Situated in the center of Hoi An’s ancient town in Quang Nam province, Duc An Old House boasts a rich 200-year history. It stands as a symbol of the patriotic movement and safeguards numerous significant artifacts linked to revolutionary leader Cao Hong Lanh.

As noted by the Quang Nam Tourism Association, the house was established in 1830 during Emperor Minh Mang’s reign. The term “Duc An” translates to “preserving virtue for peace,” which was also the name of a bookshop managed by the Phan family, focused on Han-Nom literature and stationery.

This house features a narrow, tube-like structure, measuring 7 meters in width and 40 meters in length, with a symmetrical design. The central entrance is flanked by business windows, and two circular peepholes above the doorway highlight its unique architectural style typical of old Hoi An.

Embodying the traditional “ruong” architecture of central Vietnam, the house also reflects the influences of coastal urban living. It is surrounded by robust brick walls and topped with yin-yang tiled roofs.

Inside, the house hosts several connected areas for different purposes. The front room served commercial needs, leading to a living space and an area for ancestral worship. An open courtyard opens up to a hallway that provides access to private family living spaces.

The construction utilizes “kien kien” wood, a highly valued timber recognized for its strength and ability to withstand the local climate.

The image displays a collection of ancient wooden boards and couplets preserved within this historical residence.

The house’s front wooden structure incorporates “stacked beams – fake brackets” and “pillar-on-column” systems to support weight and optimize space. The center showcases a distinctive double-roof design, which allows for an upper level, making it one-of-a-kind in Hoi An.

The central garden area includes a courtyard with a skylight, a fish pond, and ornamental rocks, as seen in the accompanying image.

In the early 20th century, as resistance against French colonial rule grew in Quang Nam and beyond, Duc An House became a meeting site for notable patriots, such as Huynh Thuc Khang and Phan Chu Trinh.

The house served a dual purpose, functioning as a bookstore and a center for nationalist dialogues, greatly influencing the dissemination of patriotic beliefs among the local intellects and broader community.

In 1908, the bookshop shifted its focus to traditional medicine before morphing into a revolutionary stronghold that housed many clandestine documents for the patriotic cause.

Significantly, in 1927, the Hoi An branch of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League was established in this very house, with Mr. Cao Hong Lanh (birth name Phan Hai Tham, alias Nam Them) acting as Secretary.

As reported by the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, Mr. Cao Hong Lanh (born 1906, youngest of the Phan lineage) became a significant revolutionary figure in Quang Nam.

Activating youth against local oppression since 1923, he furthered his revolutionary efforts through southern Vietnam, moving there in 1926.

By 1927, he had already joined the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in Quang Tri, and in 1929, he aided in founding the Indochinese Communist Party.

During the years of resistance, Mr. Cao Hong Lanh operated in multiple battle scenarios, earning a 15-year prison sentence in absentia from the French colonial authorities. He later emerged in critical roles within the Party and government sectors.

In acknowledgment of his immense contributions, he earned accolades such as the Ho Chi Minh Order and high honors in resistance achievements.

He passed away in 2008 at 102, having dedicated 82 years to party membership.

The legacy of Mr. Cao Hong Lanh continues to be a source of pride for the Phan family in Hoi An. The Duc An house remains home to invaluable artifacts reflecting his revolutionary legacy.

Displayed are personal items including his clothing, shoes, watch, radio, and more.

Noteworthy is a collection of commemorative photography featuring Mr. Cao Hong Lanh alongside President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and other prominent Vietnamese leaders.

Current custodian Mr. Phan Ngoc Tram, a sixth-generation descendant, emphasized that eight generations have resided in this house.

The family carefully preserves numerous personal items from their ancestors, some of which are centuries old, showcased in glass cabinets.

“Despite facing centuries of history and annual floods, Duc An House has mostly retained its cultural and architectural integrity. We are devoted to its preservation and protection,” stated Mr. Tram.

In February 2010, Duc An Old House was officially recognized by the Hoi An City People’s Committee as a cultural heritage site and a historical memorial dedicated to Comrade Cao Hong Lanh, and it is now accessible to the public.