Tan Ky Old House, Hoi An (must see)
Built over two centuries ago by an ethnically Vietnamese family, Tan Ky Old House has been lovingly preserved through seven generations, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The house bears the imprint of Japanese and Chinese influences in its architecture, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Hoi An over the centuries.
Look out for distinctive Japanese elements, such as the ceiling in the sitting area, supported by three progressively shorter beams stacked atop one another. Carvings of crossed sabres wrapped in silk ribbon adorn the ceiling, symbolizing force and flexibility. Admire the intricate Chinese poems written in inlaid mother-of-pearl, hanging from columns throughout the house. These 150-year-old panels feature Chinese characters formed entirely of birds in various positions of flight, adding to the house's allure. Evidence of European influence can be seen in the carved wooden balcony supports adorned with grape leaves—a testament to the unique blending of cultures in Hoi An.
The back of the house faces the river, reflecting its historical role as a residence for foreign merchants. Two pulleys attached to a beam in the loft were once used for moving goods into storage, highlighting the house's commercial past.
The house features a clever design with exterior roofs made of tiles and interior ceilings constructed of wood. This architectural innovation helps regulate the temperature, keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter.
Look out for distinctive Japanese elements, such as the ceiling in the sitting area, supported by three progressively shorter beams stacked atop one another. Carvings of crossed sabres wrapped in silk ribbon adorn the ceiling, symbolizing force and flexibility. Admire the intricate Chinese poems written in inlaid mother-of-pearl, hanging from columns throughout the house. These 150-year-old panels feature Chinese characters formed entirely of birds in various positions of flight, adding to the house's allure. Evidence of European influence can be seen in the carved wooden balcony supports adorned with grape leaves—a testament to the unique blending of cultures in Hoi An.
The back of the house faces the river, reflecting its historical role as a residence for foreign merchants. Two pulleys attached to a beam in the loft were once used for moving goods into storage, highlighting the house's commercial past.
The house features a clever design with exterior roofs made of tiles and interior ceilings constructed of wood. This architectural innovation helps regulate the temperature, keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hoi An. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Tan Ky Old House on Map
Sight Name: Tan Ky Old House
Sight Location: Hoi An, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hoi An)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hoi An, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hoi An)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hoi An, Vietnam
Create Your Own Walk in Hoi An
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hoi An is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hoi An Introduction Walking Tour
Lying along the picturesque Thu Bon River in central Vietnam is the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture inspired by a fusion of local and foreign influences (Chinese, Japanese, French, and Portuguese).
The name "Hoi An" translates from Sino-Vietnamese as "peaceful meeting place". In the West, the town was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The name "Hoi An" translates from Sino-Vietnamese as "peaceful meeting place". In the West, the town was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles