Buzz
As a child, when I listened to the song 'Hue - My Love' by the composer Truong Tuyet Mai (poetry by Do Thi Thanh Binh), I didn't fully grasp the dreams and fantasies of the place where I was born and raised. It wasn't until I had to leave Hue due to life's demands that I realized I had lost my soul. I yearned for every street, every branch, and every blade of grass. Several years later, I had the fortune to return to Hue for work and luckily rediscovered the memories I had once let slip away, along with the longing from years past. I dedicated much of my time after work to explore Hue, walking, cycling, living slowly to feel every breath of my homeland, to peacefully embrace everything happening around me. The slower I lived, the more I realized nothing is as beautiful as my hometown.
The time away from Hue helped me realize that nothing is as beautiful as my Hue.
Normally, I make the most of every free moment to admire Hue - my love. During the early days of the Lunar New Year, not having to work, I freely strolled around every morning. The weather in the first days of the year, as the earth transitions into the magical moment between Winter and Spring, is truly ideal. The entire city is immersed in a mystical white fog. Hue is so beautiful, like a watercolor painting, reminiscent of fairy scenes from the period dramas I've watched.The river of childhood
A row of trees casting shadows along the An Cuu River (captured from Phan Chu Trinh Street).
I have a habit of exercising every morning, regardless of the weather, rain or shine. I always wake up early, around 5 o'clock. It's a routine I consistently follow, even on holidays like Tet. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, I treated myself to a slightly later wake-up, but I still preferred a leisurely stroll. So, at 5:30 in the morning, bundled up in a warm jacket, wearing my shoes, I embarked on a 'spring outing.' My house is located in a small neighborhood on Phan Chu Trinh Street, along the banks of the An Cuu River.
Truong Tien Bridge.
Stepping out of the house, I felt a refreshing cold mist enveloping me. Walking along the riverbank, my heart was lively, my spirit high as I embraced the gentle breeze brushing across my face, carrying a familiar scent. This feeling is so dear, as if I had lost it somewhere, and it seems it's been 365 days since I rediscovered it. Indeed, it's the Tet atmosphere, and I love it.
The bridge concealed in the early morning mist.
Truong Tien Bridge - nestled in the gentle heart of Hue.
From Phan Chu Trinh Street, I navigate through a few streets to reach Truong Tien Bridge. I usually pause in the middle of the bridge for 5-10 minutes, doing some stretches and deep breaths to recharge for the new day. Typically, there are many people gathered on the two pedestrian walkways of the bridge for morning exercises. However, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, everyone seems busy with the festive preparations, so the bridge is quieter. Only a few individuals, like me, maintain the habit of morning walks.
Morning exercise on Truong Tien Bridge.
Truong Tien Bridge in the early morning appears even more venerable and majestic.
The most beautiful bridge in Hue has been immortalized in poetry, music, and art, consuming countless pages of ink from poets and writers. The name Truong Tien Bridge may not be unfamiliar, but witnessing the bridge concealed in the mist, strolling across it with the graceful flow of the Perfume River veiled in mist, I never thought any brush could recreate that watercolor painting, no pen could fully express the dreamlike allure of a bridge immersed in the enchanting white mist. I feel no step could be lighter, and all the everyday worries of life seem to vanish from my mind. It's like walking 'on clouds.'
Traffic starts flowing on the bridge.
The sensation is akin to walking on clouds.
Hue Imperial City - a celestial realm in the morning mist.
From Truong Tien Bridge, I stroll along Tran Hung Dao Street towards the Imperial City. The road, though spacious, is quieter than usual. Just the day before, this same road was bustling with the Tet flower market, vendors, and eager buyers, young people adorned in floral outfits capturing moments. I was here the day before too, admiring the flowers, observing cyclos laden with flowers heading home in the early morning, in the chilly weather with mist lingering.
Cyclos carrying flowers home for Tet decorations.
Yet today, the road is quieter. Phu Van Lau, the emblematic structure of the architectural heritage of the Ancient Capital, emerges through the white smoke. The arched gate leading into the inner citadel becomes the frame for the enchanting painting behind, and as I step through, it feels like entering a heavenly realm. The Five Phoenix Pavilion and the Imperial City, the main attractions within the complex of Hue's ancient citadel, become mystical. Visitors daydream, imagining themselves wandering in a fairyland as the dragon motifs and cloud patterns on the mysterious structures are now gently covered by a thin layer of mist, bewitching and poetic.
Phu Van Lau.
The arched gate of the citadel.
The Five Phoenix Pavilion.
The Five Phoenix Pavilion shrouded in mist.
The area in front of the Five Phoenix Pavilion restricts vehicular movement, encouraging more people to walk. I join their rhythm. Indeed, it's only when we walk on the paths in the fresh morning dew that we truly feel the pure, cool, and incredibly romantic atmosphere.
The spacious pathway.
Leaving the Imperial City, I cross the southern bank of the Perfume River to head home. The sun is beginning to rise, and I know as it ascends, the morning mist will dissipate, giving way to the sun's rays. A sense of nostalgia fills me as I'm about to leave this heavenly scene. However, passing through the park along the Huong River, I encounter an even more beautiful and poetic sight—a young couple sharing their hearts under a tree by the river, the young man gently planting a kiss on the girl's cheek. This romantic scene adds more love and spice to life.
Springtime rendezvous.
Returning to Hue after a decade, I leisurely walk and admire Hue every morning. Despite intentionally living slowly, I still have to rush back home to make it to work on time. But on those chilly mornings at the beginning of Spring, leaving all worries behind, strolling gracefully in the pure white mist, my heart feels light and carefree.Author: Nguyen Thi Mai Trang
* This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualified article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Contributor with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://www.Mytour/en-vn/golocal
