Thousands of tourists have already visited the newly renovated home of one of the “cong tu Bac Lieu,” infamous members of the affluent families who lived in southern Bac Lieu province in the early 20th century.

“Cong tu Bac Lieu,” once a popular phrase in the early 1900s, refers to a group of young men from affluent families who lived in Bac Lieu province in the early 1900s.

The men were sent to private schools in Saigon or in France. They indulged in luxurious pastimes, partying hard and having affairs. Extremely wasteful spenders, they took great delight in wasting their money, going so far as to build fires with high-denomination notes.

Located at 13 Dien Bien Phu, Bac Lieu city, the home of one of these men, Tran Trinh Huy,  and his family was built in 1919, when Huy was around 20. The sumptuous villa was designed by a French architect and was built from materials which were all brought over from France. The edifice was considered the southern region's most imposing one back then.

After the renovation, Huy's villa now features a worshipping chamber, four main chambers, and four bedrooms.

The edifice is enhanced with 42 rare pieces of furniture and decorative items, most of which are made from precious wood elaborately ornamented with conch shell. According to expert opinions, 60% of these artifacts come from Huy's original home, and the rest are copies or contemporary items.

To Huy Phong Phu, chair of Cam Quyen Co., the event organizer, said that his company is searching for a vintage airplane and more artifacts that belonged to the wealthy men.

A few other houses in the same neighborhood are also being renovated and will offer luxurious accommodation to tourists.

Phu’s company is also working on a project to build a 12,000m2 Bac Lieu tourist complex adjacent to the historical homes.