Quan Cong Temple (or Ong Pagoda) is one of the oldest and the holiest temples in Hoi An. Here, local Chinese communities have worshipped Quan Cong, a military general who becomes god after death. He prays for good health, good business, fortune, and security. In the same ground, people also built the Quan Am Pagoda. In this article, HoiAn Day Trip Company will tell everything that visitors need to know about Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An.
You also may like: Ba Mu Temple, Hoi An Confucius Temple
• 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 Quan Cong Temple (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 24 Tran Phu street, Minh An ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Quan Di Temple, Guan Yu Temple, Chua Ong, Ong Pagoda, Trung Han Cung
– Opening hours: 7 AM to 6 PM daily
– Ticket price: 120,000 VND for foreign adult & children above 15 years old, free for smaller kids (see more details)
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the oldest and the holiest temples in Hoi An
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Time to spend: 20-40 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/quan-cong-temple-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): national heritage (1991), Unesco world heritage site (1999)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
– Fact:
Quan Cong Temple (Hoi An) on Map
History & Architecture of Quan Cong Temple
Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An was built by local Chinese communities before 1653. According to information on on-site memorial steles, it’s renovated 6 times (in 1753, 1783, 1827, 1864, 1904, and 1966).
Overlooking to the Thu Bon River (now the market), Quan Cong Temple has a colorful and well-decorated façade. Its door has a painting of two dragons fighting the sun. Like other old buildings in the Hoi An Old Town, it has two ‘door eyes’. These eyes are carved into a dragon face, unlike anywhere else in the town (although the town has 20 kinds of door eye styles). In local belief, they protect the temple from bad spirits. The main entrance of Quan Cong Temple is one of the most instagrammable spots in Hoi An.
In the centre of Quan Cong Temple, behind a golden fish pond and a sky well, there is the altar where Quan Cong (or Quan Yu) has been worshipped. He lived in the 3rd century in China (Eastern Han Dynasty) and was one of the greatest military generals in his country. Later, he became a legendary character in novels and other kinds of literature (the 14th-century Romance of Three Kingdoms for example). After death, he appeared to kill evils, eliminate bad spirits, and bless people to have a peaceful and wealthy life. Over time, Chinese emperors praised him and gave him many notable titles. Even they also requested to worship him at lots of places across China. Since then, the worship of Quan Cong spread and became popular. Followed by the Chinese diaspora after the 16th century, the culture arrived in the Southeast Asia region, including Vietnam. In Hoi An, he is also the main deity at the Cantonese Assembly Hall.
Quan Cong is a symbol of loyalty, sincerity, integrity, benevolence, righteousness, and justice. For that reason, he becomes the patron saint for merchants and business owners.
Next to Quan Cong, visitors will see two men: Quan Ping (Vietnamese: Quan Binh) and Zhou Cang (Vietnamese: Chau Xuong). Quan Ping is the oldest son of Quan Cong. There is a little information about him mentioned in historical books. In the Romance of Three Kingdoms, Quan Cong met him and his family in his journey across five mountain passes to find Liu Bei (the warlord of Eastern Han Dynasty). Quan Cong felt very impressed by him at first sight, so later accepted him as a foster-son. They together fought in many battles (with Zhou Cang) and were captured at the same time then. On the other hand, Zhou Cang is just a fictional character in the Romance of Three Kingdoms. Quan Cong met him and was impressed by him because of his courage and sense of honour. In temples, his face is black, Quan Cong’s face is red, and Quan Ping’s face is white.
In the front of Quan Cong statue, there are two life-size horses (one red, one white). Quan Cong rode them in battles in the Romance of Three Kingdoms.
Besides historical, architectural and art values, Quan Cong Temple has a high documentary value as well. Here, 15 memorial steles with Sino-Nom inscriptions on them, are richly informative. Nowhere else in town, it’s possible to see the same number of steles. The one carved in 1753 is the oldest and tells us about a restoration at the temple. It mentions that the temple was over 100 years old (meaning it’s constructed before 1653!).
The exit is in the back of the temple. Before going to the next place in town, don’t forget seeing Quan Am Pagoda lying in the same ground.
Festivals at Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An
The largest festival of the year at Quan Cong Temple is on the 24th day of the sixth month in the Vietnamese and Chinese lunar calendar. This day is the day of the death of Quan Cong in China. In Vietnamese language, it’s le via quan cong.
In the day before, local Chinese communities will tidy up, clean statues and worshipping objects, prepare offsprings (candle, incense, rice wine, fruits, flowers), hang up five-coloured flags (or five-element flags), national flags as well as play drums and gongs. For food offspring, it’s needed to have a roasting pig, a tray of sticky rice, a tray of steamed buns, fruits, cakes, candies, and joss papers (clothes, horses,…).
To start the main ceremony, the drum and the gong are hit three times, followed by a composition of traditional musical instruments and carrying offsprings into the temple. After that, the ceremony master will read loudly and solemnly a Chinese script to honor Quan Cong’s merits and to tell wishes of local people for having good health, good business and happy life. This ceremony ends after people bow to the god to show their deep respect, burn joss papers, and do a lion dance.
In the past, after the main ceremony, a parade would be seen. It started by playing nine times the drum and the gong, dividing into 3 rounds, and burning firecrackers. Those who hold 4 squared flags (or four-directions flag): the blue flag (east), the white flag (white), the red flag (south), and the black flag (north). Behind, people who hold 4 coloured flags (or five-element flags): the white flag (metal element), green flag (wood element), black flag (water element), red flag (fire element) and yellow flag (earth element). Behind them, people hold 4 flags with symbols of four holy animals in Vietnamese/Chinese culture: dragon, unicorn, turtle and phoenix. Other participants have traditional musical instruments, a carriage, trays of fruits, food and flowers, a wheeled cart carrying horses,…
The first full moon festival (Tet Nguyen Tieu) from 14th to 16th days of the first lunar month, is another important event at Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An. On this day, lots of local business owners come here with offsprings, to pray for good business and richness. Because of long queues, many people will be present once the sun rises. ‘Late’ visitors may have to wait up to 3 hours.
See also: Hoi An Lantern Festival
Tips to Visit Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An
– It’s needed to buy entry ticket for Hoi An Ancient Town and then sightsee Quan Thang Ancient House. The nearest ticket booth is in crossroad of Tran Phu Street and Le Loi 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 Quan Thang Ancient 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 Quan Thang Ancient House.
– Do not enter private areas and touch on old antiquities in Quan Thang Ancient 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 Quan Thang Ancient 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 Quan Thang Ancient 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 Quan Thang Ancient House to support local family who owns and preserves it.
How to Get to Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An
How to Get to Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An
Quan Cong Temple and Quan Am Pagoda are within the Hoi An Old Town world heritage area. To get there, visitors can walk or use the bicycle, car, taxi, E-taxi, hotel shuttle bus, motorcycle, or minivan.
From hotels or places in Minh An/Cam Pho/Son Phong areas, Quan Cong Temple and Quan Am Pagoda are within walking distance. We advise going along main roads because of wide pavements (can avoid the traffic, esp if traveling with kids). To get around and sightsee other attractions in the Old quarters, walking is needed and the best way as well.
If like to use the bicycle, visitors can cycle to Quan Cong Temple and Quan Am Pagoda anytime during the day. From Minh An, Cam Pho, Cam Chau, Son Phong, and a part of Cam Nam, the distance is less than 3km. From An Bang beach area, it will be 5 km. At many hotels in Hoi An, the bicycle is free to use for the guests.
If can’t walk or ride the bicycle, getting a taxi or E-taxi is the most convenient way to reach Quan Cong Temple and Quan Am Pagoda. Visitors will pay 15,000-20,000 VND for each kilometer. E-taxi charges the passenger by both distance and number of people.
The nearest car parking lot to Quan Cong Temple/Quan Am Pagoda/Minh Huong Communal House/Hainan Assembly Hall/Teochew Assembly Hall is at the crossroad Phan Chu Trinh street vs Hoang Dieu street (aka Hoang Dieu parking lot). From there, a very short walk is needed to see the ticket office, and then go to temples.
Because Quan Cong Temple and Quan Am Pagoda aren’t in the pedestrian area, therefore visitors can go to it anytime during the day. It’s possible to park around its entrance (sure, free). However, we still recommend parking in a place with a service. The reason is that you will need to see/do something in the town as well (for example, picking up custom suits, eating,…).
Some beachside resorts organize free shuttle bus to the Hoi An Old Town everyday, so please remember to check its timetable, pick up and drop off points. After coming to town, just walk to the communal house.
From Da Nang city, the distance to Hoi An Old Town is some 30km. It will be longer if stay in Son Tra Peninsula and shorter if stay in Non Nuoc Beach area. The motorcycle, car, taxi, van, and bus are all available to get to the town and Quan Cong Temple and Quan Am Pagoda.
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 Quan Cong Temple 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 Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An:
