Thai Phien Ancient House is an interesting attraction in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. It’s constructed and preserved by a family with many generations living together. Here, history, daily life and traditional handicrafts of this family are exhibited and introduced by members themselves. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell you everything that you need to know about Thai Phien Ancient House in Hoi An Vietnam.
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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
Must Knows about Thai Phien Ancient House (Hoi An)
– Location/address: 104 Thai Phien Street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Other name(s): simply ‘Ancient House’ by its owners
– Opening hours: 8 AM to 5:30 PM daily
– Ticket price: free
– Reason(s) to visit: an old house where a local family are still living in and
– Time to spend: 30-45 mins
– Best time to visit: anytime during the day
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/thai-phien-ancient-house-hoi-an
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Recognition(s):
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: yes available
Thai Phien Ancient House on Map
History & Architecture of Thai Phien Ancient House
Located to the north of Hoi An Old Town world heritage area, Thai Phien Ancient House is 250 years old. It’s constructed and well preserved by a local family with many generations (although it did become a heritage building yet). Along the road in front, visitors can find many good local food restaurants to eat.
Thai Phien Ancient House has one triple gate and four separate houses, including one in the front (just behind the gate) and three houses behind it (west, middle and east houses). This makes it different from other houses in the centre of the old quarters that are long, narrow and connected from entrance to back door.
The triple gate itself is the main gate of Thai Phien Ancient House, including three entrances (left, middle, right). It’s totally made of wood, decorated by elaborate carvings and above each entrance, there is a roof covered by traditional tiles. The family even adds blooming colorful flowers, making this construction really worth seeing and taking photos. On the right hand side, visitors can see a well where fresh water is still produced.
Behind the Triple gate, there is the first house serving as a living room. Here, visitors will see a Vietnamese traditional architecture with wooden columns (standing on a piece of stone), beautifully crafted carvings near the top, tile roof, lanterns, and wooden furnishings (tables, chairs, bed). One of the family members will welcome and invite the guests to have a seat and drink hot tea before taking them around his/her house and giving an introduction.
Behind the first house, the East house has three compartments that show traditional handicrafts of the family: woodworking, silver lacquering and lantern making. Especially, silver accessories and fabric/silk lanterns they make are also shown and available for sale. Just about the craft of lantern making, there are 8 consecutive generations of this family having been passed down. While silver lacquering is still alive, the woodworking has been lost already because of no successor.
The Middle house is small, with brick walls, tile roof and wooden frame. Its wooden carvings around the top of supporting columns are still protected, depicting plants and holy animals in Vietnamese culture. Inside, there are some beds, photos about the family and all members as well as old items from older generations.
The West house is where family members live today. Its wooden supporting columns, tile roof and wooden frame with carvings, are still kept intact. Because of privacy reasons, visitors are not allowed to enter this house to see what’s inside.
Tips to Visit Thai Phien Ancient House in Hoi An
– It’s free to visit Thai Phien Ancient House.
– No dress code regulation is required to visitors at Thai Phien 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 Thai Phien Ancient House.
– Do not enter private areas and touch on old antiquities in Thai Phien 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 Thai Phien 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 Thai Phien 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 Thai Phien Ancient House to support local family who owns and preserves it.
How to Get to Thai Phien Ancient House in Hoi An
Thai Phien Ancient House is at 104 Thai Phien St, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam. It lies within the buffer zone of Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to Thai Phien Ancient House by walking, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi/car, electric bus, shuttle bus of the hotel/resort, cyclo, bus/minivan. If staying in areas of Cam Pho, Minh An and Son Phong, the distance is walkable. This attraction is NOT in the pedestrian zone, therefore cars can get there anytime during the day. Parking for bicycles and motorcycles is free. If cycle, please lock your bicycle to keep it safe. All electric car and taxi riders know this house, so just tell them without further explanation.
From Da Nang, the distance to Thai Phien Ancient House 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 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 Thai Phien Ancient House
– 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 Thai Phien Ancient House
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Old House of Thai Phien in Hoi An:
