Phung Hung Ancient House, with its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles, reflects the diverse influences that have shaped Hoi An over the years. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history and cultural importance of this famous landmark located in the heart of Hoi An City. Come along with us as we explore the detailed features and lasting charm of the house.
Address And Opening Time
Phung Hung Ancient House is located at No. 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, right next to the renowned Hoi An Bridge Pagoda.
The Phung Hung Ancient House welcomes visitors every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, between 8 AM and 6 PM. To explore this historic site, guests can purchase tickets at the entrance for 80,000 VND ($3.15) per person.
This ticket price is a great value, as it also includes access to two other historic houses: the Duc An Ancient House and the Quan Thang Ancient House.
Historical Context
Phung Hung Ancient House was built in 1780, during the prime time of Hoi An. A successful Vietnamese merchant first owned it. He named the house “Phung Hung,” which means “Prosperous and Thriving,” hoping his family’s business would always do well. In the past, the house operated as a shop that sold various products like cinnamon, pepper, salt, silk, textiles, porcelain, and glassware.
The Phung Hung Ancient House has been home to many generations of the owner’s family over the years. Throughout its long history, the house has been changed and renovated several times.
The Perfect Fusion Of Vietnamese, Chinese, And Japanese Architectures
Fusion Design
The Phung Hung Ancient House is a great example of an 18th-century commercial house in Vietnam’s cities, featuring a unique mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. The balconies and doors reflect Chinese design, while the middle roof is in the Japanese “Four Sea” style. The wooden beams and traditional two-way roofs at the front and back are inspired by Vietnamese architecture. Each floor has a different style: the ground floor has a Japanese-style four-sided roof, and the upper floor has a Chinese-style round roof resembling a turtle shell.
The external appearance of the house
The exterior of the Phung Hung Ancient House features a tubular shape with a wide frontage, designed to symbolize continuous prosperity. This nearly 250-year-old house has four roofs and stands two floors high, with two folds facing the northwest.
The main door has two large, impressive eyes that act as both decoration and a protective charm to keep the house safe from evil spirits. The house is divided into three sections and is made mostly of ironwood and other valuable woods, which gives it a rich, old-fashioned look and a warm, cozy feel.
The ancient and classy space of the first floor
In the past, the ground floor of the Phung Hung Ancient House was used for commercial purposes. Today, it serves as the family living room, storing the owner’s lifetime collection of antiques and receiving guests. Visitors can relax on a set of luxurious wooden furniture in the middle of the ground floor. The surrounding walls are adorned with intricately carved artworks created by skilled artisans from the Kim Bong woodcarving village.
Besides its commercial use, the ground floor also hosts various cultural and traditional activities. The owners often organize art performances, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges, making it an interesting and attractive destination for both tourists and the local community.
Unique features and majestic architecture of the 2nd floor
The second floor has the ancestral altar and an altar for the Thien Hau Thanh Mau. In front of the altars, there is a table where the owner keeps seven marble dice in a bowl, used to decide the timing of their travels. The front porch on the second floor is designed in the Chinese style, with a crab shell ceiling and a wooden frame carved with images of carp. In Vietnamese culture, the carp symbolizes prosperity; in Japanese culture, it represents power; and in Chinese culture, it stands for good luck.
There is a narrow corridor in the innermost room that leads to the second floor, which is surrounded by wide wooden corridors. The staircase is arranged in a way that makes the house feel spacious and airy.
Valuable antiques and furniture
The Phung Hung Ancient House has been through a lot over the years, including floods, but each generation of owners has worked hard to protect the furniture and belongings inside.
Because of this, the house still has many old and carefully made antiques, furniture, and artwork. Visitors to the house can see these impressive old items for themselves.
Thanks to the owner’s efforts to keep everything safe, the Phung Hung Ancient House and its valuable things have stayed in good condition over the years, even with all the changes it’s been through.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Phung Hung Ancient House in Hoi An is in the early morning when it opens at 8 AM. Although the house itself rarely feels overcrowded, Hoi An Ancient Town can become quite busy throughout the day. By starting your visit early, you can avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the tranquility of the ancient house. After exploring Phung Hung House, you can then take advantage of the quieter morning hours to wander around and explore the rest of the Old Town at your own pace.
How To Get There
To reach the ancient Phung Hung House in Hoi An, you have several transportation options.
- Motorbike or bicycle: You can easily rent a motorbike or bicycle in Hoi An, depending on your preference and where you’re staying. The time it takes depends on your starting point, and you have the flexibility to explore other destinations.
- Taxi: The most convenient and quickest way to reach the ancient Phung Hung House. You can book a taxi through Grab, which is more affordable than traditional taxi services.
- Bus: Opt for the Hoi An bus, which costs around 30,000 VND per person per way. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, providing a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Attractions Nearby
- Hoi An Night Market: Situated at the heart of the ancient town, the Hoi An Night Market transforms into a colorful and lively hub as the evening sets in. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, savor delicious local foods, and shop for unique gifts.
- Japanese Covered Bridge: The Japanese Covered Bridge, built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century, is a notable sight in Hoi An. It’s accompanied by the Cau Pagoda and together, they’re steeped in local legend and stories. These structures signify the community’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the area.
- Tan Ky Old House: The Tan Ky Old House has a fascinating history of over 200 years. This house is famous among tourists for its rich traditional culture. Inside, visitors can explore a wide array of valuable antiques and artifacts.
- Cantonese Assembly Hall: The Hall constructed in a traditional Chinese design, represents how much the Chinese community has shaped Hoi An’s history. Being close to the Phung Hung Ancient House shows how closely linked Chinese and Vietnamese cultures are in this region.
Tips When Visiting Phung Hung Ancient House
- Guests should wear neat and modest attire to show respect in the place of worship.
- Maintain order and avoid being noisy when visiting the old house.
- Do not move the furniture inside the old house without permission.
- When visiting the second floor, if you want to film/take photos, please ask the host and learn the rules beforehand.
When planning your trip to Hoi An, be sure to add the Phung Hung Ancient House to your list. Explore its fascinating history and admire its detailed architecture, which reflects the resilience of Vietnamese culture. For more information on planning your holiday in Vietnam, visit Vietnamtour.in for our best recommended Vietnam tours and start your unforgettable journey.
