Visiting Quan Thang Ancient House in Hoi An Ancient Town felt like walking through a living museum. The scent of old wood, the warmth of sunlight spilling into the sky yard, and the quiet whispers of history instantly drew me in. As someone who loves exploring cultural places, this house easily became one of my favorite stops in Vietnam.
Through this post, Huracars wants to share everything you need to know about this ancient gem, from its fascinating history to practical travel tips.
If you’re planning to explore the Old Town, check out this detailed travel guide to Hoi An to make your trip even smoother.
Overview of Quan Thang Ancient House
Quan Thang Old House is one of the most iconic heritage sites in Hoi An. Built in the 18th century, it once belonged to Quan Thang, a Chinese captain and merchant. What makes this place special isn’t just its age but how beautifully it preserves both Chinese Huaxia architectural style and Hoi An’s traditional carpentry.
The house covers about 300 square meters, with no upper floor, which is typical of Hoi An’s ancient tube-shaped homes. Despite being over three centuries old, everything from the wood carvings to the porcelain-decorated walls remains intact.
When I first stepped inside, I could feel how it used to be both a trading house and a family residence. This dual purpose gives it a unique layout that tells stories of old commerce days along the Thu Bon River.
The History and Origin of Quan Thang Ancient House
This old house dates back to the 18th century, when Hoi An was a bustling international port. Its owner, Quan Thang, came from China and became a well-known merchant in the region. The house was not only his home but also a business hub.
Standing here, I could almost imagine merchants unloading goods from wooden boats just across the street. The Chinese influence in the town’s architecture and culture remains visible everywhere — especially here.
Over time, despite wars and weather, the house has survived remarkably well. It’s a living example of architectural preservation in Vietnam. Every corner, every carved beam feels like it’s whispering about centuries gone by.
Architectural Design and Structure
What struck me most about this Ancient House was its detailed and harmonious architecture. The structure follows the Huaxia style from China, with wooden carvings made by talented Kim Bong Village artisans — the same village known for crafting boats and ancient wooden buildings in Hoi An.
The house connects Tran Phu Street at the front and Nguyen Thai Hoc Street at the back. Merchants once used this layout to trade in front and ship goods directly to the river. Inside, you’ll find:
- Crab-shell roofs that help with air circulation
- A sky yard in the middle for natural light and ventilation
- Porcelain-decorated walls with landscape and animal motifs
- Thick brick walls and marble slabs supporting wooden pillars
It’s a perfect blend of function and beauty. When sunlight hits the carved wood, you can see the craftsmanship that made this house a masterpiece of its time.
Interior Design and Artistic Details
Inside, the interior design of the house feels warm and authentic. The space divides into three sections: a trading area, a living area, and a worship space. Each has its own story.
In the front, the trading space still has two large wooden stalls, a sample of how merchants displayed goods centuries ago. The middle area serves as a family living room, with horizontal lacquered boards, antique tables, and even old kitchen tools. Finally, at the back, the worship space honors ancestors, showcasing a blend of faith and daily life.
Every beam and shutter carries artistic patterns, showing off the wealth and taste of the merchant family. The sky yard adds charm, with its small aquarium and trees, it keeps the air fresh, even on hot days.
It’s easy to see why this place is considered a masterpiece of wooden sculpture in Hoi An.
Cultural and Historical Value
For me, Quan Thang Old House isn’t just another tourist attraction — it’s a window into Hoi An’s history. It reflects how trade brought Chinese culture into Vietnam, creating a unique architectural blend.
This house represents the merchant lifestyle of Hoi An’s golden age. While walking inside, I could imagine families discussing trade, preparing goods, and worshipping their ancestors. It’s this cultural continuity that makes Hoi An so special.
Along with Tan Ky and Phung Hung Old House, Quan Thang plays a vital role in showcasing the city’s UNESCO heritage value. Visiting it helps travelers understand how communities thrived through trade and art centuries ago.
Visiting Quan Thang Ancient House
You’ll find Quan Thang Ancient House at 77 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam.
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (open daily)
- Ticket price:
- 120,000 VND for international visitors
- 80,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors
Note: The ticket is valid for 5 sightseeing spots within the Ancient Town. Check out the updated Hoi An entrance ticket now.
Most visitors spend around 5–10 minutes inside, but I recommend staying longer if you love architecture. The house can host about 30 to 40 visitors at a time, so if you’re traveling with a large group, you might have to wait a bit.
I liked visiting around 10 AM, when the sunlight perfectly hits the carvings, giving them a golden glow.
How to Reach Quan Thang Old House
Getting to Quan Thang House is simple and comfortable. The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, just about 30 kilometers from Hoi An.
From there, the best way to reach the ancient town is by private car service from Huracars. The driver will wait for you at the airport arrival gate, helped with your luggage, and even shared a few local tips along the way. You can easily book your private transfer through WhatsApp at +84 934 899 900.
Once you’re in Hoi An, getting around is simple:
- Motorbike rental: about 120,000–150,000 VND/day
- Bicycle rental: around 30,000 VND/day
Travel Tips and Visitor Information
Here are some tips from my visit:
- Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Bring water – Hoi An can get quite hot.
- Respect the heritage: avoid touching old furniture or leaning on wooden structures.
- Combine your visit with a nearby café or food stop – Hoi An’s local dishes are just as memorable as its architecture.
If you have limited time, consider planning your route through Hoi An’s ancient houses. It’s a relaxing, inspiring experience that connects you to the soul of the old town.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
After visiting Quan Thang Old House, you can continue your heritage journey through the Ancient Town:
- Tan Ky Ancient House: Another beautifully preserved merchant home with Japanese and Chinese influences.
- Phung Hung Ancient House: Known for its unique balcony design and colorful lanterns.
- Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Located across the Thu Bon River, this village is where many artisans of Hoi An’s old houses came from.
- Thu Bon River: Perfect for a sunset boat ride or an evening walk along its lantern-lit banks.
Exploring these nearby attractions helps paint a full picture of Hoi An’s cultural depth.
If you’re planning your next cultural trip, make sure Quan Thang Ancient House is on your list. It’s truly one of those places where time seems to stand still.