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Hue, the poetic muse; a timeless legend woven into Vietnam's millennia-old cultural fabric. How does this city captivate the hearts of filmmakers, sparking fervent discussions across art forums nationwide? Let's delve into the irresistible charm of the ancient capital through the lens of cinema.
1. An Hien Garden House
Featured in: Calm River (2005), Hue - Land of Poetry (Music Video - 2018), The Crafty Girls III (2020),...
Mention 'garden house' in Citadel of Hue, and minds wander to An Hien - nestled at 58 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Huong Long, Hue City. With its traditional yet refined architecture, this location evokes nostalgia with lush greenery and a lotus pond boasting vibrant hues. An Hien Garden House, once owned by the 18th daughter of Emperor Duc Duc, was built in the late 14th century across over 4,600 square meters. Most interior and exterior features are crafted from precious wood; its tiled roof adorned with dragon and lotus motifs at the center. Royal essence imbued in every intricately carved detail and the solemn, majestic ambiance here is beyond dispute.
2. Truong Tien Bridge
Appeared in: Calm River (2005), The Crafty Chick III (2020),...
Heading across the tranquil Perfume River, Truong Tien Bridge (also known as Trang Tien Bridge, Thanh Thai Bridge, Clelesmenceau Bridge, Nguyen Hoang Bridge, etc.) stands out as one of the first bridges in Indochina built with Western techniques. The bridge spans 402.6 meters, comprising 6 steel girder spans shaped like interlocking horseshoes. The image of young women in ao dai gracefully cycling across Truong Tien Bridge in the late afternoon has become an incredibly poetic and quintessentially Hue scene.
3. Heavenly Hill
Appeared in: The Scent of Green Papaya (2019)...
Although not a new name in Hue, Heavenly Hill immediately caused a stir on social media when it appeared in an emotional scene between Ngan and Ha Lan in the movie The Scent of Green Papaya (2019). The name 'Heavenly' means 'peace bestowed from above'; perhaps that's why a sense of tranquility is the first thing visitors feel when they arrive here. From the smooth asphalt road winding through the lush green pine forest, the hill of 'fading purple searching for plum' flowers to the mysterious abandoned park, everything promises to bring you an exciting journey. Alongside Heavenly Hill, Vong Canh Hill is also a rich destination for photography enthusiasts looking for picturesque scenes.
4. Hue Imperial City
Featured in: Kiều (2021), Never Together for Life (MV - 2020), Chickens Are Full of Tricks V (2021), The Royal Candle (2004),…
It would be a huge miss to skip Hoàng Thành Huế in this list. Alongside the Forbidden City, Hoàng Thành Huế constitutes the Imperial City of Huế - the area of the most important palaces of the royal court, the residence of the Royal Family and ancestral shrines of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Frequently appearing on the Vietnamese screen, some 'excellent spots' of Hoàng Thành Huế that #teamKlook can visit on the upcoming trip are:
- Ngọ Môn: one of the four main gates of Hoàng Thành Huế, facing the south and built during the reign of Minh Mạng.
- Vườn Thiệu Phương: once ranked second in the “Twelve Scenes of Heavenly Beauty” of the poem “Vĩnh Thiệu Phương Văn” by Emperor Thiệu Trị. This upper garden possesses an architecture in the shape of the character万, consisting of 2 pavilions and 2 pathways - collectively referred to as the unique structure of the Ten Thousand Auspicious Years.
- Cung Diên Thọ: situated to the west of the Forbidden City, covering a total area of 17,500 square meters. This was once the residence of many generations of Queens or Queen Mothers of the Nguyễn Dynasty, hence still preserving splendid and majestic architecture.
- Duyệt Thị Đường: the oldest ancient theater of Vietnamese stage, where princes, officials, and envoys came to enjoy traditional operas.
- Điện Thái Hoà: built during the reign of King Gia Long, used for important court ceremonies and rituals.
5. Thiên Mụ Pagoda
Featured in: Chickens Are Full of Tricks III (2020),…
This evening by Thiên Mụ, under the radiant sun
Leaning towards the tower's tip, slender shoulders reminisce.
Countless memories, countless affections.
From ancient times, still seeking refuge in its shadow.
('Twilight at Thiên Mụ Pagoda' - Nguyễn Thị Anh Phy)
Perhaps one must witness with their own eyes to understand that the serene beauty of Thiên Mụ Pagoda in poetry is not exaggerated. Amidst the tranquil space of Perfume River - Ngự Mountain, the sound of Thiên Mụ Pagoda's bell resonates, calming the minds of distant travelers. Alone on Ha Khe Hill, Thiên Mụ Pagoda stands out even more with its 7-story Phước Duyên Tower reaching 21 meters high; atop the tower lies the hidden Pháp Luân, silently affirming the long history of this centuries-old structure.
6. Phước Tích Ancient Village
Featured in: Poetry of Hue (MV - 2018), Kieu (2021),…
Fun fact: Phuoc Tich Ancient Village boasts a history of over 500 years, flourishing with traditional pottery craft in Thua Thien - Hue province. Exploring this ancient village, you'll marvel at the ensemble of 36 ancient houses, comprising 24 residential homes and 12 ancestral temples. Each house is adorned with intricate carvings, surrounded by lush green gardens shielded by bamboo fences. Not to mention a plethora of cultural relics from the Champa civilization, including temples, shrines, pagodas, and ancient trees... all remarkably impressive. Don't forget to check-in with the 500-year-old ancient tree in Phuoc Tich Ancient Village!
7. Tomb of Tu Duc
Featured in: Night Festival of Long Tri (1989), Indochina (1992), The Candle in the Wind (2004), The Quiet River (2005), The Moon at the Bottom of the Well (2005), Trang Quynh (2019),…
Emperor Tu Duc, the longest-reigning monarch of the Nguyen dynasty, renowned for his benevolence, love for poetry, and reverence for nature. This sentiment is vividly reflected in the Tomb of Tu Duc, a retreat he constructed to temporarily escape from state affairs.
Nestled amidst Giang Khiem mountain, Duong Xuan mountain, and Luu Khiem lake in Thuy Bang village, the Tomb of Tu Duc embraces a picturesque landscape akin to a harmonious natural painting, rich in colors yet balanced, exuding tranquility. The tomb is divided into two main areas: the Tomb and the Stele Pavilion, featuring dozens of grandiose structures, showcasing the artistic talent and perfectionism of Emperor Tu Duc during his reign.
As a cinephile and avid traveler, don't hesitate to include the filming locations in Hue in your upcoming travel plans. Rest assured, #teamKlook will capture stunning photos worthy of thousands of likes on Instagram. Pocket the tips for independent travel in Hue and the itinerary from Klook Vietnam before setting off for an even smoother experience.
