There are places that do not need to be noisy to make people remember forever. Just a small alley, an ancient house and a gentle sunny morning are enough to slow down people's hearts. Bao Vinh Ancient Town is just such a place - a quiet, thoughtful, and attractive neighborhood.
Ups and downs in history and prosperous memories
Located in the north of Hue Citadel, Bao Vinh Ancient Town used to be one of the busiest trading ports in Dang Trong, playing an important role during the 17th to 19th centuries. This place used to be a bustling trading point, where goods were bustling along the boats docking, creating a period of brilliant prosperity along the Huong River
Although most of Bao Vinh's architecture has been stained by time, it is easy to see a few houses built in modern architectural style with paint that has only been through a few rainy and sunny seasons. Originally, Bao Vinh was ancient, keeping almost intact its old appearance, the old town was also longer, with more ancient houses. But as time passed, more or less, Bao Vinh has changed.
Wandering on the street, I stopped in front of a small pharmacy. Inside, the pharmacist was selling medicine and enthusiastically telling me about the neighborhood where she lived. She told about the historic flood in 1999. At that time, the water rose high, sweeping away not only the belongings but also the vitality of the whole neighborhood. “After that flood, many houses were severely damaged, some had to be rebuilt, some were abandoned. As a result, the street became less and less populated, even the old tiled roofs.”
I quietly looked at the street in front of me, wondering if in a few years, Bao Vinh would still retain the ancient appearance of its golden age?
The beauty of the old town
Bao Vinh Old Town is no longer bustling now, but it has taken on the beauty of silence. The moss-covered yin-yang tiled roofs, the slanted porches overlooking the small street, a few areca palms growing high in the backyards – all of which seemed to come out of a painting.
Without bright colors or massive structures, Bao Vinh’s beauty lies in its originality and sincerity. Even if you just stand next to a moss-covered wall, the light reflecting off the old bricks will make you stop for a moment to… look a little longer.
Where life and memories blend
Bao Vinh Old Quarter is not only a destination for taking photos or "ancient check-ins", but also a place deeply attached to the lives of local people. Small eateries selling banh beo, bun hen, and strong coffee in the morning are all located modestly on the roadside, nestled under the shade of old houses.
I stopped in front of a three-room wooden house. An old lady smiled toothlessly and invited me to sit down and have some tea. When I asked her about the old quarter and where she lived, she took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "This house was left by my great-grandfather, now the young people have all left, only I am left." A seemingly simple sentence made me pause for a moment.
The old quarter is not only old bricks, but also a place that holds the memories of many generations. Although some generations choose to leave, some choose to stay, but no matter which choice, they are all a part of this place - Bao Vinh Old Quarter.
It is the blend of the present and the past, of everyday life and historical memories, that makes Bao Vinh a place that does not need to be too famous, but is profound enough to keep visitors coming back.
Conclusion
There are beauties that do not lie in the flashiness but in the fact that time has not yet taken away all the old things. Bao Vinh Ancient Town is such a place - quiet, simple, but full of humanity and memories. If one day you set foot in Hue, let your heart wander as you walk on this ancient town. Who knows, you will find a very special part of peace for yourself.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Giang Huynh
- Design: Phuong Nguyen