The Mekong Delta is not only famous for the Cai Rang floating market and lush fruit orchards but also a place that preserves unique cultural and architectural values through its ancient Southern houses. A tour of these ancient Southern houses will take you back in time, allowing you to discover historical stories, admire architectural beauty, and experience the local life.
These ancient houses, some centuries old, built in traditional architectural styles, bear the deep imprint of generations of owners. They are not just residences but also centers of cultural and spiritual life for families. On the tour, you will admire exquisite carvings, antique household items, and hear fascinating stories about the owner families.
Discovering the Unique Architecture of Ancient Southern Houses
Ancient Southern houses are an indispensable part of the Mekong Delta’s cultural landscape. Their architecture often reflects a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures, featuring intricate carvings, yin and yang tile roofs, and layouts harmonizing with nature.
Some notable architectural features of ancient Southern houses:
- Structure: Typically built with precious woods like ironwood and redwood, featuring a solid frame and pillar structure.
- Roof: Tiled with yin and yang tiles or fish-scale tiles, creating a classic, mossy beauty.
- Decorative patterns: Carved with images of dragons, phoenixes, flowers, leaves, birds, and animals, carrying feng shui meanings and representing the owner’s status.
- Layout: Arranged in three-bay, five-bay, or Dinh, Nhi shapes, etc., with spacious, airy gardens.
Binh Thuy Ancient House showcasing French colonial architecture
Experiencing Authentic Mekong Delta Culture
A tour of ancient Southern houses is not just about admiring architecture but also an opportunity to experience the culture and customs of the local people. You will:
- Hear historical stories: Learn about the formation and development of the house and the contributions of the owner’s family to the region.
- Enjoy traditional cuisine: Taste local specialties prepared using family recipes, imbued with Mekong Delta flavors.
- Interact with local people: Chat and learn about their daily lives and unique cultural aspects of the region.
Exploring Cai Rang floating market by boat
Suggested Itinerary for an Engaging Ancient Southern House Tour
Below is a suggested 4-day, 3-night itinerary for an ancient Southern house tour, combined with exploring other famous tourist destinations in the Mekong Delta:
Day 1: Can Tho – Soc Trang – Bac Lieu – Ca Mau
- Morning: Arrive in Can Tho, visit Cai Rang floating market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
- Afternoon: Travel to Soc Trang, visit Som Rong Pagoda and Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi).
- Evening: Arrive in Bac Lieu, visit the house of “Prince Bac Lieu” (Cong Tu Bac Lieu), and Cao Van Lau memorial area. Continue to Ca Mau, check into your hotel and rest.
Day 2: Ca Mau – Nam Can – Dat Mui – Can Tho
- Morning: Visit Ca Mau Cape (Dat Mui), the southernmost point of Vietnam.
- Afternoon: Return to Can Tho, check into your hotel.
- Evening: Have dinner on a cruise ship, enjoy music, and admire Can Tho at night.
Ca Mau Cape, the southernmost point of Vietnam
Day 3: Can Tho – My Khanh Fruit Garden – Tien Giang – Saigon
- Morning: Visit Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, My Khanh tourist village, experience folk games.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Tien Giang, take a boat trip on the Tien River, visit Long, Lan, Quy, Phung islets, a coconut candy factory, enjoy seasonal fruits, and listen to “Don ca tai tu” music (Southern amateur music).
- Evening: Travel to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), check into your hotel and freely explore the city.
Day 4: Saigon – City Tour
- Morning: Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market.
- Afternoon: Free time for souvenir shopping and end the tour.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon featuring unique architecture
Notes When Joining an Ancient Southern House Tour
To have a complete and meaningful trip, you should note the following:
- Choose reputable tours: Research travel companies carefully, compare prices and itineraries to choose a suitable tour.
- Prepare comfortable clothing: Wear cool, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes for easy movement and participation in activities.
- Bring sunscreen and hats: The Mekong Delta weather is quite hot, you should protect your skin from sun damage.
- Respect local culture: Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites, avoid littering, and maintain general hygiene.
Conclusion
A tour of ancient Southern houses is an exciting and meaningful journey of cultural and historical exploration. This is an opportunity for you to better understand the land and people of the Mekong Delta while contributing to the preservation and promotion of the nation’s cultural heritage values. Plan your trip today to experience the wonderful things that the Mekong Delta has to offer.