Unique antique houses in Binh Duong

Besides new and attractive tourist area, Binh Duong also has antique houses that have existed for hundreds of years. This is also a unique and interesting feature of the journey to explore Binh Duong land...

Tran Van Ho antique house on Bach Dang street in Phu Cuong ward, Thu Dau Mot city.

To preserve old marks

Despite the rapid industrial development pace, Binh Duong retains many traditional cultural values. In particular, in the province, there are a number of old houses of great value in terms of history, culture, architecture and art. Namely, the province has five old houses ranked as historical and art architectural relic sites, of which two are national-level relics, including: antique house of Tran Cong Vang and antique house of Tran Van Ho (in Phu Cuong ward, Thu Dau Mot city); and three provincial-level relics include: Nguyen Tri Quan antique house (Tan An ward, Thu Dau Mot city), Do Cao Thua antique house, and Duong Van Ho antique house (Bach Dang commune, Tan Uyen town).

According to Provincial Tourism Promotion Center, most of these old houses were built in the second half of 19th century and at beginning of 20th century. In order to form valuable old houses, the original owners of these houses had to work for many years because the construction process was very complicated and required highly skilled and elaborate craftsmen. The cost to build an old house was very high, hence only people of the aristocracy or wealthy people were able to afford it. This not only reflects the lifestyle of Binh Duong people in the past, but also shows the wealth and status of the owner.

These old houses in Binh Duong have become interesting and attractive destinations to many tourists, especially those who are passionate and want to learn about the antique decorative arts of Binh Duong.

Interesting facts

Among the old houses in Binh Duong, perhaps the most beautiful and unique are houses of Tran Van Ho and Tran Cong Vang in Phu Cuong ward, Thu Dau Mot city. Coming here, visitors may feel the silhouette of old times that are coming back and imprinted in these hundreds-of-years-old houses.

Along Bach Dang Street, passing Thu market, the old house Tran Van Ho, located at No. 18 Bach Dang Street, Phu Cuong Ward, Thu Dau Mot City, peacefully and quietly reflects on the gentle Saigon River. The house was recognized as a national monument in 1993, considered as an old house of high value in terms of architecture, art and decoration. This house was built in 1890 by Mr. Ho's father, Tran Van Lan, and completed in 1893. Later, descendants of the owner moved abroad, so the house was managed by local State. The house is made from precious woods, thus it is very solid and stable over time. The most impressive thing is the interior of the house, beautiful decorative patterns and parallel sentences.

The antique house of Tran Van Ho has 3 compartments and 2 wings. The house has up to 36 round wooden columns, giving the house a sturdy, solid structure. A part that clearly shows the life of the house’s owner is decorations, from tables, chairs to altar cabinets, horizontal paintings, couplets, couch etc. not only have a very long lifespan but also contain high artistic and economic value. The house not only expresses the wealth and status of the owner but also partly reflects lifestyle of Binh Duong people in the past.

Not far away is another monument of Tran Cong Vang house at 21 Ngo Tung Chau street. The house is hidden deep inside Thu Dau Mot market area and considered the oldest house in Binh Duong, was recognized as a national monument in 1993. Currently, the family of Tran Thi Anh Tuyet (daughter of Mr. Tran Cong Vang) is living here and taking care of the house. Ms. Tran said that this house was built by Tran Van Long from 1889 to 1892, she was the 5th generation.

Antique house of Tran Cong Vang has horizontal part located on the left side of upper part, instead of on the right as usual, includes upper and lower parts, where daily activities of the house’s owners take place. The upper house is built according to the structure of 5 compartments and 2 wings. The whole structure of the house is made from precious woods such as: A special feature is that all items that make up the house were assembled and bonded together by a solid wooden joint system. This proves high skills of old carpenters in Binh Duong, the technique is also very sophisticated.

Here, visitors also have an opportunity to learn more about the traditional decoration style of old Vietnamese families through pictures and patterns carved, gilded or inlaid with mother - of - pearl inside the house. In addition to artistic values, the house of Tran Cong Vang also contains cultural values. The house still has some parallel sentences written in decorative Chinese characters with cultural significance, expressing life views of previous generations.

Binh Duong today, apart from vibrant industrial zones and clusters, still has quiet and peaceful old houses somewhere. These relics have been included in tours and routes to Binh Duong. Hopefully, when the COVID-19 is stably controlled in the country, these antique houses will become interesting attractions to domestic and international tourists coming to Binh Duong.

Contact Info: Binh Duong Provincial Tourism Promotion Center:

Address: No. 239, Thich Quang Duc Street, Chanh Nghia Ward, Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province. Phone: Website: www.dulichbinhduong.org.vn Email: ttxtdl@binhduong.gov.vn

Reported by Hong Thuan - Translated by Ngoc Huynh

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