The Bao Vinh Ancient Town was once a bustling trading port about 200 years ago, marking a golden era of the ancient capital, Hue. Join HueTransferService.com to explore the moss-covered, antique charm steeped in history, nestled among modern homes.
Overview of Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Bao Vinh Ancient Town, located north of the Imperial City of Hue, was once a bustling trading port throughout the 17th and 19th centuries. It was the main center for commerce and cultural exchange in southern Vietnam. Today, the town remains nearly intact, preserving the nostalgic and timeless beauty of a centuries-old ancient town in Hue.
The town features wooden houses with characteristic low-tiled roofs from the old streets of ancient times, interspersed with two-story houses built in a 20th-century modern architectural style. Though now serene by the banks of the Perfume River, Bao Vinh once welcomed trade ships from China to the West for lively exchanges.
How to Get to Bao Vinh Ancient Town
If traveling by road, visitors can start from the center of Hue City, then cross Truong Tien Bridge. At the end of the bridge, turn right onto Tran Hung Dao Street. Next, turn left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street, follow the Dong Ba River until you reach the extended Dao Duy Anh Street, which leads directly to Bao Vinh Ancient Town.
For the quickest journey, you can rent a motorbike in Hue, take a taxi, or book a private car rental with driver in Hue.
History of the Centuries-Old Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Bao Vinh was once regarded as a bustling port street within the Thanh Ha trading port network, established in the early 17th century. Many merchants from countries like China, Macau, Japan, India, and even Europe came here to trade and do business. Bao Vinh Ancient Town was renowned for traditional crafts such as chest making, mother-of-pearl inlaying, lacquerware, and brick and tile production.
However, after the French invasion of Vietnam and the fall of Hue’s Imperial Citadel, Bao Vinh was heavily damaged, and its traditional craft villages began to fade. Despite these hardships, the local community has managed to preserve remnants of the town’s golden era, keeping the old houses, doorsteps, and historical scenery almost intact.
Admiring the Timeless Charm of Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Though Bao Vinh Ancient Town has gradually lost the complete appearance of its past, it still retains a classic, nostalgic charm. Time has weathered many of the ancient houses, with tiled roofs and wooden beams now less sturdy against storms. These modest homes nestle beside newer, sturdier houses, creating a contrasting scene of old and new.
Drifting along the gentle Perfume River, visitors can gaze upon Bao Vinh’s ancient low-roofed houses, nestled closely and cloaked in moss and the hues of time. Perhaps the most captivating moment is at sunset, when the soft evening light embraces the town, painting a scene that stirs deep emotions.
Despite the passage of time, Bao Vinh Ancient Town continues to enchant visitors. In every corner and along every street, one can still feel a peaceful, classical, and romantically charming atmosphere that is truly captivating.
Attractions in Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Bao Vinh Village Communal House
When visiting Bao Vinh Ancient Town, travelers should not miss the chance to explore the historic Bao Vinh Village Communal House. Although the exact construction date is unknown, this communal house serves as a place of worship for Lord Pham, the patron of the village’s founders, as well as a community gathering spot. Each year on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month, villagers and visitors come together for a memorial ceremony honoring the village’s founders.
The communal house showcases distinct feudal architecture, with moss-covered walls, faded stone screens, and an old incense burner, creating a profound atmosphere that resonates with the past. Every element here evokes a nostalgic feeling of times gone by, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
The Bao Vinh Ferry Pier
The Bao Vinh Ferry Pier is a symbolic landmark closely tied to the nostalgic charm of Bao Vinh Ancient Town. Locals often call it the “cross-river ferry pier” because it only transports passengers between Bao Vinh and the nearby villages of Tien Non, Sinh Village, Phu Mau, and Thanh Tien across the river.
Those who have drifted along the river on this ferry often find it hard to leave, enjoying the gentle ride over the water. From the ferry, passengers can take in a full view of Bao Vinh Ancient Town from the river, gaze upon the old French-era embankments, and admire the closely nestled tiled rooftops that line the entire road.
Bao Vinh Market
A visit to Bao Vinh Ancient Town would be incomplete without stopping by the Bao Vinh Market. This quaint, peaceful market is filled with a sense of nostalgia and simplicity. Although it doesn’t boast as many stalls as the larger, more modern markets in central Hue and receives fewer visitors, it offers a diverse range of goods.
Notably, if you visit the market around the Lunar New Year, you can find stalls featuring products from nearby traditional craft villages, such as the Tao Master statues from Dia Linh village or the paper flowers for worship from Thanh Tien village.
Thien Giang Tu Pagoda
Thien Giang Tu Pagoda is an ancient temple that boasts a history of over 200 years. Despite its small size, the grounds are clean and well-maintained by a group of elderly caretakers who often come here to chant and pray. The exact date of the temple’s construction is unknown, but it is certainly more than 200 years old, as evidenced by the bronze bell dated to the Gia Long era in 1803. Additionally, the temple’s wooden plaque records visits from Kings Minh Mang and Tu Duc, marking its historical significance.
Mat Biec Coffee Shop
- Address: 66 Bao Vinh Ancient Town, Huong Vang, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue
When visiting Bao Vinh Ancient Town, travelers certainly won’t want to miss Mat Biec Coffee Shop, inspired by the popular film “Mat Biec” directed by Victor Vu. This café has become a favorite spot among the youth exploring Hue. The area in front of the café is a popular gathering place for young people to meet and take photos for social media.
The interior of the café is decorated in a nostalgic style, featuring vintage tables and chairs along with a beautiful tiled floor. The drink menu is simple yet affordable, offering various teas and coffees. In addition to enjoying beverages, many young patrons visit Mat Biec Coffee Shop to chat or play music for each other.
Conclusion
Visitors exploring Bao Vinh Ancient Town will surely be enchanted by the houses, streets, and traditional craft villages that bear the marks of time. The remnants of this ancient street evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Currently, this tourist destination in Hue is renowned for its ceremonial music, communal festivities, and various traditional crafts, including woodworking, inlay work, conical hat making, coffin making, and incense production.
This ancient town is a place that lingers in the hearts of many when they think of it; the small street with its dreamy afternoon sunlight captivates countless souls. If you have the chance to visit the former imperial city, don’t miss Bao Vinh Ancient Town to reminisce about a time when this street echoed the glory of ancient Hue, as well as other notable attractions like Nam Giao Altar, Ben Xuan, and Thai Hoa Palace.
