The value of the antique house of Mr. Do Cao Thua at Bach Dang Commune in Tan Uyen Town is not only for its age but also thanks to the inner artistic structure of the house.
A corner of the antique house of Mr. Do Cao Thua is currently visible
Retained by time
From Uyen Hung Ward and a few hundred meters passing through Bach Dang Bridge, let’s tanke the left on the next 3-way, heading straight but keep looking on the right for the introduction banner of ‘Antique house of Do Cao Thua’. In the calm and quiet space of countryside orchard, the antique house is highlighted as a historical and cultural remain of time. The house is one of provincial architecture remains approved and ranked on June 2, 2004.
As documented by Provincial Museum, Mr. Do Cao Thua’s antique house was built in late 19th century on an area of 500 square meters in a shape of a ding letter (a Chinese letter). The house was approved as a remain by the name of Mr. Do Cao Thua as Thua claimed the ownership of the house at the time of approval; however, the house was actually built at the time of his father. Entering through the gate, you will be welcomed by a garden of green trees surrounding a simple and peaceful house. Through time, the ying-yang brick roof has been covered by moss, making it so antique as a house.
Inner decoration
Viewed from the outside, the house is relatively simple; however, you will see its position and luxurity from inside. The house was built entirely by rare wood that has been tough through time showing the sophisticated carving work and patterns. Thirty six major pillars made of rare wood are glossy while supporting the whole house. The house’s luxurity is noticeable by banners and parallel poetric banners still clearly visible up to today. All the contents had been translated to Vietnamese and presented in the outside for visitors to read and know about the banners. Besides, various sophisticated carving works are present in the house. The old-time carvers had produced eye-catching works of dragon, unicorn, turtoise, phoenix, deer, bird, fruits, and animals. Aged more than 100 years, the antique house of Mr. Do Cao Thua, today, is a remain reflecting socio-economic foundation and life of local people on Bach Dang islet and the whole province.
Holding back visitors
For the time, Tan Uyen Town authority has organized various activities and programs to develop local tourism. The approved reamains in the town along with delicacy orchard are much visited. It is ideal for antique house of Mr. Do Cao Thua to be on Bach Dang islet – a land of famous pamelo and favorable combined tourism.
Calm and peaceful is what visitors feel on visiting the land. The site is located within a garden of green trees all year round. Aside from fruits, the house owner has planted various other plants making up a sceneric site in harmony with the calmness of a antique remain.
The antique house is currently managed and taken care of by Ms. Do Thi Kim Nga (the 5th generation of the first owner). On daily basis, the house is open to visitors. Nga informed of crowded visitors before Covid-19.
“The effect of Covid-19 has decreased the amount of visitors to our house comparing to other years. We are open everyday; however, the reception has been limited for the sake of health protection. It is hopeful that more will come as Covid-19 is over,” said Nga.
Binh Duong has been long famous for handicraft like carpentry, lacquer and pottery. The old architecture of Binh Duong staying for today is the evidence for skills and creativities of craftmen in the old time of Binh Duong. The value remains in antique houses attracting and holding visitors to Binh Duong.
Reported by Hong Thuan – Translated by Vi Bao
