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On the outskirts of Hue, Thuy Bieu Ancient Village is where the scent of citrus trees mingles with the creak of old wooden gates. Here, life unfolds at a slow pace while it calls back to Hue’s bygone days. Keep reading with Asia King Travel since this village might be the hidden chapter of Vietnam’s story you didn’t know you were missing.
Thuy Bieu Ancient Village could be the overlooked gem in Vietnam
Just about 5 kilometers from Hue City Centre, there is a peaceful retreat into the authentic charm of rural Vietnam known as Thuy Bieu Ancient Village. Despite being modest in size, this centuries-old attraction never runs out of historic value. That said, you might catch a glimpse of old Vietnam with your bare eyes during your visit here, especially when modern development hasn’t changed it too much.
In terms of the name “Thuy Bieu”, it can be loosely interpreted from Sino-Vietnamese as “a water gourd”, referring to the village’s unique geography. For further explanation, Thuy Bieu Ancient Village appears to be cradled by the water flow of Huong River, hence, it resembles how a gourd holds its contents. This natural embrace is also a part of Thuy Bieu’s distinct charm.
Strolling through Thuy Bieu Village, you’ll pass brick lanes lined with green shade
As you wander through Thuy Bieu Ancient Village, you will be greeted by a serene landscape where brick paths wind beneath trimmed hedges and lush trees. Continue walking and you are going to encounter Ruong houses, which has long been icons of traditional Vietnamese countryside living.
People would build these homes from precious woods like jackfruit, ironwood, or mahogany. Along with that, their architecture follows the principles of feng shui and showcases refined craftsmanship in every detail.
Read more: Thuy Bieu Trip 5-hour: Riding tour in Hue
Thuy Bieu Ancient Village is situated in Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City, Vietnam. In fact, this attraction is just 5 kilometers away from the city center, making it a unique ecological and cultural destination within easy reach.
In addition, the village also lies peacefully along the southern bank of Huong River, between the Imperial Citadel and several of the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal mausoleums. This strategic position has long supported the village’s lush gardens and traditional way of life.
On your way to Thuy Bieu Ancient Village, you should reach Hue City first by using one of these options. If you choose to fly, Phu Bai International Airport, located just 20 kilometers from the city center, will become your ultimate take-off spot. For those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, taking the train is a great choice. It is also doable to travel by road for flexibility, though it requires more time.
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Thuy Bieu Ancient Village is quite near the Hue city center
From the city center, you should head toward Le Duan Street along the Huong River. Continue driving straight for about 2 kilometers until you reach a roundabout. At this point, take the road that leads to Nguyen Hoang Bridge.
Once you cross the bridge, turn right onto Bui Thi Xuan Street. Keep going straight for approximately 1.2 kilometers, then turn into Long Tho Street. Continue moving on this street for about 900 meters, and you’ll arrive at Thuy Bieu Ancient Village.
The best time to visit Thuy Bieu Ancient Village is during Hue’s dry season, particularly from January to the beginning of August. During these months of the year, the weather in Thuy Bieu Ancient Village is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 22°C. As a result, Hue provides perfect conditions for walking or cycling through the village’s pomelo gardens.
However, the rainy season, which typically lasts from September to December, is not usually recommended. This is due to the fact that frequent showers may disrupt your travel plans badly.
Hue’s dry season is the ideal time to explore Thuy Bieu Ancient Village
Besides its peaceful natural scenery, Thuy Bieu Ancient Village also preserves several unique historical structures, among which Ho Quyen - Voi Re Arena stands out as a remarkable remnant from the Nguyen Dynasty. This was once the site of fierce battles between tigers and elephants, held as royal spectacles for the emperors and their court.
Even though time has left its mark on the walls and stone steps, the atmosphere remains somewhat powerful. While standing inside the arena, you can still feel the intensity of those ancient confrontations and the grandeur of royal pastimes.
Ho Quyen - Voi Re Arena is a striking relic from the Nguyen Dynasty
While visiting Thuy Bieu Ancient Village, you shouldn’t miss the chance to taste the local delicacy, Thanh Tra pomelo. Unlike other pomelo varieties found across Vietnam, Thanh Tra is smaller in size but sweeter and more fragrant, with a refreshing, juicy taste. This kind of pomelo is so delicious that it once served as a delicacy reserved for the royal family.
During the harvest season, you’ll find pomeloes being sold all over the village. You can also buy it as a gift to bring home for your family and friends.
Thanh Tra was once a fruit offered to the nobility
Thuy Bieu is home to a system of ancient Ruong houses. These homes are prime examples of Hue's typical garden house style, with classic three-compartment, two-wing ruong structure set within a lush fruit garden spanning over 10,000 square meters. Most of the old houses in the village are decorated with intricate wood carvings by skilled artisans of the past, giving each home its own distinctive character.
At Thuy Bieu cooking classes, you will learn how to make Thanh Tra marmalade, a local dessert crafted from the village’s signature pomelo, along with two Hue-style cakes.
Under the guidance of friendly locals, you’ll get to prepare these treats from scratch, using methods passed down through generations. After the class, enjoy tasting the delicious results of your own work and take home a small package of Thanh Tra marmalade as a flavorful souvenir of your experience.
In Thuy Bieu’s cooking classes, you’ll have the chance to craft your own Thanh Tra jam
In short, Thuy Bieu Ancient Village definitely deserves a place on your bucket list. With its well-preserved landscapes and peaceful rhythm of life, the village allows you to step back in time and see what rural Hue looked like decades ago. Don’t hesitate any longer and let Asia King Travel accompany you on a tour to this striking attraction today!
Read more: Hue Tour 2 Days: Discover the Imperial Beauty and Culture
