Ancient Merchants' Houses
Many of the old merchant houses are lived in by the locals, but
fortunately are beautifully preserved. They can be typically described
as having a narrow and lofty interior with a barrel vault ceiling.
The street entrance has a shop front where the merchant used to
display his goods. This is still used for his purpose n modern Hoi
An with its numerous galleries and antique shops. There is also
a back room where the merchant's family, apprentices and servants
lived. The entire inside of the house is made of deeply polished
hardwood. Walls, columns and entrances are decorated with poems,
words, symbols, and patterns. Much of the heavy ornate furniture
are originals, however some pieces are replicas. Private houses
in this style open to travelers include Tan Ky House that has staff
that speak fluent English and French
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