Ho Yan Hor Museum Macau
Discover the origins of Malaysia's iconic Ho Yan Hor herbal tea at its founder's original home and pharmacy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Ho Yan Hor Museum Macau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the origins of Malaysia's iconic Ho Yan Hor herbal tea at its founder's original home and pharmacy.
"A genuine heritage gem offering authentic storytelling and a refreshing free tea tasting."
🎯 Book Online First!
Limited to 10 visitors per slot. Book your free slot online to guarantee entry and choose your language.
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
After a brief intro, explore the museum at your own pace. The original house offers a unique glimpse into history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dr. Ho's Original Residence
The museum building
Step back in time in the very house where Dr. Ho Kai Cheong lived and created his famous herbal tea.
The Old Kitchen
Back of the museum
Experience the authentic aroma of herbal tea brewing in the preserved, traditional kitchen.
Herbal Tea Tasting
End of the tour
Sample various flavors of the signature Ho Yan Hor herbal tea, a refreshing and aromatic experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Slot in Advance
Embrace the Heritage Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online First!
Limited to 10 visitors per slot. Book your free slot online to guarantee entry and choose your language. +1
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
After a brief intro, explore the museum at your own pace. The original house offers a unique glimpse into history.
🍵 Free Tea Tasting
Enjoy complimentary samples of Ho Yan Hor herbal tea at the end of your visit. No pressure to buy! +1
📸 Capture the Heritage
The museum's architecture and historical artifacts make for great photo opportunities. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online First!
Limited to 10 visitors per slot. Book your free slot online to guarantee entry and choose your language. +1
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
After a brief intro, explore the museum at your own pace. The original house offers a unique glimpse into history.
🍵 Free Tea Tasting
Enjoy complimentary samples of Ho Yan Hor herbal tea at the end of your visit. No pressure to buy! +1
📸 Capture the Heritage
The museum's architecture and historical artifacts make for great photo opportunities.
⬆️ Mind the Narrow Stairs
The staircase is narrow and fits one person at a time. Be patient when moving between floors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ho Yan Hor Museum as a genuine heritage gem, appreciating the authentic storytelling within the founder's original home. The free tea tasting and the lack of pushy sales tactics are highlighted as refreshing aspects. While the guided tour is brief, the self-paced exploration and the historical insights are highly valued.
"This live museum is quite a gem, as it is set in the original house of the historical figure it represents, making the storytelling feel more authentic. The guide will walk you through the key history, then let you explore freely at your own pace. The place is not very big, but it’s enough to capture the essence of the story. At the back, there’s an old kitchen where you’re greeted by a sweet, tea-like aroma even before stepping inside. Do note that the staircase is narrow and only fits one person at a time, so you may need to wait your turn to go up or down.
At the end of the tour, the guide serves four small cups of tea as samples, simply for the experience, no pushy sales tactics here. If you’re interested, they’ll politely suggest looking for the products online or at a general pharmacy, which is refreshing compared to the usual touristy hard-sell approach.
It’s best to reserve in advance since they manually register guests in a book for each time slot to avoid overcrowding."
Selvinia Nofy
"I recently visited Ho Yan Hor in Ipoh and loved the heritage tour—it was fascinating to learn about this iconic Malaysian brand’s history, founded in 1941 by Dr. Ho Kai Cheong.
The tour covered:
✔ Origins of the herbal tea (made from 100% natural herbs)
✔ How the family business grew from a small business to a household name
✔ Traditional vs. modern production
The best part? Tasting their signature herbal tea and variants —refreshing, aromatic, and perfect for relieving heatiness. The original brew was my favorite!
Highly recommended for anyone in Ipoh! Don’t miss their tea products in stores too!"
allan khoo
"Great museum telling stories of Mr Ho who creates this herbal tea and his stories. It's in this century old building, where he stays and the place of him to sell his first herbal tea. At the end, comes with a free tasting session.
10 people max per entrance so book in advance."
Whitney Yee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ho Yan Hor Museum is located in Ipoh, Perak. It's easily accessible by car or taxi within the city. Many visitors combine a visit with exploring Ipoh's old town, which is a popular tourist destination. +1
Parking in the old town area can be challenging. It's advisable to look for public parking spaces or consider using ride-sharing services to reach the museum conveniently.
Yes, if you are exploring Ipoh's old town, including Concubine Lane or other heritage sites, the Ho Yan Hor Museum is within walking distance. +1
Many visitors use ride-sharing apps or local taxis to navigate between attractions in Ipoh. Some also opt for walking tours of the heritage areas.
The museum is housed in a historic building with narrow staircases, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. It's best to inquire directly with the museum about specific accessibility options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Ho Yan Hor Museum is free! However, you must book your visit online in advance due to limited capacity. +1
Yes, advance online booking is mandatory. The museum limits visitors to 10 people per time slot to ensure a quality experience. +1
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Advance booking is always recommended.
Yes, when booking online, you can often select your preferred language for the guided portion of the tour.
Absolutely. The museum strictly limits visitors to a maximum of 10 people per entry slot to prevent overcrowding and enhance the visitor experience. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll experience a guided tour of the historical house, learn about Dr. Ho Kai Cheong and the herbal tea's origins, and then have time for self-guided exploration. The visit concludes with a free tea tasting. +1
The guided portion is brief, followed by about 10-15 minutes of self-guided exploration. The entire visit, including the tea tasting, usually takes around 30-45 minutes.
Yes, a guide will provide a brief introduction to the museum's history and significance before you are allowed to explore the rest of the premises freely.
The old kitchen is a preserved space where the herbal tea was historically prepared. Visitors can experience the authentic aroma and imagine the traditional cooking methods.
While the museum focuses on historical preservation, the immersive experience of being in the original house and the tea tasting offer interactive elements.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
While the museum offers free tastings, they do not typically sell products directly. They may suggest where to find them online or at local pharmacies.
Yes, the museum is located in Ipoh's old town, which is filled with numerous cafes and eateries offering local delicacies and international cuisine. +1
You'll get to taste the signature Ho Yan Hor herbal tea and potentially some of its variants. It's known for being refreshing and aromatic. +1
Yes, the tea tasting session at the end of the tour is complimentary and is part of the museum experience. +1
No, the Ho Yan Hor Museum is a heritage site focused on history and tea. Food services are not available, but many dining options are nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photo restrictions in certain areas.
The preserved rooms, the old kitchen, and the architectural details of the heritage building offer excellent photo opportunities.
Drone photography is typically not permitted inside heritage buildings or museums. Please adhere to local regulations and museum policies.
You can usually take photos during the guided tour, but it's best to focus on listening to the guide. The self-guided portion offers more time for photography.
You can find many visitor photos on Instagram by searching hashtags like #hoyanhormuseum and #ipohherbaltea, or on TikTok.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical narrative might be more engaging for older children, the visuals of the old house and kitchen can spark curiosity. Keep in mind that the guided tour is brief, and the self-guided portion allows kids to explore at their own pace. The narrow stairs might require extra supervision.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
+1The museum's location in Ipoh's heritage district allows for a broader exploration of the city's colonial and Nanyang Chinese architectural influences. Visiting the museum can be combined with exploring nearby heritage sites like Concubine Lane, creating a comprehensive cultural immersion.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1Content creators can find compelling stories about Malaysian heritage, entrepreneurship, and traditional remedies. The tea tasting session also offers opportunities for visually appealing shots. Remember to check for any specific photography guidelines within the museum.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Ho Yan Hor Herbal Tea
+1The tea's popularity grew through word-of-mouth and its effectiveness, transforming it from a local remedy into a household name. The museum showcases the evolution of the brand, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day production, highlighting the enduring legacy of Dr. Ho's vision. Visitors can learn about the traditional methods used in creating the tea and its cultural significance in Malaysia.
+1Today, Ho Yan Hor continues to be a symbol of traditional Chinese medicine and a testament to entrepreneurial spirit. The museum serves not only as a historical archive but also as a place to appreciate the cultural heritage embedded in everyday products.
+1Exploring Ipoh's Heritage Through the Museum
By preserving Dr. Ho's original residence, the museum offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to imagine life in Ipoh during the mid-20th century. The architecture, the preserved kitchen, and the personal artifacts all contribute to an immersive historical experience. This makes it a key stop for anyone interested in understanding the city's development and the stories of its pioneering figures.
+1Visiting the museum also provides an opportunity to explore other nearby heritage sites, such as Concubine Lane and the Ipoh Heritage Trail. This allows for a comprehensive appreciation of Ipoh's unique blend of colonial and Nanyang Chinese architectural styles, making it a fulfilling day trip for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts.
The Ho Yan Hor Museum Experience: Beyond the Tea
+1Visitors often praise the authenticity of the guided tour, which provides context without being overly long. The opportunity to explore the original house at your own pace allows for personal reflection and discovery. The preserved old kitchen, with its lingering aroma, is a particularly evocative part of the visit.
Furthermore, the museum has become a hub for local artisans, with spaces like the Ipoh Craftnerds Corner showcasing local crafts and souvenirs. This integration of contemporary local art with historical preservation adds another layer to the museum's appeal, making it a dynamic cultural space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit