Tan Ky Old House
15.8770, 108.3280 — Open in Maps
What does it feel like to walk into a home where seven generations of the same family have lived, loved, argued, celebrated, and mourned? You're about to find out. This is the Tan Ky Old House, Nha Co Tan Ky, and it is quite possibly the most beautiful merchant house in all of Southeast Asia. Built around 1741 by the Le family, this house sits at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and it has been continuously occupied for over two centuries. Seven generations.
Think about that. The same family has watched Hoi An transform from a thriving international port to a quiet backwater and back again to a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, all from within these walls. As you step inside, look up at the ceiling beams. The architecture here is a conversation between three cultures. The Japanese influence shows in the exposed ceiling framework, those interlocking wooden beams that form an inverted boat hull shape, a nod to the maritime trade that made this family wealthy.
The Chinese influence appears in the exquisite carvings around the doorways, with patterns of grapes, pomegranates, and intertwined vines symbolizing abundance and family unity. And the Vietnamese soul of the house lives in the overall layout, that classic tube house design, long and narrow, stretching from the street all the way back to the river. Run your eyes along the walls and you'll find poetry inlaid in mother-of-pearl. These are not decorations....
Visiting Tan Ky Old House
| On the ticket? | Yes: the heritage centre lists Tan Ky among the ticketed old houses. (hoianworldheritage.org.vn, checked 2026-10-31) |
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| Ticket | Ancient Town ticket (120,000 VND tier): the landscape of the old town, the Japanese Covered Bridge or Quan Cong Temple, one museum and three more ticketed sites of your choice. One ticket is valid for your stay, up to 3 days. (hoianheritage.danang.gov.vn, checked 2026-10-31) |
Hours and prices change; confirm on the day.
On the Hoi An Heritage Walk route, Tan Ky Old House is closest to Museum of Folklore (about 50 m), Bach Dang Street (about 60 m), Hoi An Handicraft Workshop (about 90 m) — straight-line distances, so allow a little more on foot.
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