Next to Hoi An Evangelical Church, Tu Le Communal House is an interesting attraction in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. It’s constructed in the 20th century with a modest size and architecture. Here, people in the village have worshipped their ancestors and deities. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell everything that you need to know about the Tu Le Communal House.
You may also like: Communal 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 Tu Le Communal House
– Location/Address: 169 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, Vietnam
– Name meaning:
– How to pronounce:
– Other name(s): Dinh Ap Tu Le
– Opening hours: morning to evening
– Ticket price: free
– Reason(s) to visit: a 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/tu-le-communal-house-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): provincial cultural heritage (2008)
– Tour guide:
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
– Fact:
Tu Le Communal House on Map
History & Architecture of Tu Le Communal House
Tu Le Communal House is the most important building in Tu Le hamlet of Cam Pho village, one of the oldest and the widest Vietnamese villages in Hoi An Vietnam (Cam Pho has 6 hamlets: Tu Le, Xuan Lam, Xuan My, Xuyen Trung, Chau Trung, Ha Trung). This hamlet lies to the west of the Japanese Covered Bridge. In the past, inhabitants here were traders and farmers.
According to old people in the hamlet, Tu Le Communal House was constructed in the 18th century. However, based on the information carved on its wooden frame near the roof, it’s built in 1908, in the reign of Duy Tan king. In 1937 and 1995, this temple was restored. In 2008, it’s inscribed to be the historical relic of Quang Nam province.
Compared to major communal houses in Hoi An, Tu Le Communal House is smaller. It has an area of 373 m2 only, near the crossroad of 3 streets: Tran Hung Dao Street, Hung Vuong Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (known by locals as ‘Evangelical Triangle’ and next to Hoi An Evangelical Church.
About the architecture, Tu Le Communal House has 2 buildings only: the entrance gate and the worshipping hall. The gate has 4 columns, making three entrances, including two columns topped by a unicorn and two columns topped by a sphere. Between it and the worshipping hall, there is a paved yard. The worshipping hall has 3 compartments and 2 side houses, used to honor ancestors of the clans in Tu Le hamlet and Dai Can Goddess. According to ‘Recent Records of O Chau’ written by Duong Van An in 1553, this goddess is the princess of the Southern Tong dynasty (1127-1279). The Four Holy Mothers/Queens include herself, her sisters and her mother. One day, their family are chased (to kill) to the sea, and then have to jump into the water to escape. Fortunately, they grab a boat plank and drift to a Buddhist temple. Later, monks here rescue and take care of them. Because the princess looks beautiful, a monk becomes sexually immoral. She refuses sleeping with him, making him feel so ashamed and then kills himself by jumping into the sea. As think that he was the one saving their lives before, they choose the same way to die. Their bodies are washed ashore along the Vietnamese coast, and after seeing them, local people build a temple to worship them (it’s Con Temple in Nghe An province). During the history, these goddesses appear and help kings to defeat invaders or bless fisherman safe trips on the ocean.
Twice a year, in the spring and the autumn, local communities will go to Tu Le Communal House to commemorate the ancestors and deities.
Tips to Visit Tu Le Communal House
– To see Tu Le Communal House, visitors need to buy a ‘Hoi An Old Town ticket’ because it’s within the Unesco world heritage area. However, don’t have to show the ticket and the entry to 5 attractions still remains. The nearest ticket office is on Le Loi St, right next to this building. See more information & details
– Visitors need to wear respectively if want to visit Tu Le Communal House 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 Tu Le Communal 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.
– 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 Tu Le Communal House, to have a break and learn about the history of the place.
– It’s better to visit Tu Le Communal House with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) if need a professional guide in Hoi An.
How to Get to Tu Le Communal House
The Tu Le Communal House is at 169 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An city, Vietnam. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site area.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to the Tu Le Communal House by walking, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi/car, electric bus, shuttle bus of the hotel/resort, cyclo, bus/minivan. If stay in Cam Pho ward, this building is a short walking distance away. It’s NOT in the pedestrian zone, so can ride the bicycle or motorbike anytime. No fee to park on the pavement in the front of the communal house.
From Da Nang, the distance to the Tu Le Communal House 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 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 Tu Le Communal 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 Tu Le Communal House
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Tu Le Communal House:
