The Mansion – that musty, dusty, derelict French colonial behind the FCC – has for years teased the city with the promise of opening on a full-time basis. As a watering hole, it’s easily one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive. Pockmarked with history and scarred with Jesus scribbles and other graffiti, the cavernous interiors are haunting, creepy and cool all at the same time. According to the FCC, which bought the building in 2009, the two-storey residence was built by a wealthy trader in the early 20th century. It was guarded by Vietnamese soldiers in the 1980s and then a local brigade of police during the 1990s. Since March, it’s open daily and serving cocktails. Ta-da.
The Mansion, Sothearos Blvd.
Great photos!