Nestled along the gentle O Lau River, approximately 40km north of Hue city center, Phuoc Tich ancient village is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers from all directions. With over 500 years of history, Phuoc Tich is not just a village, but a living museum preserving the unique cultural, architectural, and historical values of the ancient capital. Let’s explore the timeless beauty and unforgettable experiences in this ancient village with “Travel Around The World”.
Phuoc Tich Ancient Village – Imprints of History and Tranquil Culture
Established in 1470 during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, Phuoc Tich ancient village carries fascinating historical stories and profound traditional cultural values. The name Phuoc Tich, meaning “accumulating blessings,” reflects the desire for a peaceful and prosperous life of the local people. Over time, Phuoc Tich has undergone many changes, but still retains the pristine beauty of a traditional Vietnamese village, with ancient Ruong houses, winding village roads, and lush green gardens.
This village was once known by many different names. Initially, the village was named Phuc Giang, with the wish for a land of blessings by the river. During the Tay Son dynasty, the village name was changed to Hoang Giang, to commemorate the merits of the Hoang clan who reclaimed and established the village, and also to reflect the village’s riverside location. During the reign of King Gia Long, the village was officially renamed Phuoc Tich, carrying the meaning of accumulating blessings for future generations.
Phuoc Tich is not only famous for its unique architectural beauty but also a place preserving unique intangible cultural values. It was once a famous pottery production center, with exquisite products known throughout the region. Phuoc Tich pottery has experienced many historical ups and downs, but has always been an important part of the economic and cultural life of the villagers. To this day, although pottery is no longer as prosperous as before, traces of a traditional craft village still exist in every house, every road, and in the memories of Phuoc Tich people.
Phuoc Tich Ruong House Architecture – Exquisite Carved Masterpieces
One of the most special and attractive features of Phuoc Tich ancient village is its ancient Ruong house architecture. Phuoc Tich is known as the “land of ancient Ruong houses” of Hue, with nearly 40 Ruong houses aged from 100 to 300 years. These Ruong houses are not only residences, but also symbols of Vietnamese traditional culture, history, and architectural art.
Phuoc Tich Ruong houses bear the distinctive architectural style of Hue, but still have their own unique features. The highlight of Phuoc Tich Ruong houses lies in the exquisite wood carving art. Under the talented hands of artisans from the famous My Xuyen carpentry village, the parts of the Ruong house such as beams, purlins, trusses, ties, connecting panels, door panels… are carved extremely meticulously and sophisticatedly, showing rich decorative themes, from flowers and birds to historical stories and legends.
The Ruong houses in Phuoc Tich are often built on large plots of land, surrounded by lush green gardens, creating a living space in harmony with nature. Each Ruong house has its own beauty, reflecting the personality and aesthetic taste of the homeowner, while also reflecting the cultural values and traditional lifestyle of Phuoc Tich people. Visiting these ancient Ruong houses, visitors not only admire the unique architectural beauty but also have the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and life of the local people.
Experiencing Culture and Peaceful Village Life
Coming to Phuoc Tich ancient village, visitors not only admire the ancient Ruong houses but also immerse themselves in the cultural space and peaceful, fresh village life. Phuoc Tich is famous as the “longevity village” of Hue, where people live in harmony with nature, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and optimistic spirit. Strolling along the village roads shaded by trees, visitors will feel the peace, tranquility, and fresh atmosphere of the Vietnamese countryside.
The people of Phuoc Tich are known for being gentle, hospitable, and always willing to share stories about their village, culture, and history of the land. Visitors can visit the garden houses, chat with locals, learn about their daily life, customs, and traditional cultural values preserved through generations.
Phuoc Tich is also an ideal place to experience unique folk cultural activities. Visitors can participate in traditional village festivals, enjoy local specialties, or participate in experiential activities such as pottery making, cake making, cycling to explore the village… These experiences will help visitors deeply understand the culture and people of Phuoc Tich, and create memorable memories in their journey to discover Hue.
Discovering Heritage and Prominent Attractions in Phuoc Tich
Phuoc Tich ancient village not only has ancient Ruong houses but also possesses many cultural heritages and attractive attractions. Trung Communal House is an ancient architectural work, where important cultural and religious activities of the village take place. Phuoc Buu Pagoda is an ancient pagoda with a long history, bearing the traditional Buddhist architectural style. Cay Thi Shrine and the thousand-year-old Banyan Tree are a sacred symbol of the village, associated with unique historical stories and folk beliefs.
In addition, Phuoc Tich also has many other shrines such as Doi Shrine, Quang Te Shrine (worshiping Yoni and Linga of the Cham people), Am Hon Shrine, Con Cop Shrine, Ba Giang Shrine (Cham people), Van Thanh Temple… Each relic carries its own unique historical, cultural, and architectural values, contributing to the diversity and richness of the cultural heritage of Phuoc Tich ancient village.
Phuoc Tich ancient village with Banyan Tree Shrine and ancient banyan tree
Especially, the Banyan Tree and Banyan Tree Shrine are must-visit destinations when coming to Phuoc Tich. The ancient banyan tree is not only hundreds of years old but also a historical witness, associated with important events of the village and the country. During the anti-French resistance war, the banyan tree was once a hiding place for revolutionary cadres, becoming a “revolutionary tree” with profound historical significance. Every year, on the 16th day of the first lunar month, Phuoc Tich people hold a festival at the banyan tree shrine to commemorate the merits of village reclamation and pray for peace and prosperity.
Travel Guide and Phuoc Tich Experiences
To explore Phuoc Tich ancient village, visitors can travel by car or motorbike from Hue city in the north direction for about 40km. The road to Phuoc Tich is quite easy and convenient. Visitors can combine visiting Phuoc Tich with other tourist destinations in Phong Dien such as Dien Hai beach, Ru Cha mangrove forest…
The best time to visit Phuoc Tich is in spring or autumn, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Visitors can spend a day or half a day exploring the ancient village, depending on their preferences and schedule.
Experience activities in Phuoc Tich:
- Visit ancient Ruong houses: Explore unique architecture and learn about the history and culture of ancient houses.
- Walking or cycling around the village: Enjoy the peaceful, fresh space of the countryside and admire the beautiful natural scenery.
- Cultural exchange with local people: Chat, learn about the lifestyle, customs, and traditional culture of Phuoc Tich people.
- Visit historical and cultural relics: Trung Communal House, Phuoc Buu Pagoda, Cay Thi Shrine and other shrines.
- Enjoy local cuisine: Explore the specialties of Hue countryside.
- Participate in experiential activities: Learn pottery making, cake making, participate in traditional festivals (if available).
Contact information of the Management Board of Phuoc Tich Ancient Village Architectural Art Relic:
- Address: 31 Pho Trach Street, Phong Dien Town, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Hue Province
- Phone: 02343.771055
Phuoc Tich ancient village is an attractive tourist destination, offering visitors unique cultural, historical, and natural experiences. Come to Phuoc Tich to discover timeless beauty and enjoy the peaceful, fresh space of the Vietnamese countryside.