Bao Vinh Ancient Town was a bustling trading port in Central Vietnam 200 years ago, marking a golden age of the Hue ancient capital. This place is currently highlighted with mossy roofed houses which endure ups and downs in history among the modern houses.
The peaceful and calm atmosphere has attracted dozens of tourists to come and see. Below, let’s explore what’s attractive about Bao Vinh Ancient town.
Bao Vinh ancient town is located outside the Hue Royal Citadel, next to the poetic Huong River. During the 17th and 19th century, the Quarter was the most famous and bustling trading port in Dang Trong area. It used to welcome many Chinese merchant ships for trade. Today, this ancient quarter still exists with little changes and its nostalgic and historic charm intact. The area is filled with wooden houses featuring traditional low tiled roofs, as well as some two-story houses with modern 20th-century architecture. Located on the peaceful banks of the Perfume River, it is now a quiet place, preserving the memories of its vibrant trading past.
Bao Vinh Ancient Town is located in Huong Vang, Huong Tra district, Thua Thien Hue. If you want to get to Bao Vinh Old Quarter, you can start from Hue city centre. First, cross Truong Tien Bridge and turn right onto Tran Hung Dao Street. Then, take a left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street and follow it along Dong Ba River until you reach the end of Dao Duy Anh Street. That's where you'll find Bao Vinh Old Quarter. Alternatively, you can take a boat on the Dong Ba River and then walk a short distance to Bao Vinh if you prefer.
Bao Vinh used to be a significant port in the Thanh Ha chain during the early 17th century. It attracted merchants from various countries like China, Macau, Japan, India, and even Europe for trading and goods exchange. In the past, the area was renowned for skilled crafts such as box making, mosaic work, brick making, and tile production.
However, when the French invaded Vietnam and the citadel of Hue fell, Bao Vinh also suffered destruction, leading to a decline in its craft villages. The residents of Bao Vinh have made efforts to preserve the charm of the old quarter, maintaining its original architecture and scenery as much as possible.
Even though Bao Vinh Ancient Town has changed over time, it still retains many classic and nostalgic features. Many old houses have deteriorated, and the roofs and trusses are no longer stable. However, amid this, visitors can still enjoy the charm of low houses nestled under larger ones as they paddle along the gentle Perfume River. The close-together roofs shaded with moss create a beautiful scene, especially during sunset. Bao Vinh ancient town has a modest but timeless appeal that captivates visitors with its peaceful, classic, and romantic charm found in every corner.
If you get the chance to go to Bao Vinh Ancient Town, do not miss visiting Bao Vinh Old Communal House. It's not clear when exactly it was built, but it's a place where the Pham family hero is honoured and where the villagers come together. Every year on December 7, they celebrate the anniversary of his death by worshipping and making offerings. The communal house has a nostalgic atmosphere with its ancient architecture, moss-covered walls, and old votive brazier, taking you back to the past.
The Bao Vinh pier is a famous symbol of the Bao Vinh nostalgic old neighbourhood. It's known as a cross pier since it connects Bao Vinh with Tien Non village, Sinh village, Phu Mau village, and Thanh Tien village on the other side of the river.
If you've ever been on a boat in Bao Vinh, you'll surely want to stay on the water and enjoy the beautiful sights. On the boat you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bao Vinh Old Town, including the embankments from the French colonial period and rows of tiled roofs along the streets.
The aerial view of Bao Vinh
Visiting Bao Vinh ancient town without stopping by Bao Vinh Market would be a pity. This charming countryside market might be smaller and quieter than the newer markets in Hue city centre, but it's filled with many kinds of products. Despite fewer stalls and visitors, you'll find an array of unique products. And if you visit during Lunar New Year, you'll be treated to even more wonders, like traditional handicrafts from nearby villages, such as Mr. Tao's statues from Dia Linh village or the delightful confetti from Thanh Tien village...
Women go to Bao Vinh Market by bicycle
This is an ancient Buddhist pagoda that has been around for about 200 years. It may be small, but it's well-maintained by a group of guardians, including elders who come here to chant and recite Buddhist scriptures. While the exact construction date is unknown, evidence like the Gia Long 1803 period markings on the bronze bell suggests it's over 200 years old. The pagoda wall painting also mentions that King Minh Mang and King Tu Duc visited it on a few occasions.
Among some of the charming local cafes in Bao Vinh, many local tourists love to spend leisure time at Tiem Ca Phe Mat Biec. It is located at 66 Bao Vinh Street, Huong Vang, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue. This café is inspired by the renowned Vietnamese film Mat Biec directed by Victor Vu. It's a favourite destination for young visitors exploring Hue. They come to enjoy coffee as well as take nice pictures.
The cafe’s interior has a nostalgic design with old-style furniture and vintage floral tiles on the floor. It offers simple and affordable tea and coffee options. Many young people visit the Mat Biec bar to chat and sing together.
Tiem Ca Phe Mat Biec Café
Exploring Bao Vinh Old Quarter, visitors will be captivated by the ancient houses, narrow alleys, and traditional craft villages that reflect the passage of time. Looking at the remnants of this old street, people can't help but feel sentimental about the neighbourhood. Nowadays, this tourist spot in Hue remains famous for its ceremonial music, community music, carpenters' guilds, mosaicists, hatters, boxes, and incense.
This old quarter is so memorable that many people miss it when they reminisce. It's a small corner with afternoon sunshine that fills people with joy. If you visit the Hue ancient capital, spend a half day in Bao Vinh district. It will help you cherish the old streets of Dang Trong area and other remarkable places like Hue's Nam Giao Temple, Ben Xuan, and Thai Hoa Palace.
