VIETNAM – Hue – Exploring the Lost Ancient Town in Hue

Located about 3 kilometers North of Hue, Bao Vinh ancient town was a bustling trading port in the Center of Vietnam 200 years ago. Over time, Bao Vinh has changed a lot but still retains many classic and nostalgic features, such as the communal house, moss-covered old houses, and some traditional handicraft workshops.

Theme

Art & Culture, Classic, Family, Gastronomy, Sustainable

Country - City

Vietnam - Hue

Market segment

Groups, Thematic Leisure

Price Level

$

Max pax

20

Seasonality

All year round

Arrival city

Hue

Departure city

Hue

Description

Taking a leisurely walk through Bao Vinh ancient town, travelers will have a chance to explore the peaceful beauty of the old city, that 200 years ago was a bustling trading port in the Center of Vietnam. The first stop of interest is the communal house where locals often hold prayers for life every year. Continue weaving along small alleys to discover and chat with some local artisans preserving the traditional crafts of their ancestors, such as blacksmithing, and pearl inlay art, and cast statues of “Ong Tao”. After that, guests will stop at a local tea and coffee house to take a break or join in a traditional Hue cake workshop with a charming lady.

Selling points

  • Deep immersion in Hue’s local life and culture.
  • Learning about traditional crafts in Hue.
  • A hands-on and fun experience when joining a cake workshop, especially for kids.
  • Non touristic area.

Level Of The Excursion

Medium – This activity offers tangible positive contributions to the local community, culture and/or environment

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Cultural Conservation

Environment Impact

Transportation

Economic Impact

Local individual benefits

Additional Information

This activity helps travelers to understand the cultural importance of Hue as the former imperial capital, to contribute to preserving the traditional crafts. It also benefits locals at the town

Time And Transportation

From To Distance By Duration Road conditions
Hue city center Bao Vinh 5 kilometers Car 13 minutes City road
The Citadel Bao Vinh 5.5 kilometers Car 15 minutes City road

Duration

  • Walking to explore the town: 1h 30min.
  • Hue’s traditional cake workshop: 2 hours.

Min pax

1

Max pax

20 for walking tour; 15 for cake workshop

How to sell it

  • For FIT, family, and small groups (maximum 20 guests).
  • For people who love crafts and interacting with locals.
  • Possible to create a half-day tour that combines walking around the town and the traditional cake workshop.
  • It is possible to combine with Thanh Tien and Sinh village to make a half-day exploring crafts in Hue.

Why this activity

  • To promote another side of Hue, non-touristy.
  • To be able to offer different local experiences in Vietnam.
  • To have more authentic activities in Hue.
  • An Easia Signature itinerary

Good to combine with

  • The visit of the Citadel or Tombs in the afternoon: walking tour + workshop in the morning + visit the Citadel or a Tomb in the afternoon.
  • Tam Giang morning package tour: starting at Bao Vinh for a walk + continuing to Tam Giang for cycling + Lunch at a local house + boating & fishing experience on the lagoon, and back to Hue in the afternoon.
  • It is possible to start a full day of Hue with the morning walking tour at Bao Vinh.

Do not combine with

The historic walking along the Perfume River in the same day.

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Competitor comparison

Some DMCs have promoted this area but not much.

Pros

  • Easy to organize.
  • Not touristic, local craftsmen are friendly.
  • Final stop, the tea house where takes place the workshop is cozy and nice with the river view and the host is very sympathetic and charming.

Cons

Bao Vinh is located in a low-lying area so it may be flooded during the rainy season.

Information

For walking tour:

  • Children: all ages
  • Guide language: can be provided in many languages.
  • Best time to start in the morning, from 8:30
  • Local crafts to visit: blacksmithing, pearl inlay art, and cast statues of “Ong Tao”, Ma’s house for tea/coffee.

The traditional cake workshop:

  • Children from 8 years old
  • Capacity: 15 guests

Alerts

Guests should be informed of the possibility of cancellation in case of bad weather.

Price range

$

Quotation guideline

  • Hue – Activity – Easia signature – A walk to explore the lost ancient town (Bao Vinh Ancient town)
  • Hue – Activity – Hue’s traditional cake workshop (Mạ’s House)

Inclusion

A walk to explore the lost ancient town (Bao Vinh Ancient town):

  • Fee for local guide escort.
  • Fee for locals.
  • Fee for drinks at Mạ’s House.

Hue’s traditional cake workshop (Mạ’s House):

  • Ingredients
  • Folding paper to wrap Phap Lam cakes.
  • Tea and gifts are finished products for customers.

Exclusion

  • Transfer and other personal fees.
  • Easia’s guide fee.

 

Important notes

  • Should inform travelers to prepare umbrellas and raincoats in case of bad weather.
  • Verify the weather before the tour.
  • Carefully brief program to guides about the itinerary: starting point at Bao Vinh communal house, from the number 41 Bao Vinh, going straight ahead to the end of the alley, stop at a pearl inlay art workshop –> turn right and go ahead to blacksmithing —>go straight and turn right to Dia Linh bridge and then turn left to visit ‘Ong Tao’ making–> back to the town to visit an ancient house and local market–>final stop at Ma’s house for tea/coffee and refreshing.

Special Guide notes

  • The guide should have the knowledge of Bao Vinh ancient town and all of the stops along the way.
  • Should spend more time at the local market during a morning tour.

Contact

Mạ’s House tea & coffee.

Add: 136 Bao Vinh, Hương Vang, Hương Trà, Huế.

Contact: Ms. Hồng/0983062502.

English

A walk to explore a lost ancient town

You will travel to a ‘lost’ ancient town of Hue, which is located in the Northern outskirts of the Citadel, next to the Perfume River. 200 years ago, it was a bustling Central Vietnam trading port, marking the golden age of the Hue ancient capital. Now, over time, it has changed a lot but still retains many classic and nostalgic features. Walking around the town, you will discover the ancient beauty and tranquility when visiting the communal house, meeting the locals, and discovering traditional crafts, such as mosaic work, blacksmithing, and a pottery kiln used to make the statues of “Ong Tao”. You will end the walk at a local tea house to enjoy tea or coffee while admiring the beauty of the Perfume River.

Duration: 1h 30min

Hue’s Traditional Cake workshop

You will travel to a ‘lost’ ancient town of Hue, which is located in the Northern outskirts of the Citadel, next to the Perfume River. 200 years ago, it was a bustling Central Vietnam trading port, marking the golden age of the Hue ancient capital. Now, over time, it has changed a lot but still retains many classic and nostalgic features. On arrival, you will meet a “Hue” lady at her home and join a traditional cake-making class under her guidance. During this time, you will have a chance to learn more about local life and culture as well as how to make some special cakes. The experience will end with the tasting of your cakes with tea while viewing the Perfume River and saying goodbye to the lady with a nice gift from the host.

Duration: 2 hours

A half-day experience at a lost ancient town 

You will travel to a ‘lost’ ancient town of Hue, which is located in the Northern outskirts of the Citadel, next to the Perfume River. 200 years ago, it was a bustling Central Vietnam trading port, marking the golden age of the Hue ancient capital. Now, over time, it has changed a lot but still retains many classic and nostalgic features. Walking around the town, you will discover the ancient beauty and tranquility when visiting the communal house, meeting the locals, and discovering traditional crafts, such as mosaic work, blacksmithing, and a pottery kiln used to make the statues of “Ong Tao”. Then you will meet a “Hue” lady at her home and join a traditional cake-making class under her guidance. During this time, you will have a chance to learn more about the local life and culture of Hue as well as how to make some special cakes. The experience will end with the tasting of your cakes with tea while viewing the Perfume River and saying goodbye to the lady with a nice gift from the host.

Duration of the walk: 1hour

Duration of the workshop: 2 hours

French

Une promenade à la découverte d’une “ancienne ville perdue”

Vous vous rendrez dans l’ancienne ville de Hue, située au nord de la Citadelle, près de la rivière des Parfums. Il y a 200 ans, cette ville était un port de commerce animé du centre du Vietnam, marquant l’âge d’or de l‘ancienne capitale de Hue. Au fil du temps, la ville a beaucoup changé, mais elle conserve de nombreux témoignages du passé. En vous promenant dans les rues et ruelles, vous découvrirez le charme ancien des bâtiments tels que la maison communale, les habitants et artisans qui perpétuent l’artisanat traditionnel comme le travail de la mosaïque, la forge et la poterie “Ong Tao”. A la fin de votre balade arrêt dans une maison de thé pour déguster un thé ou un café tout en admirant la beauté de la rivière des Parfums.

Durée: 1h 30min

Atelier de fabrication de gâteaux traditionnels de Hue

Vous vous rendrez dans l’ancienne ville de Hue, située au nord de la Citadelle, près de la rivière des Parfums. Il y a 200 ans, cette ville était un port de commerce animé du centre du Vietnam, marquant l’âge d’or de l‘ancienne capitale de Hue. Au fil du temps, la ville a beaucoup changé, mais elle conserve de nombreux témoignages du passé.
À votre arrivée, vous participerez à un cours de fabrication de gâteaux traditionnels sous la direction de votre hôte. Ce sera l’occasion d’en apprendre davantage sur la vie et la culture locale, ainsi que sur la fabrication de ces gâteaux traditionnels. Le cours se terminera par la dégustation de vos gâteaux autour d’un thé tout en regardant la rivière des Parfums. Il sera ensuite temps de dire au revoir à votre hôte qui vous remettra un petit cadeau avant de partir.

Durée: 2 heures

Une demi-journée dans une ancienne ville perdue

Vous vous rendrez dans l’ancienne ville de Hue, située au nord de la Citadelle, près de la rivière des Parfums. Il y a 200 ans, cette ville était un port de commerce animé du centre du Vietnam, marquant l’âge d’or de l‘ancienne capitale de Hue. Au fil du temps, la ville a beaucoup changé, mais elle conserve de nombreux témoignages du passé. En vous promenant dans les rues et ruelles, vous découvrirez le charme ancien des bâtiments tels que la maison communale, les habitants et artisans qui perpétuent l’artisanat traditionnel comme le travail de la mosaïque, la forge et la poterie “Ong Tao”. Pui vous participerez à un cours de fabrication de gâteaux traditionnels sous la direction de votre hôte. Ce sera l’occasion d’en apprendre davantage sur la vie et la culture locale, ainsi que sur la fabrication de ces gâteaux traditionnels. Le cours se terminera par la dégustation de vos gâteaux autour d’un thé tout en regardant la rivière des Parfums. Il sera ensuite temps de dire au revoir à votre hôte qui vous remettra un petit cadeau avant de partir.

Durée de la promenade : 1 heure
Durée de l’atelier : 2 heures

Spanish

Un paseo para descubrir una “antigua ciudad perdida”.

Visitará la antigua ciudad de Hue, situada al norte de la Ciudadela, cerca del río Perfume. Hace 200 años, esta ciudad era un bullicioso puerto comercial del centro de Vietnam, que marcó la época dorada de la antigua capital de Hue. Con el tiempo, la ciudad ha cambiado mucho, pero aún conserva muchos recuerdos de su pasado. Mientras pasea por sus calles y callejones, descubrirá el encanto antiguo de edificios como la casa comunal, y a los habitantes y artesanos que perpetúan la artesanía tradicional, como el trabajo en mosaico, la herrería y la cerámica “Ong Tao”. Al final del paseo, deténgase en una casa de té para disfrutar de una taza de té o café mientras admira la belleza del río Perfume.

Duración: 1h 30min

Clase de pastelería tradicional de Hue

Visitará la antigua ciudad de Hue, situada al norte de la Ciudadela, cerca del río Perfume. Hace 200 años, esta ciudad era un bullicioso puerto comercial del centro de Vietnam, que marcó la época dorada de la antigua capital de Hue. Con el tiempo, la ciudad ha cambiado mucho, pero aún conserva muchos recuerdos de su pasado.  A su llegada, participará en una clase de elaboración de pasteles tradicionales bajo la dirección de su anfitrión. Esta es una oportunidad para aprender más sobre la vida y la cultura locales, así como sobre la elaboración de estos pasteles tradicionales. La clase terminará con una taza de té con vistas al río Perfume. Será el momento de despedirse de su anfitrión, que le obsequiará con un pequeño regalo antes de partir.

Duración: 2 horas

Un medio día en una antigua ciudad perdida

Visitará la antigua ciudad de Hue, situada al norte de la Ciudadela, cerca del río Perfume. Hace 200 años, esta ciudad era un bullicioso puerto comercial del centro de Vietnam, que marcó la época dorada de la antigua capital de Hue. Con el tiempo, la ciudad ha cambiado mucho, pero aún conserva muchos recuerdos de su pasado. Mientras pasea por sus calles y callejones, descubrirá el encanto antiguo de edificios como la casa comunal, y a los habitantes y artesanos que perpetúan la artesanía tradicional, como el trabajo en mosaico, la herrería y la cerámica “Ong Tao”. A continuación, participará en una clase de preparación de dulces tradicionales bajo la dirección de su anfitrión. Esta es una oportunidad para aprender más sobre la vida y la cultura locales, así como sobre la elaboración de estos pasteles tradicionales. La clase terminará con una taza de té con vistas al río Perfume. Será el momento de despedirse de su anfitrión, que le obsequiará con un pequeño regalo antes de partir.

Duración del paseo : 1 hora

Duración de la clase : 2 horas

Italian

Una passeggiata alla scoperta di una “antica città perduta”.

Visiterete l’antica città di Hue, situata a nord della Cittadella, vicino al fiume dei Profumi. 200 anni fa, questa città era un vivace porto commerciale del Vietnam centrale, segnando l’età d’oro dell’antica capitale di Hue. Nel corso del tempo, la città è cambiata molto, ma conserva ancora molti ricordi del suo passato. Passeggiando per le strade e i vicoli, scoprirete il fascino antico di edifici come la casa comune, gli abitanti e gli artigiani che perpetuano l’artigianato tradizionale come la lavorazione del mosaico, il fabbro e la ceramica “Ong Tao”. Al termine della passeggiata, fermatevi in una casa da tè per gustare una tazza di tè o caffè ammirando la bellezza del Fiume dei Profumi.

Durata: 1 ora e 30 minuti

Lezione di pasticceria tradizionale di Hue

Visiterete l’antica città di Hue, situata a nord della Cittadella, vicino al fiume dei Profumi. 200 anni fa, questa città era un vivace porto commerciale del Vietnam centrale, segnando l’età d’oro dell’antica capitale di Hue. Nel corso del tempo, la città è cambiata molto, ma conserva ancora molti ricordi del suo passato. All’arrivo, parteciperete a una lezione di preparazione di dolci tradizionali sotto la guida di chi vi ospita. Questa è un’occasione per conoscere meglio la vita e la cultura locale, nonché il modo in cui vengono preparati questi dolci tradizionali. La lezione si concluderà gustando le torte davanti a un tè e guardando il fiume dei Profumi. È poi il momento di salutare il padrone di casa, che vi consegnerà un piccolo regalo prima di partire.

Durata: 2 ore

Mezza giornata in un’antica città perduta

Visiterete l’antica città di Hue, situata a nord della Cittadella, vicino al fiume dei Profumi. 200 anni fa, questa città era un vivace porto commerciale del Vietnam centrale, segnando l’età d’oro dell’antica capitale di Hue. Nel corso del tempo, la città è cambiata molto, ma conserva ancora molti ricordi del suo passato. Passeggiando per le strade e i vicoli, scoprirete il fascino antico di edifici come la casa comune, gli abitanti e gli artigiani che perpetuano l’artigianato tradizionale come la lavorazione del mosaico, il fabbro e la ceramica “Ong Tao”. Parteciperete poi a una lezione di preparazione di dolci tradizionali sotto la guida del vostro ospite. Questa è un’occasione per conoscere meglio la vita e la cultura locale, nonché il modo in cui vengono preparati questi dolci tradizionali. La lezione si concluderà gustando le torte davanti a un tè e guardando il fiume dei Profumi. È poi il momento di salutare il padrone di casa, che vi consegnerà un piccolo regalo prima di partire.

Durata della passeggiata: 1 ora

Durata del laboratorio: 2 ore

German

Ein Spaziergang zur Erkundung einer verlorenen alten Stadt

Sie reisen zur verlorenen alten Stadt Hue, die im Norden am Rande der Zitadelle am Parfümfluss liegt und vor 200 Jahren ein geschäftiger Handelshafen in Zentralvietnam war, der ein goldenes Zeitalter der alten Hauptstadt Hue markierte. Im Laufe der Zeit hat sich die Stadt stark verändert, doch viele klassische und nostalgische Merkmale sind erhalten geblieben. Bei einem Spaziergang durch die Stadt werden Sie die alte Schönheit und Ruhe entdecken, wenn Sie das Gemeinschaftshaus besichtigen, die Einheimischen treffen und traditionelles Handwerk wie Mosaikarbeiten, Schmiedekunst und den Töpferofen zur Herstellung der Statue “Ong Tao” kennenlernen.

Dauer: 1 Stunde und 30 Minuten

Traditionelle Tortenwerkstatt in Hue

Sie reisen zur verlorenen alten Stadt Hue, die im Norden am Rande der Zitadelle am Parfümfluss liegt und vor 200 Jahren ein geschäftiger Handelshafen in Zentralvietnam war, der ein goldenes Zeitalter der alten Hauptstadt Hue markierte. Im Laufe der Zeit hat sie sich stark verändert, aber viele klassische und nostalgische Merkmale sind erhalten geblieben. Nach Ihrer Ankunft treffen Sie eine Hue-Dame in ihrem Haus und nehmen unter ihrer Anleitung an einem traditionellen Kuchenbackkurs teil. Während dieser Zeit haben Sie die Gelegenheit, mehr über das Leben und die Kultur der Einheimischen zu erfahren und zu lernen, wie man besondere Kuchen herstellt. Am Ende des Kurses probieren Sie Ihre Kuchen mit Tee, während Sie auf den Parfümfluss blicken, und verabschieden sich von der Dame mit einem netten Geschenk des Gastgebers.

Dauer: 2 Stunden

Ein halbtägiges Erlebnis in einer verlorenen alten Stadt

Sie fahren zur verlorenen alten Stadt Hue, die im Norden am Rande der Zitadelle am Parfümfluss liegt und vor 200 Jahren ein geschäftiger Handelshafen in Zentralvietnam war, der das goldene Zeitalter der alten Hauptstadt Hue markierte. Im Laufe der Zeit hat sich die Stadt stark verändert, doch viele klassische und nostalgische Merkmale sind erhalten geblieben. Bei einem Spaziergang durch die Stadt werden Sie die alte Schönheit und Ruhe entdecken, wenn Sie das Gemeinschaftshaus besichtigen, die Einheimischen treffen und traditionelles Handwerk wie Mosaikarbeiten, Schmiedekunst und den Töpferofen zur Herstellung der Statue “Ong Tao” kennen lernen. Während dieser Zeit haben Sie die Möglichkeit, mehr über das Leben und die Kultur von Hue zu erfahren und zu lernen, wie man spezielle Kuchen herstellt. Am Ende des Kurses probieren Sie Ihre Kuchen mit Tee, während Sie auf den Parfümfluss blicken, und verabschieden sich von der Gastgeberin mit einem netten Geschenk.

Dauer des Spaziergangs: 1 Stunde
Dauer des Traditionelle Tortenwerkstatt : 2 Stunden