Bao Vinh Ancient Town in Hue looked from above with houses right by Huong River side

Discover Bao Vinh China Town

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Journey Through Time: Discover Bao Vinh Ancient Town

Step into Hue’s Trading Past

From the 17th to 19th centuries, Bao Vinh Ancient Town was the heart of commerce in the Dang Trong ( as known as The South region). Many Chinese merchants settled here, trading local goods such as salt, rice, fish sauce, and seafood. Merchant ships from Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, India, and even Europe once sailed to this thriving port to exchange goods and culture.

Cyclo Ride to a Bygone Era

Begin your morning with a tranquil cyclo ride from your hotel to Bao Vinh Ancient Town, located just five kilometers from the center of Hue. Nestled at the meeting point of the Bach Yen and Dong Ba rivers, Bao Vinh offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Though time has left its mark—many old houses have faded and their wooden beams grown fragile—the town still preserves its old-world charm. As you glide along the gentle Perfume River, you’ll see humble houses leaning beneath taller ones, their moss-covered roofs clustered closely together, creating a poetic scene—especially as the sun sets over the water. With its quiet rhythm of life and romantic charm, Bao Vinh captivates visitors through every weathered wall and narrow alleyway. On arrival, enjoy a leisurely stroll through its shaded lanes and visit a traditional family temple, where the spiritual heart of Hue continues to endure through generations.

A Glimpse of Local Life

Continue your walk to the local market, a lively place filled with color, aroma, and the rhythm of daily life.

A trip to Bao Vinh Ancient Town wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Bao Vinh Market. This quaint countryside market may be smaller and calmer than the bustling ones in Hue’s city center, yet it offers an authentic glimpse into local life. Here, stalls brim with an assortment of everyday goods and regional specialties, each telling a quiet story of tradition. Though modest in size, the market’s charm lies in its simplicity and warmth. And if you come during Lunar New Year, the atmosphere transforms—colorful handicrafts from nearby villages fill the space.

From here, board a small ferry across the Perfume River, taking in the tranquil scenery before switching to a bicycle tour through green paddy fields.

Crafting Beauty in Thanh Tien Village

End your journey at Thanh Tien Village,

Thanh Tien Village has been renowned throughout Hue for over 300 years for its traditional craft of handmade paper flowers. These delicate creations hold a special place in Hue’s culture: the finely crafted, lifelike flowers are often used for decorations and special events, while the simpler versions are typically placed on ancestral altars—a beautiful choice that never withers and carries no unpleasant scent indoors.

Among them, the lotus flowers made here are considered the most beautiful of all.

To read about this area that was once a Chinese Town and a bustling port during the Nguyễn Dynasty, click here.

NOTES:

  • Availability: Morning
  • Suggested time: 08.30
  • Duration: 4,5 hours

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