Old House of Tan Ky
Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, in the Old Quarter of Hoi An Ancient Town, Tan Ky Old house is an almost perfect example of a 18th merchant’s residence in this major commercial port town.
Location & History
The name Tan Ky, which translates to “Progress Shop,” was bestowed upon the house by the second generation of the family to convey the owner's aspiration for a thriving business.
Photo: premiumtravel.info Despite the town's ongoing economic challenges and the significant damage brought on by annual floods, the Tan Ky house has been meticulously maintained by seven generations of the family. While it may not be the oldest residence in Hoi An, Tan Ky is celebrated as the most well-preserved.
What To See
The house retains many features that have remained unchanged over the years, including its storage area, brick and tile exterior, and floors made from Bat Trang bricks. Inside, the use of jackfruit trees, ironwood, and peck-wood for furniture, along with its thick roofs and wooden walls, ensures the house stays cool in summer and warm in winter.
Photo: hanoi.for91days.com
Tan Ky House exemplifies a unique combination of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles, reflective of the cultural cohabitation in Hoi An during the 16th and 17th centuries. The house embodies key elements of Eastern philosophy, including the triple-beam structure representing heaven, earth, and humanity, the five round blocks symbolizing the five essential natural elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth), and various intricate carvings on the roof's edge and furniture. Among the numerous artifacts, two vertical panels beside the house's central courtyard stand out, inscribed with parallel sentences. Notably, each stroke of these inscriptions is crafted to resemble a bird, with a total of one hundred birds illustrating the theme of perfection.
How To Get There
To reach Tan Ky House, if you are near the Japanese Bridge, take a stroll down Bach Dang Street, then turn onto Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. It is advisable to visit either early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the heat and crowds. Additionally, enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the nearby cafes while exploring the area is highly recommended, adding to the overall experience of this historical attraction.
Useful Information
- Location: Tan Ky, Hoi An
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Included in Hoi An pass
- Hours: 8:00 - 17:00
- Distance to city center: 1.2km (0.7 mi)
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