Phung Hung ancient house, located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in Hoi An, near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, is one of the city’s most renowned historical sites. Built in 1780 by a Vietnamese merchant, the house is a symbol of prosperity and success, reflected in its name, "Phung Hung," which means "thriving and flourishing."

Initially serving as a trading hub for forestry and agricultural products like cinnamon, pepper, salt, silk, ceramics, and glassware, the house is now home to the merchant’s eighth-generation descendants, who continue to preserve its original state.

The house’s design showcases a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles:

Chinese influence: The balconies and main doors are distinctly Chinese in design.

Japanese touch: The roof features the "tứ hải" (the four seas) style, symbolizing unity and harmony.

Vietnamese elements: The wooden frames, crossbeams, and traditional double-sloped roofs are typical of Vietnamese architecture.

The house’s structure is supported by 80 meticulously crafted wooden columns made of ironwood, placed on stone bases for stability. Intricate carvings adorn many of the beams and crossbars, adding to its artistic value.

In 1993, Phung Hung ancient house was recognized as a National Historic and Cultural Site. Over the centuries, it has served not only as a trading hub but also as a safe haven. During the historic flood of 1964, the house sheltered over 100 people for three days.

Sacred door decorations: Above the main entrance are "spirit eyes," serving both as decorative elements and as protective symbols to ward off bad luck.

Inter-floor connectivity: A square trapdoor connects the first and second floors, allowing goods to be transferred during floods.

Cultural artifacts: The interior is adorned with antique furniture, such as a 200-year-old mother-of-pearl inlaid table set and intricate wood carvings.

Symbolic details: Carved carp on the roof supports represent prosperity and good fortune.

The house offers a glimpse into the lives of Hoi An’s merchant class during its time as a thriving port city and highlights the cultural exchange between Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese communities.

W-Anh 16 gigapixel low resolution v2 4x.jpeg
Phung Hung ancient house features a distinctive blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture.
W-2024_12_08_11_11_IMG_3235 gigapixel standard v2 6x 2.jpeg
Above the main entrance, "spirit eyes" serve both decorative and protective purposes.
W-Anh 3.jpeg
The house’s structure, built from ironwood and tiled with yin-yang roof tiles, reflects its durability and cultural roots.
W-2024_12_08_12_20_IMG_3277 gigapixel standard v2 4x faceai.jpeg
A 200-year-old mother-of-pearl inlaid table set adorns the spacious living room.
W-Anh 5.jpg
To enter the inner section, visitors must pass through a central doorway adorned with a horizontal inscribed panel reading "Thế Đức Lưu Quang", which translates to "The virtuous light of ancestors shines eternally." On either side of the door are a pair of antique couplets.
W-Anh 6.jpeg
The square trapdoor between floors was used to transfer goods during floods.
W-Anh 7.jpeg
This house is also a relic of the architectural artistry and lifestyle of Hoi An’s ancient merchant class, serving as a testament to the cultural exchange that flourished during the city’s heyday as a bustling trading port.
W-Anh 8.jpeg
The innermost section of the Phung Hung Ancient House served as the living quarters for the family. During the historic flood of 1964, this area became a safe haven for about 100 people for three days and nights.
W-Anh 9.jpeg
The outer section of the second floor is dedicated to worship and family activities.
W-Anh 10 gigapixel standard v2 6x.jpeg
Its balcony doors are crafted in the "upper grille, lower panel" style, with wooden panels below for privacy and ventilation above for airflow.
W-Anh 11.jpeg
W-Anh 12.jpg
Situated in a prime location near the Japanese Covered Bridge, the house features intricately carved eave supports in the shape of carp, symbolizing prosperity, power, and good fortune.
W-Anh 13.jpg
Despite enduring many historical changes, the house has retained its nearly intact architectural and interior features. 
W-Anh 14.jpeg
Inside, it preserves numerous objects used by generations of the family, showcasing its rich heritage.
W-Anh 15.jpeg
Phung Hung Ancient House is an iconic destination that visitors to Hoi An should not miss, embodying the history, artistry, and cultural exchanges of this once-thriving trading port.

Priceless treasures in the famous 283-year-old house in Hoi An.

Ha Nam