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The worshipping house is one of the
unique old houses in Hoi An, mixing the
architectural features of Vietnam, China
and Japan. The architecture of the house
depicts the history of a prosperous family
and its many descendants.
Most are based on an old design
taken from a royal house and employ
the principle of Ying-Yang. The roof,
columns, doors and girders are all laid
out with perfect balance and symmetry.
Everything, from the furniture to the
interior decoration, has remained un-
changed for over two centuries. Genera-
tion by generation, the families preserve
the precious treasures of their ancestors.
It is an honour to look after the
ancestor-worshipping house, so only
the head of the family can live in and
take care of the building. Every year, on
a fixed day, all family members must
come back to their worship house in
memory of their ancestors.
Visiting a family ancestor worship
house in Hoi An is really a perfect way to
learn about the history of the land and
people as well as to discover a unique
tradition and how the locals express
their gratitude to their ancestors. This is
vivid proof of how the locals take pride
in their roots. A Vietnam folk poem says:
“A tree has roots and branches that are
hatched from the root and water also
runs from its original source to the riv-
ers and seas”. Therefore, the ancestors
taught us that we have to appreciate
and respect our roots. If descendants
forget the deeds of their ancestors, they
will lose their identity.
Dynasty and many antiquities includ-
ing a 100-year-old wooden flower pot.
The house, which was restored once
in 1909 and again in 2005, still retains
its ironwood columns, rafters and gird-
ers from when it was originally built in
1806. Only the roof and floor had to be
restored using new clay tiles. Tourists
can visit the house while wandering
around the old quarter of Hoi An. The
house opens from 8am to 9pm daily.
Tran
family ancestor house
Located in the heart of Hoi An, at 21
Le Loi street, the family ancestor worship
house of the Tran family was built in
1802. The house is designed beautifully
and contains many antiques. Two parts
are open for tourists, including the draw-
ing room, which has separate entrances
for men and women. There is a third
door in the centre of the room for the
purpose of the Tet festival and special
anniversaries of the family. The house
opens daily from 8am to 6pm.
Truong
family ancestor house
The Truong Family originated in
Fukian province, China. They were
known for business, scientific research
and their significant contributions to
national economic growth and cultur-
al development. The Truong ancestor
worshiping house is at 69/1 Phan Chau
Trinh street and was constructed in the
mid 19th century.
Tourists will be very interested in
learning how the family handled their
family affairs. It is also possible to
view old items that were gifted by the
Nguyen lords.
The centre of the house is open on
three days of Tet (Lunar New Year) and
two days on the anniversary of a family
member’s death, but tourists can visit
the beautiful gardens, front yard and
surrounding areas at any time to en-
joy their unique architecture as well as
to talk with family member and artist,
Truong Bach Tuong. Open daily from
8am to 8pm.
family ancestor houses to visit