Tan Ky Old House, a precious gem nestled in the heart of Hoi An ancient town, is not only a unique architectural work but also a living historical witness. With over 200 years of history, this house is a sophisticated blend of three architectural cultures: Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese, while preserving priceless antiques, imbued with profound human values. Let’s explore Tan Ky Old House to feel the beauty that transcends time and the historical stories hidden behind each roof, each antique.
Tan Ky Old House: A Must-Visit Destination in Hoi An
Tan Ky Old House is located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An ward, in the center of Hoi An ancient town, Quang Nam province. This prime location makes it easy for visitors to find and admire the ancient beauty of the house. The facade faces the bustling Nguyen Thai Hoc street, while the back is adjacent to the peaceful Thu Bon River, creating a harmonious space between urban life and natural beauty.
Essential Information:
- Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM daily.
- Entrance Fee: 35,000 VND/person. (Free tour guide for groups of 8 or more)
- Visiting Time: Approximately 20 – 30 minutes.
Exterior of Tan Ky Old House viewed from Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Hoi An
Directions to Tan Ky Old House
From Da Nang, you can easily reach Hoi An by various means of transport:
- Motorbike: Follow National Highway 1A southward for about 27km, then turn into Vinh Dien street and go straight to the center of Hoi An.
- Bus: From Da Nang Central Bus Station, you can take a bus to Hoi An for about 30,000 VND/person.
- Taxi/Grab: This is the fastest and most convenient option, with prices ranging from 450,000 – 500,000 VND.
Once in Hoi An, you can walk or rent a bicycle to explore the ancient town and find Tan Ky Old House.
Explore the Unique Architecture and Long History of Tan Ky Old House
Tan Ky Old House is not just a house, but also a living museum, preserving the cultural and historical values of Hoi An.
The Story of the Le Family and the Formation of Tan Ky Old House
The house was built in 1741 by Mr. Le Cong, a wealthy Chinese merchant. He made his fortune by trading agricultural products, using boats to travel upstream on the Thu Bon River to purchase goods. Later generations named the house Tan Ky, wishing the family to prosper in business.
Having undergone over 200 years and 7 generations of residence, Tan Ky Old House has been almost completely preserved. The house has witnessed many important historical events, from the prosperous period of Hoi An trading port to the upheavals of wars and natural disasters. In particular, the historic flood in 1964 submerged almost the entire first floor, but the house still stood firm, demonstrating its resilience and fortitude.
Inside Tan Ky Old House, showcasing its multi-room layout
Architectural Intermingling of Three Cultures
The architecture of Tan Ky Old House is a harmonious combination of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles, creating a unique and impressive overall structure.
- Japanese Style: Expressed through the feng shui arrangement of the living room according to the five elements (Metal – Wood – Water – Fire – Earth) and yin-yang tiled roof, creating a cool atmosphere in summer and warmth in winter.
- Chinese Style: Reflected in the typical tube house style of Hoi An ancient town, with many separate rooms and a central courtyard well to utilize natural light and air.
- Vietnamese Style: Shown in the traditional three-compartment house style, with exquisitely carved columns, beams, crossbars, and trusses depicting images of “dragon-tailed fish head,” “pumpkin,” “pomegranate,” “peach,” “bat”… symbolizing longevity, happiness, and prosperity.
A special feature of the house is that it does not use any nails; instead, the columns and beams are connected by mortises, creating solidity and durability.
An interior courtyard well providing natural light to Tan Ky Old House
Priceless Antiques Telling Historical Stories
Tan Ky Old House is not only impressive for its unique architecture but also for the precious antiques displayed inside. Each item carries its own historical story and cultural value.
One of the most famous antiques is the “Confucius” cup dating back 550-600 years. This cup has a special shape, only holding 8 parts of water; if poured more, it will automatically overflow. The meaning of the cup is to remind people to be restrained, keep their minds pure, and not be too greedy.
The distinctive Confucius cup artifact
In addition, the house also displays many other antiques such as paintings, ceramics, and household items… of high historical and artistic value.
Cultural Value and Significance of Tan Ky Old House
Tan Ky Old House is not only a historical relic but also a cultural symbol of Hoi An. The house demonstrates the intersection and harmony between different cultures, and is also a testament to the talent and skill of Vietnamese artisans.
Visiting Tan Ky Old House helps visitors better understand the history, culture, and people of Hoi An, while appreciating the value of preserving and promoting precious cultural heritage.
Souvenir and badge display at Tan Ky Old House
Conclusion
Tan Ky Old House is a must-visit destination when coming to Hoi An. The house is not only a unique architectural work but also a living museum, preserving the cultural and historical values of this land. Take the time to explore Tan Ky Old House to feel the beauty that transcends time and the meaningful stories hidden behind each roof, each antique, you will love it.