![\"Tan](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Ky-Old-House-Discover-Hoi-Ans-oldest-living-museum.png\")
The house was later given its enduring name, “Tan Ky,”<\/b> by the second generation of the family. The name itself is steeped in cultural meaning, translating roughly to “Progressing to Prosperity”<\/b> or “Establishment of Prosperity.”<\/b> This name perfectly encapsulated the family’s ambition and the burgeoning success of Hoi An’s merchant class.<\/p>\n
Today, the house remains under the meticulous care of the Le family\u2014now spanning seven generations<\/b>\u2014making it one of the few private homes in the Ancient Town that has been continually occupied and preserved by the same lineage.<\/p>\nA Test of Time<\/h3>\n
One of the most remarkable aspects of the house\u2019s history is its resilience against the elements. Hoi An is prone to severe annual flooding from the Thu Bon River.<\/p>\n
A particularly devastating flood occurred in 1964<\/b>, which submerged the entire ground floor of the house. Visitors today can still see the historical flood markers<\/b> etched onto one of the wooden columns, serving as a sobering reminder of the challenges the family faced and their enduring commitment to preserving their home.<\/p>\nRecognition and Legacy<\/h3>\n
Tan Ky Ancient House\u2019s immense cultural and historical value has been formally recognized on an international level:<\/p>\n National Historical and Cultural Monument (1990):<\/b> Vietnam\u2019s Ministry of Culture formally recognized the house’s importance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site:<\/b> The house is an integral part of the Hoi An Ancient Town area, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This dual recognition solidifies the house’s status as a must-visit destination, a “living museum”<\/b> that offers authentic, tangible history unlike any other site in the town.<\/p>\n What truly sets Tan Ky Ancient House apart is its extraordinary architecture. It is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles, reflecting Hoi An’s multicultural past as a bustling commercial port. This unique synthesis makes it a microcosm of the town\u2019s entire cultural identity.<\/p>\n The house adheres to the traditional Vietnamese “Ong house” (tube house)<\/b> style, which is characteristic of the Ancient Town.<\/p>\n Structure:<\/b> It has a narrow front facing the street but extends deep inward, creating a tubular layout. The house is divided into three main compartments and features two floors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dual Facade:<\/b> Functionality was key for a merchant’s home. The front entrance on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street served for trade, while the back opened onto Bach Dang Street by the Hoai River \u2014 a vital route for loading and unloading goods, reflecting the family\u2019s merchant past.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Perhaps the most astonishing feature is that the builders constructed the house almost entirely without using metal nails.<\/p>\n Kim Bong Carpentry:<\/b> The house was built by highly skilled artisans from the famed Kim Bong Carpentry Village<\/b> (which you can visit today).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Interlocking Joints:<\/b> The artisans utilized sophisticated traditional Vietnamese carpentry techniques, relying on perfectly carved and fitted wooden joints and tenons to hold the entire structure together. This technique, combined with the use of high-quality, durable materials, is the main reason the house has survived centuries and countless floods.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The genius of Tan Ky’s design lies in its seamless integration of regional influences:<\/p>\n Tan Ky Ancient House is more than just an architectural wonder; it is a repository of priceless antiques, each telling a piece of the family’s and Hoi An’s story.<\/p>\n The most famous artifact in the house is the “Confucius Cup”<\/b> (or the “Cup of Moderation”)<\/p>\n The Lesson:<\/b> This cup is a simple clay vessel designed to hold liquid only up to a certain, moderate level (around 80%). If you attempt to fill it any higher, the liquid will drain out entirely through a hidden mechanism.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Meaning:<\/b> The cup is a philosophical reminder, inspired by the teachings of Confucius, to live in moderation<\/b> and avoid greed or excess. It serves as a valuable, timeless lesson passed down through the generations of the merchant family.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Another highlight is the magnificent, massive “B\u00e1ch \u0110i\u1ec3u” (One Hundred Birds) horizontal lacquered board<\/b>.<\/p>\n Artistry:<\/b> This ancient board features an exquisite carving of one hundred birds, each one unique, surrounding a central Chinese character symbolizing longevity and happiness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Unique Feature:<\/b> The characters used on the board are written in an artistic style that blends traditional Chinese with Vietnamese calligraphy, another subtle reflection of the house’s cultural fusion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Throughout the ground floor, which is open to the public, you will observe original family furniture, ceramics, and artifacts . These items offer intimate insights into the opulence and daily routines of a wealthy merchant family two centuries ago. The family lives in the private upper\u2011floor quarters, keeping the house as an active, private residence.<\/p>\n To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, here is the critical information you need to plan your trip to Tan Ky Ancient House.<\/p>\n Address:<\/b> 101 Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e1i H\u1ecdc, Ph\u01b0\u1eddng Minh An, H\u1ed9i An, Qu\u1ea3ng Nam, Vietnam.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Access:<\/b> The house is located right in the heart of the Hoi An Ancient Town, a short walk from other major landmarks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0You can reach it with a 3\u20135 minute walk from the famous Japanese Covered Bridge.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The Ancient Town is a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly zone. It is best to reach the area by foot, bicycle, or cyclo<\/i> (a traditional three-wheeled taxi).<\/p>\n Operating Hours:<\/b> The house is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:45 PM<\/b> (Hours can vary slightly, so checking locally is always recommended).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ticket Price:<\/b><\/p>\n To visit Tan Ky Ancient House, you must first purchase a general Hoi An Ancient Town Entrance Ticket<\/b>. This main ticket (currently around 120,000 VND<\/b> for international visitors, but prices are subject to change) grants you access to the pedestrian zone and allows you to visit a select number of attractions (typically 5 out of 22 key sites, including museums, assembly halls, and old houses like Tan Ky).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Note:<\/b> You use one of your allotted coupons from the main ticket to enter Tan Ky Ancient House.<\/p>\n Recommended Time:<\/b> The visit typically lasts 20\u201330 minutes<\/b>. It is best to visit either early in the morning (8:00 AM)<\/b> to avoid large tour groups and the midday heat, or in the late afternoon.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Guided Tours:<\/b> English-speaking family members are usually on-site to provide a brief, informative tour or commentary upon entry. We highly recommend this to fully appreciate the architecture and artifacts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Photography:<\/b> Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are asked to be respectful, especially in the central worship and living areas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Respect the space by staying quiet, avoiding contact with ancient artifacts, and honoring the privacy of the Le family who lives upstairs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Souvenirs:<\/b> A small area at the back of the house often features a selection of high-quality local crafts and souvenirs for purchase.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You can easily combine a visit to Tan Ky Ancient House with exploring the incredible sights around it, all within walking distance.<\/p>\n Just a stone’s throw away, this iconic 16th-century bridge is an emblem of Hoi An’s fusion history. Originally built by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters, it remains one of the town’s most photogenic spots.<\/p>\n This beautifully ornate Assembly Hall served as a spiritual and social center for the Fujian Chinese community. People know it for its intricate temple architecture, stunning red lanterns, and dedication to the Goddess of the Sea, Thien Hau.<\/p>\n Located on Bach Dang Street near the river, the bustling market offers a vibrant sensory experience. It’s the perfect place to sample local street food, buy fresh produce, or shop for souvenirs like Hoi An’s famous paper lanterns.<\/p>\n The area behind Tan Ky Ancient House offers picturesque views of the Hoai River. Take a relaxing sampan boat ride in the late afternoon to witness the sunset over the Old Town, or return at night to see the river illuminated by hundreds of colorful floating lanterns.<\/p>\n Tan Ky Ancient House is more than just a historical building; it is a profound cultural experience. It stands as a powerful symbol of Hoi An’s rich merchant heritage, its resilience against the forces of nature, and the spectacular fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese artistry.<\/p>\n For travelers wanting to connect with Hoi An\u2019s soul, visiting this 200-year-old home is essential. Stepping through its wooden doors, you don\u2019t just see history \u2014 you feel the echoes of a prosperous past and a family\u2019s enduring legacy.<\/p>\n With Simply Vietnam Travel, we carefully plan every detail of your trip. As experts in Central Vietnam tours, we offer diverse itineraries combining sightseeing, relaxation, and local cuisine for a truly memorable journey.<\/p>\n A Central Vietnam adventure will be far more exciting when you simply bring your sense of exploration, while the planning is handled by Simply Vietnam Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n Contact us through the following channels for free consultation:<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-priceless-ancient-treasure-in-an-ancient-house-in-Hoi-An.png\")
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The Architectural Marvel<\/h2>\n
The “Tube House” Design<\/h3>\n
![\"Tan](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Ky-Ancient-House-A-Unique-200-year-old-Architecture-in-Hoi-An.png\")
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A Nail-less Masterpiece<\/h3>\n
![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Inside-the-ancient-house.png\")
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The Cultural Synthesis: Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese Elements<\/h3>\n
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\n Cultural Influence<\/strong><\/td>\n Architectural Feature<\/strong><\/td>\n Description<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n \n Vietnamese<\/b><\/td>\n Materials & Layout<\/b><\/td>\n Utilizes traditional high-quality local wood (ironwood, jackfruit wood), Bat Trang floor tiles for coolness, Thanh Hoa stone for column bases (to prevent rot during floods), and the classic yin-yang tiled roof.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Chinese<\/b><\/td>\n Decorative Carvings<\/b><\/td>\n Seen in the ornate carvings on wooden columns and beams, featuring dragons, mythical creatures, and Chinese couplets wishing for wealth and happiness.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Japanese<\/b><\/td>\n “Eye of the Sky”<\/b><\/td>\n The unique, three-level wooden ceiling above the atrium or courtyard (the central open area). This Japanese-influenced design element allowed for natural light and ventilation, serving as a simple but effective air conditioning system in the tropical climate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Treasures Within the Walls: Priceless Antiques and Artifacts<\/h2>\n
The Legendary Confucius Cup<\/h3>\n
![\"Tan](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Ky-Merchant-Heritage-House-The-Cup-of-Confucius.png\")
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The Bach \u0110ieu (One Hundred Birds) Lacquered Board<\/h3>\n
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Family Furnishings and Memorabilia<\/h3>\n
![\"Artifacts](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Artifacts-preserved-inside-the-house.png\")
Planning Your Visit<\/h2>\n
Location and How to Get There<\/h3>\n
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![\"Experience](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Experience-visiting-Tan-Ky-Hoi-An-ancient-house-over-200-years-old-1.png\")
Opening Hours and Ticket Information<\/h3>\n
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![\"Tan](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tan-Ky-Ancient-House-Hoi-An-Explore-Rich-Cultural-Heritage.png\")
Visitor Guidelines and Tips<\/h3>\n
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Beyond the House: Nearby Hoi An Attractions<\/h2>\n
The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)<\/h3>\n
![\"Cau](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cau-Pagoda-in-Hoi-An-a-unique-architectural-symbol-in-Hoi-street.png\")
Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall<\/h3>\n
Hoi An Market<\/h3>\n
![\"Hoi](\"https:\/\/simplyvietnamtravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hoi-An-Market-A-haven-of-cheap-and-mouth-watering-food.png\")
Hoai River Waterfront<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n