When I first planned my trip to Vietnam, Hoi An Ancient Town was at the top of my list—and it turned out even better than I imagined! Among all the places I visited, the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall Hoi An truly stood out. It’s more than just an old temple; it’s a mix of history, art, and spiritual beauty.
If you love exploring local culture like I do, this spot is a must-see. In this guide, I’ll share its fascinating history, the meaning behind its stunning architecture, and a few helpful tips for your visit. Let’s find out why this hall, also called the Chaozhou Assembly Hall, is one of Hoi An’s hidden gems.
Discovering the Trieu Chau Assembly Hall Hoi An: History and Significance
My first impression of the hall was its grand gate. It was huge and beautifully detailed. Just seeing it made me want to learn more about its story.
A masterpiece of Chinese architecture in Hoi An
The Trieu Chau Assembly Hall is one of the most impressive communal houses in Hoi An. It’s also one of the five main Chinese assembly halls built by different communities who once lived here. You can find it easily at 157 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street, right in the heart of the ancient town.
This hall shows how deeply Chinese culture influenced Hoi An centuries ago. It stands as proof of the city’s busy trading past and the Chinese merchants who helped Hoi An grow into a thriving port.
Built by Chaozhou traders in 1845
The hall was built in 1845 by the Chaozhou people, a group of Chinese immigrants who came to Hoi An for trade. Back then, it was a community hub—a place where people met, shared ideas, and kept their traditions alive in a new country.
The building was made from wood and stone, materials strong enough to survive more than 170 years of history.
Why locals call it “Ong Bon Pagoda”
When I visited, some locals called it “Ong Bon Pagoda.” At first, I was confused. Then I learned this nickname reflects its spiritual role. Even though it started as a community hall, it later became a place of worship.
This mix between community and religion is very typical in Vietnamese culture. It shows how social life and spirituality often go hand in hand.
From communal hall to sacred shrine
Today, the Chaozhou Assembly Hall is mainly used to worship the Gods of rivers and seas. It makes perfect sense—most Chaozhou traders depended on the ocean for their livelihood.
People come here to pray for safe voyages, good weather, and success in business. I love how the hall still protects the community, just as it did in the past.
Architectural Marvels and Symbolic Artistry of Trieu Chau Hall
One of the main reasons I think the Chaozhou Hall is worth visiting is its beautiful architecture. You could easily spend an hour just admiring the carvings and small details everywhere.
The unique “Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc” design
The hall follows a Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc layout — a traditional Chinese architectural style that’s quite rare in Vietnam. The name comes from a Chinese hieroglyph and reflects the hall’s cultural roots.
This design creates an open courtyard in the middle, surrounded by buildings on all sides. When I stepped inside, it felt calm and sheltered, like the noise of the outside world had disappeared.
A mix of wood, stone, marble, and porcelain
The materials used here tell stories of craftsmanship and wealth. The main structure is made from wood and stone, but the decorations are what truly catch your eye.
You’ll notice marble sculptures placed between wooden ones, detailed porcelain patterns, and carved beams decorated with dragon motifs. Every corner seems to show the skill and dedication of ancient artisans.
The meaning behind the sculptures
The carvings in the hall aren’t just for decoration; they carry deep meanings and prayers from the Chinese traders who built it.
- The Four Holy Beasts (Tu Linh) – Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix – stand for power, protection, and good luck.
- The Four Holy Plants – Pine, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo, and Apricot – represent virtue and strength through the seasons.
- Carp turning into a dragon is another common image. It symbolizes hard work and success, a perfect wish for traders who faced the challenges of the sea.
Each sculpture tells a story of hope, courage, and faith. For me, walking through the hall felt like reading a visual diary of the people who built it — their dreams carved into every wall and beam.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Guide and Festival Calendar
To make sure your trip to Hoi An is smooth and enjoyable, here are the essential details for visiting the Trieu Chau Hall. I always appreciate having this kind of practical information ready before I go!
Essential Information for Tourists
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:
- Location and Address: The Hall is located at 157 Nguyen Duy Hieu street. It’s in Cam Chau Ward, easy to access.
- Opening Hours and Ticket Fee: The Hall is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Vietnamese Ticket Price: 80,000 VND/person
- Foreigners Ticket Price: 120,000 VND/person
- This ticket is valid for 5 heritage sites within the Ancient Town
Also check the updated entrance ticket in Hoi An 2025.
Experiencing the Annual Festival
Every year, from the 1st to the 16th day of the first lunar month, Trieu Chau becomes the heart of celebration. The main event takes place on the 16th day, where locals gather to honor their ancestors and the gods.
The ceremonies include offering rituals, flower displays, and musical performances. When I attended, I was amazed by the blend of solemn worship in the morning and joyful singing later in the day. The scent of incense, the rhythm of drums, and the colorful lanterns created an atmosphere that was both sacred and festive.
If you ever plan to visit Hoi An during this time, it’s worth adding this event to your itinerary. It’s a unique window into how ancient traditions continue to thrive today.
Visitor Guidelines and Respectful Conduct
Here are some useful tips for your trip:
- Dress respectfully: Wear modest clothing such as shirts with long pants or dresses in simple, elegant colors. I always choose a modest outfit when visiting temples or assembly halls.
- Ask before taking photos: Photography isn’t allowed in the main hall. You can only take pictures in areas approved by the staff — a fair rule to keep the space sacred.
- Keep it quiet: Avoid loud conversations or joking around. The calm atmosphere is part of what makes the visit so peaceful.
- Be ready for the weather: Bring an umbrella and some water. Hoi An can get quite hot, and staying comfortable helps you enjoy the experience more.
Nearby Attractions to Complete Your Hoi An Trip
The best thing about Trieu Chau Hall is its location. It’s right in the heart of the old town, surrounded by many other beautiful landmarks. You could easily spend an entire day exploring this area.
Plan your route
For a well-rounded visit, I suggest combining this stop with a few nearby sites. You can check out my detailed guide to Hoi An ancient city to plan your itinerary easily.
Other Chinese assembly halls
Just a short walk away are the Fujian Assembly Hall and the Cantonese Assembly Hall. Visiting all three gives you a great look at how each Chinese community built its own unique place of worship and cultural pride.
Iconic landmarks nearby
Don’t miss the Japanese Bridge, one of Hoi An’s most famous symbols, or the Duc An Ancient House, a stunning example of old Vietnamese architecture. Exploring these places together helps you understand how Chinese and Japanese influences blended beautifully to shape Hoi An’s charm.