The Phung Hung Ancient House, located at 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, near the Japanese Bridge, is one of the unique architectural symbols of Hoi An Old Town.
Built in 1780 during the heyday of the port city of Hoi An by a Vietnamese merchant, the house is named Phung Hung, meaning "prosperity," reflecting the owner's wish for success in business.
The Phung Hung ancient house (on the left) is located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, next to the Japanese Bridge (Photo: Ngo Linh).
In the past, this was a shop selling forest and agricultural products such as cinnamon, pepper, and salt, along with silk, porcelain, and glassware. The current owner is the eighth-generation descendant who lives and preserves the old house.
The house is a harmonious blend of three cultures: Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Primarily constructed of wood, the house features a floor frame structure, brick gable walls, and a yin-yang tiled roof. Many details, such as columns, beams, and rafters, are elaborately carved, creating an antique and refined beauty.
The house's facade is divided into three sections, with the main entrance in the middle section and the two side sections serving as shop doors. Above the main door are two door eyes, also known as door gods, a distinctive architectural feature of Hoi An.
The two-story Phung Hung ancient house reflects the influence of three cultures: Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese (Photo: Ngo Linh).
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Entering the inner chamber from the outer room, one passes through a central doorway. Above the doorway hangs a horizontal plaque with four characters: "The Virtues of Our Ancestors Shine Brightly," meaning that the virtues of our ancestors are passed down and shine brightly. On either side of the doorway are pairs of ancient couplets.
The interior houses a living room with a double-height atrium extending to the roof, creating an airy and bright space. The second floor is surrounded by a railing, and the entire house has 80 ironwood columns. The four-sided roof, a hallmark of Japanese architecture, spreads out in all directions, creating an open and airy atmosphere.
The outer section of the second floor serves as a place of worship and family life, with an ancestral altar and an altar dedicated to the Goddess Thien Hau. The roof structure and wooden frame reflect the distinctive features of Vietnamese architecture.
The house has 80 ironwood pillars, and its architecture has been preserved almost intact (Photo: Ngo Linh).
Notably, the house features a square opening on the floor, called a trapdoor, used to transport goods upstairs during floods. The porch on the second floor bears the hallmarks of Chinese architecture with its crab-shell ceiling and carved carp figures, symbols of good fortune and prosperity.
The Phung Hung ancient house still preserves many antiques and ceramics dating back hundreds of years. Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument since June 29, 1993, the house has retained its original architectural features and interior design.
Visitors can admire the Phung Hung ancient house when purchasing a Hoi An ancient town tour ticket for 80,000 VND/person, which allows them to choose to visit 3 out of 21 structures. Especially during the Lunar New Year 2025, Hoi An will offer free admission from January 28th to 31st.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/thoi-su/ngoi-nha-co-hon-240-tuoi-co-80-cot-go-lim-o-hoi-an-20250127142619882.htm
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