Where literature and history entwine in a timeless love story
This impeccably preserved 1895 home, once belonging to Marguerite Duras’s lover, blends Chinese, French, and Vietnamese design in a space as romantic as the story it inspired.

The Huynh Thuy Le Old House, a beautifully restored treasure in Sa Dec, is wrapped in history and romance. Once home to the Chinese lover of Marguerite Duras, the inspiration for her iconic novel The Lover, the house is a must-visit destination for literature and history enthusiasts.
One of the largest and most intact heritage houses in the Mekong Delta, it showcases intricate traditional architecture blended with French colonial influences. Every corner of the house tells a story, from its ornate wood carvings to its period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the era.
Each year, romance seekers flock to this iconic riverside home to step into the world of Duras’ poignant love story. After exploring the house, a stroll along Nguyen Hue street offers more charm, with inviting cafés, vibrant market stalls, and the backdrop of a picturesque old French church. The Huynh Thuy Le Old House is not just a landmark of Sa Dec but a timeless tribute to love, culture, and history.
-
Visit Website
-
84 938 322 880
-
255A Đường Nguyễn Huệ, Phường 2, Sa Đéc, Đồng Tháp, Vietnam
Display external content from OpenStreetMap.
Display external content from OpenStreetMap.
Insider Insight
For a more immersive experience, hire a private guide who can recount the nuances of the real-life romance that inspired The Lover. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee at one of the riverside cafés and explore the area’s charming colonial architecture and floral-filled avenues.
A story carved in wood.