2 Best Museums In
Hoi An

The Old House of Tan Ky in Hoi An, recognized for its architectural and historical significance, dates back to 1741, marking over two centuries of history. This house has been home to seven generations of the Le family. The name “Tan Ky” implies the wish for a prosperous business, which was given by Mr. Le Tan Ky, the second generation owner. Initially established for trading agricultural products, its strategic location by the Hoai River facilitated commerce, especially during Hoi An’s peak as an international trading port.

The architecture of Tan Ky Old House is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles, reflecting the multicultural influences of Hoi An’s trading history. The use of wood and stone from Thanh Hoa Province and Bat Trang tiles in its construction contributes to the house’s durability and aesthetic appeal. Remarkably, the house was built without using any nails, yet it stands firmly to this day. The house also features unique elements like a atrium for natural light, and its tubular structure typical of old town Hoi An provides a cool environment in summer and warmth in winter.

Visitors to Tan Ky Old House can expect to see a collection of antiques and artifacts that tell the story of Hoi An’s rich trading past and the Nguyen family’s legacy. Among these are horizontal lacquered boards with philosophical inscriptions, a unique horizontal lacquered board named “One Hundred Birds”, and a valuable “Confucius Bowl”. The house serves as a living museum, offering insight into the cultural and architectural heritage of Hoi An.

For those planning a visit, the Old House of Tan Ky is located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward in Hoi An, and it’s open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:45 PM. The entrance fee for foreigners is modest, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all visitors.

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, nestled within the Thanh Ha pottery village near Hoi An, is a remarkable cultural and artistic venue that showcases traditional Vietnamese pottery techniques alongside modern terracotta creations. The park, established in 2011 by local architect Nguyen Van Nguyen, spans almost 6,000 square meters and is divided into various thematic areas, each telling a unique story of the 500-year-old pottery tradition of the region.

Visitors to the park can expect to encounter an array of terracotta miniatures representing iconic global and Vietnamese structures, including the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and the Imperial City in Hue, among others. The park also features two main buildings known as the Opening Kiln and the Closing Kiln, which house exhibitions ranging from traditional pottery villages across Vietnam to the history of Thanh Ha Village and its pottery-making tradition. Each level of these buildings offers a different thematic exploration, from clay sculptures and paintings to interactive pottery-making classes where visitors can try their hand at shaping their own terracotta pieces.

The park not only serves as a museum to preserve and exhibit the rich heritage of pottery making but also as a vibrant creative workshop where traditional and contemporary techniques merge. For those looking to immerse themselves further, pottery-making classes are available, providing a hands-on experience with guidance from skilled artisans. This allows visitors to create their own terracotta items as souvenirs, which can be dried and taken home.

Thanh Ha Terracotta Park is accessible from Hoi An’s center by various means, including taxi, shuttle bus, motorbike, bicycle, and even by boat, given its picturesque location by the Thu Bon River. This accessibility, combined with the park’s educational and interactive offerings, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in the cultural and artistic traditions of Vietnam.