At 101 Nguyễn Thái Học Street in Hoi An’s Old Town, the Old House of Tan Ky is an 18th-century merchant home still associated with the family that has cared for it across seven generations. Its narrow rooms, carved timber, antique furnishings and Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese design details give a close look at life in the former trading port. Look for the flood marks on a column, then notice how the house links the street-facing shop area with the river at the rear. Entry is covered by the Hoi An Old Town ticket.
A home arranged for trade
The Old House of Tan Ky stands at 101 Nguyễn Thái Học Street, in Hoi An’s Old Town. Built in the 18th century, it was a residence and a place of business for a Vietnamese merchant family. Its position connected two routes for goods: the front opened onto the street, while the rear reached the river. Agricultural products could arrive by boat and move through the house toward the shop.
The building’s sections had different uses, including areas for receiving Chinese merchants, family life and a courtyard. The layout shows how a merchant household could combine work and domestic space under one roof. The house has remained in the care of seven generations of the family, and its rooms contain furnishings and household objects associated with that history.
Details in wood, stone and light
Look closely at the carved timber and the beams overhead. The house brings together Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese design influences, visible in its structural details and decoration. In the sitting area, one ceiling design uses three beams stacked in descending lengths. Carved crossed sabres tied with silk appear beneath a crab-shell ceiling; the sabres represent strength, while the silk stands for flexibility.
The central courtyard brings daylight into the interior and also collects water during heavy rain. Antique furniture, family keepsakes and display cases fill the rooms. The objects help connect the architecture to ordinary household use, as well as to the family’s trading past. Take time to look at the workmanship instead of moving straight through the compact interior.
Flood marks and the family’s legacy
Hoi An’s riverfront location brought trade, but also exposure to floods. A column inside the house records water levels from different years. Pause there to compare the marks and see how high floodwater has reached. The house also has pulleys that could raise furniture to protect it from rising water.
The name Tan Ky was adopted by the second generation of the family and expresses a wish for prosperous business. The building preserves evidence of that commercial life alongside signs of the practical measures needed to live near the river. Brief explanations are available on site and add context to the objects and features. The visit is part of the Hoi An Old Town ticket; purchase that ticket at a booth before coming in, as it is not sold at the house.
FAQ
Is entry to the Old House of Tan Ky included in a ticket?
Yes. Entry is included with the Hoi An Old Town ticket. Buy the ticket at a booth before arriving at the house.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow around 30 to 60 minutes to look through the rooms, furnishings and architectural details.
What should I look for inside the house?
Notice the carved beams, antique household objects, courtyard and the flood marks on a column. Pulleys used to raise furniture are another detail to look for.
When is a good time to visit?
Go early in the day to have more time to explore before it gets crowded.
