Duc An Ancient House

Quietly tucked among the bustling shops along Tran Phu Street, Duc An Old House draws visitors with the authentic charm of a traditional Hoi An home. Its time-worn wooden frames, antique household items, and simple interior arrangement make the house feel like a preserved fragment of old Hoi An, carefully maintained through generations.

1. Overview

Located at 129 Tran Phu Street, in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, Duc An Old House is one of the well-preserved examples of traditional residential architecture in the area. The house features the typical tube-house design, with a narrow façade, considerable depth, and an interior layout suited to the daily life of urban families in old Hoi An.

The name “Duc An” conveys the meaning of “preserving virtue to attain peace.” Over generations, the house served not only as a family residence but was also associated with the businesses of selling books and traditional Chinese medicine.

2. Traditional Tube-House Architecture of Hoi An

One of the most distinctive features of Duc An Old House is its traditional tube-house structure. The front faces Tran Phu Street, with the main entrance positioned in the center and windows on both sides. Above the entrance are the characteristic “door eyes,” an architectural detail commonly seen in Hoi An.

Inside, wood is the primary building material. The columns, beams, doors, and furnishings are finished in deep, warm tones, creating a rustic and peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the lively street outside.

3. A Space Preserving the Lifestyle of Old Hoi An

As visitors venture further inside, they can see simple everyday objects such as tables and chairs, oil lamps, brush holders, and decorative paintings that have been preserved by the family over time.

These everyday objects prevent Duc An Old House from feeling like a distant or formal exhibition space. Instead, the house offers a glimpse into the daily life of a Hoi An family in the past, from areas used for welcoming guests and conducting business to private spaces reserved for family life.

4. From a Bookshop to Part of Hoi An’s Memory

In the late 19th century, Duc An was the name of a bookshop specializing in Sino-Vietnamese books and stationery. In the early 20th century, the business shifted to selling traditional Chinese medicine.

This history gives Duc An Old House a distinctive character compared with many other historic houses in the area. The building tells not only a story of architecture but also evokes the commercial activities, reading culture, and everyday life that once formed part of Hoi An.

5. A Quiet Retreat on Tran Phu Street

Part of the charm of Duc An Old House lies in its simplicity. Information from the Hoi An World Heritage site also notes that, unlike many other tourist attractions, much of the house is not dedicated to selling souvenirs.

As a result, after stepping through the doorway from bustling Tran Phu Street, visitors can take their time observing the wooden columns, antique objects, and traces of time in a calmer, slower-paced atmosphere.

6. Conclusion

Duc An Old House is an ideal stop for those who wish to discover Hoi An from a more intimate perspective. Its traditional residential space, carefully preserved objects, and stories spanning generations give the house its distinctive character.

Amid the lively atmosphere of the ancient town, Duc An offers a quiet space where visitors can gain a deeper sense of how people in Hoi An once lived, conducted business, and preserved their family homes through the generations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Address: 129 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An Ancient Town.

• Opening hours: Online sources provide varying information on opening hours, so visitors are advised to check with the attraction before visiting.

• Reference price: Admission policies may vary depending on the time of visit.

• Recommended visit duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes.

• Suitable for: Visitors interested in architecture, culture, historic houses, photography, and the traditional lifestyle of old Hoi An.

• Nearby attractions: Japanese Covered Bridge, Cantonese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, and the central streets of Hoi An Ancient Town.