Hoi An has more than 1,000 houses protected, making it the largest heritage town in Vietnam. Amongst them, many houses still preserve their original architecture and interior furnishing thanks to efforts from the owner’s family and from the government. They are houses or shophouses for Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese people. If visit, visitors will have the chance to learn about local life, culture and history. So now, HoiAn Day Trip Company provides all necessary information about old houses in Hoi An Vietnam.
You may also like: Must See in Hoi An Old Town 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
Better to Know about Old Houses in Hoi An Old Town
There are 1,069 protected houses in the Hoi An Old Town, a Unesco world heritage site in Hoi An Vietnam. This type of building is most in the town. Based on the level of preservation and architectural/historical values, Hoi An’s houses are classified into 5 categories. The highest category is ‘special’ and given to houses which have unchanged architecture and layout as well as unique features (such as decorations, old artifacts, etc). Houses in which architecture and interior are unchanged, are tagged ‘Class 1’. Class 2 is given to houses in which the front hall (lining the street) is still preserved. Class 3 is given to houses which still have a tile roof. Lastly, Class 4 is given to the rest of the houses.
Old houses in Hoi An are ‘tube’ houses or ‘horse intestine’ houses because they are long in length and narrow in width. Additionally, they also have two entrances that open to a main road or the river quay. This layout supports transport, storage and ing the goods. In the middle of the house, there is often a courtyard, allowing fresh air to go into it and then help to prevent fire (because houses are constructed and furnished by timber).
Best Old Houses in Hoi An Vietnam
Phung Hung Old House
Location/address: 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5:30-6 pm
Ticket price: 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years old
Very close to the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Old House was constructed in the mid-17th century or earlier. This wooden house has a special architecture that is influenced by Japanese architectural styles, a well-furnished and ornate interior on both stories. Here, the family sold cinnamons, black peppers, salt, silk, and glassware in the past. Today, visitors can see souvenirs, hand-weaved embroideries and watch female needleworkers at work. During the day, Phung Hung Old House is busy. See more information & details
Tan Ky Old House
Location/address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5:30-6 pm
Ticket price: 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years old
Phung Hung Old House was constructed in the first half of the 19th century. This wooden house has a more special architecture than other famous old houses in Hoi An because it has entrances opening to a main street and the river/quay. It’s typical of local merchant houses. Here, the family sold cinnamon and silk in the past. Today, visitors can see souvenirs and other local handmade products. A member in the 7th generation will be the guide who introduces the history of his/her ancestor’s residence. In the front hall, the interior is full of luxury furnishings and in the back hall, it’s possible to see levels of water in floodings over the years. During the day, Tan Ky Old House is busy. See more information & details
Quan Thang Old House
Location/address: 77 Tran Phu Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5:30-6 pm
Ticket price: 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years old
On the oldest road of the town, Quan Thang Old House is 150 years old or older. This wooden house has one storey, front hall, back hall and courtyard between the halls. The family living here today has made white rose dumplings (a local specialty food) for restaurants and visitors. The recipe to make it is a secret. During the day, Quan Thang Old House is peaceful, making it a perfect place to visit for those who do not want to see the crowds. See more information & details
Duc An Old House
Location/address: 129 Tran Phu Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Ticket price: 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years old
Not far away from the Japanese Covered Bridge, Duc An Old House was constructed in the 19th century. This wooden house has a typical architecture to Hoi An trading town (tube-shaped, door eyes, brick walls, tile roof, wooden frame and furniture, a courtyard between front and back halls). Here, the family sold books, newspapers, and Chinese medicine in the past. Today, Duc An Old House is also known as Cao Hong Lanh Memorial Site because it’s home to Sir Cao Hong Lanh who founded the first revolutionary organization in Hoi An. A street and a bridge had been named after him. See more information & details
House of Hoi An’s Trade Ceramics Museum
House of Hoi An’s Folklore Museum
Diep Dong Nguyen House
Location/address: 77 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5:30-6 pm
Ticket price: free
On one of the prettiest roads of the town, Diep Dong Nguyen House was constructed in the late 19th century by successors of Diep Ngo Xuan, a Cantonese man who moved from southern China to the town in 1856. Here, besides medicine, the family also sold kerosene (from Shell company), books, fabric, tea, spices, clothes, gold and silver accessories, etc. Some members of this family like collecting old currencies and other antiquities (such as ceramics), which are preserved and exhibited on the ground floor of the house. They collected them across Vietnam and from many places in China. The oldest coins date back to the 10th century and the rarest coins come from China. See more information & details
Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
Location/address: 8/2 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Ticket price: 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years old
The Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel was constructed in the early 19th century as the private residence of sir Nguyen Tuong Van (1774-1822), a high-ranking mandarin and chief secretary in the Nguyen dynasty. After his death, it became the temple to worship him and his successors. Although not big, this building is well furnished by elegant wooden furniture, ancient artifacts, reminders about famous people in the family and altars to honor ancestors. Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel is a hidden gem in Hoi An Old Town world heritage area. See more information & details
Tran Family Chapel
Location/address: 21 Le Loi Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Ticket price: 120,000 VND for adult and chilren above 15 years old
The Tran Family Chapel was constructed in 1802, by Tran Tu Nhac – a literature mandarin and family member who worked in Gia Long king’s government as Vietnam’s envoy in China. Although not big, this ancestry temple is well furnished by elegant wooden furniture and ancient artifacts, including a collection of Vietnamese and Chinese coins. Tran Family Chapel is a hidden gem in Hoi An Old Town world heritage area. See more information & details
Thai Phien Old House
Location/address: 104 Thai Phien Street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Ticket price: free
To the north of Hoi An Old Town, Thai Phien Old House is 250 years old. This wooden house still preserves traditional architecture and decorations. Here, family members have made accessories by silver, wood sculptures and lanterns. If visit, one of them will show old stuff in their house and stories about them as well as their crafts and products. Near the gate, there is a well where fresh water is still produced. See more information & details
Tips to Visit Best Old Houses in Hoi An
– It’s needed to buy entry ticket to sightsee Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House and Quan Thang Ancient House because these are Unesco-listed places. The price is 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years ago. Ticket booths can be found across the town. See more information & details
– No dress code regulation is required to visitors at old houses in Hoi An. However, to see other attractions in town (such as temples, assembly halls), wearing long pants and shirts covering armpits/shoulders/navel is necessary.
– Follow rules, regulations and signs while visiting old houses in Hoi An.
– Do not enter private areas and touch on old antiquities in old houses in Hoi An.
– Vietnamese traditional costume ao dai dress is highly recommended. Any garment made of see-through material is not respectful.
– 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 old houses in 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 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 old houses in Hoi An with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need a professional guide in Hoi An.
– Visitors should buy souvenirs at old houses in Hoi An to support local family who owns and preserves it.
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 Best Old Houses of 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 Best Old Houses in Hoi An
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Old Houses in Hoi An:
