Quan Thang Ancient Merchant House Hoi An: An Everlasting Window into Vietnam’s Trading Past

Part of Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Quan Thang Ancient Merchant House in Hoi An is a wonderfully maintained example of a traditional Vietnamese merchant mansion from the nineteenth century. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, this old mansion features original architecture, elaborate wooden carvings, and a glimpse into Hoi An’s thriving commercial past. The home operated as a trading nexus for local merchants, exemplifying the town’s active cultural interaction. Today, it serves as a cultural heritage site, providing tourists with an immersive experience of Vietnam’s rich history, architecture, and the thriving merchant life of Hoi An’s golden period.

A Closer Look at the History of Quan Thang Old Merchant House

Quang Thang Old House was built about 300-400 years ago, in the 17th century, when Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port of the country. At this time, there were many foreign merchants from China, Japan, and even Europe stopped here to trade silk, pottery, and spices with the local Hoi An people.

The home formerly belonged to a wealthy Chinese trader who settled in Hoi An and thrived from trading Chinese herbal business. Unlike modern museums, the residence of Quan Thang still keeps its authenticity and serves as a living reminder of Hoi An’s cosmopolitan past. As you go in, you can practically sense the echoes of merchants discussing deals, the aroma of tea brewing, and the peaceful dignity of family life centuries ago and witness the daily life of the local people. Thus, they will tell you how the house would be back then when it was at its golden age.

Where Is Quan Thang Old House Located in Hoi An?

Quan Thang Old House is conveniently located at 77 Tran Phu Street, directly in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town. This great position makes it easy to incorporate during any walking tour around Hoi An. This visiting site is a short walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Old House, Tan Ky Old House and Hoi An Market, allowing visitors to see many heritage sites in one day.

Motorized cars or scooters are not permitted in the ancient quarter from 9 a.m till 11 a.m and from 3 p.m till 0 p.m. Therefore, the best way to explore the Old House of Quan Thang is on foot or by bicycle. The small alleyways, dotted with mustard-yellow shophouses, create an environment that seems locked in time.

How to travel to Quan Thang Ancient House?

Quan Thang Ancient Merchant House is located right in the Old Town of Hoi An, about 30 kilometers from the center of Da Nang city. Therefore, you can combine a trip to Da Nang with a visit to this unique architectural site in Hoi An.

From Da Nang to Hoi An’s Old Town, you have several transportation options depending on your preferences:

– Bus: An economical choice, with a ticket price of about 20,000 VND per trip from Da Nang, but the journey takes quite a while, usually around 40-50 minutes. Arrive in Hoi An, you have to take a Grab bike to come here.
– Grab or taxi: Suitable if you want a quick and comfortable trip, with fare ranging from 350,000 to 450,000 VND per trip. However, the Grab and Taxi are not allowed to go to the Old quarters of Hoi An Town. Hence, you might get off at the Le Loi and Tran Hung Dao street and take a walk from here. It takes you around 10 minutes to reach the house.
– Private tour car (4, 7, or 16 seats): If you are from Da Nang, this is an ideal option for groups, with prices from 200,000 to 300,000 VND per trip depending on the vehicle type.
– Motorbike rental: This option is perfect for those who love exploration and flexibility, with rental prices ranging from 120,000 to 200,000 VND per day. You can park your bike near the entry of the Hoi An Old town and will take a short walk from here.

Once in the center of Hoi An’s Old Town, depend on where you are. If you are at Le Loi and Tran Hung Dao st, please take a walk down the road of Le Loi st then turn left and keep walking, you will see the house on the right side.

If you are at Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Hue st, you will follow Nguyen Hue st till you meet Tran Phu st. Here, take the right turn and walk around 7 minutes more, you can find the house to your left hand at 77 Trần Phú.

Why Quan Thang Old House is Must-Visit in Hoi An Ancient Town?

Among the many ancient mansions in Hoi An, Quan Thang Old Merchant House is notable for its authenticity and elegance. It is less busy than the more well-known Tan Ky or Phung Hung Old Houses, making it perfect for those looking for a relaxing, uncrowded experience.

This is one of the best-preserved examples of a 17th-century merchant’s home, offering an authentic glimpse into how the commercial elite formerly lived. It’s a must-see for culture lovers, photographers, and history buffs in Hoi An Ancient Town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance.

The Unique Architecture of Quan Thang Old Merchant House

The design of Quan Thang Old Merchant House brilliantly captures the cultural combination that defines Hoi An. The two-story structure, made primarily of jackfruit wood, shows Chinese style influences with carved beams, wooden columns, and tiled roofs that curve like the wings of a swallow.

The house has a small open courtyard in the center, allowing the air and the sun to come in which is common in traditional Vietnamese-Chinese residences. In addition, it provides natural lighting and ventilation to the living space. The elaborate carvings of flowers, dragons, and mythological birds represent prosperity and longevity, while the layout embodies the Confucian ideal of harmony between humans and environment. The Chinese architectures can be seen with a curved roof existing at the main living room connecting it with the ventilation hall.

Every corner of the home exudes craftsmanship, demonstrating the artistry that has made Hoi An famous as a center of great carpentry and architecture.

Inside the Old Merchant House of Quan Thang: What to Expect?

Admire the old architecture of the Quan Thang House

When you enter the gate of the Quan Thang ancient house, you will be struck by the beauty of traditional architecture, see the door eyes in front of the house. According to the Hoi An people, every house has a soul and these eyes can protect the house owner from bad evils. From outside, look at the house roof, you can see tiled roof of Yin & Yang – traditional architecture of the Vietnamese styles.

The house’s top features an antique yin-yang tile roof, pale yellow lime walls, and sophisticated Hoa Ha-style wooden doors, timber frame, and complex carvings, all of which seem to evoke images of an ancient, elegant, and peaceful Hoi An. Additionally. the ornate motifs of dragons, flowers, and leaves on the columns and eaves are all the work of artisans from Kim Bong carpentry hamlet, resulting in a harmonious ensemble that resembles a vibrant classical architectural painting in the center of Hoi An.

Furthermore, when visitors enter the house, they will be impressed by the standard three-room, two-wing layout, which is reasonably divided between the worship area, living room, patio, and family living area. The entire interior is built of valuable wood, particularly the system of columns, rafters, and crossbeams, which are precisely carved and extremely durable over the time or the natural disasters.

Next to the living room where the ancestors are worshipped, you can see a ventilation hall that allows natural light from the skylight that generates a sense of openness and lightness, allowing the area to be airy and comfortable. Every element, from the wooden table to the antique teapot, helps to depict the story of Hoi An’s wealthy trading port and ancient merchants’ exquisite lifestyles.

Visit the ancestral altar, living room, courtyard and living area

When visiting the Quan Thang historic home in Hoi An, visitors will notice that each place bears the cultural mark and lifestyle of the ancient merchant elite.

Ancestral altar:

Located in a serious place in the home, the ancestral altar is beautifully ornamented with an altar made of ironwood and delicate sculptures. With the concept of “drinking water, remembering the roots”, the altar of Quan Thang Old House or any houses in Vietnam is respectfully located in a solemn place to honor the forefathers, features horizontal lacquered planks and parallel sentences gilded with gold, symbolizing the family’s piety and worship heritage. The Quan Thanh De Quan (Quang Cong Madarin) altar, in particular, is oriented toward Tran Phu Street, which has Feng Shui significance and demonstrates respect for the gods.

The living area:

This is the main reception of the Quang Thang Old Merchant House to welcome guests and is equipped with antique furniture and traditional artifacts. This space is furnished with hand-painted paintings on fabric, which serve as an artistic highlight while also representing the homeowner’s aesthetic tastes.

In the main living room are the harmonious blending of Japanese and Chinese influences. On top with three bars and five short columns symbolize for the Heaven, the Earth and the Human while 5 columns stand for 5 elements in the Vietnamese culture: Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth.

The living room of the house is beautifully carved with many special timber available in Vietnam such as jackfruit tree, teak, mahogany and so on through the skillful hands of the artisans from Kim Bong Carpentry Village when the house was under restoration.

The courtyard:

Designed with fish ponds, green trees, and Chinese ceramic-decorated walls, this place blends architecture and nature.

Dining area:

Located at the back of the house, including bedrooms and kitchen area. Although simply designed, this space still exudes warmth and comfort, reflecting the frugal and orderly lifestyle of the ancients. Here, you can witness the making of White Rose, Dumpling of the family members.

Listen to the owner telling stories of the house’s past

When visiting the Quan Thang ancient merchant house, tourists will get the opportunity to hear the family’s descendants speak about the house’s history. The owner is over 80 years who can speak Mandarin can tell you the stories from the construction of the house to the ups and downs associated with Hoi An’s prosperous heyday as a commercial port.

In addition, you will learn about traditional rituals and customs for worshiping ancestors and gods through their stories or tour guides (such as Quan Thanh De Quan) that have been preserved and passed down through many generations of the family. During this conversation, it helps you imagine how rich the house would be back then and get the understanding of how the trading activities happened in the old days and know why the family still keeps the Quan Thang Ancient Merchant House for many centuries.

Take photos in an ancient, nostalgic space

If you enjoy photography or simply want to preserve memories through gorgeous photographs, Quan Thang ancient merchant house offers endless great shooting angles. Thus, the atmosphere here exudes nostalgia, with moss-covered tiled roofs, carved wooden door frames, and light streaming through the skylight.

All form the ideal background for images with the hue of time. Whether photographing portraits, landscapes, or simply catching a quiet moment in the center of the old town, each viewpoint emanates a rustic, profound, and unique atmosphere.

Enjoy the Making of White Rose Cakes and Try the home made local dishes

If you are a food lover, you can find Quan Thang Ancient Merchant House a great place to try some of the best Hoi An’s food. The house itself often hosts traditional cooking classes and culinary demonstrations, giving visitors an authentic taste of local flavors. Here, you can watch the family making White Rose cakes, Wonton and Dumplings which are prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. The charming atmosphere of the ancient house enhances the dining experience, making it not just a meal but a cultural journey through Hoi An’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re sampling street food or enjoying a sit-down meal, Quang Thang Old House is a true paradise for food enthusiasts.

Some notes when visiting Quan Thang ancient house

To ensure a meaningful cultural experience and the preservation of the home’s long-standing heritage value, you should keep the following basic considerations in mind during your visit to Quan Thang ancient house.

• Dress politely and discreetly to fit the space of the artifact.
• If you travel with a group of 8 or more persons, you will be accompanied by a free tour guide. Smaller groups or solo guests, on the other hand, will be charged an additional fee for the explanation.
• The visit to the ancient house typically lasts approximately 10 minutes, and each visit is limited to about 40 persons to maintain a comfortable environment and to protect the artifact.
• Keep the ticket stub for future visits to other historical places in town.
• Avoid touching historic relics or carved wooden furniture.
• Maintain order, speak softly, and avoid making noises that disturb others.
• Please do not smoke, bring food, or trash.
• It is preferable to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and direct sunshine.
• If you want to take images, obtain permission first and avoid accessing restricted areas.
• To help raise income for the family, look for gifts near the rear of the house.

Following these basic principles will assist to preserve the character of this historic home for future generations to appreciate.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Visit

After exploring Quang Thang Old House, visitors can enjoy other remarkable landmarks nearby:

• Japanese Covered Bridge: The symbol of Hoi An, representing harmony between cultures.

• Phung Hung & Tan Ky Old Houses: Other well-preserved merchant residences with unique histories.

• Fujian Assembly Hall: A stunning Chinese temple known for its intricate gate and colorful altars.

• Hoi An Market: A vibrant spot for local food, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

Premium Travel Vietnam – The perfect choice for private tour

To explore the old buildings and cultural values of Quan Thang ancient house, choose the best tour agency in Da Nang: Premium Travel Vietnam, is a great choice where you can find the comfort, the professionalism with local guide expert assisting you to get more hidden stories of the Quang Thang Old Merchant House.

Based in Da Nang city and has more than 20 years of tour experience, Premium Travel Vietnam is a reliable alternative for seeing Hoi An and Da Nang’s cultural and historical sites. Thus, our knowledgeable and courteous local guides are enthusiastic about sharing the stories behind Quan Thang Ancient House, allowing tourists to gain a deeper understanding of its architecture, history, and cultural significance. The local tour agency provides bespoke trip packages that ensure your comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Whether you want a half-day Hoi An Walking Tour with other historical places of Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Fujian Assembly Hall or a full cultural excursion combining My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient town city tour, Premium Travel Vietnam offers a wonderful experience full of authentic discoveries and rich storytelling, making your trip really unique.

In Conclusion

A visit to the Quan Thang Old Merchant House in Hoi An is short journey going into the past. This magnificently maintained ancient relic encapsulates the essence of Hoi An Ancient Town, where ancient architecture, merchant culture, and centuries-old craftsmanship coexist in perfect harmony. Whether you’re going on a Hoi An walking tour, seeing antique merchant houses, or immersing yourself in Vietnam’s cultural heritage, Quan Thang House provides an unforgettable experience and being top-rated things to do in Hoi An. Its serene appeal, sophisticated design, and authentic atmosphere make it one of Central Vietnam’s must-see sights, serving as a living reminder of Hoi An’s golden age of trade and eternal beauty.