Duc An Old House, Hoi An: Everything you need to know

Contents

Duc An – A Hoi An old house that you must visit (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of Duc An Old House

• Location: No. 129, Tran Phu Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Opening hours: 8 AM – 9 PM, from Monday to Sunday
• Ticket prices: included in Hoi An Ancient Town ticket, 120,000 VND per person (applicable for foreign tourists)

Duc An Old House is among the most famous ancient houses in Hoi An Ancient Town. Despite its historical ups and downs, this Hoi An ancient house retains many architectural and cultural beauties, attracting many visitors to explore and discover.

2. The historical value of Duc An Ancient House

Duc An Old House is nearly 200 years old, having experienced numerous historical changes linked to the country’s development and wartime events. 

Constructed in 1830 by the founding ancestor of the Phan family, the house has been home to 8 generations. Initially, it served as a unique bookstore specializing in Han-Nom literature in Quang Nam province, visited by many patriots such as Huynh Thuc Khang, Phan Chu Trinh, and Tran Quy Cap, who came to buy and read progressive-minded books.

The history of the house is closely linked to patriotic activities during the resistance period (Source: Collected)

After temporarily ceasing operations and turning to traditional medicine sales in 1908, in 1923, Duc An Old House once again became a meeting place for patriotic intellectuals, where progressive books and newspapers were secretly stored.

In October 1927, the Revolutionary Youth League of Hoi An was established at this ancient house, laying the groundwork for the Communist Party of Hoi An. In early 1930, it became a hub for propaganda, leaflet distribution, and discussions on establishing the Communist Party of Vietnam in Quang Nam. Subsequently, the Provincial Party Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam in Quang Nam was formed, and the house continued to serve as a venue for meetings.

3. Highlights of Duc An Old House

In your Hoi An itinerary, be sure to spend some time visiting Duc An Ancient House to explore its unique architecture and valuable historical artifacts.

3.1. Unique architecture

The house features impressive ancient architecture (Source: Collected)

Duc An Old House features traditional Vietnamese architectural style typical of early 19th-century coastal townhouses. Originally a 6-meter wide, 70-meter long tube house facing the trading street and backed by the river, it now spans 40 meters facing Tran Phu Street. The house has a wooden frame in the Central Vietnam style, brick walls, and a yin-yang tiled roof. A distinctive “eye” motif above the entrance, covered with red cloth, wards off misfortune.

Inside, multiple chambers are interconnected with courtyards to allow for ample natural light and ventilation. The first chamber once housed a trading shop with medicine and book cabinets containing ancient publications such as Tan Ky and Nhan Loai. The living room serves as a shrine area, featuring altars for Quan Cong and the ancestors, with a plaque reading “Phan Tong Duong” (Phan Family Ancestral Hall) at the entrance. It retains old furnishings and artifacts, evoking the past. Beyond the living room is the “middle house,” a space for family activities and meetings, with corridors adjacent to large courtyards for relaxation and connecting the household with nature.

3.2. Invaluable artifacts

The old house preserves numerous artifacts with centuries-old history (Source: Collected)

Duc An House preserves a wealth of artifacts and ancient books, offering visitors a comprehensive view of a centuries-old house intertwined with the region’s history and culture. With its well-preserved architecture, this house embodies the soul of Hoi An, featuring impressive inscriptions and calligraphy such as “Duc An Store,” “Phan Tong Duong,” and “Am Ha Tu Nguyen” (when drinking water, remember its source).

4. How to get to Duc An Old House?

To reach this Hoi An Ancient House from central Hoi An, visitors can opt to walk for convenience and combine it with visits to other nearby attractions. Additionally, cyclos and bicycles are convenient modes of transportation to consider.

5. Best places to visit near Duc An Old House

Near Duc An Ancient House, there are several other interesting tourist spots you should not miss.

Notable tourist attractions in Hoi An Ancient Town

5.1. Tan Ky Old House

Tan Ky Old House, a more than 200-year-old architectural gem at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. It serves not only as one of the most beautiful Hoi An ancient houses but also as a living museum preserving the cultural, artistic, and historical values of Hoi An Ancient Town.

5.2. Quan Thang Old House

Quan Thang Ancient House at 77 Tran Phu Street, offers insights into the lives of merchants in Hoi An. It preserves a 150-year-old wooden structure adorned with delicate carvings, moss-colored tiled roofs, and exquisite door frames featuring ancient couplets and ancient artifacts, providing a sense of reverence and elegance.

5.3. Museum of Trade Ceramics

The museum offers fascinating insights into traditional pottery in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

Near Duc An Old House, Museum of Trade Ceramics is a simple two-story wooden house that displays valuable artifacts and documents related to the history of Hoi An ceramics. The museum at 80 Tran Phu Street showcases historical artifacts and unique ceramic works reflecting cultural exchanges during Hoi An’s bustling trading port era.

5.4. Museum of Sa Huynh Culture

Located at 149 Tran Phu Street, just a 5-minute walk from Hoi An’s center, this museum houses valuable artifacts from the Sa Huynh culture, an ancient Vietnamese civilization, dating back thousands of years. These artifacts offer insights into Vietnam’s cultural development and ancient customs.

5.5. Cantonese Assembly Hall

Cantonese Assembly Hall is an important historical site located at 176 Tran Phu Street, built in the late 19th century with distinctive Chinese architecture. It is dedicated to Quan Cong – the deity of good fortune in business. Here, visitors can admire intricate wood and stone decorations, along with ancient artifacts like Chinese porcelain and bronze incense burners.

The Cantonese Assembly Hall impresses with its strong spiritual architectural elements (Source: Collected)

6. Best local restaurants near Duc An Old House

After exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, indulge in the local specialties at the following restaurants:

• Chicken rice at Ba Buoi Restaurant: No. 22, Phan Chu Trinh Street
• Cao lau at Thanh Restaurant: No. 26, Thai Phien Street
• Steamed dumplings and white rose dumplings at Bong Hong Trang Restaurant: No. 533, Hai Ba Trung Street
• Steamed thin rice pancake with grilled meat: stalls along the food street by the Hoai River
• Wonton noodle soup at Van Loc Restaurant: No. 27, Tran Phu Street
• Crispy Vietnamese pancake at Ba Le Well Restaurant: No. 45/51, Tran Hung Dao Street
• Grilled skewers at Chi Suong Restaurant: On the sidewalk of Kazik Park, no. 138, Tran Phu Street

Chicken rice is a must-try delicacy in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

Duc An Old House is a must-visit destination in Hoi An, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural beauty. This centuries-old house not only showcases impressive ancient design but also preserves numerous artifacts, making it a captivating experience for all visitors.

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