Hoi An Ancestral Temple – Things to See in Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An Ancestral Temple (Hoi An Tien Tu) is an interesting historical attraction in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. Here, people in Hoi An village have worshipped their ancestors who founded and developed the village from past to present. Therefore, it has a large importance for the community. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell you everything that you need to know about Hoi An Ancestral 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

Table of Contents

Must Knows about Hoi An Ancestral Temple

– Location/Address: 03 Le Loi Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam

– Name meaning:

– How to pronounce:

– Other name(s): Hoi An Tien Tu

– Opening hours: not everyday, only in special events

– Ticket price: free

– Reason(s) to visit: an important historical site in Hoi An Old Town world heritage area

– Best time to visit: anytime during the day

– Time to spend: 15-20 mins

– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-ancestral-temple

– Recognition(s): Unesco world heritage site (1999)

– Food & drink: not available

– Shopping: not available

– Fact:

Hoi An Ancestral Temple on Map

History & Architecture of Hoi An Ancestral Temple

Hoi An Ancestral Temple is a small temple used to worship ancestors of those who have lived in Hoi An village (now Minh An ward, Hoi An city). This village was established in the early 17th century by people moving from northern Vietnam. Its name means ‘peaceful meeting place’ and was used to name the whole town Hoi An.

Historians believe that Hoi An Ancestral Temple was constructed in the 17th century. Based on the information carved on the wooden frame of this temple, it’s built in the 19th century, in the reign of Minh Mang king. Nowadays, it has a triple gate, a worshipping and praying hall, a courtyard, the East house and the West house. All are built by brick, covered by tile, supported by wooden columns and painted red to indicate a holy place. In 1911 and 1921, Hoi An Ancestral Temple was restored.

Not only ancestors who founded the village, people also honor those who developed the village in later times at Hoi An Ancestral Village. During the year, two important ceremonies will take place here, including the spring ceremony on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month and the autumn ceremony on the 10th day of the 8th lunar month.

Tips to Visit Hoi An Ancestral Temple

– To see Hoi An Ancestral Temple, visitors do not need to buy a ticket.

– Visitors need to wear respectively if want to visit Hoi An Ancestral Temple 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 Hoi An Ancestral Temple.

– 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.

– Smart phone 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 Hoi An Ancestral Temple, to have a break and learn about the history of the place.

– It’s better to visit Hoi An Ancestral Temple with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if need a professional guide in Hoi An. 

How to Get to Hoi An Ancestral Temple

The Hoi An Ancestral Temple is at 03 Le Loi Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Vietnam. It lies within Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site area.

From Hoi An, visitors can go to the Hoi An Ancestral Temple by walking, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi/car, electric bus, shuttle bus of the hotel/resort, cyclo, bus/minivan. If stay in the wards of Minh An and Son Phong, this building is a short walking distance. It’s NOT in the pedestrian zone, so if want to ride the motorbike, you can come anytime. If take a car or bus, it’s needed to stop at the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture and then walk across the street, enter Le Loi Street to see the temple.

From Da Nang, the distance to the Hoi An Ancestral 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 Hoi An Ancestral 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 FolkloreMuseum 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 HouseThai 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 AnHoi 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 ParkHoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi IslandCam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree

Photos, Videos about Hoi An Ancestral Temple

Here are beautiful photos and videos about Hoi An Ancestral Temple:

Tours In/From Da Nang

Tours In/From Hoi An

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