Bao Vinh Ancient Town, a hidden gem nestled by the romantic Perfume River, was once a bustling trading port of Dang Trong in the 17th – 19th centuries. Through historical ups and downs, this place still retains its ancient, mossy beauty, quietly telling the story of a glorious past. Let’s explore Bao Vinh Ancient Town with “Travel Around The World” to feel the slow, peaceful pace of life and admire the unique architectural remnants still present in the heart of modern Hue City.
1. Overview of Bao Vinh Ancient Town: A Hidden Gem by the Perfume River
Nestled in the north of Hue Citadel, in Huong Vinh commune, Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province, Bao Vinh Ancient Town appears like a tranquil and serene painting. Different from the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the city center, Bao Vinh offers a completely different space, where time seems to stand still.
Location: Huong Vinh, Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province
In the past, Bao Vinh was an important trading port, serving as the gateway for trade between Dang Trong and the outside world. Merchant ships from all over the world, from China, Japan, India to Western countries, flocked to the port, bringing diverse goods and cultures. However, as history flowed, Bao Vinh’s prosperity gradually receded into the past, giving way to the development of new urban areas. Today, Bao Vinh Ancient Town has become a unique tourist destination, attracting those who want to return to the beauty of the past, reminiscing about a bygone era.
The special feature of Bao Vinh Ancient Town is the harmonious combination of traditional and modern architecture. Along the small winding roads, visitors can easily see traditional Vietnamese wooden houses with low tiled roofs, interspersed with two-story houses in French colonial architectural style. This intersection creates a unique beauty, both ancient and with the breath of time.
Bao Vinh ancient town where traditional and modern architecture meet
2. Directions to Bao Vinh Ancient Town: Easy Exploration Journey
To get to Bao Vinh Ancient Town, visitors can choose from many different means of transport, depending on their preferences and starting point.
Road transport:
From the city center of Hue, you can easily get to Bao Vinh Ancient Town by motorbike, car or taxi.
- Motorbike/Car: Follow Tran Hung Dao Street, cross Trang Tien Bridge, turn right onto Tran Hung Dao Street. Continue to turn left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street, go along the Dong Ba River to the end of Dao Duy Anh extended road, and you will reach Bao Vinh Ancient Town.
- Taxi: This is a fast and convenient means of transport, suitable for large groups or families with young children.
Waterway transport:
If you want to experience an interesting journey and admire the river scenery, visitors can choose to travel by boat on the Dong Ba River.
- Boat: Hire a boat at the boat station on the Perfume River or Dong Ba River, and ask the boat driver to take you to Bao Vinh Ancient Town. After arriving, you only need to walk a short distance to explore the ancient town.
Whichever means you choose, the journey to Bao Vinh Ancient Town is quite easy and convenient, promising to bring visitors memorable experiences.
Easy and convenient road to Bao Vinh ancient town
3. History of Bao Vinh Ancient Town: Imprints of a Century-Old Trading Port
Bao Vinh Ancient Town was formed and developed from the early 17th century, located in the famous Thanh Ha port complex of that time. Its favorable geographical location, on the banks of the Perfume River and near Thuan An estuary, created conditions for Bao Vinh to become a bustling trading center.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Bao Vinh was a meeting place for merchants from many different countries. Merchant ships from China brought silk, ceramics, tea, and traditional medicine, while merchants from Japan, Macau, India, and Europe brought Western goods, weapons, and unique handicrafts. Bustling trade activities helped Bao Vinh become one of the most important trading ports of Dang Trong, contributing to promoting regional economic and cultural development.
Besides its role as a trading port, Bao Vinh was also famous for many traditional craft villages, creating a diverse and rich economic space. Handicrafts such as coffin making, mother-of-pearl inlay, inlaying, brick making, and tile making developed strongly, creating unique products imbued with local cultural identity.
However, in the late 19th century, when the French colonialists invaded Vietnam and Hue Citadel fell, Bao Vinh Ancient Town also suffered the common fate of decline. Commercial activities declined, craft villages gradually faded away, and Bao Vinh gradually lost its position as an important economic center. However, the people of Bao Vinh always cherish and preserve the cultural and historical values of their homeland, expressed through the preservation of ancient houses, old roads, and traditional customs.
Bao Vinh ancient town used to be a bustling trading port
4. Classic Scenery Imbued with Time: Peaceful, Nostalgic Beauty
Walking on the small roads of Bao Vinh Ancient Town, visitors will feel a completely different space, separated from the noise and bustle of modern life. Time seems to slow down here, leaving its mark on each mossy tile roof, each mottled wall, and each ancient house.
Traditional three-compartment wooden houses with yin and yang tile roofs, nestled under the shade of old trees, create a peaceful, contemplative scene. Despite the changes of time, these houses still retain their unique architecture, bearing the imprint of time. In addition, houses in French colonial architectural style, with green windows and curved iron balconies, also contribute to creating a diverse and unique beauty for Bao Vinh Ancient Town.
The most beautiful scenery of Bao Vinh Ancient Town is probably at dusk, when the sunset dyes the entire space golden. Gentle afternoon sunlight creeps through the roofs, casting long shadows on the roads, creating a romantic and charming picture. Sitting by the Perfume River, watching Bao Vinh Ancient Town in the sunset, visitors will feel peace, tranquility, and deep emotions in their souls.
Traditional three-compartment wooden house with yin and yang tile roof in Bao Vinh
5. Must-Visit Attractions in Bao Vinh Ancient Town: Journey to Explore Culture and History
Bao Vinh Ancient Town is not only a tourist destination with ancient beauty, but also a place that preserves many unique cultural and historical values. Below are must-visit attractions when coming to Bao Vinh Ancient Town:
5.1. Bao Vinh Communal House: Beauty of Traditional Architecture
Bao Vinh Communal House is one of the most ancient and typical architectural works of the ancient town. The communal house was built to worship Mr. Khai Canh of the Pham clan, who contributed to reclaiming and building Bao Vinh village. The communal house is also a place for community cultural activities of local people.
The architecture of the communal house is imbued with the traditional Vietnamese communal house architectural style, with mossy tile roofs, solid lim wooden pillars, and sophisticatedly carved patterns. The communal house space is solemn and ancient, bringing visitors a feeling of peace and tranquility. In particular, on the 7th day of the twelfth lunar month every year, Bao Vinh communal house becomes the center of the Mr. Khai Canh death anniversary festival, attracting a large number of people and tourists to participate.
Bao Vinh communal house imbued with Vietnamese village architecture
5.2. Bao Vinh Ancient Town Ferry Wharf: Nostalgic Symbol
The ferry wharf is a familiar image and associated with Bao Vinh Ancient Town. This ferry wharf is the connection between Bao Vinh and Tien Non, Sinh, Phu Mau, Thanh Tien villages on the other side of the river.
Sitting on the ferry, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Bao Vinh Ancient Town from the river, admire the ancient houses, the stone embankments from the French colonial period, and feel the slow, peaceful pace of life of local people. The ferry wharf is not only a means of transport, but also a cultural symbol, a nostalgic beauty of Bao Vinh Ancient Town.
Bao Vinh ancient town ferry wharf with nostalgic beauty
5.3. Bao Vinh Market: Simple Countryside Charm
Bao Vinh Market is a small, simple countryside market, but it is imbued with the culture and life of local people. The market sells a variety of goods, from fresh food, local agricultural products, to household items and handicrafts.
Coming to Bao Vinh Market, visitors can experience the bustling atmosphere of buying and selling, learn about the daily life of local people, and enjoy Hue’s specialties. In particular, during the Lunar New Year, Bao Vinh market becomes more brilliant and bustling than ever, with many stalls selling typical products of traditional craft villages such as Ong Tao statues from Dia Linh village, Thanh Tien paper flowers…
Bao Vinh market selling a variety of local goods
5.4. Thien Giang Tu Pagoda: 200-Year-Old Ancient Pagoda
Thien Giang Tu Pagoda is an ancient pagoda with a history of over 200 years, located peacefully in the space of Bao Vinh Ancient Town. Although the pagoda grounds are small, they are well-kept, airy, and bring a feeling of purity and peace.
Thien Giang Tu Pagoda is not only a spiritual site, but also an important historical and cultural relic. The pagoda currently preserves many ancient artifacts, such as a bronze bell dating from the Gia Long period (1803) and a horizontal lacquered board marking the visit of King Minh Mang and King Tu Duc. Coming to Thien Giang Tu Pagoda, visitors can learn about the history of Hue Buddhism, admire the ancient architecture, and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil space.
Thien Giang Tu pagoda a 200-year-old ancient pagoda
5.5. Mat Biec Coffee Shop: Favorite Check-in Spot for Young People
Mat Biec Coffee Shop is a newly nổi (rising) spot in Bao Vinh Ancient Town, attracting many tourists, especially young people. This coffee shop is inspired by the famous movie “Mat Biec” (Dreamy Eyes) by director Victor Vu, bringing a vintage, nostalgic space.
With classic decoration style, old wooden tables and chairs, vintage floral tile floors, Mat Biec Coffee Shop creates a cozy and romantic space. The quán’s (shop’s) menu is diverse with teas, coffees, and refreshing drinks, at affordable prices. Coming to Mat Biec Coffee Shop, visitors not only enjoy delicious drinks, but also have the opportunity to check-in, take souvenir photos, and enjoy a relaxing space to chat with friends.
Mat Biec coffee shop ideal check-in spot
Conclusion: Bao Vinh Ancient Town – A Must-Visit Destination When Traveling to Hue
Bao Vinh Ancient Town, with its ancient, mossy beauty, and unique cultural and historical values, is a must-visit destination when traveling to Hue. This place not only brings visitors interesting exploration experiences, but also an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and life of the people of the Ancient Capital. Come to Bao Vinh Ancient Town to feel the slow, peaceful pace of life, and discover the interesting things hidden in every corner, every street, and every ancient house. Surely, Bao Vinh Ancient Town will leave in visitors’ hearts unforgettable impressions of an ancient Dang Trong trading port, a hidden gem in the heart of dreamy Hue Ancient Capital.