First published April 2025 | Words and photos by Phương Lê
Phương Lê is a contributing writer for Vietnam Coracle. Having lived in all three regions of Vietnam, she has a deep understanding of the country’s cultural diversity. Currently working as an independent photographer and writer, her work has been featured in various media outlets. As a photo tour guide, she provides not only photographic guidance but also meaningful connections for photography and culture enthusiasts with an authentic Vietnam.
Located near the coast, at the mouth of the Thu Bồn River in Central Vietnam, Hội An was once a thriving international trading port that attracted merchants from around the world. Over several centuries, the merchants settled into communities in and around Hội An, leaving behind a remarkable architectural legacy. Today, Hội An is a living museum of cultural fusion, where Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European architectural influences seamlessly intertwine. However, it is Chinese architecture stands out as one of the most prominent and enduring. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, merchants and settlers from various regions of China – particularly the southeastern regions of Guangdong, Fujian and Hainan – flourished in Hội An, establishing strong commercial networks within the bustling port town. Their presence profoundly shaped the town’s urban landscape, resulting in the creation of magnificent assembly halls, temples and pagodas. Many of these structures remain exceptionally well-preserved, continuing to define Hội An’s unique aesthetic and historical charm.
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5 HOI AN ASSEMBLY HALLS
Exploring Chinese Architectural Heritage in Hội An
This guide introduces Hội An’s five Assembly Halls, exploring their historical, cultural and architectural significance. I have presented the Assembly Halls in chronological order, from the oldest to the most recent. Additionally, I have provided some practical visitor information, historical background and a map. Click an item from the contents below for details. [If you enjoy this guide, please support the website]
CONTENTS:
Function & Role of Assembly Halls
5 Ancient Assembly Halls:
1. Fujian Hall (Hội Quán Phúc Kiến)
2. Chinese Hall (Hội Quán Ngũ Bang)
3. Teochew Hall (Hội Quán Triều Châu)
4. Hainanese Hall (Hội Quán Hải Nam)
5. Cantonese Hall (Hội Quán Quảng Đông)
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MAP:
5 Ancient Assembly Halls | Hội An
Visitor Information:
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Buying Tickets: The five Assembly Halls are all centrally located on Trần Phú and Nguyễn Duy Hiệu streets in Hội An Ancient Town. Note that the Chinese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Ngũ Bang) is free to visit, but the other four Assembly Halls require a ticket. Visitors can purchase tickets (120,000vnđ per person) at the official counters located at the entrance gates to Hội An Ancient Town.
This ticket grants access to 5 out of 21 attractions in the ancient town. However, 2 of these 5 must be chosen from a fixed list set by the Old Town Tourism Management, which does not include the Assembly Halls. Therefore, with this ticket, you can visit a total of 3 Assembly Halls of your choice (plus 2 of the attractions on the fixed list), and then you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for the final Assembly Hall. The ticket is valid for 24 hours only and cannot be used after this period.
Opening Times: All five Assembly Halls are open from 7:00am to 6:00pm daily. However, the best time to visit is before 9:00am to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Suggested Route: Although this guide presents the Assembly Halls in chronological order from the oldest to the most recent, their actual locations follow a linear west-east path along Trần Phú Street and Nguyễn Duy Hiệu Street [MAP]. To make the most of your visit, start at the Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Quảng Đông) at the west end of Trần Phú Street, near the famous Japanese Bridge Pagoda, and then continue due east to the Chinese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Ngũ Bang), Fujian Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Phúc Kiến), Hainanese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Hải Nam), and finally the Teochew Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Triều Châu).
Function & Role of Assembly Halls:
The Assembly Halls served as both spiritual centers and communal spaces. They were primarily places of worship, dedicated to various deities, such as Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu (the protector of sailors) and other revered figures believed to safeguard traders and seafarers while also bringing prosperity and good fortune. This spiritual devotion reflected the maritime nature of the Chinese merchants’ livelihoods, and they would frequently visit these halls to pray for safe voyages and successful trade expeditions.
Beyond their religious role, the Assembly Halls were crucial social hubs, offering a gathering space where merchants and immigrants from the same region could connect, support one another and maintain their cultural traditions. Except for Hội Quán Ngũ Bang (Chinese Assembly Hall), which was established as a shared meeting place for people from five different regions of China, the other halls were founded by communities from the same hometown, fostering strong regional ties.
Over time, these halls evolved into venues for traditional ceremonies and cultural celebrations, helping to preserve the identity of the Hoa (Vietnamese people of Chinese origin) in Hội An. Today, they remain significant architectural and cultural landmarks, standing as testaments to Hội An’s multicultural heritage.
Architecturally, the Assembly Halls embody a distinctive Chinese design, reflecting centuries of cultural heritage, artistic craftsmanship and adaptation to the local climate. Their most striking features include vibrant red tones, a multi-chamber layout that allows seamless transitions between functional spaces, and intricately decorated roof ridges adorned with ceramic reliefs of dragons, phoenixes and mythical figures. Inside, the halls feature elaborate wood carvings, vibrant tilework and calligraphy panels, while spacious courtyards and high ceilings enhance natural ventilation, making them well-suited to Hội An’s tropical climate.
Fujian Hall (Hội Quán Phúc Kiến)
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The Fujian Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Phúc Kiến) is one of Hội An’s oldest and most significant Chinese architectural landmarks, representing the enduring presence of the Fujianese community – the largest and earliest Chinese group to settle in the town centuries ago. Built in 1690, this over 300-year-old structure is not only the largest assembly hall in Hội An but also a vital cultural and spiritual center for generations of Fujianese settlers.
Originally, the site housed a small shrine dedicated to Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu (or Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea). According to local belief, a statue of Mazu was discovered off the coast of Hội An in 1697, prompting the shrine’s construction. As the Fujianese community grew, the shrine evolved into a grand assembly hall, serving as a gathering place for merchants, a venue for cultural activities and a center for religious ceremonies. Through multiple renovations, the hall transitioned from a wooden structure to a more permanent brick-and-tile design in 1757, adopting a distinctive Chinese architectural style.
Nowadays, the Fujian Assembly Hall remains a center of faith and cultural celebration, hosting major festivals such as Tết Nguyên Tiêu (Lantern Festival), Vía Lục Tánh (Six Kings Festival), and Vía Thiên Hậu (The Goddess of the Sea Festival).
Chinese Hall (Hội Quán Ngũ Bang)
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The Chinese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Ngũ Bang), also known as Dương Thương Assembly Hall or Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, is a distinctive cultural and religious landmark in Hội An. Built in 1741 by Chinese merchants from Fujian, Chaozhou, Guangdong, Hainan, and Jia Ying, it holds a unique place among Hội An’s assembly halls. Unlike other halls dedicated to specific regional Chinese communities, the Chinese Assembly Hall served as a shared meeting place for five different Chinese groups. With a history spanning nearly 300 years, it remains a vital spiritual and communal hub.
Like several other assembly halls in Hội An, the Chinese Assembly Hall is primarily dedicated to Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu (Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea), who is revered as the protector of seafarers and merchants. Additionally, the hall houses altars for Thiên Lý Nhãn (Thousand-Mile Eyes) and Thuận Phong Nhĩ (Favorable-Wind Ears), two deities believed to aid Thiên Hậu in watching over sailors and ensuring safe voyages.
The Chinese Assembly Hall showcases a fusion of traditional Chinese architecture and local Hội An influences. It is the only assembly hall in Hội An painted in a striking shade of blue, setting it apart from the others, which are predominantly red. With a well-balanced layout, the hall consists of a grand entrance gate, a front courtyard (Sân Trước), a front hall (Tiền Đình), a middle courtyard (Sân Giữa), a pavilion (Phương Đình), a main hall (Chính Điện), and East–West side halls.
Beyond its role as a place of worship, the Chinese Assembly Hall continues to serve as a cultural and educational center. It offers Chinese language classes for both the local Hoa (Vietnamese people of Chinese origin) community and anyone interested in learning the language.
Teochew Hall (Hội Quán Triều Châu)
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The Teochew Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Triều Châu), also known as Chùa Ông Bổn, is an important cultural and religious landmark. Built in 1845, this 180-year-old assembly hall served as a gathering place for the Teochew community, who settled in Hội An for trade and commerce. The hall is dedicated to deities believed to have control over waves and winds, with merchants and sailors coming here to pray for safe journeys at sea. Over time, it has undergone multiple renovations, evolving from a simple wooden structure into an architectural masterpiece that showcases intricate craftsmanship and traditional aesthetics.
The Teochew Assembly Hall is a prime example of Teochew architecture, characterized by its signature red color, multi-tiered structure and architectural sophistication. Its vibrant colors, intricate decorations and distinctive motifs further highlight the rich artistic heritage of the Teochew community.
Each year, people of Teochew origin gather here to celebrate Tết Nguyên Tiêu and the Ancestor Commemoration Ceremony on the 16th day of the first lunar month. These events feature vibrant spiritual rituals and cultural practices, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and traditions of the community.
Hainanese Hall (Hội Quán Hải Nam)
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The Hainanese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Hải Nam or Hội Quán Quỳnh Phủ) was built in 1875 by the Hainanese Chinese community in Hội An. It was established to honor 108 innocent Hainanese merchants who were wrongfully executed in 1851. Like other Chinese assembly halls in Hội An, it served as a social and religious center, where Hainanese merchants gathered for community meetings, business networking and worship. A major renovation took place in 1931, further enhancing its architectural grandeur.
The Hainanese Assembly Hall follows a traditional Chinese architectural layout, shaped like the character “Quốc” (國), a symbol of unity and strength. The structure consists of: The Front Hall (Tiền điện), The Grand Main Hall (Chính điện), East and West Side Halls (Nhà Đông-Tây).
One of the most notable historical aspects of the Hainanese Assembly Hall is its memorial to 108 innocent Hainanese merchants who were falsely executed in 1851. However, after a thorough investigation, the truth was uncovered, and Emperor Tự Đức acknowledged the miscarriage of justice. As an act of redemption, he posthumously bestowed upon them the title Trung Đẳng Thần (Middle-Rank Deities). To honor their spirits, the Hainanese community in Hội An established this assembly hall as a site of remembrance and worship, embodying the local people’s gratitude for their contributions to maritime trade.
Beyond being a place of worship, the Hainanese Assembly Hall stands as a historical monument, preserving the stories of those who once played a vital role in Hội An’s trade and cultural exchange.
Cantonese Hall (Hội Quán Quảng Đông)
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Situated in the heart of Hội An’s ancient town, the Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hội Quán Quảng Đông) – also known as Quảng Triệu Assembly Hall – bears witness to the enduring presence of Cantonese merchants in Hội An. Established in 1885, during Hội An’s flourishing era as a major trading port, the hall functioned as both a sacred place of worship and a communal hub for the Cantonese diaspora. Merchants gathered here to seek blessings for safe voyages and prosperity, while the hall also facilitated business exchanges, cultural events and mutual support among community members.
Originally, the assembly hall was devoted to Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu (Goddess of the Sea) and Khổng Tử (Confucius), embodying the spiritual beliefs of early Chinese settlers. However, in 1911, the primary deity of worship shifted to Quan Công, alongside the esteemed ancestral leaders of the Cantonese guild.
The Cantonese Assembly Hall exemplifies Cantonese architectural artistry, featuring elaborate craftsmanship, symbolic ornamentation and a harmonious integration of wood and stone. Its layout follows the form of the Chinese character “Quốc” (國), reflecting traditional principles of spatial organization.
Beyond its architectural and historical significance, the Cantonese Assembly Hall remains a vibrant center of cultural and religious life in Hội An. Two major annual festivals draw large crowds: Lễ vía Quan Công (Quan Công’s Commemoration Day) is celebrated on June 24th (lunar calendar) and honors the heroic figure with elaborate offerings, traditional ceremonies and a grand procession through the streets of Hội An, including lion dances and cultural activities; Tết Nguyên Tiêu (Lantern Festival), held during the first full moon of the lunar year, is a multi-day festival involving prayers for prosperity, good fortune and harmonious weather, as well as lantern displays, dragon dances and community feasts.
*Disclosure: Vietnam Coracle content is always free and independent. Phương has written this guide because she wants to: she likes these assembly halls and she wants readers to know about them. For more details, see the Disclosure & Disclaimer statements and my About Page
