Along the gentle banks of the Perfume River stretches Bao Vinh Ancient Town, a place where time seems to stand still and every narrow street whispers tales of centuries past. Once a bustling commercial port, Bao Vinh today radiates tranquility, offering travelers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage. It’s a living museum, preserving both architectural treasures and the enduring spirit of traditional Vietnamese life—a unique lens into Hue’s layered history.
Overview of Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Located on the northern edge of Hue’s Imperial City, Bao Vinh Ancient Town flourished from the 17th to 19th centuries as one of Central Vietnam’s vibrant trading hubs. Merchants from China, Japan, India, Macau, and Europe once filled its piers and streets, exchanging goods and cultures. Although Bao Vinh’s days of frenetic trade faded with the French colonial period and the fall of the Imperial City, its historic core remains beautifully intact, offering a hauntingly nostalgic atmosphere.
Location: Huong Vang, Huong Tra District, Thua Thien Hue Province
Bao Vinh’s architecture is an enchanting mix of eras: traditional wooden houses with low-tiled roofs sit alongside modern two-story buildings bearing early 20th-century French colonial touches. The town’s quiet streets and river views conceal echoes of its lively past as a crossroads of commerce and culture.
How to Get to Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Travelers can reach Bao Vinh in two scenic ways from Hue city center:
- By Road: From Hue center, cross Trang Tien Bridge and turn right onto Tran Hung Dao Street. Continue to Huynh Thuc Khang Street along the Dong Ba River, then follow Dao Duy Anh Street straight into Bao Vinh Ancient Town.
- By Waterway: For a romantic and scenic journey, take a boat ride along the Dong Ba River. Disembark near Bao Vinh’s center for an unforgettable entrance into the town’s historic heart.
Must-Visit Spots in Bao Vinh Ancient Town
Bao Vinh is rich with hidden gems waiting to be explored. Don’t miss these highlights during your visit:
Bao Vinh Communal House
No trip to Bao Vinh is complete without visiting its atmospheric communal house, a place of worship and remembrance for a Pham family hero. Though the exact date of its construction is unknown, the structure stands as a cultural and spiritual anchor for locals. Each year, on December 7, villagers gather for a ceremonial offering, filling the house with life and tradition. Moss-covered walls and timeworn altars evoke deep nostalgia.
Bao Vinh Pier
Once the lifeblood of the town’s trade, Bao Vinh Pier remains a vital landmark. It linked the ancient town to neighboring villages like Tien Non, Sinh, Phu Mau, and Thanh Tien, serving as a hub of goods and people. Today, a riverboat tour past Bao Vinh Pier offers travelers stunning views of the town’s tile-roofed houses and remnants of French colonial embankments, revealing the quiet beauty of its historic riverfront.
Bao Vinh Market
Though small, Bao Vinh Market is full of local flavor. Here, visitors find traditional handicrafts, seasonal produce, and a charmingly authentic atmosphere. During Lunar New Year, the market blossoms with festive goods, from handmade Tao figurines crafted in Dia Linh Village to vibrant celebratory paper confetti from Thanh Tien Village—a colorful glimpse into Hue’s cultural artistry.
Thien Giang Tu Pagoda
At the heart of Bao Vinh stands Thien Giang Tu Pagoda, a serene Buddhist temple over 200 years old. Though modest in size, it has been lovingly maintained by a dedicated group of monks and devotees. An old bronze bell from 1803 records its long history, and emperors like Minh Mang and Tu Duc are known to have visited, adding royal prestige to this tranquil sanctuary.
Bao Vinh Café – Tiệm Cà Phê Mắt Biếc
Among Bao Vinh’s charming cafés, Tiệm Cà Phê Mắt Biếc is the most beloved, especially by younger travelers. Located at 66 Bao Vinh Street, this retro-style café takes its name from the popular Vietnamese film Mắt Biếc (Dreamy Eyes) by Victor Vu. Inside, vintage wooden furniture and floral tiles create an enchanting old-world atmosphere. The menu is simple but satisfying, featuring coffee, tea, and occasional live music—perfect for unwinding and soaking up the town’s nostalgic vibe.
Things to Do in Bao Vinh Ancient Town
A visit to Bao Vinh is an invitation to slow down and savor the essence of Vietnamese heritage. Here’s how to enjoy your time:
- Stroll the Streets: Wander Bao Vinh’s narrow lanes lined with wooden houses, tiled roofs, and quiet courtyards. Photographers will discover countless scenes perfect for capturing the town’s timeless beauty.
- Visit Historic Sites: Explore communal houses, temples, and piers to immerse yourself in the town’s cultural and religious life.
- Take a Boat Ride: Cruise along the Perfume River for panoramic views of Bao Vinh’s riverfront architecture and serene landscapes.
- Sample Local Cuisine: Although dining options are limited, local eateries serve delicious Hue specialties, providing an authentic taste of the region.
- Shop the Market: Browse Bao Vinh Market for handicrafts, local delicacies, and a peek into daily life.
- Cycle the Countryside: Rent a bicycle and explore nearby villages, enjoying pastoral scenes and connecting with local culture.
- Soak in the History: Stand at the remnants of Bao Vinh’s old port, and imagine the vibrant trade that once made this town a commercial powerhouse.
Bao Vinh’s gentle pace and authentic charm make it an ideal escape for travelers seeking peace and a genuine slice of Vietnamese heritage away from crowded tourist spots.
Bao Vinh Through the Seasons: When to Visit
Hue’s weather is famously capricious, but each season offers a unique experience:
- Spring (Late January – March): Pleasant and mild, with gentle sunshine and cool breezes—a perfect time for exploring.
- Summer (April – July): Hot and humid but vibrant, as flamboyant trees bloom with fiery orange flowers and crape myrtles burst into brilliant purple.
- Autumn (August): Hue’s most romantic season, when soft mists settle over the town, adding a poetic atmosphere.
The main tourist season runs from November to April, with the best months being January through April for comfortable, cool weather. From September to January, Hue enters its rainy season, with October and November often bringing heavy storms. Travelers seeking vivid sunrises, beach excursions, and clear skies might prefer June to August, despite the heat.
Bao Vinh Ancient Town remains a hidden jewel in Hue’s crown—a place where the past breathes quietly through centuries-old walls and riverside breezes. For travelers yearning for authenticity and a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry, Bao Vinh offers an unforgettable journey into the soul of the nation.
