Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, Hoi An

Historic Building in Hoi An

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Steffen Schmitz

The Trieu Chau Assembly Hall or Chaozhou Assembly Hall, built in 1845, is one of the top sights in Hoi An for travelers who love art, architecture, and cultural heritage. Serving as a community center for Chinese immigrants from the Trieu Chau (Chaozhou) region of Guangdong, the hall reflects centuries of spiritual belief and social unity. It is often visited on walking tours of Hoi An, where its intimate layout and exquisite details offer a peaceful contrast to the busier landmarks nearby.

Dedicated to protective deities venerated by merchants and fishermen, the assembly hall is believed to safeguard travelers and bring prosperity in business. Its richly embellished design, meticulous woodwork, and porcelain reliefs immediately draw the eye, making it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship.

History and Significance of the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Things to See and Do in the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
How to Get to the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Practical Tips on Visiting the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Where to Stay Close to the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Is the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Nearby Attractions to the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

History and Significance of the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

The hall was established in 1845 at a time when Hoi An was an important trading port welcoming merchants from across Asia. The Chaozhou community constructed the hall both as a place of worship and as a meeting space where residents could gather, share news, discuss trade, and participate in social rituals.

Its principal deity is the protection-granting god worshipped by the Chaozhou, widely believed to assist fishermen at sea and merchants on long commercial journeys. The hall stands today as a symbol of the endurance and cultural depth of Hoi An’s overseas Chinese communities, preserving their traditions within the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.

Things to See and Do in the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Though smaller than some of Hoi An’s other assembly halls, this site is celebrated for its exceptionally detailed decorations. Visitors can admire beautifully carved reliefs, delicate porcelain inlays, and colorful motifs depicting mythological figures, seafaring themes, and traditional legends.

The hall’s wooden beams and altars display superb craftsmanship, each piece telling a cultural story shaped by Hoi An’s trading heritage. Highlights include the main altar dedicated to the protective deities, a series of finely sculpted figurines, and vivid painted panels that showcase the unmistakable Chaozhou artistic style.

The hall becomes especially lively during the Nguyen Tieu festival and ancestral rites held on the 16th day of the lunar month. For visitors, these ceremonies provide a rare chance to witness offerings of incense, flowers, tea, and traditional foods, immersing them in local spiritual practices.

How to Get to the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Located on Nguyen Duy Hieu Street within Hoi An Ancient Town, the hall is easily accessed on foot from most central accommodations.

Travelers arriving by train will reach Hoi An via Da Nang Railway Station, followed by a taxi or shuttle of about 45 minutes. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Those flying into Da Nang International Airport can continue by shuttle or car to Hoi An. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hoi An on Booking.com.
If arriving by car, parking is available outside the pedestrian zone, from where it’s a short walk to the hall.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Suggested tips: Visit in the morning for softer light and a quieter atmosphere
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND)
Opening Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00
How long to spend: 20-30 minutes
Accessibility: Mostly accessible; some areas have uneven flooring
Facilities: Minimal on-site; cafes and shops are nearby
Photography tip: Focus on close-ups of porcelain reliefs and carved beams
Guided tours: Available through local walking tours
Nearby food options: Plenty of cafes and eateries on Nguyen Duy Hieu Street

Where to Stay Close to the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

A convenient option nearby is Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel, offering a historic stay in the heart of the Ancient Town. Another excellent choice is La An Central Boutique Villa, located just a short walk from the hall.

Is the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall Worth Visiting?

Yes. With its intricate artwork, meaningful spiritual heritage, and beautifully preserved architecture, the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall offers a memorable and enriching experience. It is ideal for travelers who enjoy cultural depth and the fine details of traditional craftsmanship.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (99)

Teochew Assembly Hall on Nguyễn Duy Hiệu in Hội An is a well preserved assembly hall and meeting place praised for its intricate wood carvings, sculpture and Chinese-style monuments; visitors note its compact size but rich craftsmanship, friendly on-site staff who share background about the hall, and its former role as a place where locals learned the Teochew dialect.

Cathie N

a year ago

"Worth a visit. Gorgeous Ancient Architecture! Built in the 1800s. There is a middle age manager who was really friendly. Love his hospitality!Personally, this is my favourite temple in HoiAn..."

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Iain Smith

6 years ago

"Not sure why this has so few reviews and does not show up properly on Google maps. Maybe there is a more popular entry under slightly different name.Anyway I really enjoyed this assembly hall. Others seemed unimpressed by small size but as my wife always reassures me, it's what you do with it that really matters. This is a meeting place and not exclusively a place of worship, but some of the craftsmanship is truly worthy of the best temples. If you enjoy looking at something like an intricate carved panel or screen and wonder how much time and skill is involved, then I recommend this place to you. I put up some pictures as words are a poor substitute. It's a quick visit. Do it instead of shopping for ethnic tat you just don't need. Feed your creative soul!..."

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Abel Lau

5 years ago

"The best place I’ve seen in this old town. The wooden sculptures are sooo well made that I kept being amazed even I did arts history and have seen alot. Though some of the colour were wrongly repainted during their conservation, I strongly recommend them to every tourist here...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

The hall is dedicated to protective deities cherished by fishermen and merchants from the Chaozhou community.

Yes, entry is included in the standard ticket.

Yes, especially the vibrant Nguyen Tieu festival and monthly ancestral worship ceremonies.

Nearby Attractions to the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Fujian Assembly Hall: A vibrant and richly decorated hall dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau, known for its striking incense coils and detailed carvings.
Hainan Assembly Hall: A quieter heritage site built by Hainanese merchants, featuring meaningful memorial altars and a peaceful courtyard.
Cantonese Assembly Hall: A beautifully preserved hall with ornate sculptures, dragon motifs, and a strong cultural connection to Hoi An's Chinese community.
Old House of Tan Ky: A traditional merchant residence showcasing a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural influences.
Japanese Covered Bridge: One of Hoi An's most iconic landmarks, famous for its historical charm and symbolic connection between merchant quarters.

The Trieu Chau Assembly Hall appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hoi An!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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