Buzz
Experience the serenity of Thuy Bieu.
In a leisurely afternoon journey against the flow of Perfume River, you'll feel the richness of the suburban area of Thuy Bieu, adorned with flower fields, orchards, and the cultural heritage within the Imperial City complex.
Take a bike ride around the village to breathe in the fresh air.
1. Trumpet Flower Season
As the rays of Spring sun emerge, dispersing the laziness of the previous winter clouds, it's time for the trumpet flowers to bloom. Known by various names such as trumpet flowers, horn flowers, or more elegantly, lily flowers, the people of Hue, simple and rustic, call them trumpet flowers for their down-to-earth charm. Many assume trumpet flowers are only found in Dalat or Hanoi. However, it's a pleasant surprise that they thrive in Hue and Thuy Bieu, the sole locations to cultivate these flowers.
Trumpet flowers - a down-to-earth, rustic name.
Cultivating trumpet flowers requires a lot of meticulous effort; farmers spend half a year from planting to harvesting. Starting from the 8th lunar month of the previous year, villagers begin planting bulbs in the flower fields, followed by watering, fertilizing, and caring for them. The dormant bulbs eagerly await the arrival of Spring to sprout and awaken.
Harvesting each trumpet flower branch.
With each pick, the bouquet of trumpet flowers grows bigger in no time.
I was absorbed in capturing pictures of my aunt.
Regardless of the weather conditions, my aunt always tends to the flowers meticulously.
After harvesting, my aunt brings the flowers home, preparing to give them to her beloved trumpet lover.
Around the 2nd lunar month of the following year, the plants begin to produce green buds, gradually growing larger and eventually blooming into beautiful trumpet-like flowers. Strolling along the village paths, amidst the pure white trumpet flower fields and lush green rice paddies, tourists will feel relaxed, immersed in a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
My aunt is diligently harvesting trumpet flowers.
Carrying baskets of trumpet flowers.
My aunt takes the flowers to the market to sell.
2. Camellia Season
It's unclear when camellias first appeared in Hue, nor is it known if this unique fruit of the Land of Perfume was first cultivated in Thuy Bieu or in other suburban areas of Hue. However, it's strange that this green-skinned fruit, fragrant with essential oils, juicy and sweet, tantalizingly stimulates the taste buds, is famous in Thuy Bieu.
The Camellia garden is blooming and bearing fruit.
In February and March, the pomelo orchards and camellia gardens also begin to bloom, spreading a fragrant aroma. As pomelos and camellias produce abundant flowers, people pick some of the flowers and skillfully wrap them in banana leaf packets, tying them with bamboo strips and adding more leaves, thus creating a bundle of ceremonial flowers or offerings.
Pomelo flowers are delicately wrapped as offerings.
The camellia trees are laden with fruit.
August and September are the time for harvesting Camellia. The slender branches laden with fruit sway at the entrance welcoming you to the garden. During this time in Hue, you must visit Thuy Bieu, ask for permission from the owner to tour the garden, handpick the Camellia fruits, and enjoy them right there in the garden, it's a delightful experience. Now, Hue Camellia has become a famous brand. Every year, Thuy Bieu organizes the Camellia Festival to honor this sweet fruit bestowed by heaven and earth.
The swaying Camellia fruits at the entrance.
3. Unique Heritage Sites
Thuy Bieu is fortunate to have two unique heritage sites within the Imperial City complex: Ho Quyen and Dien Voi Re. Especially, Ho Quyen is perhaps a nearly unparalleled arena found nowhere else, and Dien Voi Re is a grand structure not built for deity worship but for elephant worship. Thus, your upstream journey on the Perfume River becomes more fascinating when you stop to explore these unique heritage sites. No need to worry about where else to go for tourism in Hue.
Ho Quyen - an arena where battles between tigers and elephants were held.
4. Ho Quyen
As the name suggests, Ho Quyen was a tiger enclosure built by the Nguyen dynasty, and also an arena where life-and-death battles between tigers and elephants took place. In the past, the Nguyen kings often organized battles between elephants and tigers on the Da Vien island as a ritual offering to the gods.
Ho Quyen is undergoing restoration.
Da Vien island is a small island in the Perfume River, without protective fences, so unfortunate incidents have occurred during the events. The Nguyen dynasty rulers were often amazed, and there were even instances of elephants being attacked by fierce beasts. In 1830, King Minh Mang ordered the construction of Ho Quyen to organize safe battles between elephants and tigers, providing opportunities for soldiers to learn the martial arts of elephants and tigers, while also providing entertainment for the king, officials, and people.5. Dien Voi Re
400 meters from Ho Quyen is Dien Voi Re. There are many legends about the history of this unique temple area, but all aim to praise the loyal elephants of the Nguyen dynasty. The official name of this unique heritage site is Long Chau Mieu, while the name Voi Re was given by the common people.
The triple gate leading to Dien Voi Re.
According to folklore, when witnessing their master, a valiant general of the Inner Realm, fall in battle and sacrifice himself, the elephant ran to this area, roaring thunderously and collapsing as a sign of its loyalty. During the reign of King Gia Long, Dien Voi Re was magnificently constructed, following general principles of feng shui: complete screens, a large lotus pond as a focal point, brick walls forming circular fortifications, a triple gate with tiered steps. And notably, it includes a complete area for elephant tombs, ceremonial halls, and shrines to honor the elephants that achieved great feats over the years, assisting the Nguyen dynasty in building its empire.
Currently, the ceremonial area is undergoing restoration while largely retaining its original architecture. It's only regrettable that the elephant tomb area, with two large tombs, though still intact, is nestled amidst residential houses.
Two elephant tombs nestled among houses.
6. Hue Inn Side Out
Thuy Bieu, not far from Hue, boasts numerous restaurants, ranging from elegant to rustic. But when in Thuy Bieu, one must visit Hue Inn Side Out, a quaint garden beside the poetic Huong River. From the grounds of Hue Inn Side Out, visitors can admire the boats gliding up and down the river, enjoy the sunset by the riverbank, or listen to the echoing bells of Thien Mu Pagoda from across the Huong River. In the summer, tourists can delight in the sight of the lush camellia trees bearing fruit.
The romantic ambiance of Hue Inn Side Out.
A charming corner of Hue Inn Side Out.
Hue Inn Side Out is not just a place to relax; visitors can also participate in cooking classes with the talented and friendly young hostess. What could be more enjoyable than going to the countryside market with a local, selecting fresh local produce, and learning to cook authentic Hue dishes? Just contact Hue Inn Side Out in advance, and everything will be prepared for you.
Being the convergence of two ancient villages, Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan, Thuy Bieu possesses all the Feng Shui elements known as 'heavenly timing, earthly advantages, and human harmony.' The nature here bestows rich alluvial soil for fragrant and sweet-flavored flowers every season, while the kind-hearted locals deeply cherish and preserve cultural and culinary values. Nowadays, Thuy Bieu is no longer a hidden village but has become an intriguing stopover for travelers visiting Hue. Wondering where to go in Hue? Now you have the answer.Author: Nguyen Thi Mai Trang
* This article participates in the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's a great 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. For more information about the program, visit: https://www.Mytour/vi-vn/golocal
