The Tan Ky Old House in Hoi An is one of the most iconic sites showcasing the delicate fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture. With its long-standing cultural value and exquisitely preserved architecture, this historic house has become a popular destination attracting countless visitors. In this article, FVG Travel invites you to explore in depth the history, architecture, and fascinating stories surrounding Tan Ky Old House in Hoi An.
Introduction to Tan Ky Old House in Hoi An
Where is Tan Ky Old House located?
- Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City.
Tan Ky Old House is situated at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, right in the heart of the ancient town. This prime location is surrounded by many notable cultural and historical landmarks, including the Hoi An Museum of Folk Culture, the Traditional Art Performance House, and the Sa Huynh Culture Museum. In addition, if visitors walk along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to the Chau Thuong Van intersection, they will encounter the gentle flow of the Thu Bon River.
History of the Tấn Ký Ancient House in Hội An
With over 300 years of history, the Tấn Ký Ancient House has been carefully preserved by its owners down to every detail. The first floor is now open to visitors, while the second floor remains the private living space of the family.
- 1741: The house was built in 1741, in the 18th century, by a Chinese-Vietnamese merchant named Lê Công. Later generations named it Tấn Ký, reflecting the hope that the family business would always prosper and flourish. Over seven generations, the house’s architecture and interior have been preserved almost intact.
- 1964: The house’s first floor was completely flooded, but the main structural elements were largely unaffected.
- 1990: Tấn Ký Ancient House was officially recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Site and became part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural heritage.
Ticket Prices for Tấn Ký Ancient House, Hoi An
Tấn Ký Ancient House is located in the Hoi An Ancient Town area, so visitors need to purchase an entrance ticket before exploring the interior.
- Reference ticket price: 35,000 VND per person per visit
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM daily
- Visiting time: approximately 20 minutes
Tickets are valid for the day of purchase. Notably, groups of 8 or more people enjoy complimentary guided explanations on-site, helping visitors better understand the history and architecture of the house.
How to Get to Tấn Ký Ancient House, Hoi An
From Da Nang to Hoi An Ancient Town is only about 35 km south, with a travel time of around 60 minutes. Visitors can choose from various transportation options depending on their preferences and schedule.
- By motorbike: Starting from central Da Nang, take National Highway 1A south for about 27 km, then turn onto Vĩnh Điền Road to reach central Hoi An. This is an ideal option for those who enjoy scenic views and a coastal road experience.
- By bus: At Da Nang central bus station, there is a direct route to Hoi An, costing only around 30,000 VND per person per trip. Travel time is approximately 80 minutes and is very cost-effective.
- By taxi or ride-hailing service: For faster and more comfortable travel, taxis are the best choice. Prices range from 450,000 to 500,000 VND per trip for a car, with a travel time of only 55–60 minutes.
Discover the Unique Charm of the Over 200-Year-Old Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An
Architecture of Tan Ky Ancient House, Hoi An
If you have just one day in Hoi An, where should you go? Visitors can take time to explore the unique and delicate beauty of Tan Ky Ancient House. This historic house has two floors and three sections, built in a harmonious blend of three cultural influences: Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
- Japanese Architecture: The living room is arranged according to the Five Elements (Metal – Wood – Water – Fire – Earth). The roof is built in the traditional yin-yang style, helping to naturally regulate the temperature—cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Chinese Architecture: The house is constructed in a tube-shaped style, characteristic of Hoi An’s ancient town. The interior is divided into several small sections yet remains airy and open thanks to a skylight positioned in the center of the house.
- Vietnamese Architecture: The house follows the traditional three-section layout with a yin-yang tiled roof. A standout feature is the intricately carved wooden columns, beams, and rafters, adorned with motifs symbolizing feng shui and good fortune.
The interior mainly uses precious woods such as ironwood, jackfruit wood, and ironwood, combined with Thanh Hoa stone and Bat Trang bricks. Thanks to that, the house always remains solid and airy.
Tấn Ký Ancient House in Hội An – A Place Preserving Rare Antiquities
Stepping into Tấn Ký Ancient House, visitors are greeted with a valuable collection of artifacts, most notably the ancestral plaques and couplets that have been carefully preserved through generations. The highlight is the unique “Bách Điểu” couplet, crafted with 100 calligraphy strokes, each stroke intricately shaped to resemble a bird in flight.
At the front of the house, there is a display of traditional sailing boats and various items connected to Hội An’s prosperous trading port from 400 years ago. Moving further inside, visitors can find a translated excerpt from the epitaph at the tomb of Lê Tấn Ký, the founder of the Tấn Ký trading house.
The most exceptional treasure here is the “Confucius Cup,” dating back approximately 550–600 years. This cup is associated with an ancient legend about Confucius and is considered a one-of-a-kind artifact still preserved in Vietnam.
Beyond the priceless antiques in the main hall, the house also features two charming display corners showcasing badges and souvenirs. Visitors can pick up a few items that carry the distinctive charm of Hội An to give as gifts for friends or loved ones.
Some pictures of Tan Ky ancient house
Important Notes for Visiting Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An
When visiting Tan Ky Ancient House, please keep the following points in mind:
- The house contains many valuable antiques, so avoid touching the artifacts to prevent any damage.
- Maintain order and keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the household.
- Keep your ticket stub after purchase, as it is valid for exploring the entire Hoi An Ancient Town for the day.
- If you are visiting in a group of 8 or more, you can enjoy a free guided explanation at the site, which will help you better understand the history of Tan Ky Ancient House.
- You can also arrange for a guided tour at the ticket counter or directly at the house for a more complete experience.
The area behind the house features many souvenir shops where you can pick up gifts. The English name of the house, “Tan Ky Ancient House,” is often printed on the souvenir items.
Tan Ky Hoi An Ancient House is a vivid symbol of Hoi An's history and culture, preserving architectural values for more than two centuries. When you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An, do not forget to spend time exploring the quiet space and interesting stories in this house that is more than 200 years old. Wishing you a fulfilling journey with many memorable experiences at the most unique destination of the ancient town.
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