Old House of Tan Ky: Vietnam's 200-Year-Old, Nail-Free Architectural Masterpiece | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

To enter, you need to have purchased the Hoi An Ancient Town Ticket.

The Old House of Tân Ký (Nhà Cổ Tân Ký) stands as one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese merchant architecture in the heart of Hội An Ancient Town. This beautifully maintained 18th-century home offers visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into Hội An’s historic trading era, when East met West through a thriving port and cultural exchange flourished along the Thu Bồn River.
If you are looking to connect with the heritage, architecture, and lifestyle of ancient Hoi An, Tân Ký Old House is an excellent stop — rich in atmosphere, history, and visual detail.

History of the Old House of Tân Ký

Built in 1741, and making it one of the oldest houses in Hoi An, the Old House of Tân Ký belonged to a prosperous Vietnamese merchant family involved in rice and spice trade. Remarkably, it has remained in the same family for seven generations, and the owners still live in part of the house today — making it a living museum.
The name ‘Tân Ký’ roughly translates to ‘New Prosperity’, a name that reflected the family’s hopes for lasting fortune and success in commerce.
Due to Hội An's status as a major international trading port, the house was built with architectural influences from Vietnam, China, and Japan, reflecting the cosmopolitan blend of the city at the time. It was one of the first historic homes in Hoi An to be recognized as a national heritage site.

We really liked the Old House of Tân Ký. There is no need to join a tour, and no sales pitch. The architecture and the decorations are gorgeous. Look at the different patterns in the chairs and benches, and how they reflect light differently.

Here are some photos that we took:

Architectural Highlights

The Old House of Tân Ký is a masterpiece of traditional Hoi An architecture, characterized by harmony, balance, and symbolism.

Fusion of Styles

• Vietnamese layout: A narrow, deep structure typical of merchant homes, with multiple courtyards for light and ventilation.

• Japanese influence: Curved roof beams and wooden support columns with minimal nails, allowing for flexibility and durability.

• Chinese motifs: Ornamental carvings and parallel lacquered calligraphy boards expressing Confucian values like loyalty and filial piety.

Functional Beauty

• The house was designed to accommodate both living quarters and commercial activity, with the front used for receiving goods and conducting business, and the rear connecting to the river for easy loading and transport.

• Polished wood interiors, tiled floors, antique furniture, and an elevated altar room reflect the elegance and utility of Vietnamese merchant life.

Flood Markers

Tân Ký is located in an area prone to flooding. On the wall, you will find visible water level marks from major floods over the years, which is one of the most powerful reminders of how Hội An locals live with the rhythms of the river.

Key architectural highlights to admire include:

• Materials: The house is constructed primarily from jackfruit wood, prized for its durability, termite resistance, and warm golden hue. Combined with stone and traditional clay roof tiles, these natural materials help regulate indoor temperature, keeping the house cool in Hội An's tropical climate.

• ‘Crab Shell’ Ceiling: In the main receiving hall, look up to see the unique ‘crab shell’ ceiling (trần mai cua), a rare architectural feature characterized by intersecting wooden beams forming a shell-like pattern. This element, influenced by Chinese design, adds both structural strength and symbolic auspiciousness.

• Calligraphic Pillars: The supporting wooden columns are inscribed with elegant Chinese couplets (câu đối), written in shimmering golden calligraphy. These poetic lines express moral values, hopes for prosperity, and reverence for learning; hallmarks of traditional Vietnamese Confucian culture.

• Japanese Influence: Elements of Japanese merchant architecture can be observed in detail like roof joinery, wooden brackets, and the modular layout. These reflect the influence of Japanese traders who were active in Hội An during the 17th century.

• Intricate Wood Carvings: Throughout the house, you will find hand-carved wooden panels depicting symbols of good fortune, such as bats (for happiness), gourds (for longevity), coins (for wealth), and mythical creatures like dragons and qilin. These carvings reflect both artistic craftsmanship and symbolic depth.

• Feng Shui Harmony: The home’s layout follows feng shui principles, with a central open courtyard that promotes ventilation and channels natural light. It also collects rainwater, symbolizing the flow and gathering of wealth—a central tenet in Vietnamese and Chinese architectural philosophy.

The house also contains family heirlooms, old photographs, antique vases, and trade ledgers, all offering insights into Hội An’s golden age of commerce.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00am to 5:30pm

• Entry: Included in the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket

• Photography: Allowed (no flash preferred indoors)

• Recommended Visit Time: 20–30 minutes

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

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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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