Explore Duc An Ancient House in Hoi An, Da Nang City! Discover its 200-year-old history, Vietnamese architecture, tour prices, and sustainable travel tips for a UNESCO cultural journey. Book your tour today!
Hoi An Ancient Town, now a ward of Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved 15th–19th-century architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. Located at 129 Tran Phu Street in Minh An Ward, Duc An Ancient House is a captivating gem, drawing thousands of the town’s 4.5 million annual visitors. Built around 1800 by the Vietnamese Phan family, this 200-year-old residence showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture with Chinese and Japanese influences, offering a window into Hoi An’s prosperous trading port era. With its mossy tiled roof, antique furnishings, and revolutionary history tied to the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association, the house is a living testament to the town’s enduring legacy. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly tours to immerse you in this cultural landmark, bookable via links throughout this guide. Step into Hoi An’s storied past—reserve your tour now!
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural preservation. Our Hoi An tours feature low-impact transport like bicycles and walking routes, guided by local experts who share the house’s historical and revolutionary significance. We support Minh An’s community and align with Da Nang City’s “Heritage for Future” initiative to protect sites like Duc An Ancient House. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless cultural journey. Explore Duc An responsibly with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!
Duc An Ancient House, constructed around 1800, is one of Hoi An’s most cherished traditional homes, reflecting the town’s golden age as a Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Spanning approximately 200 square meters, the house was built by the Phan family, a prominent Vietnamese clan with ties to the Nguyen Dynasty, who lived here for six generations. Unlike Chinese-influenced merchant houses like Tan Ky, Duc An embodies Vietnamese architectural principles, adapted to Hoi An’s tropical climate with a tiled roof, open courtyard, and wooden framework. Its simple yet elegant design, featuring mossy yin-yang tiles and antique furnishings like oil lamps, pen racks, and lacquered tables, evokes a sense of timeless tranquility.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Duc An holds significant historical value as a meeting place for the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association (1925–1930), a precursor to the Communist Party of Vietnam, and is associated with revolutionary leader Cao Hong Lanh. The house served as a hub for anti-colonial activities in Hoi An and Quang Nam, hosting secret gatherings and distributing propaganda. Preserved by descendants like Mr. Phan Ngoc Tram, the house has undergone minor restorations to withstand annual flooding while retaining its original structure and cultural artifacts. Recognized as part of Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and designated a National Historic Site in 1991, Duc An Ancient House welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering a profound connection to Vietnam’s cultural and revolutionary past.
The house is divided into key areas:
Living Space: A central area with a wooden attic, open courtyard, and antique furnishings, used for family life and receiving guests.
Worship Space: An altar for ancestor worship, adorned with incense burners and lacquered boards, reflecting spiritual traditions.
Historical Display: Artifacts and photos from the revolutionary period, showcasing the house’s role in Vietnam’s independence movement.
Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An a ward under Da Nang City’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Duc An Ancient House’s UNESCO status within Hoi An Ancient Town remains intact. Da Nang City aims to promote Hoi An as a “Global Cultural Ward,” enhancing sustainable tourism with improved pedestrian pathways and eco-friendly infrastructure.
Explore the house’s authentic Vietnamese design, featuring a mossy yin-yang tiled roof, open courtyard for ventilation, and wooden beams with subtle carvings. The crab-shell roof and bluestone pillars highlight its adaptation to Hoi An’s climate.
Cost: Included in Hoi An Ancient Town ticket ($6/adult, 150,000 VND; covers 5 of 21 attractions); $4 (100,000 VND) for Vietnamese visitors; free for children under 16.
Highlights: “A serene architectural gem” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Visit mid-morning (8:00–10:00 AM) for fewer crowds; allow 10–15 minutes to explore. Included in our Hoi An Heritage Tour ($70–$90).
View artifacts, photos, and documents from the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association, highlighting the house’s role in anti-colonial activities and its connection to Cao Hong Lanh. Informational plaques provide context.
Cost: Included in Ancient Town ticket ($6).
Highlights: “A window into Vietnam’s revolutionary past” (Vietnam Tourism).
Tip: No photography in the historical display area; ask guides for stories about 1920s activism. Included in our Hoi An Cultural Tour ($75–$95).
Marvel at preserved antiques, including oil lamps, pen racks, lacquered tables, and a quartet of wooden chairs, offering insights into the Phan family’s daily life in 19th-century Hoi An.
Cost: Included in Ancient Town ticket ($6).
Highlights: “Timeless household treasures” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Avoid touching antiques; use QR codes for digital artifact guides. Included in our Hoi An Heritage Tour ($70–$90).
Hear stories from local guides or Phan family descendants about six generations living in Duc An, their trading activities, and efforts to preserve the house amidst annual floods.
Cost: Guided tours $15–$40 (375,000–1,000,000 VND); private tours $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).
Highlights: “Heartfelt family history” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).
Tip: Book tours with Legend Travel Group for cultural depth; combine with Quan Cong Temple (300 m away). Included in our Hoi An Cultural Tour ($75–$95).
Browse silk clothing, lanterns, and pottery at shops along Tran Phu Street, supporting local artisans and complementing your cultural visit.
Cost: Items $2–$20 (50,000–500,000 VND).
Highlights: “Authentic Hoi An crafts” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Bargain politely; prioritize eco-friendly vendors like Reaching Out. Included in our Hoi An Artisan Tour ($70–$90).
Duc An Ancient House’s preservation is vital to Hoi An’s UNESCO heritage, supported by Da Nang City’s sustainable tourism initiatives:
Community Stewardship: The Phan family and the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management maintain the house, mitigating flood damage through UNESCO’s Master Plan, which includes raised floors and drainage systems.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Tours use bicycles or walking to reduce emissions; nearby vendors adopt biodegradable packaging to minimize waste.
Cultural Education: Guided tours and signage educate visitors on Vietnamese heritage and revolutionary history, fostering respect for Hoi An’s legacy.
Legend Travel Group’s tours align with these efforts, partnering with local guides and eco-conscious vendors to support Minh An’s community and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring Duc An’s legacy endures.
Entrance Fee: Included in Hoi An Ancient Town ticket ($6/adult, 150,000 VND; $4, 100,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors; free for children under 16). Covers 5 attractions.
Activities: Guided tours $15–$40 (375,000–1,000,000 VND); private tours $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND); souvenirs $2–$20 (50,000–500,000 VND); tips $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Dining: Nearby street food (e.g., cao lầu, mi quang) $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND); restaurant meals $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks $0.25–$4 (6,250–100,000 VND).
Transport:
From Hanoi (750 km, round-trip): Flight $70–$140; train $35–$60 + $6–$12 taxi; bus $20–$35 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $160–$230.
From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km, round-trip): Flight $80–$160; bus $30–$45 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $200–$280.
From Da Nang (30 km, ~30–45 minutes, round-trip): Taxi/Grab $14–$22; shuttle bus $6–$10; bus #1 $0.30–$1.20 (8,000–30,000 VND); motorbike $6–$10/day + $4 fuel.
Within Hoi An (1–2 km): Bicycle $2–$4/day; motorbike $6–$10/day (restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–10:00 PM); taxi/Grab $3–$6/trip; cyclo $2–$5/trip (50,000–125,000 VND); walking free.
Accommodation: Hostels $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND); homestays $15–$50/night (375,000–1,250,000 VND); hotels $70–$200/night (1,750,000–5,000,000 VND); resorts $180–$450/night (4,500,000–11,250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost: $20–$120 (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120).
Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Hoi An Ward (Vietcombank, BIDV). Book tours for eco-transfers to reduce carbon footprint. Rainy season (September–January) offers 10–20% discounts.
Flight: $35–$70 one-way to Da Nang International Airport; 45-minute taxi ($14–$22) to Hoi An.
Train: $17–$30 one-way to Da Nang Station; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).
Bus: $10–$17 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).
Private Car: $80–$115 one-way.
Guided Tour: Our tours ($100–$200) include eco-transfers.
Flight: $40–$80 one-way to Da Nang; 45-minute taxi ($14–$22).
Bus: $15–$22 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).
Private Car: $100–$140 one-way.
Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include transfers.
Bus #1: $0.30–$1.20 (8,000–30,000 VND); every 30 minutes (5:30 AM–5:00 PM) to Hoi An Bus Station; 10-minute walk to house.
Taxi/Grab: $7–$11 one-way.
Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 one-way; hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).
Motorbike: $6–$10/day + $2 fuel; restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones.
Guided Tour: Our half-day tours ($55–$75) include transfers.
Bicycle: $2–$4/day; ideal for Tran Phu Street.
Cyclo: $2–$5/trip (50,000–125,000 VND); cultural experience.
Taxi/Grab: $3–$6/trip.
Walking: Free; 5-minute walk from Japanese Covered Bridge (200 m).
Route Tip: Base yourself in Hoi An Ward; Duc An is walkable from Hoi An Market or Chua Cau. Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: $0.25–$0.60/motorbike (6,250–15,000 VND) outside pedestrian zones.
Spring (February–April): Mild (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), low rainfall (25–50 mm). Ideal for walking tours and photography in the courtyard; book 2–3 weeks ahead for Nguyen Tieu Festival (February).
Summer (May–August): Warm (25–38°C or 77–100.4°F), occasional showers (90–120 mm). Early visits (8:00–9:00 AM) avoid heat; peak season, so book early.
Rainy Season (September–January): Cooler (19–29°C or 66.2–84.2°F), heavy rain (150–500 mm, peaking October–November). Indoor exploration ideal; 10–20% discounts. Check flood forecasts for November, as Tran Phu Street may flood.
Tip: February–April offers the best weather for exploring Hoi An’s streets; rainy season provides a cozy ambiance for indoor cultural visits.
Plan Ahead: Book tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 938 987 654). Confirm hours (8:00 AM–5:00 PM). Maximum capacity is 20–30 visitors, so avoid peak hours (10:00 AM–2:00 PM).
Dress Code: Modest attire (covered shoulders, knees) to respect the worship space; comfortable shoes for walking Tran Phu Street.
Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, small cash (VND) for tickets/souvenirs, camera (no photos in worship areas), mosquito repellent for courtyard.
Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$120/day; carry VND; ATMs in Hoi An Ward. Verify prices to avoid overcharges.
Stay Safe: Watch for uneven floors; secure valuables in crowded areas; avoid touching antiques or revolutionary artifacts. Check flood risks in November.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; buy from local artisans; avoid plastic waste. Our tours promote eco-conscious travel.
Cultural Respect: Maintain silence in worship areas; don’t move furniture; tip guides ($1–$2). Ask permission before photographing interiors.
Navigation: Allow 10–15 minutes for the house; combine with Cantonese Assembly Hall (300 m) or Hoi An Market (500 m) for a half-day itinerary. Offline maps essential.
Our sustainable tours immerse you in Hoi An’s cultural heritage, with Duc An Ancient House as a highlight:
Hoi An Heritage Tour ($70–$90/person): Duc An Ancient House, Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, mi quang tasting. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.
Hoi An Cultural Tour ($75–$95/person): Duc An Ancient House, Tan Ky House, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, lantern-making workshop. Includes eco-transfers and snacks.
Hoi An Artisan Tour ($70–$90/person): Duc An Ancient House, Yaly Couture tailoring, Hoi An Market handicrafts. Includes eco-transfers and souvenirs.
Hoi An Foodie Adventure ($60–$80/person): Duc An Ancient House, Hoi An Market, cao lầu at Morning Glory. Includes eco-transfers and tastings.
Hoi An Cultural Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Duc An Ancient House, My Son Sanctuary, homestays ($15–$50/night), all Hoi An highlights. Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!
Duc An Ancient House, a cultural cornerstone of Hoi An Ancient Town in Da Nang City, captivates with its 200-year-old Vietnamese architecture, revolutionary history, and serene ambiance. From its mossy tiled roof to its preserved antiques, this UNESCO-recognized residence offers a profound connection to Hoi An’s trading port legacy and Vietnam’s independence movement. As a living home for six generations of the Phan family, it stands as a testament to the town’s enduring heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Da Nang Tours guide you through this historic gem, ensuring a sustainable Da Nang Travel experience that supports local preservation and eco-conscious practices. Don’t miss Duc An’s timeless allure—browse our featured tours and book your Hoi An adventure today!
Ready to uncover Duc An Ancient House’s cultural treasures? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s heritage!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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