Who Was the Bac Lieu Dude: Unraveling the Legend of Nha Cong Tu Mansion

A Historical Icon of the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a cultural and historical gem in the Mekong Delta, attracting 18,000 travelers annually with its 56 km coastline and diverse population, including 20% Khmer residents. The legend of the Bac Lieu Dude, Tran Trinh Huy, is inseparable from Nha Cong Tu Mansion, a National Historical Relic built in 1919. Known for his extravagant lifestyle during the French colonial era, the Bac Lieu Dude’s story captivates visitors with tales of wealth and folklore. 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). Exploring his legacy offers a unique glimpse into Bac Lieu’s colonial past and cultural richness.

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.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Nha Cong Tu Mansion, located in Ward 3, is 1.5 km from Bac Lieu’s center, making it an accessible base 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.

The Rise of Tran Trinh Huy

The term “Bac Lieu Dude” emerged in southern Vietnam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, referring to wealthy heirs of landlords who benefited from French colonial land redistribution in the Mekong Delta. Tran Trinh Huy, also known as Ba Huy or the “Black Prince,” was the most iconic of these figures, renowned across Bac Lieu, Saigon, and southern Vietnam in the 1930s–1940s. Born into a prominent family, Huy inherited vast rice fields and wealth from his father, Tran Trinh Trach, a council member who amassed a fortune through land ownership and usury. Educated in French schools in Saigon and abroad, Huy epitomized the era’s elite, but his lavish spending set him apart as the quintessential Bac Lieu Dude.

• Cultural Significance: Huy’s story reflects the socio-economic dynamics of French colonial rule, where land reforms created a class of affluent landlords whose heirs often embraced ostentatious lifestyles.

Tales of Extravagance

Tran Trinh Huy’s fame stems from his legendary wastefulness, with folklore recounting feats like:

• Burning money to boil eggs, showcasing his disregard for wealth.

• Hosting beauty contests to find romantic partners, a spectacle in Bac Lieu and Saigon.

• Inspecting rice fields by private airplane, a rare luxury in colonial Vietnam.

• Purchasing imported cars and hosting lavish parties, cementing his reputation as a playboy.

These anecdotes, while possibly embellished, make Huy a folk hero whose legacy draws visitors to Nha Cong Tu Mansion, where guided tours share these captivating stories.

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

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

Built in 1919 by French architects, Nha Cong Tu Mansion is a National Historical Relic that embodies Tran Trinh Huy’s opulence. Located at 13 Dien Bien Phu St., Ward 3, the mansion features:

• Architecture: A three-story blend of French-colonial and Eastern styles, with marble flooring, cast steel, and decorative iron frames imported from France, all stamped with a “P” for Paris.

• Interior: Rare antiques, including intricately carved pots, jade ornaments, and the “winter and summer” bed, valued at millions today. Golden chandeliers and a riverside balcony add to its grandeur.

• Cultural Hub: Hosts Don Ca Tai Tu performances, a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2013, with nightly folk music sessions ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid touching antiques; use reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) during visits.

• Tip: Join evening Don Ca Tai Tu sessions for an authentic cultural experience; book guided tours for historical insights.

The mansion is 1.5 km from Bac Lieu’s center, 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. 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; 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).

• 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.

The Bac Lieu Dude, Tran Trinh Huy, remains a legendary figure whose lavish lifestyle and opulent Nha Cong Tu Mansion define Bac Lieu’s historical allure in Ca Mau Province. From its French-colonial architecture to Don Ca Tai Tu performances, the mansion offers a captivating journey into the Mekong Delta’s past. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly Ca Mau Tours allow you to explore this iconic site and nearby attractions like Xiem Can Pagoda sustainably, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Ca Mau adventure today to unravel the legend of the Bac Lieu Dude in the heart of the Mekong Delta!
Ready to discover the Bac Lieu Dude’s legacy? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group for a sustainable Mekong Delta adventure!

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