Hy Hoa Temple is one of the interesting attractions in Hoi An Old Town Vietnam. Here, local people have worshipped the Five Elements Goddess (Ba Ngu Hanh). They often visit to pray for good fortune, good health and other good things in life. Compared to other temples in the Old Town, this place is lesser known. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company provide all information about Hy Hoa Temple.
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• 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 Hy Hoa Temple (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 06 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Vietnam (near Hoi An Central Market)
– Other name(s): ‘Lower’ Five Elements Temple (Mieu Ngu Hanh Ha), the Marble Temple (some visitors think that ‘five elements’ have a same meaning with ‘marble’ in Vietnamese, for example, the Marble Mountains is called ‘Five Elements Mountain’)
– Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
– Ticket price: free
– Reason(s) to visit:
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 15-30 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/hy-hoa-temple-hoi-an
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Food & drink: yes available
– Shopping: no
– Fact: There is another ‘Five Elements Temple’ in the other side of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street (near An Hoi Bridge)
Hy Hoa Temple on Map
History & Architecture of Hy Hoa Temple
Hy Hoa Temple was constructed in the 19th century by inhabitants living in Hy Hoa quarter in Minh Huong commune, near the Hoi An Central Market. They specialized in making paper calendars and joss paper (to worship and burn in ceremonies and festivals). Later, due to different reasons, this temple was given to the entire commune. During the year, there are two major ceremonies here: non-vegetarian ceremony on the 21st day of the second lunar month and vegetarian ceremony on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month. Every 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, sellers and traders visit Hy Hoa Temple to pray for good fortune and business.
Hy Hoa Temple is also known as Five Elements Temple because people have worshipped ‘five element goddessese’ (ba ngu hanh). It lies in the east end of Nguyen Thai Hoa Street in Hoi An Old Town. In the west end of this road, there is another temple used for worship of ‘five element goddesses’ too. For that reason, it’s called ‘Upper Five Element Temple’ (Mieu Ngu Hanh Thuong) and Hy Hoa Temple is called ‘Lower Five Element Temple’ (Mieu Ngu Hanh Ha).
About the architecture, Hy Hoa Temple has a triple gate, front yard, worshipping hall, back yard, and back house. The Triple Gate has four entrances and above the middle entrance, there are 3 Chinese words meaning ‘Five Elements Gate’. On the columns, there are parallel sentences written in Chinese language. In the past, on the Front yard, a building ever existed but later collapsed due to lack of maintenance.
The Worshipping hall is small, tiled covered, has one entrance only and a couple of parallel sentences on two sides. Its roof is topped by two dragons flying in different directions and a sun in the middle. Inside the hall, visitors will see altars to worship Five Element Goddesses (Goddess of water, wood, metal, fire, earth), Thien Y Ana Goddess (originated from Cham people’s belief), unknown ghosts, martyrs, other folk deities. The yard behind this hall has a fresh water well and it’s restored in 2019.
The Back house is a well-protected wooden house comprising 3 compartments. It’s known for beautiful carvings and decorations that were made by high-skilled artisans from Kim Bong Carpentry Village. In March 2005, this building was restored by a sponsor from the Cultural Preservation Fund of USA.
Tips to Visit Hy Hoa Temple
– It’s needed to buy entry ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town and then sightsee Hy Hoa Temple (free to enter now). The nearest ticket booth is in crossroad of Tran Phu Street and Hoang Dieu Street, near Hainan Assembly Hall. The price is 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years ago. See more information & details
– No dress code regulation is required to visitors at Hy Hoa Temple. 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 Hy Hoa Temple.
– Do not enter private areas and touch on old antiquities in Hy Hoa Temple.
– 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 Hy Hoa Temple.
– 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 Hy Hoa Temple 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 Hy Hoa Temple to support local family who owns and preserves it.
How to Get to Hy Hoa Temple in Hoi An
Hy Hoa Temple is at 06 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An, Vietnam. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site area.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to Hy Hoa Temple by walking, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi/car, electric bus, shuttle bus of the hotel/resort, cyclo, bus/minivan. This building is in the pedestrian zone during many hours of the day (9-11:30 am, 3 to 9:30 pm), so it’s still needed to have a short walk if don’t cycle. The nearest place to drop off or park is the entrance of Hoi An Central Market. The parking fee is 5,000-10,000 VND/bike/time. From here, follow Tran Quy Cap Street and then turn right to see the temple on the right side. If go by a car, visitors can go to the parking lot on Hoang Dieu Street and then walk along Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Hue Street and then Tran Quy Cap Street to see the temple.
From Da Nang, the distance to the Hy Hoa Temple in Hoi An is some 30 kilometers, to the south. Visitors often choose a car or ride the motorbike by themselves. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo/line) to book a private roundtrip transfer by car.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes transfers to 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!
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 Hy Hoa Temple
– 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 Hy Hoa Temple
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Hy Hoa Temple:
