Exploring the Charm of Hue: Memories to Cherish

Twice enchanted by the dreamy allure of Hue. I embrace a tender love. Hue's beauty is unparalleled, a gentle blend of grace and contemplation. Love, like a poetic hat, whispers silently profound words. It seems that anyone who has been to Hue has fallen in love with this peaceful and beloved land.

Exploring the Charm of Hue: Memories to Cherish

1. Tranquil moments at Gac Trinh Cafe

When you visit Hue, seek out the former residence of the legendary musician, which has been transformed into a cozy cafe near Phu Cam Cathedral in Nguyen Truong To apartment building. Known as 'Gac Trinh,' it is inspired by the lyrics 'One night steps to the small loft' from the song 'Suddenly I feel like a waterfall' by the late musician.

Trinh Cong Son's music gently and profoundly enters people's hearts, much like the character of the late musician himself. The atmosphere in his former house is as peaceful and contemplative, leaving behind thoughts and endless memories of love and life.

Witness the breathtaking sunset over Tam Giang

Running alongside the vast paddy fields in harvest season, small bridges span across gentle rivers with water on both sides glistening under the golden evening sun. Graceful birds soar in the sky, occasionally descending to the fields, as if sharing laughter. Inhale the fragrant scent of ripe rice blending in the cool, refreshing air.

Tam Giang Lagoon, serene and calm, its waters gently rolling. On the lagoon, a few boats navigate along rows of stakes and net fences spread across the entire area like a strategic chessboard. The expansive and glittering waves dance under the radiant sunlight.

Discover Truc Lam Bach Ma Meditation Monastery

At the end of Bach Ho range lies the Lưỡi Cái mountain peak, while at the end of Thanh Long range is the Truoi peak, using Trì Giang as the An Son peak. Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery emerges amidst Truoi Lake like a flower, nestled against the backdrop of the sprawling Bach Ma mountains. With dragon statues and tiger sculptures, surrounded by mountainous landscapes and serene water, the spiritual essence of Yen Tu and the Truc Lam meditation stream blend harmoniously, bringing vitality to the soul of Bach Ma.

The scenery at the monastery, adorned daily by white clouds covering the mountain peaks, sometimes solemn, other times ethereal, and occasionally carefree and liberated. Whether viewed from Tri Giang, Lương Điền Bridge (Truoi), or Ngự Bình (Hue), one can see the floating white clouds resembling horses. Hence, this mountainous region is named Bach Ma. For Westerners, Bach Ma is considered as the sun. Thus, with a landscape resembling paradise, Abbot Thich Tam Hanh was determined to build the meditation monastery to provide a place for Buddhist practitioners to cultivate their minds. Now, the monastery is also a destination for many visitors to pay homage to the Buddha and enjoy the majestic scenery.

4. Hai Van Pass – The unparalleled majestic gateway

Hai Van Pass, also known as Ai Van Pass or Cloud Pass, stands 500 meters above sea level, stretching 20 km across the Bach Ma Mountains, forming part of the Annamite Range running parallel to the coast. At the summit of Hai Van Pass lies a strategic gate, known as Hai Van Gate, constructed during the Tran dynasty and renovated in 1826 during the Nguyen dynasty. The gate facing Thua Thien proclaims 'Hai Van Gate,' while the gate overlooking Quang Nam declares 'The unparalleled majestic gateway of the world.'

Despite the existence of a tunnel for road traffic through Hai Van Pass and the challenging terrain, many travelers prefer the scenic route to marvel at the breathtaking views. On clear days, they can observe parts of Da Nang city, Tien Sa port on the Son Tra Peninsula, Cham archipelago, and the vast stretches of golden sandy beaches embracing the azure waters of the sea.

5. Lang Co Bay – Lap An Lagoon

Lang Co Bay is a natural wonder near Hue. Lang Co Beach has long been renowned for being one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Vietnam, featuring over 10 km of pristine white sand, a vast and stunningly clear turquoise sea, alongside extensive tropical forests on the undulating mountain ranges. Nestled between the mountainous forests and the sea is the mysterious and expansive Lap An Lagoon.

Renowned as the most famous and well-known delicacy in Hue, Bun Bo Hue boasts a distinctive flavor that is unparalleled. It features a harmonious blend of sweet and savory spices, complemented by the fragrance of lemongrass, shrimp paste, broth, and boiled meat served with fresh herbs, lime, pepper, and fish sauce, creating an irresistibly unique taste.

Finding a Bun Bo Hue eatery is not a challenge, especially when seeking those that offer both excellent quality and affordable prices. Mentioning Hue's bun leads to renowned places such as 'Mun Rot' bun near Dieu De Pagoda, 'Le' bun on Dien Bien Phu Street, or the numerous bustling bun spots along Nguyen Du Street, attracting frequent visits from tourists.

8. Rice with baby clams

Rice with baby clams is a humble yet delicious dish in Hue, rich in the authentic flavors of the local residents. The simple ingredients include well-cooked white rice, cooled down and mixed with baby clams, spices, and crispy fried pork fat. It can be accompanied by fresh vegetables such as banana flowers, bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, and small pieces of white taro.

A serving of rice with baby clams comes at an affordable price, approximately 10,000 VND. To savor the delightful dish, visit Hen islet or Ms. Nho's eatery on Pham Hong Thai Street.

9. The whimsical rains

In Hue, the scenery often takes on a quiet demeanor, becoming even more melancholic during the rainy season. Houses are covered with moss, the alleys are muddy, streets are damp, and the sky remains gloomy from morning till night, gray and chilly. Hence, those who come from afar to study in Hue are universally disheartened by the rainy weather.

Only the native sons and daughters of Hue truly familiarize themselves and adapt to the unpredictable weather here, as it seeps into their blood and soul, making them more tranquil. In places where it rains incessantly day after day, to the point where the earth and sand become saturated, just opening your eyes reveals the incessant white rain outside the window. It becomes a culinary delight accompanied by the gentle symphony of rain, and sleep follows the enchanting lullaby of the rain's melody.

Hue's rain serves as a bridge for countless memories of joy, sorrow, love, and dreams for those who are far from home. Perhaps it is these constant, drenching rains from one day to the next, from this winter to the next, that test and cultivate patience and endurance; a character of tranquility, gentleness; a graceful and leisurely demeanor, especially among the women here.

10. The Poetic Conical Hat

The craft of making palm-leaf hats has been famous in Hue for a long time, but the creation of poetic conical hats only dates back to around 1959. The people of Tay Ho are always proud that their homeland is the birthplace of the poetic conical hat of Hue. The creation of the poetic conical hat in Tay Ho was a stroke of luck. Around 1959-1960, Mr. Bui Quang Bac, a palm-leaf hat artisan and a poetry enthusiast in the village, had the idea to create the poetic conical hat by embedding verses between two layers of leaves, enhancing the beauty of the hat.

The poetic conical hat of Hue, similar to those in other regions across the country, possesses a distinctive feature with the Hue style of an elegant and soft conical shape, a bright white and cool green color of the leaves, and intricately crafted floral patterns between the two layers. Only when viewed in front of light can one truly appreciate the delightful beauty. Crafting these poetic conical hats is an art, demanding the skill and ingenuity of the artisans.

Written by Theo Tiny D.

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