Traveling to Hue in the style of photographer Thien Minh

Sharing with Travellive, Thien Minh said this was only his second time traveling to Hue, and his trip to start the Year of the Tiger lasted 7 days. "This 7-day trip is very special, helping me understand and love Hue more. Partly because during the trip I got to meet and interact with many Hue people living here."

Photographer Thien Minh further revealed that the photos during the trip were taken with his phone camera (not professional cameras). Perhaps that is why the scenery of Hue, through his notes, is both romantic and poetic, yet close and real.

Are you ready to take a tour around Hue with Thien Minh?

Welcome the spring rains

Of course, no one wants to travel on rainy days. Therefore, tourists to Hue often choose the time when the land enters the dry season, although the sun is also harsh and crisp, in return they avoid the heavy rain.

Photographer Thien Minh arrived in Hue in early January, which meant he had to endure the spring rains. But through the eyes of a Hue lover, that was not an obstacle.

"I heard that Hue's 'specialty' is drizzle, now I finally get to experience it. It rains every day. Strangely, Hue city is beautiful when it's sunny but even more beautiful when it rains."

Walking on the heritage road

"One way I explore Hue is to walk along Chi Lang Street. This is Chinatown, with many ancient houses in Hue style that, in my eyes, look shy, profound and very attractive."

The Chi Lang road that photographer Thien Minh mentioned is located to the east of Hue citadel, in the territory of three wards: Phu Cat, Phu Hiep, Phu Hau. If we talk about the heritage of the ancient capital of Hue, we will think of the tombs and citadels of the Nguyen dynasty, but this small Chi Lang road bears the strong mark of the ancient Chinese.

In the early 19th century, when Hue became the capital of Vietnam (under the Nguyen Dynasty), a large number of Chinese people gathered in the eastern quarter of the capital to do business and live. Chi Lang has since become the place with the largest Chinese community in Hue, with countless architectural works that they have elaborately built: Chieu Ung Temple, Ba Pagoda, Quang Dong Pagoda, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall,...

"Most of the old houses here have gardens. Every house has old apricot trees, the spring rain falls gently, the falling flowers are so beautiful."

Also according to Thien Minh's suggestion, Chi Lang street is not only for walking and sightseeing, but also a coordinate for culinary exploration. "Along Chi Lang street, there are many old and new cafes, along with local Hue food stalls. Walk around and look around, then go to Mrs. Do's restaurant to eat. If you are more diligent, walk a little further, go into the alley to eat at Mrs. Cai's restaurant...".

Visit the garden, drink tea, look at paintings

Perhaps, if it weren't for Thien Minh's sharing, few tourists would know about Boi Tran Gallery (Boi Tran Garden) in Hue.

Located on Thien An hill, Boi Tran Gallery is a mansion over 100 years old, blending the history of the ancient capital of Hue with French colonial architecture. This is also a privately owned art and antique exhibition space, with many works by famous Vietnamese names such as To Ngoc Van, Nguyen Sang, Hoang Tich Chu, Nguyen Trung... Notably, this place was visited and introduced by Anthony Bourdain on the programAnthony Bourdain Parts Unknown(season 4 episode 4 - Vivacious in Vietnam).

Speaking of Boi Tran Garden, Anthony Bourdain once described:Boi Tran is an artist, a person from the distant past of the ancient capital. She lives on Thien An hill, in a magnificently restored house. These traditional wooden houses were built in the Royal architectural style, with slanted grooves to suit the 'specialty' of rain in Hue. But more importantly, she built a garden in the middle of the house, following the Eastern concept that everything starts from a heart, then expands in all four directions..

Boi Tran Gallery is not the only art "treasure" in Hue. If you are not lucky enough to visit this private gallery, there are still a number of other destinations open to the public, including the private museum of the late painter Le Ba Dang (Lebadang Memory Space).

Le Ba Dang (1921-2015) was an internationally renowned painter, with artistic activities spanning across five continents, but Hue was chosen as the final "memorial" place for the painter after his death. Within the 16,000 m²Located on a quiet hill, Le Ba Dang's family displays his paintings, sculptures... imbued with the Buddhist and open-minded spirit, as well as works donated by some international artist friends.

Stay in the "golden" space of the ancient capital

One of the places photographer Thien Minh chose to stay during this trip was Ancient Hue Garden Houses. Located in the peaceful Kim Long village, Ancient Hue Garden Houses was designed like an ancient aristocratic mansion, recreating the style of Hue royalty. There are a total of 5 ancient wooden houses, surrounded by green gardens, along with a system of restaurants, lounges/bars and spas.

"It's like I've traveled through time, back to the golden past of Hue citadel with hundreds of years old wooden villas" - Thien Minh shared, "The ancient houses here paint a picture of Hue's ancient aristocracy, as well as honoring tradition, preserving the most beautiful identity of the ancient capital".

If you do not stay at Ancient Hue Garden Houses, you can still explore the space by dining at Kim Long Restaurant, located in the ancient house area. The main dishes served here are Hue specialties, as well as Vietnamese cuisine in general, which, according to Thien Minh, are "super delicious".

Following the footsteps of mindfulness

Before visiting the Imperial City, strolling through the heritage streets or galleries/museums in Hue, the first place Thien Minh went to was actually Tu Hieu Pagoda.

"What I wanted to do most during my trip on the first day of the year was to visit Tu Hieu Pagoda, where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh became a monk at the age of 16. It is a place where every inch of land has entered his memory, forming his personality and behavior, and then spreading it all over the world following the footsteps of mindfulness...".

Tu Hieu Pagoda, or Tu Hieu Ancestral Temple, was originally just a Grass Am with the name An Duong Am, founded by Patriarch Nhat Dinh in 1843. He practiced asceticism while taking care of his elderly mother. After his death, King Tu Duc named the pagoda Tu Hieu Tu, which in Buddhism meansfilial piety between parents and children.

Later, the temple was where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh started to practice Buddhism. It was also here that, after many years of practicing and preaching abroad, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh returned to rest (and pass away).

During his days wandering the ancient capital, photographer Thien Minh also visited Thien An Monastery, a place located deep in the pine forest of Thien An hill. "The monastery has a beauty that blends East and West," he said, "there the monks work, pray and live beautifully according to God's words every day."

"This place is not a tourist destination, nor a place to relax, but it has a strange attraction. Coming here is like entering another space, where time stops. That is the reason why I want to add it to the list of must-see places in Hue."

"If you have time, visit Thien An Monastery, whether you believe in God or not."

Lam Oanh