Duc An Old House is one of the best preserved houses in the Hoi An Ancient Town. Since the 19th century when it’s constructed, its architecture is almost unchanged. It used to be a bookstore, a Chinese traditional medicine shop, and is home of sir Cao Hong Lanh, a local revolutionist/politician. So, this house has both architectural and historical values. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell everything that you need to know about Duc An Old House in Hoi An.
You may also like: Old Houses 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 Duc An Old House (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 129 Tran Phu Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Vietnamese name: Duc An Ancient Town, Nha Co Duc An
– Other name(s): Duc An Ancient House, Cao Hong Lanh Memorial House, Duc An Heritage House
– Year of construction: 1830
– Opening year: 2nd Feb 2010
– Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30-6 PM daily
– Ticket price: 120,000 VND for foreign adults and children above 15 years old, free for smaller kids (see more details)
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the best preserved houses in Hoi An, home of a local revolutionist/politician
– Duration: 15-30 mins
– Best time to visit: morning
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.con/duc-an-old-house-hoi-an
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Recognition(s): national heritage (29/6/1993), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
– Fact: Duc An House is only Vietnamese family-owned houses amongst 5 best preserved houses in Hoi An
Duc An Old House on Map
History of Duc An Old House in Hoi An
The owner’s family built Duc An Old House in 1830, in the reign of Minh Mang king. The largest restoration occurred in 2008 and 2009. Current owners are in the 5th generation of the Phan family.
From the mid-19th century, Duc An Old House was used as a bookstore. Here, mainly Chinese books were sold, including the ones written by Kang Youwei (1858-1927) – a prominent political thinker and reformer in China, or Liang Qichao (1873-1929) – a politician, social and political activist, journalist, and intellectual whose thought had a significant influence on the political reformation of modern China. Many Vietnamese patriots often came to this store in order to buy books about the progressive ideology. In the beginning of 20th century, while patriotic and anti-French movements took place across the central Vietnam region, Duc An House played its role as a place to disseminate patriotism to all classes in the society.
After the anti tax movement in 1908, owners of Duc An Old House switched to sell Chinese traditional medicine (thuoc bac), instead of books. However, this house was still the meeting place between local patriots and intellectuals. Books, newspaper, and other publications about the capitalist democracy in the world, literary works by Phan Chu Trinh (a Vietnamese nationalist lived from 1872 to 1926).
On 20th April 1906, Phan Hai Tham was borned in the Duc An House (later known as Phan Them, Cao Hong Lanh). In October 1927, he chaired the meeting to establish the “Vietnam revolutionary youth league of Hoi An” (considered as the beginning of Vietnamese communism), and held the leadership position. In early 1930, his family’s house again was the meeting place to discuss the establishment of the Communist party of Quang Nam province. Previously, he joined the event to establish the Communist party of Indochina, one of three predecessors of the Communist party of Vietnam. From 28th March 1930, the communist party at Quang Nam province was finally established, and the house was still a hidden place for local communists to meet up.
From 1931 to 1934, French colonists suppressed and terrorized Vietnamese revolutionary movements all over the country, including Hoi An. Fortunately, its function continued. In 1934, under the guidance of a secret police, French colonists searched this house and found some documents written by foreign languages. They couldn’t see Phan Them and then sentenced him to 15 years in prison because he was a communist. After that, Duc An House stopped its role as the meeting place in Hoi An. Before Mr Cao Hong Lanh’s death on 26th July 2008 (at Hanoi), he held many high-ranking positions in the Vietnamese government.
From 1934, the family of Phan Nam (older brother of Phan Them) lived and managed Duc An Old House.
On 2nd February 2010, Duc An Ancient House opened to tourists for the first time. Besides the architecture of a Vietnamese traditional house, the owner ‘s family’s life and especially Mr Cao Hong Lanh are also introduced. For that reason, the house is also known as Cao Hong Lanh Memorial. Today, it has been visited by nearly 2 million people.
Today, a road in Hoi An Ancient Town is named after Mr Cao Hong Lanh (the one runs from the Hoi An Evangelical Church to Nguyen Phuc Tan St). The bridge on it is also called ‘Cao Hong Lanh Bridge’.
Architecture of Duc An House in Hoi An
Duc An Old House is a tube house (or ‘horse bowel’ house), typical to Hoi An Ancient Town, with a length of 39 meters and a width of 7 meters. It’s only entrance is on Tran Phu street, the most important road of the town. In the front, there is the store where one of the most famous local drinks, Mot herbal tea is sold.
The central entrance has four doors, including small doors in the front (covering a half of the entrance), and large doors behind (fully covering the entrance). Above it, there are two ‘door eyes’ which watch and safeguard the family from bad luck and evils. These eyes are carved in a daisy flower shape, with a symbol of yin yang in the center, and two red pieces of fabric to bring good fortune. Nowhere else in the world, except Hoi An, visitors can see these door eyes. On two sides, there are other doors that are assembled by long panels of wood. They are easy, flexible to remove and re-assemble, depending on the needs of owners. When opened, customers walking on the street can be seen selling products. When closed, the house is still well protected.
The first compartment of Duc An Old House, on the right hand side, there is a bookcase with locked glass doors, and a medicine cabinet, all made of wood. These artifacts remind visitors about the function of the house in the history as a bookstore and a medicine shop. The table where doctors or sellers meet patients is now used to check the ticket.
The second compartment of Duc An Old House is well furnished by wooden furniture and ancient artifacts. Each column is decorated by vertical wooden boards on which poems in Chinese, flowers and animals are carved and laid by mother-of-pearl. Two vertical boards have sentences composed by Tran Quy Cap (1870-1908), a notable poet, anti-colonist, and one of leading scholars of the Duy Tan movement. Tables and long or short chairs are not mosaiced, but have beautiful carvings. Ink washing paintings hung on the walls portray four seasons in the year. Horizontal boards near the roof are red lacquered or inlaid by mother-of-pearl. A part of this compartment is used to worship ancestors and Quan Cong, a military general in ancient China who later becomes a god. Most of the wooden stuff were specially ordered at Kim Bong Carpentry Village, a reputable carpentry village in Hoi An.
The third compartment of Duc An Old House is divided into two parts: courtyard to the right and a veranda to the left. The foot of the courtyard is lower than the house’s floor, to drain water. By the wall, the family builds a small pond with a mini limestone mountain, mini sculptures and statues and grows ornamental trees. Above the head, rangoon creeper or xu quan tu or Combretum indicum provides shade and flowers. On the other hand, the veranda is equipped with wooden tables and chairs, to have a seat and cool off in the summer. On the wall, there are 4 bird-and-flower paintings, a kind of painting with a long history in China. Near the top, it’s possible to see two horizontal boards richly inlaid by mother of pearl, with significant Chinese inscriptions and patterns of flowers and precious objects. In the boxes, personal items of Sir Cao Hong Lanh have been preserved since his death, and pictures of him, his activities are hung up on the wall.
Main entrance of the fourth compartment has vertical wooden boards along its columns and a wooden board above, depicting a paper sheet with two ends rolled by ink brushes, and a bat which symbolizes happiness and fortune. To not allow visitors to go this way, the family uses a wooden screen with a richness of bird and flower carvings. To the left, there is a set of two chairs and one table, for having a break and drinking tea. To the right, visitors can go inside.
The fourth compartment was for men in the past. Now it has a set of long chairs and table, a large bed, old stuff, a set of 4 carp-and-flower paintings (carp symbolizes wealth, good fortune), and a set of ink washing landscape paintings.
The next compartment is a private place for the family to reside, cook, etc. There is a stair to the left, to go up to the upper floor of the house.
Tips to Visit Phung Hung Old House in Hoi An
– It’s needed to buy entry ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town and then sightsee Phung Hung Old House. The nearest ticket booth is at Japanese Covered Bridge next to the house (East gate on Tran Phu Street). 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 Phung Hung Old House. 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 Phung Hung Old House.
– Do not enter private areas and touch on old antiquities in Phung Hung Old House.
– 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 Phung Hung Old House.
– 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 Phung Hung Old House 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 Phung Hung Old House to support local family who owns and preserves it.
How to Get to Duc An Old House in Hoi An
Duc An Old House is at 59 Tran Phu St, Minh An ward, Hoi An. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site area.
From Hoi An, to get to Duc An Old House, visitors can walk, cycle, take a taxi/car/electric car, bus, minivan, hotel’s shuttle bus or ride a scooter. Because Duc An Old House is within the pedestrian zone of Hoi An Old Town. Therefore, from 9 to 11:30 am and 3 to 9:30 pm, only walking and cycling are possible. Leaving the bicycle around the main entrance of the house is accepted by owners. In other houses, visitors can ride a scooter directly to Duc An House. In the walking street, one needs to park in Phap Bao Pagoda and then walk for a while. Just follow Hai Ba Trung St until Tran Phu crossroad, turn left and then the house is on the right side. Going to the pagoda if take a car.
From Da Nang, the distance to Duc An Old House is some 30km. Visitors often choose a car or motorcycle, and travel time will be 45 mins and 1 hour respectively. Contact 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 Duc An Old House 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 Duc An Old House
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Old House of Duc An in Hoi An:
