The Old House of Tan Ky (Nha Co Tan Ky) – A Living Heritage
The Old House of Tan Ky (Nha Co Tan Ky) is one of the most famous and well-preserved historical residences in Hoi An Ancient Town, which now forms a crucial part of the expanded Da Nang administrative region. Unlike many other historical sites, this house is unique because it is a private family residence that has been continuously occupied by the same Vietnamese family—the Le family—for seven generations since its construction in the late 18th century.
Stepping inside the Old House of Tan Ky offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of a prosperous merchant family during Hoi An’s golden age as a major international trading port.
I. Architectural Fusion and History
Multicultural Design: The house’s architecture is a remarkable blend of three distinct cultures:
Vietnamese Style: Evident in the structural elements and the traditional “tube house” (narrow and long) design.
Chinese Influence: Shown in the elaborate, curved roof beams and the ornate calligraphy panels.
Japanese Elements: Can be observed in certain decorative features, particularly the ceiling structure in the main room.
The “Living Museum”: The family has meticulously protected the house from both time and severe flooding, including the historic deluge of 1964. The structure famously uses no nails; its integrity relies on expertly crafted wooden joints, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of the Kim Bong carpentry village.
A Merchant’s Hub: The house holds a strategic position, with the main door facing the bustling Nguyen Thai Hoc street (for customers) and a back door opening directly onto the Thu Bon River (for easy loading and unloading of goods).
II. Visitor Information & Practical Details
The Old House of Tan Ky is one of the key heritage sites that travelers often choose to visit using the compulsory Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location (Address) | 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Da Nang (Hoi An Ancient Town). |
| Opening Hours | Typically 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily). |
| Individual Entry Fee | 35,000 VND per person (This fee is specifically for the Tan Ky house if the visitor is not using their main Ancient Town Ticket coupon). |
| Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket | Approx. 120,000 – 150,000 VND (This ticket covers access to the Old Town and 5 heritage attractions, which often include Tan Ky). |
| Estimated Visit Time | 20 – 30 minutes. |
| On-Site Guidance | The family often provides a brief, complimentary explanation of the house’s history and features to small groups. |
III. What to Look For Inside
The Confucius Cup: A highlight is the display of the “Confucius Cup” or “Cup of Temperance,” a symbolic piece of craftsmanship reminding the owner to take only what is necessary and not be greedy (if filled too high, the liquid spills out).
Rare Antiques: Look for the collections of ancient ceramics and the meticulously carved wooden panels inscribed with Chinese poems in inlaid mother-of-pearl.
High-Water Marks: In the main courtyard, note the visible lines and markers indicating the extreme height of past floods, a chilling reminder of the challenges the house has endured.
