Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Ornate 17th-century Chinese assembly hall dedicated to the sea goddess, offering a glimpse into Hoi An's rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ornate 17th-century Chinese assembly hall dedicated to the sea goddess, offering a glimpse into Hoi An's rich cultural heritage.
"A stunningly ornate and peaceful spot right in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town."
🎟️ Ancient Town Ticket
Your Hoi An Ancient Town ticket grants entry here. Don't miss out!
🙏 Incense Wishes
Participate in the incense coil ritual for a meaningful experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ornate Architecture
Main Hall
Breathtaking Chinese architecture, colorful tiled roofs, and intricate wood carvings tell stories of 17th-century settlers.
Incense Coil Wishes
Courtyard
Light a large incense coil and write your wishes for health and fortune, a unique and sacred ritual.
Sea Goddess Altar
Main Altar
Dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess, this altar is a focal point for prayers and blessings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ancient Town Ticket Required
Timing for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
After a month in Hoi An, these are the tips I tell my friends
🎟️ Ancient Town Ticket
Your Hoi An Ancient Town ticket grants entry here. Don't miss out!
🙏 Incense Wishes
Participate in the incense coil ritual for a meaningful experience.
Hoi An Old Town seemed like hell…THANK YOU REDDITORS
📸 Photography Haven
Capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of this beautiful hall.
🤫 Respectful Visit
Remember it's an active place of worship; dress modestly and be mindful.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ancient Town Ticket
Your Hoi An Ancient Town ticket grants entry here. Don't miss out!
🙏 Incense Wishes
Participate in the incense coil ritual for a meaningful experience.
📸 Photography Haven
Capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of this beautiful hall.
🤫 Respectful Visit
Remember it's an active place of worship; dress modestly and be mindful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall for its stunningly ornate Chinese architecture and peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Many highlight the unique experience of lighting incense coils for wishes as a meaningful ritual. While entry is part of the Ancient Town ticket, some find the hall to be a standout attraction within the historic area.
"We visited this Chinese temples in downtown Hoi An as part of our Old Town ticket. It was a unique experience to light large incense coils and wish for health and fortune for our family and friends. After the coils burn out, the staff apparently will burn the paper with our wishes, making them feel sacred.
It was fascinating to see wishes from all over the world written in various languages. Overall, a beautiful and meaningful stop in Hoi An!"
Suriya Chandrasekar
"A stunningly ornate and peaceful spot right in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town. The intricate Chinese architecture, colourful tiled roofs, and detailed wood carvings are breathtaking. Built by 17th-century Fujian settlers, the hall is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Sea Goddess, and you can feel the spiritual atmosphere as soon as you walk in.
The courtyards are filled with bonsai, incense, and traditional lanterns, making it a photographer’s dream. There’s a sense of history and cultural pride in every corner, and it’s well worth taking time to admire the craftsmanship. A must-visit if you want to explore the Chinese heritage of Hoi An."
I. Morgan
"Opinion is my own, this is the most beautiful temple of this town.
Absolutely gorgeous “building” with part of history behind not only pictures are amazing here but sitting there and enjoying a quiet time is priceless.
You’ll get a “free” entry here if you’ve previously purchased a ticket to ancient town
In my opinion this should be a must"
Marcos O. Diogo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is located at 46 Tran Phu Street, right in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town. If you're already exploring the ancient town, it's easily walkable. If coming from outside the ancient town, you'll need to purchase an Ancient Town ticket first.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark within Hoi An Ancient Town and is well-signposted. Its central location makes it a common stop for visitors exploring the area.
You can reach Hoi An Ancient Town by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by renting a motorbike. Many hotels also offer shuttle services. Once inside the ancient town, walking is the best way to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is included with the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket. You'll need to purchase this ticket to access the hall and other historical sites within the ancient town.
Ticket prices can vary, but typically they are around 120,000 VND for a single entry. It's best to check the latest prices upon arrival or at the official ticket booths.
The hall is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. Specific hours can vary, but it's usually accessible during daylight hours when the ancient town is open.
No, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is located within the Hoi An Ancient Town, which requires an entrance ticket for all visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The hall is renowned for its stunning Chinese architecture, vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and peaceful courtyards filled with bonsai and lanterns, making it a photographer's dream.
Focus on the ornate main hall, the detailed altars, the courtyards with incense coils and bonsai trees, and the colorful tiled roofs. The entrance area also offers great perspectives.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid flash photography directly at altars or sacred objects.
🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience
It's a historic Fujian (Chinese) assembly hall built in the 17th century, dedicated to Thien Hau (Sea Goddess) and other deities. It served as a community center and place of worship for Chinese settlers in Hoi An.
Yes, visitors can participate in lighting large incense coils and writing wishes for health and fortune. The staff will then burn the papers with your wishes.
It's a place of worship, so it's advisable to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious significance of the site.
A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend admiring the architecture, taking photos, and participating in the incense ritual.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring, encourage kids to look for the different animal carvings and decorative elements. The courtyards offer a bit of space to move around, though it's important to remind them to be respectful in this place of worship. The overall visit is relatively short, making it manageable for families with shorter attention spans.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and lighting. The incense coils are a unique subject, especially when lit, creating a mystical ambiance. Visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) will enhance the colors and textures, making your photographs truly stand out. Remember to be respectful of worshippers while capturing the beauty of this historic site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Fujian Heritage
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the hall is dedicated to Thien Hau (Mazu), the revered sea goddess and protector of sailors. This dedication highlights the importance of maritime trade for the Fujianese community. You'll also find altars honoring the 'Six Highly Esteemed Generals' and the 'Heavenly Midwives,' catering to prayers for protection, victory, and safe childbirth. This multi-faceted spiritual significance makes the hall a deeply meaningful site for visitors interested in Vietnamese and Chinese cultural heritage.
Many visitors find the experience of lighting a large, spiral incense coil and writing wishes to be particularly memorable. These coils, when lit, burn for days, and it's believed that the wishes written on accompanying paper are then carried to the heavens. This practice, along with the serene atmosphere of the courtyards filled with bonsai trees and traditional lanterns, creates a unique and spiritual encounter.
Photography Tips for the Hall
Don't overlook the courtyards, which are often filled with lush bonsai trees and traditional lanterns. These elements add depth and color to your photos, especially when bathed in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. The incense coils, when lit, create a unique visual effect with their smoke trails, offering a chance for more artistic shots. Remember to capture the scale of the building by including architectural elements in your frame, and look for interesting angles to showcase its grandeur.
When photographing, be mindful of the lighting conditions. Early morning or late afternoon light can create a warm, inviting glow, while midday sun can be harsh. If possible, try to visit during these 'golden hours' for the best photographic results. Also, remember that this is an active place of worship, so be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially near the altars.
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