The Hainan Assembly Hall is one of five Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. It’s owned and has been used by Hainan people (coming from Hainan Island) to worship 108 ‘Hainan brothers’ who bless safe journeys. Because of being lesser known, although majestic, this heritage building is not crowded throughout the day. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell you everything that you need to know about Hainan Assembly Hall in Hoi An.
You may also like: Chinese Assembly Halls 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 Hainan Assembly Hall (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 10 Tran Phu street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Quynh Phu Assembly Hall, Hai Nam Pagoda, Assembly Hall of Chinese Hainan Congregation, Hoi quan Hai Nam
– Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 5 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 greatest Chinese temples in Hoi An, many photo opportunities
– Time to spend: 30-45 mins
– Best time to visit: anytime
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/hainan-assembly-hall-hoi-an
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Recognition(s): national heritage (29/3/1993), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
– Fact: Hainan Assembly Hall is one of the biggest and is the most peaceful Chinese assembly hall in Hoi An
Hainan Assembly Hall (Hoi An) on Map
History of Hainan Assembly Hall in Hoi An
The Hainan Assembly Hall was built in 1875 by the Hainan Chinese community in Hoi An. About its role, it’s firstly used as an ‘embassy’ where community members meet up, pray and organize communal activities. In 1931 and 1971, it’s largely restored. On 23rd December 2016, this building opened to the public as a tourist attraction, on occasion of Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage Day.
The Hainan Assembly Hall is also a temple where the owner community has been worshipping the 108 Saints or 108 Hainan Brothers. These are protectors for merchants, seafarers and fishermen. This cultural custom is based on a true historic story that occurred in Vietnam in 1851. At that time, a group of 108 persons returned to their hometown in China but on the way, their ship was attacked by pirates. After the accident, the boat drifted ashore in Vietnam and the sea guards thought that it’s pirate’s boat, so shooted it to sink. Nobody survived. Later, Tu Duc king (the 4th king of the Nguyen dynasty) reconsidered and realized that something was wrong. Finally, he found that people on the ship are merchants (innocents), not pirates. He allowed their community to worship and commemorate them. Over time, overseas Hainan people chose the 108 Saints as their patron saints (and the belief originates from Vietnam). In the Hoi An’s Hainan Assembly Hall, there’re 108 wooden tablets placed on the central altar to honour.
During the year, the most important ceremony at the Hainan Assembly Hall takes place on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month. In this time, the local community prepares fruits, a trio of fried fish, boiled chicken and roasting pig, and a goat to sacrifice to the 108 Hainan Brothers and ancestors. The master of the ceremony will read a script out loud by Hainan accents to honor them and tell wishes of community members about a happy and peaceful life. In the end, the lion dance and drum playing are performed to stir up the atmosphere.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An Old Town. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Architecture of Hainan Assembly Hall in Hoi An
About the architecture, the Hainan Assembly Hall is one of the largest Chinese assembly halls and temples in Hoi An. It has an entrance gate, a main worshipping hall with a front pavilion, the East house, the West house, and two courtyards. All are within a rectangular piece of land with a total area of 3,000 m2, stretching from Tran Phu street to Phan Chu Trinh street.
The main entrance building of the Hainan Assembly Hall is unlike other Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An. In common, it has three doors but here, only the middle door is kept, and two others are ‘moved’ to the front and at the sides. For that reason, visitors will need to walk through two gates to enter the assembly hall. Above the middle door, the board has 4 Chinese words meaning ‘Assembly Hall of Chinese Hainan Congregation’.
After the gate, there is a courtyard with blooming rangoon creeper flowers (combretum indicum) and ornamental trees (bonsai trees). The West and the East houses accommodate tables and chairs that are used for many people during communal activities.
On the wall to the left, there is the painting ‘Along the River During the Qingming Festival’. It’s a famous painting drawn by Zhang Zeduan painter (1085-1145, Song dynasty) in unclear time. This work was copied and recreated many times during later centuries, making it one of the most renowned paintings in entire Chinese history. It’s also known as the Mona Lisa of China. It captures daily life and landscape at the capital city of the dynasty (today Kaifeng), particularly during the Qingming festival. Other names of the festival are tomb-sweeping day, ancestor’s day, clear/pure brightness festival, or Thanh Minh festival in Vietnam. Its aim is the commemoration of the remembering of ancestors.
On the wall to the right, there is a painting portraying the harbour scene near the Hainan Assembly Hall at Hoi An. On the river, sailing boats come with goods and people walk and work along streets, showing the vibrancy of Hoi An in the past.
On the other side of the yard, there is the main worshipping hall. It has a pavilion in the front, featuring four pillars and two tile roofs. Here, visitors can find a couple of chairs to have a seat and wait for the turn to go in the worshipping room to pray. Inwards, tablets of the 108 Hainan Brothers are seen, between the God of Wealth (left) and ancestors of the community (right). In the front, there is a wooden pedestal with exquisite carvings portraying life in three realms (heaven, earth, underwater), animals and plants. This is one proof showing the high level of workmanship of carpenters from Kim Bong Village, Hoi An. Like other Chinese assembly halls, a model of a red wooden boat is also seen in the room.
Behind the main temple, visitors can see a basketball court.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An Old Town. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Tips to Visit Hainan Assembly Hall in Hoi An
– It’s needed to buy entry ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town and then sightsee Hainan Assembly Hall. The nearest ticket booth is in crossroad of Hoang Dieu Street and Tran Phu Street, a few walks away. The price is 120,000 VND for adult and children above 15 years ago. See more information & details
– Hainan Assembly Hall is a temple, so visitors need to wear respectfully if want to walk into it for visiting/praying. See more information & details below.
– Vietnamese traditional costume ao dai dress is highly recommended. Any garment made of see-through material is not respectful.
– Hainan Assembly Hall is one of best Instagrammable spots 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 Hainan Assembly Hall of 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 rainy season), 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 Hainan Assembly Hall with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if you need a professional guide in Hoi An.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An Old Town. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Dress Code at Hainan Assembly Hall of Hoi An
Although there is no dress code checking at the Hainan Assembly Hall, to respect gods and local culture, we suggest wearing long clothes while visiting. The pieces should cover the armpits, navel, upper knees and shouldn’t be see-through or too sexy. It also means that shorts, tank top, swimsuits, etc are not appropriate. If visiting on a hot day, visitors can use a long piece of fabric (such as swimwear wrap) to cover and go around, and take it off after leaving the temple.
During the rainy season, before walking in the worshipping buidlings, please remove hat, cap, umbrella, sun glasses and rain poncho/jacket.
All religions, genders and nationalities are welcomed. Taking photos is okay here too.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An Old Town. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
How to Get to Hoi An’s Hainan Assembly Hall
The Hainan Assembly Hall is in a walking distance from hotels in Son Phong, Minh An, Cam Chau and a part of Cam Nam. If staying in Cam Pho, travelers can see other places around the Japanese Bridge and then go to the other side and sightsee the assembly hall.
If take a car or taxi or electric buggy, travelers should stop at a place near the intersection between Hoang Dieu St and Tran Phu St. After that, walk to the Hainan Assembly Hall (Tran Phu St). The distance is very short. By the crossroad, there is the ticket office where tourists can buy ‘Hoi An old town ticket’ and use it then to visit the assembly hall.
From An Bang Beach, it takes about 15 mins to get to the Hainan Assembly Hall. It’s 20 mins if go from Cua Dai Beach area or Cam Thanh. 10 mins is needed only if travelers stay in the hotel within Hoi An centre.
Cycling to Hoi An Old Town is not only cheap, but also convenient. Bicycles are easy to park in the entrance of the Hainan Assembly Hall, and of course, it’s free of charge. For better security, please don’t forget to lock it.
Unlike the Cantonese Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall and Hainan Assembly Hall, visitors can go to the Hainan Assembly Hall by motorbike anytime during the day. When come, just need to park by the entrance of the building (if not allowed, parking service is right in the front, with a fee of 5,000 VND).
From Da Nang city center, the distance to Hoi An Ancient Town is some 30 kilometers. Visitors often choose a private car or to ride the scooter on their own. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) to book a roundtrip transfer by car.
HOIAN DAY TRIP Company daily organizes tours and transfers to Hoi An Old Town. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com 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 Hainan Assembly Hall
– 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 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 Hainan Assembly Hall in Hoi An
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