Through the gentle banks of the Perfume River, the Bao Vinh Ancient Town extends, with its streets that whisper the breath of history. This refurbished commerce port, which was once bustling with activity, now offers tranquility to seekers of authenticity in its midst. The town is a functioning museum, unfolding the architectural relics of its fruitful past and the eternal charm of the traditional Vietnamese way of life. This town provides a taste of Hue’s history unlike any other.
Overview of Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Situated on the northern fringe of Hue’s Imperial City, Bao Vinh Ancient Town was once a thriving trading port in the 17th to 19th centuries. It was a significant commercial center in Central Vietnam, with traders visiting from China and the West. Today, though time has gone by, Bao Vinh is still extremely well-preserved, wearing the charm of an ancient town hundreds of years old, filled with history and nostalgia.
Location: Huong Vang, Huong Tra District, Thua Thien Hue Province
The town’s architecture is a fascinating mix of old and new. There are traditional wooden houses with low-tiled roofs- a signature of old Vietnamese streets – nestled beside modern two-story structures based on 20th-century architectural designs. Although now a sleepy river town, Bao Vinh was once a bustling stopover for merchant ships from China, Japan, India, Macau, and even Europe.
There are two main ways of traveling to Bao Vinh from Hue city center:
- By road: Start from the city center, cross Trang Tien Bridge, and turn right on Tran Hung Dao Street. Take a left turn onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street along the Dong Ba River. Drive straight until you reach the extended Dao Duy Anh Street, which leads directly to Bao Vinh Ancient Town.
- By waterway: For the more scenic route, a boat trip along the Dong Ba River is a more exciting means of getting there. A brief walk from the landing area will bring you to Bao Vinh’s center.
However, the fate of the town turned out differently with the French invasion and the capture of the Imperial City of Hue, and Bao Vinh declined. The majority of traditional industries gradually faded away. Despite that, inhabitants of Bao Vinh have worked to preserve the town’s antiquated identity. Strolling through Bao Vinh nowadays, visitors can continue to see the old roofs, the aged gateways, and the classical residences, all silent witnesses of a bygone era.
Must-visit attractions in Bao Vinh Ancient Town
There are five spots at Bao Vinh Ancient Town that you should not miss when visiting:
Bao Vinh Communal House
No trip to Bao Vinh Ancient Town would be complete without a visit to Bao Vinh Communal House. Although its construction date is unknown, the ancient building is a place of remembrance and veneration of a Pham family hero, where locals gather to pay homage to their traditions. The people perform a ceremonial offering every year on December 7 to commemorate his endeavors. The communal house is filled with nostalgia, its old architecture, moss-covered walls, and antique votive brazier recalling past memories.
Bao Vinh Pier
Another well-known feature of Bao Vinh Ancient Town, Bao Vinh Pier is a key spot of exchange between the old quarter and neighboring villages such as Tien Non, Sinh, Phu Mau, and Thanh Tien. The cross pier or middle pier is a commercial and transportation portal in the river.
A river boat tour offers a bird’s eye view of the historical charm of Bao Vinh. Standing from the river, tourists get an opportunity to admire the French colonial period embankments and the old-fashioned streets of tile-roofed houses in quaint beauty as if directly from the pages of history.
Bao Vinh Market
A visit to Bao Vinh Ancient Town would be a wasted opportunity without a visit to Bao Vinh Market. While the small rural marketplace might be less boisterous and compact than Hue’s city-center markets, it too possesses its own special charm in its vast range of wares.
Bao Vinh Market, while compact, is filled with local handicrafts and specialties. Tourists visiting during the Lunar New Year will be surprised at an even greater variety of products, from handmade Tao figurines at Dia Linh Village to celebratory paper confetti at Thanh Tien Village.
Thien Giang Tu Pagoda
In the center of Bao Vinh Ancient Town stands the old Thien Giang Tu Pagoda, a Buddhist temple that is over 200 years old. Though small, the pagoda has been lovingly maintained by a dedicated group of caretakers made up of old monks and pilgrims who gather to chant and recite Buddhist scripture.
The pagoda’s foundation date is unknown, although inscriptions on a 1803 old bronze bell suggest it has been a spiritual sanctuary for over two centuries. The historical records indicate that the temple had already been frequented on numerous occasions by Emperors Minh Mang and Tu Duc.
Bao Vinh Cafe – Tiem ca phe Mat Biec
Among the many quaint cafes of Bao Vinh, the most popular among tourists is Tiem Ca Phe Mat Biec, located at 66 Bao Vinh Street, Huong Vang, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue. The retro-style café is named after the popular Vietnamese film “Mat Biec” by Victor Vu, hence a favorite among young backpackers in Hue.
The interior of the cafe adopts a retro feel with old-world wooden furniture and retro floral wall tiles that add to its antique charm. The menu is humble and inexpensive consisting of tea and coffee, providing a warm welcome for guests to unwind, discuss, and also listen to some live music. It is so popular among youngsters who come in not just to drink but to take stunning snaps amidst its nostalgic backdrop.
Things to do in Bao Vinh Ancient Town
A visit to Bao Vinh Ancient Town offers a unique opportunity to witness the laid-back pace of Vietnamese country life. A stroll around the town’s narrow streets is one of the principal activities, absorbing the old architecture and the ambiance. Photographers will be able to find numerous opportunities to capture the town’s ancient charm and idyllic river landscape. A visit to the town’s pagodas and communal houses offers insight into the town’s religious and cultural life.
Visitors can also interact with residents, learning more about their life and culture. A leisurely boat trip on the Perfume River offers a different perspective of Bao Vinh Ancient Town, allowing visitors to appreciate its riverside setting and the scenery surrounding it. Sampling local cuisine is another essential activity. Although there aren’t many restaurants in the town, local restaurants do offer traditional Hue dishes, so it is an authentic dining experience. A walk to the local market, if open, maybe a way to catch a glimpse of the everyday commerce of the area.
Cycling through the surrounding countryside and visiting local villages is a great way to get a sense of the rural existence surrounding Bao Vinh Ancient Town. Those interested in history will find a visit to the remains of the old port and imagining the town’s past as a bustling trade center a must. The easygoing nature of Bao Vinh lends itself to a great place to unwind and contemplate, distant from the crowds of more well-trodden tourist destinations.
Bao Vinh through the seasons: When to visit
The tourist season in Bao Vinh Ancient Town usually lasts from November to April, and the best months are January to April when the weather is comfortable and cool. But for mountain lovers, beach lovers, and those who adore sunrise and sunset views, the best time to visit is June to August, when the sun is most brilliant and the sea is most transparent.
Unlike the other areas, Hue has no dry season. Rather, it has a rainy season and a slightly reduced rainfall season. March to August sees very little rain, though the atmosphere is hot and humid. From September to January, the rainy season with cooler weather arrives. October and November are also months of storms and are usually heavy rain for a prolonged period.
- Spring (Late January – March): It is a gentle and pleasant weather with gentle sunshine and occasional cool breezes.
- Summer (April – July): The temperature gets warmer, and Hue is a wonderful destination for sun lovers. Summer is when the city is adorned with the golden flowers of flamboyant trees and the resplendent purple of giant crape myrtles.
- Autumn (August): The prettiest season of Hue, with the city enveloped by a peaceful and romantic fog.
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Overall, Bao Vinh Ancient Town is a unique blend of serenity, history, and culture that makes it a must-visit destination for tourists in Hue. Its architecture, which has been preserved so well, peaceful riverside location, and actual local life offer a glimpse of Vietnam’s past. By choosing to visit this ancient town, tourists are afforded a glimpse of a location that is actually preserved and a bit of Hue’s history.
