Discover the Southern Ancient House at Mỹ Khánh Ecotourism Village – A Journey Back in Time

1. The Southern Ancient House – A Timeless Symbol of Mekong Architecture and Culture

Nestled within the lush greenery of Mỹ Khánh Ecotourism Village (Cần Thơ), the Southern Ancient House, built in 1906, stands as a living testament to the rich heritage of Vietnam’s southern region.

Designed in the traditional “three compartments and two lean-tos” style, the house reflects the essence of old Southern architecture. Each section carries symbolic meaning — the three doors represent the three stages of life, with the main door reserved for women to pass through only twice in their lifetime: once when marrying into the family and once when departing this world.

A highlight of the house is its yin–yang roof tiles, symbolizing harmony between heaven and earth, between yin and yang, between humans and nature. These tiles not only help regulate the house’s temperature year-round but are also believed to bring peace and prosperity to its owners.

2. Origins and Historical Background

The Southern Ancient House of Mỹ Khánh was built by Mr. Trần Hý Ngươn, a wealthy and well-respected landowner of his time, as a heartfelt gift for his second wife, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Phòng.

More than a century later, the house still preserves its precious hardwood structure, intricate carvings, and antique furnishings — making it a cultural treasure of the Mekong Delta.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a Phước–Lộc–Thọ (Happiness–Prosperity–Longevity) screen — a traditional symbol that blesses the home while warding off misfortune. Inside, the furniture layout reflects the way of life of old Southern families: the trường kỷ wooden bench for the husband, the phảng resting platform for the wife, and a sacred tea table for welcoming honored guests.

3. Family Tales and the Mystery Behind the Roof Beam

Beyond its architectural beauty, the ancient house holds touching family stories that reveal the humanity and social customs of its time.

According to local lore, when Mr. Trần took his second wife, his first wife ordered that the ridge beam — the highest part of the roof — be removed, leaving behind a sharp message:

“A child without a father is like a house without a roof.”

This symbolic gesture not only demonstrated the first wife’s authority and position within the household but also reflected the traditional values and gender norms of the feudal era.

Nevertheless, Mr. Trần remained devoted to his second wife in his later years. Over time, their home became a symbol of affection, resilience, and the enduring stories of love and family from a bygone era.

4. Architectural and Artistic Values

The house was built entirely of rare hardwoods, featuring over 100 finely hand-carved details depicting dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and birds. Each carving carries profound feng shui meanings, expressing wishes for wealth, happiness, and longevity.

Inside, the furnishings have been carefully preserved through generations:

• A classic limwood table set for greeting esteemed guests
• A wooden platform bed used for daily rest and family activities
• Golden lacquered parallel sentences and horizontal boards, showing reverence for ancestors
• A collection of antique items such as tea sets, bronze censers, oil lamps, and earthen jars — all meticulously maintained to recreate the authentic lifestyle of early 20th-century Southern Vietnam.

5. Visiting Experience – Listening to Stories of the Southern Ancient House

A visit to this house is not just a sightseeing tour — it’s an immersive cultural experience.

Guests will hear heartfelt stories from guides about the people who once lived here, their customs, and their family traditions. You’ll gain insight into Southern Vietnamese domestic life, traditional marriage values, and moral teachings about virtue and harmony.

Every object, every architectural detail whispers a piece of history, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the spirit and beauty of the Mekong Delta’s cultural past.

6. Why You Should Visit the Southern Ancient House at Mỹ Khánh

• Over 100 years of history – one of the few fully preserved heritage homes in Cần Thơ.
• Authentic Southern ambiance – rustic, warm, yet full of refinement.
• A moving human story – about love, tradition, and the bonds of family.
• Unique cultural experience – combining heritage exploration, storytelling, and photo opportunities.

After exploring the ancient house, visitors can continue their journey through the countryside market, fruit gardens, crocodile fishing ponds, pedal-boat rides, or enjoy traditional Mekong cuisine at on-site restaurants such as Hoa Sen, Hương Cau, or Thủy Tạ.

7. Conclusion – A Journey Back to Southern Roots

The Southern Ancient House at Mỹ Khánh Ecotourism Village is more than a tourist attraction — it’s a journey through time, where the echoes of the past still linger in every beam and tile.

Here, visitors can rediscover their cultural roots, feel a deep reverence for their ancestors, and take pride in the enduring beauty of Vietnamese heritage.

When you visit Cần Thơ, don’t miss the chance to step inside this century-old home and experience the soul of Southern Vietnam through its timeless stories, artistry, and architecture.

Contact Information

Address: 335 Lộ Vòng Cung, An Bình Ward, Cần Thơ City, Vietnam
Phone: (0292) 3 846 260 – 0766 89 39 79
Hotline: 0909 996 883 – 0906 996 995 – 0939 124 789
Website: https://mykhanh.com
Fanpage: Làng Du Lịch Mỹ Khánh