Exploring Bao Vinh Ancient Town: 300-Year-Old Serene Beauty in Hue

Bao Vinh Ancient Town is one of the rare remaining old quarters in Hue, with a history dating back to the 17th century under the Nguyen Lords. Located along the Perfume River and Dong Ba River, it was once the most bustling trading port in Dang Trong, connecting trade with China, Japan, Europe, and India. Goods such as silk, brocade, ivory, and ceramics were actively exchanged, contributing to the prosperity of ancient Hue capital.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, Bao Vinh entered its peak period. Not only famous for trade, it was also known as a hub for many traditional crafts: mother-of-pearl inlay, lacquerware, carpentry, coffin making, and brick/tile manufacturing. However, the historical event of 1885 when the Hue Citadel fell caused the trading port to gradually decline, making way for the rise of Dong Ba Port. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Western scholars such as R. Morineau still referred to Bao Vinh as the "trading port of Hue," but its past glory slowly faded into memory.

Today, Bao Vinh no longer displays a prosperous commercial appearance, yet it still retains a rare tranquil charm, with over 200-year-old houses standing quietly by the river. From a vibrant port town, Bao Vinh has become a nostalgic space, much less commercialized than Hoi An or Hanoi's Old Quarter. Visiting this place, travelers not only find a corner of ancient Hue but also hear stories of the Pham lineage, who reclaimed and established the land of Bao Vinh from its earliest days.

Bao Vinh Ancient Town is located in Huong Vinh Ward, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, about 3-4 km northeast of Hue city center. Its prime location along the Perfume River and Dong Ba River makes it easy to reach from famous tourist attractions such as Hue Imperial City (5 km away), Thien Mu Pagoda (7 km away), or Truong Tien Bridge (3 km away).

How to get there: From central Hue by road: Cross Truong Tien Bridge, turn right onto Tran Hung Dao Street, then turn left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street, follow Dong Ba River to the end of expanded Dao Duy Anh Street. Travel time is about 10-15 minutes by motorbike or car.

The ancient town is only about 5-10 km away from famous tourist attractions such as Hue Imperial City or Thien Mu Pagoda, making it easy to combine into a 1-2 day Hue itinerary.

The architecture of ancient houses in Bao Vinh is a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese style, Chinese-Hoa influence, and French colonial architecture. Most houses are wooden ruong houses (quadrangular design), built with sturdy wooden frames from jackfruit or ironwood, rustic antique tiled roofs, and yellow or red painted stone or wooden walls. Some houses feature the "banh u" style (pyramidal shape) – square-shaped, convenient for business, influenced by 19th-century French design.

For example, Mr. Le Quang Chac's house (built in 1916) or Mrs. Phan Thi Dieu Lien's house (150 years old) are vivid testaments. Mrs. Lien's house is the only two-story wooden house, featuring a wide porch and Chinese-Vietnamese decorative patterns. This intersection stems from commercial history when foreign merchants brought new architectural styles.

Key architectural highlights:

• Quadrangular houses (French style): Built in the early 20th century, two stories, suitable for commerce, combining stone and wooden walls.
• Banh u houses: Combining East and West, with vibrant yellow or red painted walls creating aesthetic accents.
• Communal house and temples: Bao Vinh Communal House with mossy walls and faded curtains; Thien Giang Tu Temple with a bronze bell dating from the Gia Long era (1803).

Currently, many ancient houses are deteriorating due to termites and flooding, yet they still maintain a serene beauty that makes visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time.

Bao Vinh Ancient Town offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, quite distinct from the hustle and bustle of central Hue. Nestled alongside the Perfume River, the neighborhood shelters small alleys, time-worn ancient houses, and old banyan trees. The pace of life is slow: locals stroll, run small stalls at Bao Vinh Market, and the clanking sounds of iron forging echo from the over 100-year-old blacksmith hamlet.

The rhythmic sound of hammers and anvils from the forge workshops (about 28 households with over 40 workers) contributes to a nostalgic atmosphere. Free from crowded modern shops, there is only Mat Biec Cafe with its cinematic setting for visitors to unwind. This beauty is particularly striking at sunset when the sunlight reflects off the Dong Ba River, evoking a poetic and tranquil feeling.

Bao Vinh Ancient Town provides authentic cultural experiences without being overly crowded. Here are the main highlights:

• Bao Vinh Communal House: Located right at the village entrance with two ancient banyan trees, it is dedicated to the ancestors of the Pham family and hosts an annual festival on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month. It serves as a cultural symbol where visitors can learn about local worship rituals.
• Thien Giang Tu Temple: An over 200-year-old temple featuring a quiet garden, an ancient bronze bell, and a history tied to Nguyen Kings such as Minh Mang and Tu Duc. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.
• Bao Vinh Market: A charming local market, most vibrant early in the morning (7-10 AM) or during Tet, selling Thanh Tien paper flowers, Kitchen God statues, and local specialties. This is the place to experience the daily life of Hue residents.
• Ferry Landing: Take a ferry across the Dong Ba River (10,000-20,000 VND/person) to admire the ancient town from afar and connect to neighboring villages such as Tien Non and Thanh Tien.
• Mat Biec Cafe: A vintage coffee shop inspired by the movie "Mat Biec", with nostalgic decor and drinks priced between 30,000-60.000 VND. A favorite check-in spot for young people.

Visiting Bao Vinh ancient town, travelers can spend time strolling to watch the sunset by the Perfume River, as the last rays of daylight dye the peaceful sky golden. Another delightful experience is hiring a boat to cruise down the Dong Ba River, combining a visit to Thanh Tien craft village, famous for its colorful paper flower making art. If you are lucky enough to visit during Tet or on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month, you will also have the chance to immerse yourself in the local traditional festival and fully feel the folk cultural atmosphere attached to this land for centuries.

Exploring Bao Vinh Ancient Town is a journey back through memory to find a serene Hue, where stories of over 300 years of historical ups and downs are preserved. Amidst modern life, Bao Vinh still maintains its peaceful, simple charm, prompting visitors to reflect on a long-gone prosperous era. If you want to better understand the culture, people, and unique heritage of Hue, visit sovaba.travel to explore a variety of Hue travel tours. There, you will find not only journeys to explore the ancient town, but also many unique cultural experiences that bring you closer to the soul of the ancient capital.