What Makes Nha Cong Tu Mansion Special: Bac Lieu’s Historic Treasure in the Mekong Delta

A Historical and Cultural Icon in the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a cultural gem 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 standout attraction, renowned for its opulent French-colonial architecture and its connection to Tran Trinh Huy, the infamous “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). The mansion’s blend of luxury, history, and cultural experiences like Don Ca Tai Tu music makes it a must-visit in Bac Lieu.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Nha Cong Tu Mansion, using low-emission transport like bicycles and electric taxis to immerse you in its heritage while supporting local communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Nha Cong Tu Mansion, located at 13 Dien Bien Phu St., Ward 3, is just 1.5 km from Bac Lieu’s center, making it easily accessible for exploring the Mekong Delta’s historical treasures.

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.

A Symbol of Extravagance

Nha Cong Tu Mansion, often called “Nha Lon” (Great House), is tied to Tran Trinh Huy, the “Bac Lieu Dude,” a wealthy heir known for his lavish lifestyle in the 1930s–1940s. Huy’s tales—burning money to boil eggs, hosting beauty contests, and flying private planes to inspect rice fields—reflect the opulence of French-colonial elites in the Mekong Delta. The mansion, built for his family, embodies this wealth, drawing visitors with its historical significance and folklore. Guided tours share these stories, offering insights into Bac Lieu’s socio-economic past.

• Cost: Entry $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); guided tours $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support preservation with entry fees; use digital guides to reduce paper waste.

Exquisite French-Colonial Architecture

Constructed in 1919 by French architects, the mansion blends Eastern and Western styles, remarkably preserved despite its century-long history. Key features include:

• Three-Story Design: The ground floor has two grand bedrooms for Huy and his father, Tran Trinh Trach, a spacious living room, and two reception halls. The upper floor includes three bedrooms, two halls, and a terrace balcony overlooking the Bac Lieu River and market.

• Imported Materials: Marble flooring, cast steel, decorative iron frames, and golden chandeliers, all imported from France and stamped with a “P” for Paris, showcase meticulous craftsmanship.

• Prime Location: Positioned near the river, market, and main roads, it epitomizes the colonial “front house” ideal of accessibility and prestige.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid touching displays; use digital photography to minimize environmental impact.

• Historical Note: The mansion’s estimated $17 billion value in outdated sources is an exaggeration; its true value lies in its historical and cultural significance, not a verifiable monetary figure.

Rare Antiques and Cultural Experiences

The mansion houses a collection of rare antiques, including intricately carved jade pots and the legendary “winter and summer” bed, valued at millions in modern terms. These artifacts reflect the Bac Lieu Dude’s wealth and taste. Additionally, the mansion hosts nightly Don Ca Tai Tu performances, a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013, featuring traditional instruments like the dan kim and dan bau. Visitors can join workshops to learn about colonial history or southern folk music, enhancing the cultural experience.

• 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.

The mansion is 1.5 km from Bac Lieu’s center in Ward 3, easily accessible via updated routes.

From Bac Lieu Center (1.5 km, 5–10 minutes)

• Walking: Free, ideal 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.

• 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).

From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours)

• 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.

From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours)

• 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.

From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours)

• 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.

• 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).

Activity Costs

• 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).

Transport Costs

• 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.

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• 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; October/November for Ok Om Bok Festival; 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, a historic treasure located 170 km from Can Tho, captivates with its French-colonial grandeur and legendary tales of the "Bac Lieu Dude," drawing thousands yearly with entry fees of $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). From rare antiques to vibrant Don Ca Tai Tu performances, this mansion offers a rich blend of history and Mekong Delta culture. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours ensure a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience, connecting you with Bac Lieu’s heritage through eco-friendly practices like low-impact tours and community support, paired with visits to Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary and Tac Say Floating Market. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to experience Nha Cong Tu Mansion’s unique charm? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Nha Cong Tu Mansion Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group