Just three hours away from Ho Chi Minh by car, the largest city in the Mekong Delta is worth a weekend trip for its rustic charm, busy floating markets, and quaint historical sights.
By Mavis Teo
4. Huynh Thuy Le Old House
Less than 90 mins away by car from Can Tho is the town of Sa Dec which is home to many French colonial mansions and merchant homes, the most famous of which is Huynh Thuy Le Old House other known as (255A Đường Nguyễn Huệ, Phường 4, Sa Đéc, Đồng Tháp, Vietnam). It is so called as it was home to the Chinese Vietnamese man whom the French novelist Maguerite Duras had an affair with when she was 15 and living in Vietnam. Inspired by the love affair, she had based her book The Lover which was later made into a film starring Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka Fai as the male protagonist. The house built in 1895 is worth a visit for those who love colonial architect. It’s Sino-French in style with a French façade characterised by classical domes at the doorways. But motifs like birds, dragons, and flowers like orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemums are definitely Chinese. As is the large altar in the living room. As Sa Dec is not touristy on the whole, we recommend just making a day trip with Can Tho as the base.
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