Han Chin Pet Soo Museum

Nestled in Ipoh’s historic Old Town, Han Chin Pet Soo is housed in a charming three-storey heritage building adorned with green wooden shutters, ornate Art Deco façade, and intricate peacock-patterned tiles. What appears quaint from the outside stretches far into the back, with period décor that faithfully preserves its colonial-era elegance .

Step through the grand entrance, and you’re greeted by the main dining hall: a long wooden table set with enamel mugs, bowls, and cutlery flanked by tall mirrors—an immersive snapshot of miners’ social gatherings. Moving upstairs, vivid recreations of opium dens, gambling rooms with Mahjong tables and figurines, and secret society rituals (the “Four Evils”) bring to life the recreational side of tin-mining culture. Finally, the top floor honours Hakka heritage with rich murals, antique furniture, guest rooms from the 1930s–60s, and exhibits on migration.

Visitors join guided tours (by appointment, Tuesday–Sunday), navigating steep wooden staircases through a captivating, multi-sensory experience of Ipoh tin-mining past. It’s free to enter, with donations welcomed to support ongoing preservation.

Why visit? This museum isn’t just about history—it’s about stepping into lives shaped by wealth, vice, and community. From grand architecture to illicit lounges, it’s a must-see for anyone fascinated by Ipoh vibrant heritage.