Duc An Old House Hoi An: History, Architecture & Visitor Guide | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide
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Unlike other merchant homes in Hội An, which focus primarily on architecture or trade, Duc An Old House (Nhà Cổ Đức An) is celebrated for its role in the country's anti-colonial movement and its connection to Vietnamese literary and political history.
A Home with a Revolutionary Legacy
A Home with a Revolutionary Legacy
Built in the mid-19th century, around 1850, Duc An Old House was originally a traditional herbal medicine shop owned by the Phan family. But its true historical significance lies in its transformation into a hub for political activism and literature during the early 20th century.
The house became a gathering place for Vietnamese intellectuals and nationalists who opposed French colonial rule. One of the most famous figures to frequent the house was Phan Chu Trinh, a leading anti-colonial reformer and patriot, who spent time here organizing revolutionary activities and promoting educational reform.
Architectural Features
Duc An House is a prime example of a Vietnamese-Chinese traditional townhouse, with subtle architectural elegance and a lived-in authenticity that sets it apart from more ornate tourist attractions.
Architectural Highlights:
Two-story wooden structure with dark jackfruit wood and aged tiled roof
Open courtyard that brings natural light and ventilation to the inner rooms
Decorative beams and ancestral altars showing Confucian influence
Reading rooms and bookshelf displays, preserving the house's role as a place of learning and political discussion
Original photographs,revolutionary posters, and period documents displayed for public viewingxxx
Unlike other historic homes that lean heavily on decorative flair, Duc An Old House feels untouched and personal, providing an unfiltered connection to the past.
Cultural and Political Significance
The house’s role during Vietnam’s early resistance against colonialism gives it a special status among the best historical attractions in Hoi An. It was a bookstore, a gathering place, and also a launchpad for ideas that would shape modern Vietnam.
Key historical facts:
The house distributed Vietnamese, Chinese, and French books, a bold act under colonial surveillance.
It hosted discussions about democracy, reform, and independence, making it an early center of Vietnamese civil society.
Phan Chu Trinh's activities here helped spark political awareness that would influence generations of revolutionaries.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:30pm
Entry: Included in the Hoi An Ancient Town entrance ticket
Photography: Allowed, especially in the courtyard and study rooms
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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