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Post:The Victory- Image:Thang The, Le Hong Long
The ancient town of Bao Vinh, once one of the most bustling and important trading centers in the "Southern region" of Vietnam, and a vital trading hub of the imperial capital of Hue, has now declined, a stark contrast to the ancient town of Hoi An, a port city that flourished during the same period.
I discovered Bao Vinh by chance, while wandering alone on a boat along the Perfume River during a visit to Hue many years ago. From the Perfume River, Bao Vinh looked somewhat similar to the ancient town of Hoi An, but older, more pristine, and simple. The houses with tiled roofs were close together, low to the ground. A small asphalt road divided the two rows of houses, running parallel to each other. I docked my boat and experienced Bao Vinh for the first time.
For many years I've wandered around Bao Vinh. It's the first place I visit in Hue whenever I return. Bao Vinh has changed a lot in my mind, but it still feels very familiar. I still often have breakfast at the Hue noodle shop at the beginning of the street; her little daughter, whom I first met when she was only two years old, is now in first grade. The boy who used to sit in a stroller by the ferry dock now knows how to play football. The blind old man who lived alone with his wooden staircase back then has now passed away.
For me, Bao Vinh has always been the most beautiful and enchanting place whenever I visit Hue. There lingers a dreamy, captivating atmosphere when the morning sun shines brightly, or when the afternoon sun casts a golden glow on the tranquil streets reflected on the Perfume River, or sometimes simply when the water rises during the flood season.
Additional information:
Bao Vinh Old Town is located north of Hue Imperial City. It can be reached by road from the city center via Nguyen Gia Thieu Street, Dao Duy Anh Street, and Bach Dang Street. If traveling by water, you can go along the Perfume River towards the sea, or along the Dong Ba River.
Bao Vinh is most beautiful at sunrise and sunset. The best way to explore Bao Vinh is to take a boat and then walk along the pedestrian street. Bao Vinh has a ferry terminal, from where you can cross to visit Thanh Tien paper flower village and Sinh village (where the wrestling festival takes place every spring). The view of Bao Vinh from the other side of the river is stunning. Another beautiful spot to admire Bao Vinh is Bai Dau Bridge, on Nguyen Gia Thieu Street, spanning the Dong Ba River.
