Quan Thang Ancient House, Hoi An: Explore Oriental Architecture

Hoi An Ancient Town is famous for various ancient houses. Apart from Tan Ky Ancient House or Phung Hung Ancient House, Quan Thang Ancient House is also a renowned tourist attraction. Here, visitors can feel the finesse and sophistication in every architectural feature.

I. History of Quan Thang Ancient House

Quan Thang Ancient House was built in the 18th century and originally owned by a Chinese captain and merchant. It was named after its first owner – Quan Thang. At that time, this house was used both as a trading place and an accommodation. 

Until now, Quan Thang Ancient House is over three centuries old. Through the harshness of time, it still remains intact in terms of architectural designs and interior decorations. Today’s descendants, therefore, have a chance to be recalled to business class people’s lifestyle in Hoi An Port.

II. Architecture and Structure of Quan Thang Ancient House

Quan Thang Ancient House has the architectural style of Huaxia region of China. Known as the most beautiful wood sculpture masterpiece in Hoi An Ancient Town, all of its wooden carvings are invented by artisans from Kim Bong Carpentry Village. 

This 300-square-meter house is a typical example of a long tube-shaped house without any upstairs. Its front and back side connect with Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Phu Street. While the front of the house is utilized for trading purposes, the back leading to the river wharf is convenient for exporting and importing goods. 

Quan Thang Ancient House retains several major Hoi An architectural features namely crab-shell roofs, a small space with a roof overlooking a sky yard. In addition, the walls surrounding the sky yard are decorated with charming Chinese porcelain pieces, along with a variety of landscape and animal designs.

In general, Quan Thang Ancient House is divided into 3 primary compartments: business space, living space and worship space. Each space has its own uniqueness, but all furnished in a delicate way. 

Pertaining the trading space, there are two large wooden stalls for displaying goods at the outermost part. Inside the house is the living room and living space for all members of the family. Visitors can see a kitchen and a storage area as well, which all depicts the daily life of our predecessors.

The sky yard is considered an interesting feature in the structure of this ancient house. Located in the middle of the house, the campus of this sky yard consists of an aquarium, a small house and many trees around. As a result, it tends to provide more light for compartments, as well as making the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

III. What to See and Do in Quan Thang Ancient House?

1. Explore Amazing Oriental Architecture

Quan Thang Ancient House is a unique historical work of art bearing the imprints of Oriental design and sculpture. Artistic patterns lie everywhere: on beams, shutters, arches and sub-arches. If you want to find realistic materials to support a report on traditional architecture, this place would be one of the top-notch choices.

2. Learn about Building Materials

We are definitely all familiar with modern buildings constructed from concrete. So a visit to Quan Thang Ancient House enables visitors to contemplate more uncommon materials used to create this old house. 

In particular, the house is built from a wide range of woods and gems. Here, we are impressed by house frames which are assembled together by wooden mortars, pillar legs on marble slabs, or bricks and thick tiles building up the outside area.

3. Contemplate Precious Ancient Antiques

Those who are antique-lovers will consider this house as a treasure box. Almost all the furniture, including horizontal lacquered boards are valuable relics showing off the wealth and prosperity of ancient merchants. 

IV. How to Get to Quan Thang Ancient House?

Some suggestions to reach this destination:

• By plane: You can book flight tickets to get to Da Nang Airports, and then move to Quang Nam Province.
• By train: Train routes from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang are available. Ticket prices range from 400.000 VND to 1.200.000 VND depending on the train type and seat type. It takes around 14 to 20 hours to travel from these two cities to Da Nang by train.
• By coach: costs about 400.000 – 500.000 VND and takes 18 to 20 hours from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to get to Da Nang.

Choose means of transport while visiting Hoi An:

• Price for hiring motorbikes: 120.000 – 150.000 VND/day.
• Price for hiring bicycles: about 30.000 VND/day.

V. Extra Tips

• The estimated visit time for the entire house just takes you about 5 to 10 minutes, so you can easily arrange your itinerary to visit Quan Thang Ancient House at any time of the day.

• As the maximum capacity of the house ranges from 30 to 40 visitors, some large-scale tour groups may have to wait for their visit turn.

In the busy lives of modern society, we sometimes should be deep in contemplation with traditional age-old works like Quan Thang Ancient House. This is an occasion for us to know more about history and admire the cultural beauty of our nation. 

Have you ever been to this ancient house? If you haven’t, please note down this place in your future plan to the vibrant Hoi An City. You will certainly find something memorable in your trip!

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