Hoi An Ancient Town has now become the ideal destination for travelers from all over when visiting Da Nang. When coming here, visitors will surely not want to miss Tan Ky Ancient House – the most beautiful ancient house in Hoi An, featuring a unique architecture and preserving many valuable antiques. It has become an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists to visit and admire. Let PrivateCarTransferHoiAn.com take you to explore this fascinating place in Hoi An Ancient Town.
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An Overview of Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An
Built in 1741, Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An is over 200 years old and has been preserved through seven generations of the Le family. In the second generation, the family adopted the name “Tan Ky” to engage in the business of trading agricultural products. The front of the house opens to Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to run a shop, while the back opens to the riverside on Bach Dang Street for convenient import of goods. In 1985, Tan Ky Ancient House was officially recognized as a National Historic Site.
Where is Tan Ky Ancient House located? To visit this 200-year-old house, you can find it at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Ticket Prices and Operating Hours of Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An
Ticket Prices for Visiting Tan Ky Ancient House
For adults, the ticket price to visit Tan Ky Ancient House is 35,000 VND/person.
Children under 10 years old are admitted for free.
Note: Each visitor is allocated 20 minutes to explore Tan Ky Ancient House. If you are part of a group of 8 or more people, you will receive a free guided tour throughout your visit.
Opening Hours
Tan Ky Ancient House is open from Monday to Sunday during two specific time frames:
- From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- From 1:30 PM to 5:45 PM
Read More: Detailed Article on Ticket price list to visit Hoi An Ancient Town 2025
What Makes the Architecture of Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An Special?
Because it was owned by a Chinese merchant, Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An is heavily influenced by traditional Chinese architecture. However, the building also subtly reflects the traditional architectural styles of Vietnam and Japan. This harmonious blend of various East Asian architectural elements creates a unique and distinctive structure. In Vietnam, it is rare to find an architectural style quite like that of Tan Ky Ancient House.
Traditional Vietnamese Architecture
Although it features prominent Chinese architectural elements, Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An still retains significant features of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The clearest example is the division of the house into three main sections. The roof is covered with Yin-Yang tiles, ensuring harmony in the house’s feng shui. Additionally, the columns, beams, and trusses are not fastened with nails but instead fit together using traditional joints.
The interior details are intricately carved with symbolic figures deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, such as pomegranates, pumpkins, dragon heads with fish tails, peaches, and pumpkins. These symbolic images represent wealth, prosperity, and abundance in Vietnamese folklore.
Traditional Japanese Architecture
The living room distinctly showcases Japanese architectural style. This area is the only part constructed according to the feng shui of the five elements: Metal, Water, Earth, Fire, and Wood. Additionally, the roof is covered in a Yin-Yang style, creating a harmonious balance. This design provides a cool and airy atmosphere in the summer and warmth in the winter.
Architecture with Strong Chinese Influence
A distinctive feature of Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An is its tubular architecture and rooms that showcase vibrant Chinese colors. Unlike other ancient houses in Vietnam, Tan Ky Ancient House has no windows at all. However, remarkably, the air in the rooms is very fresh and not at all stuffy. This is considered the “essence” of Chinese architecture.
In the center of the house, there is a large skylight. This design not only allows the house to absorb natural light but also serves to draw in air, creating a cool and airy atmosphere.
The Prime Location of Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An
In addition to the wealth and prosperity of the house’s owner, the prime feng shui location in Hoi An’s ancient town must also be mentioned. The house is situated right on the bustling Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, the liveliest area in Hoi An. The rear facade of the building faces the dreamy Hoai River, making it highly convenient for transporting goods via the river. It is no exaggeration to say that the Le family had “foresight” in choosing to build their home in this most advantageous location in the ancient town.
Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An – A Place to Preserve Valuable Antiques
In addition to its multicultural architecture, Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An is also a place that preserves many ancient horizontal and vertical scrolls that bear the marks of time, including: “Tam thuong thai” (meaning the tranquility of the soul) and “Tich duc luu ton” (meaning teaching descendants to always uphold good virtues for future generations).
The most special piece is the vertical scroll “Bach Dieu,” which is written in 100 strokes, with each stroke resembling a dragon flying and a phoenix dancing. This set of scrolls is considered unique and “one-of-a-kind” in Vietnam by many archaeologists.
When you enter the first room, you will clearly see various ancient artifacts and a carefully displayed sailboat. These are typical symbols of a bustling Hoi An from 400 years ago.
In the living room, there is a space displaying valuable antiques that show signs of age. Between the two charming corners of the ancient house is a place selling cute, small souvenirs. Visitors can buy these as gifts for relatives and friends when visiting Hoi An.
However, the most valuable antique in the ancient house is the “Cup of Khong Tu” (Khong Tu (Confucius) was a Chinese philosopher and politician who lived during the Spring and Autumn period. Traditionally, he is regarded as the most exemplary sage of China). This antique has existed for 500 to 600 years and is associated with the story of Khong Tu (Confucius). You will not find a second cup in Vietnam with unique designs like this one.
Tourist Attractions Near Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An
After completing your visit, you can head to several landmarks near Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An. Below are some notable places you should consider:
- Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Phuc Kien)
- Sa Huynh Culture Museum (Bao Tang Van Hoa Sa Huynh Hoi An)
Tips for Visiting Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An
To have a complete visit to Tan Ky Ancient House in Hoi An, visitors should keep in mind some important points:
- During your visit, please limit noise. The ground floor of the ancient house is open to the public, but the upper floors are still home to the owner’s family. Therefore, it is important to maintain decorum to avoid disturbing their daily lives.
- Avoid damaging any rare antiques.
- Absolutely do not touch the artifacts.
- After exploring the entire ancient house, visitors can stop by the souvenir counter to buy gifts for family and friends.
Conclusion
Over the years, Tan Ky Ancient House has remained here, sturdy and solid, witnessing the many ups and downs of the history of Hoi An Ancient Town. It preserves the remnants of the past and tells meaningful stories that carry important lessons for future generations. If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, don’t miss this location! And don’t forget to use our private car transfer service in Hoi An for the best travel experience!
