Within the Hoi An Old Town, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall is also known as ‘Five Communities Assembly Hall’ because it’s used as the common hall for all of the five Chinese communities in town. Because of the small population, Hakka people come here to do their own activities. Like the Fujian Assembly Hall, Thien Hau Goddess (‘Goddess of Sea’) has been worshipping. In this article, HoiAn Day Trip Company gives everything which visitors need to know about Trung Hoa Assembly Hall.
You may also like: Chinese Assembly Halls in Hoi An Vietnam
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 64 Tran Phu Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Duong Thuong Assembly Hall, All Chinese Communities Assembly Hall, Assembly Hall of Five Chinese Congregations, Le Nghia Pagoda, Ngu Bang Assembly Hall, Ba Pagoda, Hoi quan Ngu Bang
– Opening hours: 7 AM to 6 PM everyday
– Year of construction: before 1741
– Ticket price: 120,000 VND for foreign adult & children above 15 years old (Hoi An Old Town ticket)
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the largest and the most important Chinese buildings in Hoi An
– Best times to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 15-30 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/trung-hoa-assembly-hall-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): national monument (17/2/1990), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: yes available
– Fact: Trung Hoa Assembly Hall is the assembly hall for all Chinese congregations in Hoi An
Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (Hoi An) on Map
History of Trung Hoa Assembly Hall in Hoi An
According to historical books and memorial steles, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall of Hoi An was built before 1741. At that time, its official name was ‘Duong Thuong Assembly Hall’. In 1855, it’s first restored and in 1928, its name was changed to ‘Trung Hoa Assembly Hall’ (literally the Assembly Hall of Chinese Congregations). In 1928, this buiding is restored again. A stele carved in 1744 mentions that Chinese merchants and businessmen often meet up here, to help each other in business. They were in Fujian, Cantonese, Teochew (Chaozhou), Hainan, and Hakka communities. Before that, their ancestors migrated to Hoi An from southern China, some hundreds years ago.
Trung Hoa Assembly Hall is not only the assembly hall for all of five Chinese congregations in Hoi An, but also for Hakka community which has a small population.
In 1990, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall was used as the workshop of a local bamboo mat making co-operative, and then in 1991, it’s given back to Chinese communities. In October 1991, this place served as a school where Chinese language and traditional culture were taught to young generations. For that reason, it’s known as the Chinese Culture and Etiquette Center or Le Nghia Pagoda by Vietnamese people (literally meaning ‘Pagoda of the Etiquette’).
Like other Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall is on the northern side of Tran Phu street, the oldest and most important road (running from the Japanese Bridge to the Hoi An Central Market). Additionally, in its front, there is a road going to the river, making it very convenient to meet up, trade, pray, and make arrangements for communal activities/festivals/events.
The most important festival in the year at the Trung Hoa Assembly Hall is on the 23rd day of the 3th lunar month, or the day of death of Thien Hau Goddess. Because she is the chief deity for most Chinese communities in Hoi An, this festival is very important and solemn. Nearby Fujian Assembly Hall is busy with visitors and prayers as well.
On the back wall on Phan Chu Trinh St, it’s possible to see a memorial board on which brief information about ‘Lady Pagoda victory’ was . From midnight on 4th to the dawn on 5th May 1968, two local guerillas Tong Van Suong and Do Trong Huong were disguised to be South Vietnam soldiers. They suddenly attacked the camp of South Vietnam’s army in the back area of the Trung Hoa Assembly Hall. They fell down after throwed 20 mines and killed 38 people from the enemy side while they’re sleeping. In 1970, both were honored as heroes by the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. The leader, Tong Van Suong was titled ‘Hero of the People’s Armed Force’ and named after a main road in his hometown (Cam Thanh commune). Later, there is a primary school named Do Trong Hung.
Architecture of Trung Hoa Assembly Hall in Hoi An
Within an area of 1,160 m2, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall has an entrance gate, east and west houses, and a main temple with a front pavilion. From outside, the walls of its main entrance are blue, different from any other Chinese buildings in town. It’s needed to climb some stairs to go inside because this assembly hall stands on a higher ground than the street, to avoid flooding. Although the gate has three entrances, only the middle one opens. Above it, there are four Chinese letters meaning ‘Assembly Hall of the Chinese Congregations’. On the other hand, the words mean ‘A world shared by all’.
After walking across a large yard with many tree pots (such as pomegranate, apricot blossom, bougainvillea,…), visitors will see the main temple. Near it, there are the West House and the East House seving for welcoming guests, meetings, preparing for communal activities, storage;
The Main Temple has a pavilion in the front (known as phuong dinh), with a couple of wooden chairs, allowing visitors and prayers to take a rest. Inside the worshipping room, Thien Hau Goddess (Goddess of Sea or Mazu, middle), God of Wealth (left) and Quan Cong (right), are honored. According to the legend, the goddess was borned in a fishing village of Fujian in the 10th century. With her talent in knowing things which would happen, she dedicated her life to helping people in her hometown. After that, he passed away while rescuing survivors in a shipwreck. A temple was built then to honour her by villagers. Over centuries, Chinese people and emperors have praised her ‘Goddess of Sea’. Today, people come to temples worshipping her to pray for safe travels on the sea. Because Thien Hau is a Fujian, she becomes the patron deity of Fujian congregation and the Fujian Assembly Hall. That’s why both assembly halls are called ‘Lady Pagoda’ by Vietnamese people.
Additionally, two door gods Thien Ly Nhan (literally All-Seeing) and Thuan Phong Nhi (literally All-Hearing), a model of red wooden ship, Lady Buddha statue, ceremonial objects, circular incense, tablets of ancestors are also seen in the worshipping room. Above its entrance, there is a wooden board with four golden Chinese words meaning ‘God blesses good people‘.
The Main Temple of Trung Hoa Assembly Hall boasts intricate wood carvings and structures which depict life in the heavens, activities in the imperial court, or holy animals and flowers. In past centuries, for any restorations and additions, Chinese people would hire skillful artisans from Kim Bong Carpentry Village. Traditional crafts of this village are still living today and supported by Unesco to keep contributing in preservation of heritage buildings in town.
Behind the Main Temple, there is a large yard where children play basketball in their free time, a house where they learn Chinese language and etiquette, and old Champa flower trees. On the back wall of the temple, there is a basketball playground and houses used for teaching and other educational activities.
Tips to Visit Trung Hoa Assembly Hall in Hoi An
– It’s needed to buy entry ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town and then sightsee Trung Hoa Assembly Hall. The nearest ticket booth is near Museum of Folklore on Hoang Van Thu Street (to the south of the assembly hall). The price is 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years ago. See more information & details
– Trung Hoa Assembly Hall is a temple, so visitors need to wear respectfully if want to walk into it for visiting/praying. See more information & details below.
– Vietnamese traditional costume ao dai dress is highly recommended. Any garment made of see-through material is not respectful.
– Trung Hoa Assembly Hall is one of best Ingrammable spots in Hoi An.
– In the dry season, from February to the end of August, visitors should bring sun cream, hat/cap/umbrella, sun glasses, and bottles of water to drink. If don’t have, it’s easy to buy at shops near Trung Hoa Assembly Hall of Hoi An.
– In the rainy season, from September to January, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket or umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast usually when traveling during this period.
– From October to December (the rainy season), the town may be flooded, so visitors need to keep updating the weather before going to Hoi An.
– The best way to visit the Hoi An Old Town is walking, so make sure that you have good/comfortable shoes or sandals.
– Smartphone or camera is needed for taking pictures. For more experiences, visitors can consider renting Vietnamese traditional costume (for example, ao dai long dress for ladies) or even booking a private photographer (contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need).
– Don’t forget bringing cash to pay for entry fee tickets and small things because many places in Vietnam don’t accept payment by cards.
– It’s better to visit Trung Hoa Assembly Hall with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need a professional guide in Hoi An.
Dress Code at Trung Hoa Assembly Hall of Hoi An
Although there is no dress code checking at the Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, to respect gods and local culture, we suggest wearing long clothes while visiting. The pieces should cover the armpits, navel, upper knees and shouldn’t be see-through or too sexy. It also means that shorts, tank top, swimsuits, etc are not appropriate. If visiting on a hot day, visitors can use a long piece of fabric (such as swimwear wrap) to cover and go around, and take it off after leaving the temple.
During the rainy season, before walking in the worshipping buidlings, please remove hat, cap, umbrella, sun glasses and rain poncho/jacket.
All religions, genders and nationalities are welcomed. Taking photos is okay here too.
How to Get to Hoi An’s Trung Hoa Assembly Hall
Trung Hoa Assembly Hall of Hoi An is located at 64 Tran Phu Street, within the Hoi An Ancient Town as well as Hoi An pedestrian area & walking streets. From 9 to 11:30 AM and from 3 to 9:30 PM, the street leading to this place, Tran Phu street, is closed for motorbikes (and always cars).
If staying in the hotel within areas of Minh An, Son Phong and Cam Pho areas, visitors just need to walk to the Ancient Town and then Trung Hoa Assembly Hall. It’s possible to ride the bicycle too. The bike is usually free to use at the hotel (please check when come or contact in advance). Unless, one time/one day rental is just around 50,000 VND.
If can not walk too much, visitors should consider using a rickshaw/cyclo ride to get around the Old Town and stop at Trung Hoa Assembly Hall to sightsee. Rickshaws are available only in the Old Town.
If go to the town by car/taxi or electric car, the drive is not more than 20 mins if visitors stay inside Hoi An (except Tan Hiep and Cam Kim communes). Taxi fare is metered, about 15,000-20,000 VND/meter, but the electric car will charge per kilometer and per person.
Some beach resorts and luxury hotels provide free shuttle bus to the Old Town, so visitors can use it to go to the Old Town, and then just walk to Trung Hoa Assembly Hall.
If want to ride the motorcycle, one day rental at local shops ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 VND/bike. Helmet is given for free, but it’s not free for gasoline (around 20,000 VND/liter). Before 9 AM or from 11:30 AM to 3 PM, visitors can ride it directly to the Hall, and then just park somewhere near its entrance. In other hours, please go to the Hoi An Central Market and park there. After that, it’s needed to walk for 2-3 mins to see the Hall (via Tran Phu street). From Da Nang, the best route to Hoi An is the coastal road.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer
First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details
If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.
We suggest this itinerary for first timers:
Total distance: 1,65 kilometers
– Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.
– Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.
– Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.
– Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.
– Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).
– Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).
– The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.
For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour
Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam
From Hoi An
– Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local
– Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show
– Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class
– Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat
– Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café
– Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride
– Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
From Da Nang
– Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit near Trung Hoa Assembly Hall in Hoi An
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge
– Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa Folklore, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
– Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall
– Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen House, Thai Phien Ancient House
– Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi An, Hoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple
– Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
– Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House
– Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market
– Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)
– Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets
– Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Park, Hoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Trung Hoa Assembly Hall in Hoi An
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Trung Hoa Assembly Hall in Hoi An:
