VNExpress-Feb 25
Rising almost 40 m above a national highway in Nghe An Province, a mansion gleams with the splendor of 24k gold plating, built for a staggering VND70 billion (US$2.85 million). The home is owned by Nguyen Vinh Thoan, 46, in Yen Thanh District’s My Thanh Commune of the north central province. The “castle” occupies half of the property’s 7,000 m2. The construction started in Feb. 2022 with a total cost of about VND70 billion, and it is now nearing completion. Thoan said he got married at the age of 22, and his family used to trade in scrap metal. In 2004, he began purchasing land next to National Highway 7A to open an auto part trading business. Gradually, he became more prosperous. “For many years, my wife and I have discussed dedicating our hearts and money to this building [the castle], aiming to create a comfortable living place, and a solid foundation for our children when they grow up,” he shared. The couple has two sons and two daughters, all of whom are working in Hanoi. The building’s 3 floor and 3 attics combine for a total floor area of 4,000 m2. The exterior of the castle is decorated with bas-reliefs and stylized patterns. The main hall is coated with a thin layer of copper, and some auxiliary spaces in the back are painted gold. Thoan said that the bas-reliefs and decorative patterns on the walls were all made by skilled craftsmen from various regions across Vietnam. On the first floor, the bathroom is plated with industrial gold and 24k gold. The surrounding wall of the castle, over two meters high, is embossed with bas-reliefs and stylized patterns, surrounding a fishpond. Read more at: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/scrap-dealer-builds-2-85m-gold-plated-castle-in-central-vietnam-4714928.html
