Tan Ky 老屋

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.