Bac Lieu Prince's House: A Golden Era Legacy in the Mekong Delta

"The Bac Lieu Prince's House is more than just an ancient French colonial edifice; it's a vibrant symbol of one of the most extravagant periods in Southern Vietnam. Located by the Bac Lieu River, this mansion recounts the intriguing tales of Trần Trinh Huy – the infamous playboy prince."

Stepping into the Bac Lieu Prince's House, visitors are transported into a classic film scene, where every detail exudes nobility and luxury. From the intricate French architecture, mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden furniture, to unique artifacts like the hot and cold beds or the vintage Peugeot car, every corner whispers stories of an affluent and flamboyant family. This is not merely a historical site, but an emotional journey that takes you back in time to the Mekong Delta a century ago, to admire architectural beauty and listen to legends that have become iconic.

The Bac Lieu Prince's House is not just an ancient French colonial edifice but a vibrant symbol of an opulent bygone era in Southern Vietnam. Located by the Bac Lieu River, this grand mansion tells intriguing tales of Trần Trinh Huy – the infamous playboy prince, who became a legendary figure in Mekong Delta folklore. With its harmonious blend of Western and Eastern architecture, this magnificent house, once known as "The Big House," is an unmissable destination for those seeking to explore unique history, culture, and architectural beauty.

The Bac Lieu Prince, whose real name was Trần Trinh Huy (1900-1973) and affectionately known as Ba Huy, was the third son of landowner Trần Trinh Trạch – one of the wealthiest and most powerful landowners in Cochinchina in the early 20th century. His family owned an enormous fortune, including tens of thousands of hectares of rice and salt fields. After studying in France, Trần Trinh Huy returned home and shocked society with his extravagant and lavish lifestyle, completely distinct from other elites of his time. He was notably the first Vietnamese person to own a private airplane, which he used to fertilize his rice fields – a bold and symbolic display of his immense wealth.

The Bac Lieu Prince's name is associated with countless intriguing anecdotes, the most famous of which is the tale of "burning money to boil eggs." Legend has it that to flaunt his wealth and win the heart of the beautiful Trần Ngọc Trà, he competed with the White Prince of My Tho to see who could burn money faster to boil a few eggs. Though the historical accuracy remains unverified, such stories have become an indispensable part of Mekong Delta folklore, an endless source of inspiration for cải lương (reformed opera), films, and books, vividly re-enacting the social life of old Western Vietnam and making the journey to explore the house even more captivating through the words of local guides.

This magnificent villa was constructed between 1917 and 1919, designed by a French architect. All critical materials such as steel, granite, ceramic tiles, and interior furnishings were directly imported from Europe, ensuring superior quality and exquisite aesthetics. The house's architecture boasts a distinct French colonial style, characterized by symmetrical layouts, solid thick walls, and meticulously crafted decorative details. Today, after more than a century, the house retains its original beauty, standing as a valuable architectural heritage reflecting a unique historical period in the cultural landscape of the Mekong Delta.

Stepping inside, visitors are overwhelmed by the luxury and class of the interior. The ground floor comprises two large bedrooms, a spacious central main hall for receiving guests, and two side halls used for grand banquets. High, airy ceilings, coupled with a continuous layout of large doors, create an open and cool space, perfectly suited to the tropical climate. A system of large chandeliers imported from Western Europe casts a soft golden glow, complementing the French-patterned ceilings and columns, creating an opulent yet antique ambiance that reflects the owner's refined taste.

The mansion also preserves many unique artifacts, testament to an extremely lavish lifestyle. Prominent among them is the intricately carved mother-of-pearl inlaid giáng hương wood furniture in the living room, where every line is a work of art. Even more special are the two unique "hot and cold" beds: one made of giáng hương wood to provide warmth during the rainy season, and a cool marble-inlaid bed for the hot summer. Each bed is adorned with approximately 30kg of mother-of-pearl, valued at billions of VND, and remains almost perfectly preserved to this day, showcasing an unparalleled extravagance and nobility.

Beyond its opulent interiors, the house is a treasure trove of Western antiques. Visitors have the opportunity to marvel at a 1922 Peugeot sports car, one of only two in Southern Vietnam at the time (the other belonged to Emperor Bảo Đại), confirming the famous saying, "Whatever Emperor Bảo Đại had, the Bac Lieu Prince had it too." Furthermore, other items such as a gramophone, a rotary dial telephone, and 19th-century wall clocks, all imported from Europe, are still in working condition, demonstrating the owner's "playboy" attitude and superior class.

The staircase inside the house is crafted from white marble, consisting of three sections, each with nine steps, symbolizing longevity and good fortune – a spiritual detail according to East Asian beliefs. Exquisitely carved wooden banisters gracefully curve, leading majestically to the upper floor. On the second floor, the altar for the Bac Lieu Prince's parents retains its original position with a gilded wooden altar, reflecting the Trần Trinh family's reverence for tradition and family ties. Every detail, from the base of the staircase, handrails, to arched doorways, exhibits high craftsmanship and colonial-era aesthetics.

Visiting the Bac Lieu Prince's House is a journey back in time to old Southern Vietnam, where visitors can immerse themselves in classical French colonial architecture and listen to extravagant tales. The house, with its balconies, winding staircase, and French-style windows, serves as an ideal backdrop for cinematic, nostalgic photographs. Visitors can also enjoy cải lương (reformed opera) performances or đờn ca tài tử (Southern Vietnamese folk music) on special occasions, immersing themselves in the intangible cultural heritage characteristic of the Mekong Delta, offering an experience that is both reminiscent and vibrant.

After visiting the Bac Lieu Prince's House, don't forget to explore other fascinating nearby attractions to enrich your trip. You can visit the Bac Lieu Wind Farm with its hundreds of giant wind turbines, creating a beautiful "Western-style" landscape perfect for photo opportunities. Continue your spiritual journey at Mother Nam Hai Pagoda with its 11-meter-tall statue of Mother Quan Am facing the sea, or admire the unique Khmer architecture of the brightly golden Xiêm Cán Pagoda. Also, make sure to stop by the Musician Cao Van Lầu Memorial Area to learn about the creator of the Dạ Cổ Hoài Lang song, which helped establish the fame of Southern Vietnamese folk music. These destinations are all within close proximity and can easily be combined into a day trip.