Ancient House of Tan Ky

Historic Building in Hoi An

Constructed in 1741, Tan Ky Old House has been home to seven generations of the Le family. The name “Tan Ky” was adopted by Mr. Le Tan Ky from the second generation, who used the house for trading agricultural products. Ideally located between Nguyen Thai Hoc street at the front and Bach Dang street at the back, which faces the Hoai river, the house benefitted from Hoi An’s bustling status as an international trading port frequented by Japanese, Chinese, and Western merchant ships, facilitating easy trade.

Despite enduring numerous floods, notably reaching the first floor in 1964, Tan Ky Old House has miraculously preserved its structure over the years. Visitors can observe flood markers within the souvenir section, testament to its resilience. In 1985, it was recognized as a “Cultural Work” by the Ministry of Culture and Information, a first for any ancient house in Hoi An.

The architecture of Tan Ky Old House reflects a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences. Its design features unique structural elements such as two overlapping columns representing the heaven-human connection and five vertical columns symbolizing the five elements of nature. This typical tubular architecture lacks windows, relying on a central atrium for light, creating an open, airy atmosphere despite the absence of windows. The main materials used include wood from the region, stones from Thanh Hoa Province, and floor tiles from Bat Trang, which help regulate the indoor temperature across seasons.

Remarkably, the house was constructed without a single nail yet stands firm to this day, thanks to the craftsmanship of artisans from the renowned Kim Bong carpentry village in Quang Nam Province. The intricate carvings and designs within the house carry deep meanings and reflect Oriental philosophical concepts.

The Ancient House of Tan Ky appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hoi An!

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