Da Ken Tree is an old banyan tree in the Hoi An Old Town world heritage area. It’s hundreds of years old, and has lived here before local people came to settle down. This tree is more special than others because it has its own name thanks to its interesting history. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell you everything about Da Ken Tree in Hoi An.
You may also like: Must Sees 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
Must Knows about Da Ken Tree in Hoi An
– Location/address: Tran Cao Van St, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam, Vietnam (near crossroad Tran Hung Dao St, near Xuan Lam Communal House)
– Vietnamese name(s): Cay Da Da Ken or Cay Da Ken
– Other name(s): Xuan Lam Banyan Tree
– Opening hours: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
– Height: 20 meters
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the biggest trees in Hoi An
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 5-10 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/da-ken-tree-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): Vietnam’s heritage tree
– Food & drink: yes available
– Shopping: yes available
– Fact:
Da Ken Tree on Map
Better to Know about Da Ken Tree in Hoi An
Da Ken Tree is a common banyan tree (or a fig) in terms of science but it’s more special than any others in Hoi An in the memory of local people. They believe that this is the only big tree remaining from forests that ever existed in the area. Later, it belonged to the Xuan Lam Communal House, a building where patron saints, ancestors, and successors of Xuan Lam hamlet, Cam Pho village have been worshipped. The most important event here is on the 15th day of the first lunar month (called ‘spring ceremony’), to commemorate them and pray for peacefulness, safety and prosperity. A fresh water well is found here too.
During the colonial time, French people constructed new roads and residential areas in Hoi An, including the area to the north of the Old quarters. Near the giant tree of Xuan Lam Communal House, there was a military camp. Everyday, a team of soldiers whose age ranges from 38 to 60, came here to practice blowing the French horn. They practiced from 7 to 11 am, and from 2 to 4 pm. Due to loud music from horns, lots of curious people went to the tree to watch their performance. Over time, to make this location easier to remember, they called it ‘Da Ken tree’, meaning ‘horn’ banyan tree. Nowadays, it’s used popularly.
Different from any other trees, Da Ken Tree has its own name.
In Vietnamese traditional belief, giant trees are holy. Gods or even ghosts live in them, therefore nobody wants to touch on them (like cutting down, chopping the branch, etc). Around the country, it’s easy to see big trees standing on the street or crossroads because could not remove or move them. Those who damage these trees may have bad luck in life. On the other hand, the banyan tree is also sacred for buddhists because it looks quite similar to the bodhi tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. For that reason, at the foot of Da Ken Tree today, visitors can see incense burners. Local people will burn incense sticks, plant them, and pray for good fortune, good business or safety.
On 27th March 2015, a stone stele was inaugurated at the foot of Da Ken Tree to introduce its history, name, origin, and scientific information. This action is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hoi An’s liberation day, and to protect old trees around the city as heritage sites.
Tips to Visit Da Ken Tree 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 Da Ken Tree.
– 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.
– No dress code regulation is needed.
– Visitors do not do any actions harmful to Da Ken Tree, such as climbing, chopping its branches or roots, etc.
– Do not throw trash around the foot of Da Ken Tree because it’s holy.
– On weekend nights or during Mid Autumn Festival, visitors can go to Xuan Lam Communal House near Da Ken Tree to watch lion dance.
– There are no shops to buy incense sticks near Da Ken Tree if you want to pray.
– If interested in holy, old and giant trees in Hoi An, we suggest going to the giant banyan tree near the crossroad of Phan Chu Trinh St and Cao Hong Lanh St, OR the banyan tree in the ground of Thong Dang Jail.
How to Get to Da Ken Tree in Hoi An
Da Ken Tree is on Tran Cao Van St, near the crossroad of Tran Hung Dao St (or Xuan Lam Communal House). It doesn’t lie within any buildings or fence, so visitors can come and visit anytime during the day.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to Da Ken Tree by walking, car/taxi/minivan, electric car, bicycle, motorcycle, hotel’s shuttle bus. The road where this tree stands is accessible by all vehicles (except bus in high traffic hours). It’s also not a pedestrian street like ones inside the Old Town. Walking is still the best way to get around and explore this part of the city.
From Da Nang, the distance to Da Ken Tree in Hoi An is some 30 kilometers. The best way to get there is hiring a car or riding the motorcycle. Text us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) 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 Da Ken Tree 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 Da Ken Tree
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Da Ken Tree in Hoi An:
