Stepping into the dreamy land of Hue, visitors are not only captivated by the majestic Citadel and the gentle Perfume River but also drawn to the simple, ancient beauty of traditional villages. Among them, Phuoc Tich ancient village emerges as a precious gem, fully preserving the soul of rural Vietnam through hundreds of years of history. Let’s explore this special village with “Travel Around The World,” where time seems to stand still, and feel the slow, peaceful rhythm of life in the heart of the ancient capital.
Overview of Phuoc Tich Ancient Village: Timeless Marks by the O Lau River
Phuoc Tich ancient village, located in Phong Hoa commune, Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province, is about 40km north of Hue city center. Nestled beside the gentle O Lau River, the village carries the pristine, tranquil beauty of old Vietnamese villages. Phuoc Tich is not just a village, but also a living museum, preserving unique cultural, historical, and architectural values of the ancient capital land.
History of Formation and Development
According to historical records, Phuoc Tich village was established in 1470, during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. Initially, the village was named Phuc Giang, meaning “river of blessing.” During the reign of King Gia Long, the village was renamed Phuoc Tich, with the wish that the people here would accumulate many blessings for future generations. Over more than 500 years of formation and development, Phuoc Tich has maintained its ancient and traditional beauty, becoming one of the rare ancient villages that still exist intact in Vietnam.
In 2009, Phuoc Tich ancient village was honored to be recognized as a National Monument, affirming the great historical and cultural values that the village brings. This title is not only a source of pride for the people of Phuoc Tich but also a motivation to preserve and promote the traditional values of the village, contributing to the richness of Hue’s cultural tourism.
Geographical Location and How to Get There
Located about 40km from the center of Hue, traveling to Phuoc Tich ancient village is quite convenient. Visitors can choose many different means of transport to reach this peaceful village:
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike in Hue is a popular choice, especially for young people who like to explore freely. From the city center, follow National Highway 1A north for about 40km, near My Chanh bridge (Hai Lang district, Quang Tri), turn right onto National Highway 49B and go about 1km further across the O Lau river bridge to reach Phuoc Tich.
- Taxi/Car: If traveling in a group or wanting more comfort, taxi or car is a suitable option. Travel time is about 40-50 minutes.
- Bicycle: For visitors who love slow experiences and immersing themselves in nature, renting a bicycle at homestays or in Hue city center and cycling to Phuoc Tich is also an interesting idea (the distance is quite far, so good health and careful preparation are needed).
When arriving at the village, to fully appreciate the peaceful beauty, visitors should walk or rent a bicycle to explore. Bicycle rental services are available in the village at affordable prices, making it easy for you to explore every corner of Phuoc Tich.
Ancient gate of Phuoc Tich village with mossy tile roof
Cultural Values and National Heritage
Phuoc Tich ancient village attracts visitors not only by its external beauty but also by the deep cultural values hidden inside. This place converges all the elements that make up a traditional Vietnamese village:
- Ancient Ruong house architecture: Phuoc Tich is famous for its ancient Ruong houses, which are hundreds of years old. These houses are built in the typical Hue architectural style, with 3 compartments and 2 wings, mossy tile roofs, sturdy ironwood pillars, and sophisticated carvings.
- Traditional pottery craft: Phuoc Tich pottery has a history of more than 500 years, being one of the oldest traditional crafts in Hue. Phuoc Tich pottery is famous for its unique straw-firing technique, creating durable and beautiful pottery products with unique characteristics.
- Village cultural space: Phuoc Tich still retains the traditional village cultural space with communal houses, temples, pagodas, clan temples, winding village roads, shady green trees, and green tea hedges separating houses, creating a simple, close beauty.
- Festivals and customs: Phuoc Tich village also preserves many traditional festivals and customs imbued with Hue cultural identity, reflecting the rich spiritual life of the local people.
Peaceful scenery of Phuoc Tich ancient village
Exploring the Unique Architecture of Phuoc Tich Village: Imprints of Ancient Ruong Houses
The most special highlight of Phuoc Tich ancient village is its ancient Ruong house architecture. The Ruong houses here are not only residences but also cultural symbols, the soul of the village.
Ancient Ruong Houses – Symbol of Hue Architecture
Ruong house is a traditional housing architecture popular in Hue and central provinces. Phuoc Tich Ruong houses bear the bold Hue architectural style with outstanding features:
- Wooden structure: Ruong houses are built entirely of wood, mainly ironwood, jackfruit wood, and Hopea odorata wood. The parts of the house such as pillars, beams, rafters, and purlins are connected by a system of mortises and tenons, creating solidity and durability.
- Tile roof: The roof is tiled with “liet” tiles (tube tiles) or fish-scale tiles, creating an ancient, mossy beauty. The roof usually has a large slope, helping to drain water quickly and create a cool space inside.
- Decorative motifs: Wooden details in Ruong houses are intricately carved with many rich themes such as dragons, unicorns, turtles, phoenixes, flowers, and birds, showing the talent and creativity of ancient artisans.
- Living space: Ruong houses usually have 3 compartments and 2 wings, with the middle compartment being the ancestral worship area, and the two side compartments being the living room and bedroom. Ruong houses are always designed in harmony with nature, with spacious, airy gardens.
The Ruong houses in Phuoc Tich have an average age of 100 to 200 years, and some houses have even existed for more than 300 years. Each house is a unique work of art, a historical and cultural witness of the village.
Ancient Ruong house with mossy roof and green tea hedges
Garden House Space and Green Tea Hedges
Another distinctive feature of Phuoc Tich ancient village is the green garden house space. Each Ruong house has a spacious garden surrounding it, planted with many kinds of fruit trees and ornamental plants, creating a living space close to nature. In particular, the rows of green tea trees planted straight in front of the house not only create a beautiful landscape but also serve to separate the gardens, creating privacy for each family.
Walking around the village, visitors will feel the peace and freshness of the green space. The chirping of birds, the gentle breeze blowing through the trees, the scent of flowers and leaves… all blend together to create a peaceful and lovely village picture.
Village path shaded by green trees and tea hedges
Phuoc Tich Traditional Pottery Craft – 500 Years of Quintessence
Besides Ruong house architecture, Phuoc Tich ancient village is also famous for its traditional pottery craft with a history of more than 500 years. Pottery is not only a livelihood but also an indispensable part of the cultural life of Phuoc Tich people.
History and Pottery Making Techniques
Phuoc Tich pottery craft was formed in the 15th century, associated with the reclamation and development of the village. According to legend, the ancestor of Phuoc Tich pottery was Mr. Hoang Duc Thuc, originally from Thanh Hoa. He brought pottery to Phuoc Tich and passed it on to the local people.
Phuoc Tich pottery is famous for its unique straw-firing technique. Straw is used as fuel to burn the kiln, creating a moderate and stable temperature, helping the pottery to ripen evenly and have a distinctive color. In addition, the clay for making pottery is also taken from local land, with good quality, creating durability and smoothness for the products.
Phuoc Tich pottery products are very diverse in types, from household items such as pots, pans, kettles, cups, bowls, plates… to worship items, decorative items… Phuoc Tich pottery is highly appreciated for its quality, durability, aesthetics, and imbued with traditional cultural features.
Traditional pottery kiln in Phuoc Tich village
Phuoc Tich Pottery Products and Values
Phuoc Tich pottery was once a famous product, used to be offered to the Nguyen Dynasty court. In its heyday, Phuoc Tich pottery was exported to many countries in the region. However, through many historical upheavals and the competition of industrial pottery, Phuoc Tich pottery craft has sometimes declined.
Today, with the attention of local authorities and the efforts of the people, Phuoc Tich pottery craft is gradually being restored and developed. Phuoc Tich pottery products are not only consumed domestically but also exported to some international markets. Phuoc Tich pottery not only has economic value but is also a precious cultural heritage, which needs to be preserved and promoted.
Pottery artisan crafting ceramics in Phuoc Tich village
Pottery Village Experience
Coming to Phuoc Tich ancient village, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to experience pottery making at traditional pottery workshops. You will witness firsthand the manual pottery making process, from selecting clay, kneading clay, shaping, decorating to firing pottery. Under the guidance of artisans, you can create simple pottery products as souvenirs. This is an interesting and meaningful experience, helping you better understand the traditional pottery craft and local culture.
Exquisite Phuoc Tich pottery products
Culture and Life in Phuoc Tich Ancient Village: Peaceful Rural Soul
Phuoc Tich is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a place to preserve traditional cultural values and the slow, peaceful rhythm of Vietnamese rural life.
Cay Thi Temple and Folk Beliefs
Cay Thi Temple, also known as Ba Temple, is one of the most prominent spiritual architectural works in Phuoc Tich ancient village. The temple was built to worship Lady Thuy, the village’s tutelary god. The special feature of the temple is the ancient persimmon tree over 500 years old, considered a sacred symbol of the village.
Cay Thi Temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of community cultural activities for Phuoc Tich people. Every year, on holidays and festivals, villagers gather at the temple to pray for peace, good luck, and participate in traditional cultural activities.
Ancient and sacred Cay Thi temple
Peaceful Lotus Pond
In the heart of Phuoc Tich ancient village, the lotus pond appears as a peaceful, gentle highlight. In the summer, the lotus pond blooms, showing off its pure pink and white colors, spreading fragrance throughout the region. The lotus pond is not only a place to relax and enjoy the scenery but also a favorite check-in spot for many visitors when coming to Phuoc Tich.
Lotus pond in Phuoc Tich in full bloom
Local Cuisine
Coming to Phuoc Tich ancient village, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy Hue’s specialties. Phuoc Tich cuisine has a rustic, familiar flavor, prepared from fresh local ingredients. Some dishes you should try when you come here:
- Banh Khoai (Hue Crispy Pancake): A Central Vietnamese pancake, made from rice flour, shrimp, meat, bean sprouts, served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup): Hue’s famous noodle soup, with rich broth, tender beef, and delicious crab cakes.
- Rustic dishes: Garden chicken, O Lau river fish, boiled sweet potato leaves, mixed vegetable soup…
You can enjoy local cuisine at small eateries in the village or order meals at homestay households.
Appetizing local cuisine in Phuoc Tich
The Hospitality of the People
One of the things that makes visitors love Phuoc Tich ancient village is the hospitality and friendliness of the people here. Phuoc Tich people are always ready to welcome visitors with warm smiles, caring greetings, and interesting stories about their village. You will feel like you are coming home when you come to Phuoc Tich, a village full of love and rural soul.
Friendly and hospitable people of Phuoc Tich village
Phuoc Tich Ancient Village Travel Experience: For a Complete Trip
To have a complete and meaningful trip to Phuoc Tich ancient village, you should note some of the following experiences:
Ideal Time
The ideal time to travel to Phuoc Tich ancient village is in the dry season, from March to September. At this time, the weather in Hue is quite cool, with little rain, favorable for sightseeing and exploration. Especially in the summer (May – July), the lotus pond in Phuoc Tich blooms, creating a beautiful scene.
Means of Transportation
- In the village: You should walk or rent a bicycle to visit, both to exercise and to feel the peaceful beauty of the village.
- To the village: Motorbikes, taxis, and cars are suitable means of transport to travel from Hue to Phuoc Tich.
Notes When Visiting
- Respect local culture: Dress politely, do not make noise, maintain general hygiene, and do not arbitrarily infringe on people’s property.
- Ask for prices before buying goods or using services: To avoid being overcharged, you should ask for prices before buying souvenirs or using services such as bicycle rental, eating, etc.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses: The weather in Hue is quite sunny, especially in the summer, so you need to prepare enough items to protect your skin and eyes.
- Prepare cash: In rural areas, payment in cash is still more common than bank cards, so you should bring enough cash for spending.
Conclusion
Phuoc Tich ancient village is a unique and attractive cultural tourist destination in Hue. This place not only has ancient Ruong house architecture and traditional pottery craft but also carries the peaceful and tranquil beauty of a Vietnamese village. Coming to Phuoc Tich, visitors will immerse themselves in the traditional cultural space, feel the slow, peaceful rhythm of life, and experience the hospitality and friendliness of the local people. Take the time to explore this ancient village to fully appreciate the beauty and soul of rural Vietnam in the heart of ancient Hue.