry, activities $2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND).
Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year at nearby Xiem Can Pagoda adds cultural vibrancy (free entry, donations $1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead for sustainable planning; use bicycles ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) for low-impact travel.
Tip: Visit mornings (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) for fewer crowds; evenings for Don Ca Tai Tu performances.
Located at 13 Dien Bien Phu St., Ward 3, the mansion is 1.5 km from Bac Lieu’s center, replacing outdated references to it being one of three ancient houses.
Walking: Free, ideal for the short distance along Tran Phu St. to Dien Bien Phu St.
Bicycle: Rent for $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND) from Bac Lieu Market. A sustainable option for exploring Ward 3.
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) via app or hotline. A low-emission choice.
Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) via Grab or Xanh SM apps.
Navigation Tip: Save “Nha Cong Tu Mansion, Ward 3, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me).
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize walking or bicycles for minimal environmental impact.
Bus: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station to Bac Lieu Bus Station (Ward 7), then a taxi ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Operators: Phuong Trang, Mai Linh.
Private Car: $100–$130 (2,500,000–3,250,000 VND) for 4–7 seaters; $150–$180 (3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) for minivans via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose buses or electric vehicles.
Flight to Can Tho + Transfer: Fly to Can Tho International Airport ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND, 2–2.5 hours) via Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways, then a taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND) or bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) to Bac Lieu, plus a local taxi ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City + Transfer: Fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), then a bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) or taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) to Bac Lieu.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose fuel-efficient flights and electric taxis.
Taxi: Xanh SM electric taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND).
Bus: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) from Ca Mau Bus Station to Bac Lieu, then a local taxi ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for electric taxis or buses.
Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary (12 km): A 40 km² haven for over 50 bird species ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).
Tac Say Floating Market (15 km): Vibrant river market with boat tours ($12–$22 or 300,000–550,000 VND).
Bac Lieu Salt Fields (Vinh Trach Ward, 10–20 km): Eco-tours of shimmering fields ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Xiem Can Pagoda (15 km): 19th-century Khmer pagoda, free entry.
Quan Cong Pagoda (Tac Say Ward, 15 km): 19th-century Chinese temple, free entry.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or electric taxis; support conservation with entry fees.
Accommodations:
Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km): $18–$40/night (450,000–1,000,000 VND), eco-friendly with solar power.
Royal Bac Lieu Hotel (Ward 2): $50–$150/night (1,250,000–3,750,000 VND), modern amenities.
Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau Hotel (Ca Mau City, 60 km): $60–$200/night (1,500,000–5,000,000 VND), upscale with pool.
Note: The mansion’s hotel rooms, including the “Bac Lieu Dude’s Room,” are no longer available for public booking, contrary to outdated sources, due to preservation efforts.
Dining:
Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1): Offers Banh Xeo ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) and Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).
Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2): Serves Bon Bon salad ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND).
Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Lau Mam ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose accommodations and eateries using local, sustainable ingredients; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).
Mansion Entry: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Tours/Workshops: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).
Don Ca Tai Tu Performances: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Nearby Attractions: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).
Local Bicycle: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for 1.5 km.
Motorbike Taxi: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for 1.5 km.
Budget: $18–$35 (self-guided visits, cycling, market dining).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, homestay stays).
Luxury: $90–$130 (premium tours, upscale accommodations).
Best Time: November–April for dry weather and clear access; October/November for Ok Om Bok; April for Chol Chnam Thmay. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.
Sustainability: Support preservation with entry fees; use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) and avoid littering. Purchase local crafts ($2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND) to support artisans.
Safety: Secure valuables; carry travel insurance ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND). Respect antique displays to avoid damage.
Navigation: 1.5 km from Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap. Save the address in Vietnamese.
Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; avoid touching antiques or disrupting Don Ca Tai Tu performances.
Explore Nha Cong Tu Mansion with our sustainable tour packages:
Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit the mansion, cruise Tac Say Floating Market, taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Explore the mansion, salt fields, and homestays with Don Ca Tai Tu. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Visit Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with cultural and eco-tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.
Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.
Nha Cong Tu Mansion in Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, is a captivating historical gem, showcasing French-colonial opulence and the legendary tales of the Bac Lieu Dude. Its architectural splendor, rare antiques, and Don Ca Tai Tu performances make it a must-visit in the Mekong Delta. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this iconic site, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience with nearby attractions like Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, supporting local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your tour today to experience the timeless allure of Nha Cong Tu Mansion!
Ready to discover Nha Cong Tu Mansion? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group for a sustainable Mekong Delta adventure!
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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.
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