The village of Nha Xa, located in northern Vietnam, is best known for its long tradition of silk weaving. During the colonial period, high demand for the quality product led to a boom for the town’s businesses, many of which were able to expand with branches in Hong Kong and Tokyo.
During the 1920s when the rest of the nation was struggling to put food on the table, residents of Nha Xa were among the most prosperous people in the country. The lofty incomes of the village’s elite allowed them to commission ornate villas, many of which stand to this day.
Most of the buildings were designed by French architects and incorporate both Western details and the Eastern concept of Feng Shui.
Most houses were built with lush gardens.
Nha Xa Village's church.
Many houses in Nha Xa Village were built between 1930-1940.
Colonial architectural details are being carefully preserved.
The typical style of a villa's entrance.
A beautiful villa with solid columns, fine reliefs, high veranda and tile roof.
70 years old and in good condition.
French-colonial exterior and traditional Vietnamese interiors.
A villa's entrance combined with Vietnamese and Western features.
A Vietnamese house with tile roof sits next to a French villa.
Asian decorative details.
This villa was built in 1930 and passed down to three generations.
Nha Xa Village's communual house - a mix of French and Chinese architecture.
[Photos via Vietnam Net]