Cantonese (Quang Trieu) Assembly Hall Hoi An
A vibrant historical gem in Hoi An's Old Town, showcasing intricate Chinese-inspired architecture and honoring the Cantonese community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Cantonese (Quang Trieu) Assembly Hall Hoi An
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant historical gem in Hoi An's Old Town, showcasing intricate Chinese-inspired architecture and honoring the Cantonese community.
"Stepping into this Cantonese Assembly Hall is like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie—everything’s vibrant, colorful & somehow makes you feel like you're in the most Instagrammable moment of your life."
🎟️ Buy the Old Town Ticket
This ticket grants entry to 5 historical sites, including the Cantonese Assembly Hall. Choose your sites wisely!
🚶♂️ Explore Early or Late
Avoid peak crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Quan Cong Altar
Main Altar
Dedicated to the brave Chinese general Quan Cong, worshipped as a god. A central piece of the hall's spiritual significance.
Intricate Dragon Sculptures
Entrance
Vibrant, colorful dragons at the entrance offer a striking visual, blending Chinese and Vietnamese aesthetics.
Architectural Marvel
Throughout the Hall
Admire the unique architecture, with parts reportedly made in China and assembled on-site.
Tranquil Koi Ponds
Courtyards
Peaceful koi ponds offer a serene escape from the bustling Hoi An streets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required
Navigating the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hoi An Old Town seemed like hell…THANK YOU REDDITORS
🎟️ Buy the Old Town Ticket
This ticket grants entry to 5 historical sites, including the Cantonese Assembly Hall. Choose your sites wisely!
🚶♂️ Explore Early or Late
Avoid peak crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
After a month in Hoi An, these are the tips I tell my friends
📸 Instagrammable Moments
The vibrant colors and intricate details make it a photographer's dream.
🗣️ Limited English Signage
Consider a guide or research beforehand if you want to understand the full history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy the Old Town Ticket
This ticket grants entry to 5 historical sites, including the Cantonese Assembly Hall. Choose your sites wisely!
🚶♂️ Explore Early or Late
Avoid peak crowds by visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
📸 Instagrammable Moments
The vibrant colors and intricate details make it a photographer's dream.
🗣️ Limited English Signage
Consider a guide or research beforehand if you want to understand the full history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Cantonese Assembly Hall for its stunning architecture, vibrant colors, and peaceful koi ponds, offering a visually captivating experience. While some find the lack of English signage a drawback, the beauty of the dragon sculptures and the historical ambiance make it a worthwhile visit for those exploring Hoi An's Old Town.
"The Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Quang Trieu) was founded in 1786 and it served the Cantonese Chinese community in Hoi An. The main altar is dedicated to Quan Cong, a Chinese general from the 2nd century who was famous for his bravery and was later worshiped as a god. It’s one of five assembly halls in Hoi An for different Chinese ethnic groups. It’s said that all the parts used to build the hall were made in China and shipped over by sea to be put together here."
Do Cuong
"Beautiful !
Warning : it’s part of the entry ticket of the city : you have to buy a 120,000 ticket which gives you 5 entry in 5 monuments of the city center. So you need to choose them carefully"
Pauline Bourgine
"Many elderly Vietnamese can speak fluent Cantonese. I first noticed that when I was living and working in HK. Vietnamese and Cantonese share significant similarities due to a long history of linguistic and cultural contact, primarily during China’s imperial rule over Vietnam. If I will to choose one favourite word. It is hầm bà lằng : a mess of things or everything in Cantonese.
This is the Old Cantonese Assembly Hall which served as a meeting place for the Cantonese in Vietnam. Built in 1885 in the ancient town of Hoi An. (In Singapore，we have 广惠肇 Kwong Wui Shiu Free Hospital, Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng, 广惠肇李氏书室）"
Ben Kong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cantonese Assembly Hall is located within Hoi An's Old Town. You can walk or cycle to it if you are staying nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available to drop you off at the edge of the Old Town, from where you can walk to the hall.
Yes, it's well-signposted within the pedestrian-friendly Hoi An Old Town. Look for signs directing you to the various assembly halls.
Private vehicles are restricted in Hoi An's Old Town during certain hours. It's best to park outside the core area and walk or take a cyclo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to the Cantonese Assembly Hall is included with the Hoi An Old Town ticket. This ticket allows access to 5 historical sites within the Old Town.
The ticket price is typically around 120,000 VND, but it's advisable to check the current price upon arrival as it can change.
Tickets can be purchased at designated ticket booths located at the entrances to Hoi An's Old Town.
Currently, there isn't a direct online purchase option for individual site tickets. You'll need to buy the Hoi An Old Town ticket upon arrival.
The assembly hall generally follows the opening hours of Hoi An's Old Town attractions, typically from around 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It's best to confirm locally.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Cantonese Assembly Hall. However, always be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
The entrance with its dragon sculptures, the main altar, and the serene koi ponds are popular photo spots. The vibrant colors throughout the hall also make for great shots.
Tripod usage might be restricted in certain areas or during busy times. It's advisable to check with staff on-site if you plan to use one.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Founded in 1786, it served the Cantonese Chinese community in Hoi An. It was built with parts made in China and assembled on-site, showcasing a unique construction method.
The main altar is dedicated to Quan Cong, a revered Chinese general known for his bravery, who is worshipped as a deity.
Yes, the Cantonese Assembly Hall is one of five assembly halls in Hoi An, each serving different Chinese ethnic groups.
The architecture is heavily influenced by Chinese design, with vibrant colors and intricate carvings, reflecting the heritage of the Cantonese community.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While detailed historical explanations might be lost on younger children due to limited English signage, the colorful architecture and the sheer visual spectacle can still be captivating. Consider turning the visit into a 'spot the dragon' or 'count the koi' game to keep them entertained. It's a good opportunity to introduce them to different cultural aesthetics in a relatively compact and manageable space within the Hoi An Old Town.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the serene koi ponds, which provide opportunities for reflections and a sense of tranquility in your shots. The detailed woodwork, ornate rooflines, and the interplay of light and shadow within the courtyards offer endless possibilities for creative compositions. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and any potential restrictions on tripods.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cantonese Community in Hoi An
This hall is one of five such assembly halls in Hoi An, each representing a different Chinese dialect group. The primary deity honored within the Cantonese Assembly Hall is Quan Cong, a historical Chinese general celebrated for his valor and later deified. This practice reflects the syncretic nature of Chinese folk religion and its integration into the lives of overseas Chinese communities. The hall's architecture, with its vibrant colors and detailed ornamentation, is a beautiful fusion of traditional Chinese aesthetics and local Vietnamese influences, making it a unique cultural landmark.
Understanding the context of these assembly halls provides deeper insight into Hoi An's past as a bustling international trading port. They were not just places of worship but also centers for social gatherings, business dealings, and mutual support among the diaspora. The Cantonese Assembly Hall, in particular, offers a glimpse into the specific traditions and architectural preferences of the Cantonese people who contributed to Hoi An's rich multicultural tapestry.
Architectural Significance and Aesthetics
Beyond the entrance, the hall unfolds with courtyards featuring tranquil koi ponds, offering a serene contrast to the bustling streets of Hoi An. The buildings themselves showcase intricate woodwork, decorative tiles, and ornate roof designs, all contributing to an atmosphere that feels both grand and peaceful. The use of bold reds, yellows, and blues throughout the structure enhances its visual appeal, making it a highly photogenic location.
While the architectural beauty is undeniable, some visitors note a lack of extensive English signage, which can make fully appreciating the historical and cultural nuances challenging without a guide. However, even without detailed explanations, the sheer artistry and the peaceful ambiance created by the koi ponds and the well-preserved structures are more than enough to leave a lasting impression. It's a place where the visual storytelling of the architecture speaks volumes.
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