Vietnam, a country rich in traditions and history, proudly possesses a remarkably unique and diverse architectural heritage of houses. Ancient houses, some hundreds of years old, are not merely shelters from the elements but also living museums preserving the cultural essence, lifestyle, and artistic quintessence of the nation. Amidst the flow of time and societal changes, the most beautiful ancient houses in Vietnam still stand tall, telling future generations stories of a glorious past, of the skillful hands of ancestors, and of enduring cultural values. Exploring the timeless beauty of these ancient houses is not just a trip, but a journey back to the roots, to the profound cultural values that have shaped Vietnam’s identity.
Among the countless ancient architectural works across the S-shaped land, the over 200-year-old ancient house in Tay Giai village, Vinh Tien commune, Vinh Loc district, Thanh Hoa province, stands out as a precious gem, considered one of the most typical representatives of the beauty of Vietnamese folk ancient houses. Located just about 200 meters from the West gate of the Ho Citadel World Heritage Site, the house not only inherits the ancient beauty of the heritage land but also creates a unique cultural space itself, attracting visitors from all directions to admire and explore. This ancient house in Thanh Hoa is not only beautiful for its majestic architecture and exquisite patterns but also for the historical and cultural stories hidden within, along with the dedicated preservation by the Pham family through generations.
Tay Giai Ancient House – A Symbol of Folk Architecture in Thanh Hoa
The ancient house in Tay Giai village, Vinh Loc, Thanh Hoa, built in 1810, is a living testament to the talent and creativity of Vietnamese carpenters of the past. The first owner of the house was Mr. Bat, an official of the eighth rank under the Nguyen Dynasty, indicating the prominent family background and social status of the Pham lineage at that time. Over more than two centuries, the house has retained its original, majestic, and serene appearance, like a silent witness to history.
An overview of Tay Giai ancient house, showcasing its traditional Vietnamese architectural style.
With dimensions of 9.8 meters wide, 21.5 meters long, and 5 meters high, Tay Giai ancient house possesses a majestic and solid appearance. The house structure consists of 7 compartments, including 3 main compartments and 4 auxiliary compartments, arranged harmoniously and symmetrically in the traditional architectural style. The main material for building the house is wood, a precious and durable type, carefully selected and meticulously crafted. The system of 27 large and small columns supports the entire house, creating a spacious and airy interior. The three main doors with 12 intricately carved wooden doors are not only entrances but also architectural highlights, reflecting the sophistication and aesthetic taste of the homeowner.
The most special and attractive feature of Tay Giai ancient house is the exquisite carved patterns on the beams and trusses. The art of wood carving reaches its peak, expressed through the motifs of the four sacred animals (dragon, unicorn, turtle, phoenix) and the four noble plants (pine, bamboo, chrysanthemum, apricot). Each carved line is soft, flexible, and lifelike, as if breathing life into the wood, bearing profound artistic and traditional cultural values. These patterns are not only decorative but also carry feng shui meanings, praying for luck, prosperity, and longevity for the homeowner.
Close-up of intricate wood carvings on the beams of Tay Giai ancient house, depicting traditional Vietnamese motifs.
Currently, the 3 middle compartments of the house are used by Mr. Pham Ngoc Tung’s family, the 7th-generation descendants of the Pham lineage, as a place to worship ancestors and for common living activities. Maintaining a solemn worship space in the ancient house not only shows the reverence of descendants for their ancestors but also contributes to preserving the traditional spiritual and cultural values of the family and lineage.
Historical and Cultural Values Recognized by UNESCO
Tay Giai ancient house is not only a beautiful architectural work but also carries immense historical and cultural value. With its unique architecture and typical values, the house was restored in 2002 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), based on the principle of maximum preservation of its originality. This event demonstrates the concern of functional agencies and the international community for the preservation of Vietnamese cultural heritage.
Exterior view of Tay Giai ancient house after restoration, showcasing its preserved traditional architecture.
In particular, Tay Giai ancient house was honored to be recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of the 10 most architecturally typical folk ancient houses in Vietnam. This is a strong affirmation of the architectural, cultural, and historical value of the house on the international stage. This title is not only a source of pride for the people of Thanh Hoa but also for the entire Vietnamese nation.
During the resistance wars against the French and Americans, the ancient house also played an important role as a place to store military supplies, organize secret meetings, and a resting stop for soldiers. This further enhances the historical value and revolutionary significance of the house, associated with the heroic pages of the nation’s history.
Interior view of Tay Giai ancient house, showing the ancestral altar and traditional wooden furniture.
An Attractive Cultural Tourist Destination
Today, Tay Giai ancient house has become an attractive cultural tourist destination, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors. Its location near the Ho Citadel, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site, further enhances the appeal of the ancient house. Tourists visiting the Ho Citadel often combine a visit to Tay Giai ancient house to gain a more comprehensive view of the history, culture, and architecture of Vinh Loc region.
Tourists visiting Tay Giai ancient house, admiring its architecture and learning about its history.
Coming to Tay Giai ancient house, visitors not only admire the unique architectural beauty and exquisite carved patterns but also learn about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the local people. The ancient and peaceful space of the house brings a sense of relaxation and tranquility, helping visitors temporarily escape the noise and bustle of modern life.
A peaceful corner of Tay Giai ancient house, showcasing its serene atmosphere and traditional garden.
Besides Tay Giai ancient house, Vietnam has many other beautiful and valuable ancient houses, scattered throughout the country. Each house carries its own architectural style, reflecting the cultural and historical characteristics of each region. For example, the Hue royal residences with their refined and elegant beauty, the stilt houses of the Northwest, rustic and close to nature, or the three-compartment houses of the Northern Delta, simple and cozy. The journey to explore the most beautiful ancient houses in Vietnam is a fascinating and meaningful cultural journey, helping us to love and be more proud of the cultural heritage of our nation.
Conclusion
Tay Giai ancient house in Thanh Hoa, one of the most beautiful ancient houses in Vietnam, is not only a unique architectural work but also a priceless cultural heritage. With a history of over 200 years, the house has witnessed many ups and downs of history, preserving profound cultural, artistic, and historical values. Preserving and promoting the value of ancient houses like Tay Giai is the responsibility of each of us, so that these heritages will last forever, contributing to enriching the Vietnamese cultural identity and attracting tourists to discover the beauty of the country. Come and feel the timeless beauty of ancient houses, to understand more about the history, culture, and people of Vietnam.