Welcome to the timeless charm of Duc An Ancient House, a cherished landmark nestled in the heart of Hoi An, Vietnam. As you step into its storied halls, you embark on a journey through nearly two centuries of history and cultural significance. Here, amidst the tranquil beauty of its East Asian architecture, the past comes alive, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage.

As you explore Duc An Ancient House, we invite you to delve deeper into the fascinating stories and legacies of the figures who shaped its history. For a more immersive experience and further exploration of Vietnam’s historical and cultural treasures, visit Vietnampeace.com. Discover the vibrant tapestry of Vietnam’s past, where each thread contributes to the nation’s enduring spirit of resilience, bravery, and peace. Join us as we celebrate the timeless allure of Duc An Ancient House and the captivating narratives that define Vietnam’s heritage.

1. Introduction to Duc An Ancient House

Duc An Ancient House was built in 1830 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty. Initially, this house was passed down by the Phan family ancestors to their descendants, totaling eight generations born and raised here.

The name “Duc An” means “upholding morality for peace”. “Duc An” was also used as the brand name for the family’s bookstore in the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, Duc An Ancient House became a gathering place for many revolutionaries to propagate patriotism among the people of Hoi An.

Over nearly two centuries, Duc An Ancient House has become a renowned tourist destination in Hoi An, attracting numerous visitors.

2. Address of Duc An Ancient House in Hoi An

Duc An Ancient House is located at 129 Tran Phu Street (Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province) in the center of Hoi An Ancient Town. It is open from 8:00 to 21:00 daily, Monday to Sunday.

To get to Duc An Ancient House in Hoi An, tourists can choose to walk to conveniently combine with other sightseeing spots. Additionally, cyclos and bicycles are also convenient means of transportation that you can consider:

– Cyclo: around 150,000 VND per hour per vehicle.
– Bicycle: around 40,000 VND per day per bike.

3. Architectural Features of Duc An Ancient House – East Asian Beauty over Nearly 2 Centuries

Duc An Ancient House features a design similar to most other ancient houses in Hoi An. The house’s frontage is 7 meters wide and 40 meters long, with the main door in the middle and two side windows for trading purposes.

The overall architecture of Duc An Ancient House consists of several layers with different functions. The first section displays, trades, and stores the ancient medicinal cabinets. Next is the worship area, which memorializes and preserves the images and memorabilia of the patriotic figure Cao Hong Lanh. Finally, a courtyard and a corridor lead to the family’s living area.

The frame of Duc An Ancient House is built following the style of the Central Vietnamese communal houses, influenced by the architectural style of coastal urban residents. Surrounding the house is a solid brick wall with yin and yang roof tiles. The wooden frame system in front of the house is exceptionally sturdy and capable of expanding space.

Incredibly, all the wood used to build the house is a durable local wood type, only found in Quang Nam Province, capable of withstanding the harsh weather conditions of the Central region.

4. Historical Significance of Duc An Ancient House in the Vietnamese Patriotic Movement

4.1. Duc An – the Sole Bookstore in Quang Nam Province in the Late 19th Century

In the late 19th century, Duc An Ancient House was known as the only bookstore in Quang Nam Province. Many patriots during the anti-French period came here to reference and purchase progressive-minded books. In the early 20th century, Duc An Ancient House was also a place to disseminate various types of progressive literature to promote patriotism among the people of Hoi An.

4.2. Birthplace of Patriot Cao Hong Lanh (1906)

Previously, Duc An Ancient House was the birthplace of patriot Cao Hong Lanh. As the youngest son of the fourth generation of the Phan family – a lifelong patriot, he held important positions in the Party and the State.

4.3. Bac Duc An Pharmacy and Meeting Place for Patriot Scholars (after 1908)

By 1908, the resistance in Central Vietnam failed, and Duc An bookstore ceased its operation and turned to selling medicine. Today, Duc An Ancient House still preserves the remaining medicine cabinets from the past.

4.4. Establishment Place of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth Organization (1927)

In October 1927, the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth Organization in Hoi An was established at Duc An Ancient House, later becoming the precursor of the Hoi An Communist Party.

4.5. Duc An Ancient House – a Place for Party Communication and Meetings (1930)

From 1908 to 1930, Duc An Ancient House was the venue for many important historical events in the country. The most notable event was the declaration of the establishment of the Quang Nam Province Communist Party on March 28, 1930.

Hoi An not only boasts many ancient architectural structures with unique cultural characteristics like Duc An Ancient House, Tan Ky Ancient House, Phung Hung Ancient House, Thai Phien Ancient House, and Cantonese Assembly Hall, but also has many impressive entertainment and tourism spots blending modernity with tradition.

Duc An Ancient House is a timeless testament to Vietnam’s rich history and enduring spirit. Its architectural elegance and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to delve into the cultural heritage of Hoi An and Vietnam as a whole. As we explore its corridors and contemplate its past, we’re reminded of the bravery and resilience of those who came before us, shaping the nation’s destiny.

To explore Vietnam’s rich historical and cultural heritage further, visit Vietnampeace.com. Delve deeper into the stories and legacies of figures like Cao Hong Lanh and the revolutionary movements that found sanctuary within the walls of Duc An Ancient House. Let us continue to honor and preserve these cherished landmarks, ensuring that their stories resonate for generations to come.