Things to Do at Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House: A Cultural Journey in Dong Thap

Nestled along the Sa Giang River in Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Ward, now part of Tien Giang Province, the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House is a 128-year-old national relic that captivates over 30,000 visitors annually. Renowned for its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural styles and its connection to Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover (adapted into the 1992 film L’Amant), this house offers a romantic and historical escape. Its riverside charm and cultural significance make it a must-visit for travelers seeking heritage and sustainability. Legend Travel Group, a leading sustainable tour operator, enhances your visit with eco-friendly tours, connecting you to Dong Thap’s vibrant culture. Book your adventure via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

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 cultural highlight, supported by upgraded infrastructure like cycling paths, electric boat networks, and a VND600 billion flood control project, ensuring seamless access to this iconic site.

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 historical visits with eco-friendly activities like cycling and electric boat rides, led by local experts who share the house’s romantic and architectural stories. 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

Located 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 architectural gem 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). Recognized as a national relic in 2009, it draws visitors from France, the US, and beyond for its unique design and connection to The Lover.

• Romantic Legacy: The house is the setting for the forbidden love story between Huynh Thuy Le and Marguerite Duras, who met in 1929 on the My Thuan ferry. Their story, immortalized in Duras’ 1984 novel The Lover, translated into 43 languages, captivates with its emotional depth.

• Architectural Marvel: Blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and French styles, the house features a yin-yang tiled, boat-shaped roof, Renaissance-inspired reliefs, and intricate wood carvings, reflecting Southern Vietnam’s cultural fusion.

• Cultural Significance: As a national relic, it preserves the heritage of the Mekong Delta, offering insights into early 20th-century Chinese-Vietnamese life.

• Eco-Tourism Hub: Its proximity to Sa Dec Flower Village and the Sa Giang River makes it ideal for sustainable tours combining history with eco-friendly exploration.

1. Guided Historical Tour

Explore the house’s three compartments, including the central Quan Cong altar, 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: Ornate wood carvings, historical photos, The Lover narrative.

• Tips: Book a guide for deeper insights; included in our Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

2. Overnight Stay

Stay overnight in one of two restored rooms, immersing yourself in the house’s romantic ambiance and historical charm.

• Cost: $25–$45/night (625,000–1,125,000 VND, includes breakfast and lunch).

• Highlights: Authentic heritage experience, riverside views, quiet evenings.

• Tips: Limited rooms; book 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during Tet.

3. Riverside Dining

Dine at the on-site restaurant, offering Mekong Delta specialties like lotus root salad, grilled snakehead fish, and Sa Giang shrimp crackers.

• Cost: Meals $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND); drinks $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Highlights: Farm-to-table dishes, romantic riverfront setting.

• Tips: Try lotus seed soup; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

4. Photography and Cultural Workshops

Capture the house’s intricate architecture, gold lacquer work, and surrounding flower gardens, or join workshops like “Don Ca Tai Tu” music or flower arrangement.

• Cost: Workshops $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Highlights: Renaissance reliefs, Chinese altars, vibrant photo backdrops.

• Tips: Visit at sunset for golden-hour shots; included in our Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

5. Explore Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with eco-friendly tours to Sa Dec Flower Village (4 km), Tan Thuan Dong Floating Market (30 km), or Xeo Quyt Relic Area (25 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, historical sites.

• 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).

• Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for comfortable exploration and nearby Tet flower markets (January–February); book 3–4 weeks in advance.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush river views and fewer crowds; 15–25% tour discounts. August–October is best for serene visits.

• Tips: Visit in late afternoon for cooler weather and sunset photography; 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, Sa Giang shrimp crackers. $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.

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 photography 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 cultural and romantic treasure, blending exquisite architecture with the timeless love story of The Lover. 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 experience the romance and history of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in 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.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group