Cam Pho Communal House is one of the most important buildings in the Hoi An Old Town. It’s the communal house of the oldest Vietnamese village of the town. Here, many gods, goddesses, and ancestors have been worshipped. In this article, HoiAn Day Trip Company will tell everything that visitors need to know about Cam Pho Communal House in Hoi An.
You may also like: Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House
• 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 Cam Pho Communal House
– Location/address: 52 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Name’s meaning: Cam means ‘brilliant, gorgeous’ and Pho means ‘to spread, to display’
– How to pronounce:
– Other name(s): Cam Pho Temple, Dinh Lang Cam Pho
– Opening hours: 8 AM to 5:30 PM daily
– Ticket price: 120,000 VND for foreign adult and children above 15 years old (see more details)
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the most important buildings in Hoi An, communal house of the oldest Vietnamese village
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 15-30 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/cam-pho-communal-house-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): national monument (1991), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
– Fact:
Cam Pho Communal House on Map
Better to Know about Cam Pho Village
Founded in the 15th century, Cam Pho Village is one of the oldest villages in Hoi An. Today, it’s a ward (phuong, a type of 3rd tier subdivision of Vietnam) of Hoi An city. In the beginning, this was a community of Vietnamese people moving from northern central provinces (Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh) and Cham people who lived in the first centuries. Today, there is no Cham person in the village.
In history, inhabitants of Cam Pho Village did many jobs to earn for living, such as growing rice, going fishing in nearby rivers, making handicrafts for sale, and trading. When Hoi An became a trading port, more and more people had business. The Japanese quarter might be in this village (along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street today). The Japanese Bridge and houses with Japanese architectural elements here are proof. On the other side of the bridge, that was the Chinese quarter.
Before 1945, the land of Cam Pho Village was extensive, including present-day Cam Pho ward, a part of Cam Nam, Cam Chau and Tan An wards. In the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage area, there are three hamlets: Tu Le, Xuan Lam, and Truong Le. While the whole village has its own communal house (called dinh lang), a center of communal activities and worshipping, each hamlet has a communal house (called dinh ap).
In Vietnamese, Cam means ‘brilliant, gorgeous’ and Pho means ‘to spread, to display’. The name of many wards in Hoi An has been started by Cam (which derives from Cam Pho) since 1955, such as Cam Kim, Cam Thanh, Cam Nam.
History of Cam Pho Communal House
Cam Pho Village is one of the first villages in present-day Hoi An. It’s mentioned in the 16th century geographical book ‘Chau O Can Luc’. At that time, it was extensive and stretched for miles (much larger than Cam Pho ward today).
Cam Pho Village’s Communal House firstly was built in Cam Nam Island, but due to the flood, it’s moved to the current location (near the Japanese Bridge). The year when it’s constructed is still unknown. In the front, there is Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Road, and formerly, it was Khai Dinh Road (named after a Vietnamese king close to France) and then Duy Tan Road (named after a Vietnamese king who was anti-French.
The Cam Pho Communal House is dedicated to worship Dai Can Goddess, a deity related to river/water, and 10 other deities. Throughout history, all of them were titled by Vietnamese emperors. Thirty-two imperial sheets to confer gods (called sach phong) have been preserved, including 15 original sheets. Later, tien hien (founding men of the village or ancestors) and hau hien (successors) are also added. In the Communal Hall of Hoi An Village, the goddess is also honored as the main deity.
The main deity is the Four Holy Mothers/Queens (Tu Vi Thanh Cuong) or Dai Can Goddess. According to ‘Recent Records of O Chau’ written by Duong Van An in 1553, this goddess is the princess of the Southern Tong dynasty (1127-1279). The Four Holy Mothers/Queens include herself, her sisters and her mother. One day, their family are chased (to kill) to the sea, and then have to jump into the water to escape. Fortunately, they grab a boat plank and drift to a Buddhist temple. Later, monks here rescue and take care of them. Because the princess looks beautiful, a monk becomes sexual immoral. She refuses sleeping with him, making him feel so ashamed and then kill himself by jumping into the sea. As think that he was the one saving their lives before, they choose the same way to die. Their bodies are washed ashore along the Vietnamese coast, and after saw, local people build a temple to worship them (it’s Con Temple in Nghe An province). During the history, these goddesses appear and help kings to defeat invaders or bless fisherman safe trips on the ocean.
Here are information about other gods in Cam Pho Communal House:
– Bach Tho Kim Tinh (‘White Rabbit Golden Star’)
– Cuu Thien Huyen Nu or Jiutian Xuannu (‘Nine Heavenly Mysterious/Dark Ladies’)
– Dong Nam Sat Hai (‘otter god’)
– Nam Hai Cu Toc Ngoc Lan (‘whale god’)
– Ngoc Nu Linh Co (fairy lady)
– Ngu Hanh Tien Nuong (‘Five Element Fairy Ladies’)
– Ngu Hanh Son Tinh Chua Ngoc (goddess)
– Thanh Hoang (‘City God’)
– Thien Y Ana: a goddess originating from Vietnamese and Cham folk beliefs while two ethnicities co-exist. See more information in Hon Chen Temple (Hue)
Cam Pho Communal House was restored in 1818, in the reign of Gia Long king. Information about this restoration was carved on the wooden bars near the top of the roof, in the main worshipping hall.
From 1975 to 1989, Cam Pho Communal House was used as the storage of a local co-operative specializing in making sedge mats. In December 1989, columns of the main hall and two side houses were replaced.
Architecture of Cam Pho Communal House
Within an area of 1,125 m2, Cam Pho Communal House has an Entrance Gate, a Worshipping Hall with pavilion in the front, the East House and the West House. It overlooks Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street which runs from the Evangelical Church to the Japanese Bridge.
The first building of Cam Pho Communal House is the Entrance gate with three entrances. It features a yellow color, the typical color to the Hoi An Ancient Town as well as red, black, blue. On the top of two tallest columns are lotus flowers, one of holy flowers in Buddhism or Vietnamese culture. Two outermost columns are topped with a globe. Above the central entrance, there are 4 Chinese words: . On the innermost columns, visitors can see two sentences of a poem which praises the beauty of the village and the merits of its ancestors.
Between the Gate and the Worshipping Hall, visitors will see an incense burner in the middle and two 2-meters-tall temple vases (loc binh) on the sides, all made of cement.
The Worshipping Hall of Cam Pho Communal House has a pavilion in the front (called phuong dinh) and five compartments inside. The pavilion has two roof layers, and phoenixes along their ridges (because here the main deity is a goddess). On its columns, there are vertical wooden boards on which Chinese sentences are carved, each with a significance. Inhabitants of the village have been worshipping 11 deities in the hall behind it, including Dai Can Goddess and ten others. Three middle compartments house a red-and-yellow lacquered altar. On the wooden bars near the roof, information about restorations are carved by Chinese inscriptions.
Additionally, the Cam Pho Communal House also has the East House and the West House, serving as places to meet up in communal activities or prepare offsprings in festivals/ceremonies. Each has 3 compartments, and is furnished by tables, chairs.
Other Communal Houses in Cam Pho Village
Xuan Lam Communal House
Xuan Lam Communal House is the communal house of Xuan Lam hamlet, one of three hamlets of Cam Pho village. It’s at 40 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoi An. It’s built in 1905, in the reign of the Thanh Thai king, and restored in 1995. It has been used to worship patron gods of the hamlet, ancestors and successtors. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, the most important ceremony (spring ceremony, le te xuan) takes place. See more information & details
Tu Le Communal House
Tu Le Communal House is the communal house of Tu Le hamlet, one of three hamlets of Cam Pho village. It’s at 169 Tran Hung Dao St, Hoi An. It’s built in 1908, in the reign of Duy Tan king, and restored in 1937, 1995. It has been used to worship patron gods of the hamlet, ancestors and successtors. About the architecture, Tu Le Communal House overlooks the main road. It has 5 compartments, and the central one is dedicated to worship of Dai Can Goddess. Information of restorations are carved on the wooden bars near the roof. See more information & details
Tips to Visit Cam Pho Communal House
– To see Cam Pho Communal House, visitors need to buy a ‘Hoi An Old Town ticket’. The nearest ticket office is near the Red Seal Ship, 30 meters away. See more information & details
– Visitors need to wear respectively if want to visit Cam Pho Communal House because it’s a holy site. In other words, it’s needed to wear long pants or shorts covering upper knees, T-shirts or shirts covering armpits, navel, shoulder and breast.
– 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 the Cam Pho Communal House.
– In the rainy season, from September to January, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket or umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes. Don’t forget checking weather forecast usually when travel in 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.
– 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.
– Toilets are near the second gate (outside) and behind the second worshipping area. Visitors may give a small money to pay for cleaning (usually 5,000 VND).
– There are many chairs and seats inside Cam Pho Communal House, to have a break and learn about the history of the place.
– It’s better to visit Cam Pho Communal House with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if need a professional guide in Hoi An.
How to Get to Cam Pho Communal House
Cam Pho Communal House is at 52 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An, Vietnam. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site area.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to the Cam Pho Communal House 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 in the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street (near the Red Seal Ship). The parking fee is 5,000-10,000 VND/bike/time.
From Da Nang, the distance to the Cam Pho Communal House 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 Model (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 details and the map, 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 with Traditional Art Performance
– Hoi An City Tour: Old Town, Coconut Village & Lunch
– Hoi An Morning Walking Tour with Local Breakfast & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour with Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour with Lantern Boat Ride & Dinner
– Hoi An History & Food Tour – Famous Landmarks & Specialty Dishes
– 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
– Hoi An City Tour by Electric Car
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
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang with Coconut Forest Basket Boat Ride
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang with Hoi An Memories Show
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Full Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An City Tour from Airport
– Marble Mountain, Monkey Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Full Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour – World Heritage Site Tour
– 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
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Intercontinental Danang Resort
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Lang Co
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 Cam Pho Communal House
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam 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, Museum of Local Products
– 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, 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 Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Cam Pho Communal House
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Cam Pho Communal House:
