It lies on the right bank of the Can Tho River along Highway 91 just 6km from the city centre, and despite the rapid urbanisation in recent times, has maintained the typically rich culture of the land. It still reflects the elegance and graciousness of its first house owners.

It also has around 20 houses built in the original style, using a combination of southern Vietnamese western architecture.

The Vuon Lan house is one of them. It was built in the 1870s but remains in good shape. The house is in the traditional chu dien (square) pattern. It has a gate, then a garden, large yard, anteroom, and a guestroom. The latter was built and decorated in western style with luxurious furnishings including embroidered pictures.

After the guestroom is the main room which was designed in southern Vietnamese style and used for worshipping ancestors.

It has plenty of furniture, all made from precious wood, with sophisticated Vietnamese carvings, and in 19th century style. These include wardrobes, cupboards, tables and chairs, and a large altar. There are also many ancient pots and jars on display here.

There are two bedrooms either side of the main room. Behind it are a dining room, kitchen and shed. Behind the house are big orchard, fishing pond and rice field.

In the garden is a 10m-high African cactus that is nearly 300 years old.

(Source: VNN)