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Overview of Phung Hung Ancient House

Built in 1780, Phung Hung house is preserved almost intact, becoming a tourist attraction. Phung Hung ancient house is located at 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, in the old town, near “Japanese bridge”. The house was built by a Vietnamese merchant in 1780, during the flourishing period of the port town of Hoi An. He named the house Phung Hung – also a merchant’s name, which means “prosperous” with the wish that the family business prosper.

In the past, this was a shop selling a bunch of products such as cinnamon, pepper, salt, silk, porcelain, and glass. The current owner is an 8th generation descendant, living and protecting the old house.

The structure of Phung Hung Ancient House

Phung Hung ancient house has 2 floors and it has 80 ironwood columns.

• On the first floor

Horizontally, it is divided into 3 parts, the main part is in the middle, and the 2 side parts are shops. Above the main door, there are two door-eyes, also known as the god-eyes, an architectural feature in Hoi An. The eye of the door is both a decoration and a spiritual element, considered a guardian for the house, avoiding bad things.

Vertically, it is divided into 3 spaces. The space which is close to the main road is used for trading. In the middle, there is a table set up, which is used to greet guests who visit the house, especially, there is the skylight which helps the house to receive sunlight. Inside is the living rooms, where all family activities take place.

• On the 2nd floor, it is mainly used for worshiping and family activities. There is an ancestral altar and another altar dedicated to “ 5 Element”.

The architecture of the house is influenced by 3 cultures of Japan, China, and Vietnam. The main building material is wood for the frame and structural floor, brick wall, and Yin and Yang tiled roof. Many columns, beams, and wooden beams are elaborately carved.

The roof of the house is the Tu Hai roof – the roof spreading out to 4 sides. This is a feature of Japanese architecture. There is a square door on the floor, called a trapdoor. This door has the effect of connecting to the lower floor, used to move goods upstairs when there is a flood which is an indigenous architectural detail.

The value of Phung Hung Ancient House

Phung Hung Ancient House was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic on June 29, 1993. Up to now, the house has still remained almost intact architecturally. The Phung Hung ancient house has partly shown the material and spiritual life of the trading class in Hoi An in the past. Besides, it is also proof of the significant cultural exchange among Japan, China, and the indigenous people.