Old House of Tan Ky
The name Old House of Tan Ky itself suggests that the building is one of the remotest historical buildings in Hoi An. The age of the old house is approximately a couple of centuries. The old house reflects the combination of both Japanese and Chinese architectural geniuses. So while visiting the small town Hoi An, in Vietnam, you must also visit this Old House of Tan Ky to encounter great historical and cultural significance of Vietnam.
There are four rooms in the Old House of Tan Ky, Hoi An. All these rooms are small in size, but packed with various beautiful antiques. These antiques are mainly made of wood. These four rooms are for four different purposes. One is for welcoming the Chinese merchants and the other are living room, courtyard and the bedroom. You can enter the other three rooms except the bedroom. It will be better if you take a guide with you. He can give you all the details of the old house.
Duc An Old House
Duc An old house at 129 Tran Phu st, it is not overrun with travelers or souvenir sellers. Its owner, Mr Phan Ngoc Tram, a direct descendant of the founding family - claims that is because he dislike other historic house owners, he has resisted the temptation to give over his floor space to souvenir selling.
Part of the appeal of Duc An’s House is that it is the only old house in Hoi An that makes a genuine effort to present some real history. And if you are fortunate enough to meet the eccentric Mr Tram, he will regale you with plenty of tales.
The property has been inhabited by the same family for over 400 years though the present house was built in 1850. It became the most successful bookshop in central Vietnam selling famous Vietnamese and Chinese texts as well as the works of foreign political thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire. Early Vietnamese non-violent independence advocate Phan Chu Trinh was a regular at the house. A nearby major street is named after him as are streets throughout the country.
Phung Hung Ancient House
Not only Tan Ky but also Phung Hung is a highlight in the traveling schedule in Hoi An. Located in No.4, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Phung Hung ancient house has been there for more than 100 years. Even though the house is a hundred years fewer than Tan Ky, it is still preserving the beauty of times. The unique structure along with the high wooden section and large corridors reveals the development in design and the combination of Asian architecture styles. Phung Hung ancient house is another symbolic image of Hoi An Town. If you visit Tan Ky and skip Phung Hung, you might catch a big pity. Visitors can have a look at both houses and see the differences in architecture by time.
According to history, the first owner of the house is a Vietnamese businessman. The name Phung Hung represents prosperity, which is also his wish for a successful business. It is assessed to be one of the most impressive houses of the ancient Hoi An architecture. Up to now, the 8th generation is living in the house and preserve it carefully.
House of Quan Thang
Built in the late 17th century, Quan Thang is among the oldest of Hoi An’s mansions. Today it is home to a family, whom we encountered preparing a meal in the back courtyard. There were not many other tourists during our visit, and neither were any souvenirs being sold, a welcome breath of fresh air. The same family has occupied this space for 400 years, and after saying hi to the current generation, we sat down for a while in the breezy central courtyard and enjoyed the familiar, quiet atmosphere.
Tran Family Chapel
Tran Tu Nhac had been a mandarin (court officer) of Emperor Gia Long, and in the early 19th century, was sent as an envoy to China. Before leaving, he had this complex built for his family. The house is split into different zones, the first as a chapel and the second as living quarters, covered in old photographs, and decorated with many of its original furnishings. Blessed with a lush garden and a location on a quieter street, the Tran Family Chapel is more peaceful than Hoi An’s other houses, and was a good one to experience in Hoi An.