Phung Hung Ancient House - A 200-Year-Old Architectural Masterpiece

Phung Hung Ancient House is one of the typical constructions of the ancient town of Hoi An, distinguished by its exquisite wooden architecture and a history of over two hundred years. Visiting this place, tourists will be able to admire the ancient space. In this article, let's join NVK Travel to learn about the story of an old merchant family and explore the unique cultural values that are still preserved in Hoi An to this day.

Overview of Phung Hung Ancient House

Like an open book, Phung Hung Ancient House takes visitors back to the prosperous period of Hoi An's trading scene. The space of the house and the ancient artifacts make every step feel the breath of history.

Where is the ancient house located?

The ancient house is located at 4 Nguyen Minh Khai, Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City (old address: 4 Nguyen Minh Khai, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam). The house is situated in the pedestrian area, making it easy to combine visits to nearby famous sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the old assembly hall of the Chinese community. This location allows visitors to experience the ancient space of the house while enjoying the bustling atmosphere typical of the ancient town.

Phuc Hung Ancient House - Ancient architecture with a history of hundreds of years

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The context of the establishment and historical value of the ancient house

Phung Hung Ancient House was built in the early 20th century and belonged to a wealthy merchant family. During this period, Hoi An was a bustling trading port, a trading hub of many countries, and ancient houses like Phung Hung are a testament to the prosperity of merchants.

The house stands out with its solid lim wood structure, yin-yang tiled roof, and intricately carved doors and columns, showcasing effective moisture and flood resistance construction techniques. These details not only have aesthetic value but also reflect the lifestyle, culture, and customs of the people of ancient Hoi An.

The house of a Vietnamese merchant that has been inhabited for 8 generations

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In terms of historical value, Phung Hung Ancient House is not only a place to preserve valuable artifacts but also a living testament to the customs, culture, and traditional architectural art. The house has become an important destination for both domestic and international tourists, contributing to the preservation of heritage and educating the cultural history for today's generation.

The unique architecture of Phung Hung Ancient House

Every column, beam, and carved detail in Phung Hung Ancient House tells the story of the lives of ancient Hoi An merchants. The architecture here is not only beautiful but also embodies the sophistication, intellect, and timeless construction techniques of our ancestors.

The harmonious architectural blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles

The ancient house is a typical example of the architectural fusion between three different schools:

• Vietnamese style: Reflected through the sturdy wooden structure, yin-yang tiled roof, and traditional carved details.
• Chinese influence: Evident in the decorative patterns on the doors and columns, reflecting the refined aesthetic taste and meticulousness in every detail.
• Japanese elements: Shown through the open space layout, stairs, balconies, and the ability to utilize natural light.

This harmonious combination creates a space that is both ancient and elegant. This is a characteristic feature of ancient house architecture in Hoi An.

Unique architecture with a harmonious blend of three cultures

2-story structure made of precious wood

Phung Hung Ancient House is built with 2 stories of lim wood and precious wood, designed to ensure durability over time.

• First floor: The main living space, storage room, and reception area.
• Second floor: The family's resting area, which also has a balcony overlooking the ancient town.

The use of precious wood not only adds aesthetic value but also helps the house resist moisture and termites. This is suitable for the humid climate of Central Vietnam.

Every carved detail tells a beautiful story

The specially designed system of columns, doors, and roofs

Phung Hung Ancient House makes a strong impression thanks to its meticulously designed system of columns, doors, and roofs, ensuring both functionality and showcasing traditional artistic values. More details:

• Sturdy lim wood columns: The main columns in the house are made from precious lim wood, capable of bearing weight well and have a lifespan of hundreds of years. On the columns are exquisite carved details such as: four sacred creatures, dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and leaves,... showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
• Flexible wooden door system: The main door and windows are designed to be raised or lowered, convenient for daily use while allowing ventilation and natural sunlight to enter the interior space. The door frames are also decorated with intricate patterns, bearing the distinctive marks of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles.
• Special yin-yang tiled roof: The roof is covered with traditional yin-yang tiles, allowing for quick drainage, effective heat and moisture resistance. At the same time, the roof design creates a balanced, harmonious beauty, highlighting the overall architecture of the house.

The ancient house was recognized as a historical monument in 1992 and is strictly preserved

Cultural relic and historical witness of national level

Phung Hung Ancient House is a valuable testament to the history and culture of ancient Hoi An and was officially awarded the National Historical - Cultural Monument certificate in 1992. The recognition and preservation of the ancient house help educate cultural history, attract domestic and international tourists, and contribute to the protection of the unique intangible cultural heritage of the prosperous trading period.

Detailed guide to visiting Phung Hung Ancient House

Visiting the ancient house is not only about exploring architecture but also about experiencing vibrant history. Knowing in advance the notes, ticket prices, and opening hours will help your trip go smoothly and completely.

The ancient house is open all day with no limit on the number of visitors

Opening hours and ticket prices

Phung Hung Ancient House opens to welcome visitors from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. This time is suitable for tourists to combine exploring other famous sites in the ancient town of Hoi An.

The current ticket price is 80,000 VND/person for Vietnamese guests, 120,000 VND/person for international guests, which includes many heritage sites: Phung Hung, Duc An Ancient House, and Quan Thang Ancient House. Children under 6 years old are free of charge and there are special discounts for students.

Walking is the ideal choice to enjoy the ancient beauty of Hoi An

How to get to Phung Hung ancient house

The ancient house is located right in the center of Hoi An ancient town, making it easy for you to move around and find it. Tourists can conveniently reach this landmark in various ways such as:

• Walking: If you are in the center of the ancient town, the house is only about a 5-minute walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge. This is a great way to both sightsee and enjoy the ancient atmosphere of the old town.
• Bicycle or motorbike: Suitable for tourists who want to combine visiting many places in the ancient town and nearby areas. There are many rental points in Hoi An, right near the Japanese Covered Bridge, at reasonable prices.
• Taxi or Grab: For tourists coming from farther areas such as: Da Nang city, An Khe beach, An Bang beach,... Taxis will take you right to the door of Phung Hung ancient house.

What to do when visiting the ancient house?

Here are some activities you should definitely experience when visiting this historical site.

Each artifact reflects the culture and life of our ancestors in the 1970s

Explore and admire ancient artifacts

When entering Phung Hung ancient house, visitors will be able to admire many valuable ancient artifacts such as: tables, chairs, cabinets, worship items, silk paintings, and household items of ancient merchants. Each item tells a story about the life, customs, and refined aesthetic taste of the people of Hoi An in the 1970s. Take your time to observe carefully and listen to the explanations to understand the historical value of these artifacts.

Wander into every nook and cranny of the house to not miss any beauty

Explore every corner of the ancient house

The ancient house has a 2-story space with many rooms and small corridors, each corner contains unique architectural details. Therefore, you should walk slowly, observing each detail such as: wooden pillars, roof beams, stairs, carved doors,... to fully appreciate the ancient beauty and the craftsmanship in the design of ancient artisans.

Experience traditional crafts

One of the attractions when visiting is to learn about and experience traditional crafts related to Hoi An culture such as: silk weaving, making conical hats, lanterns, wood carving, or embroidery. This is an opportunity for you to gain deeper insights into the life, skills, and culture of the people in the 20th century.

Many traditional crafts from the 20th century are still preserved to this day

Check-in at the balcony and wooden stairs

The balcony on the second floor and the wooden stairs are famous check-in spots at this ancient house. Natural light shines through the wooden window frames, creating an ancient atmosphere, perfect for a Vintage photo shoot. Tourists should choose early morning or late afternoon hours for beautiful lighting and to avoid crowds.

Share tips for a smooth exploration of Phung Hung ancient house

The trip to explore Phung Hung ancient house will be more complete and interesting when you know the following small but useful tips:

• The best time to visit the ancient house: The dry season from February to August is the ideal time of the year to visit the ancient house. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with little rain, making it convenient for walking around the ancient town and taking photos.
• Wear low shoes for easy movement: The ancient house has many corridors, wooden stairs, and ancient floors, so tourists should wear comfortable low shoes for easy and safe movement.
• Ask the tour guide about the ancient silk painting: One of the important highlights of the site is the ancient silk painting - reflecting the exquisite art and the life of ancient merchant families. Don't hesitate to ask the tour guide to hear the interesting story about the origin, meaning, and crafting technique of the painting.

With over 2 centuries of age, Phung Hung ancient house still retains its exquisite beauty, from the pillars and roof tiles to the valuable artifacts. This is an ideal destination to gain deeper insights into the ancient culture of Hoi An. To make your visit more convenient and enjoyable, you can choose a complete Hoi An travel service from NVK Travel.