Buzz
The inundation here isn't the floodwaters of August. This sunlight isn't the scorching heat of May's early summer. It's the flood of sunlight in the first days of the new year that compels me to rise early, savoring every bit of this splendid brilliance.
A sun that tinges the sky with gold while the skin stays refreshingly cool. The air, as it enters the lungs, carries the fresh, invigorating scent of life. Just that is enough to embrace happiness throughout the day.
Knowing that sun and rain are the affairs of the heavens, but if one were to witness a tomorrow where Hue is flooded with sunlight, what would one do?
If aware of tomorrow's sunny embrace in Hue, greet the dawn at the Crescent Moon Bridge
Speaking of a sensible transformation in my nearby homeland, it's the Crescent Moon Bridge on the northern bank of the Perfume River. Its presence has altered both the natural landscape and the lives of the ancient capital's residents.
To catch the first rays of the day, one must rise at 4:30, jogging along the riverbank to warm up before stopping at the bridge to leisurely begin a new day.
From here, gaze to the East, just a bit off Truong Tien Bridge, and that's where the sun first peeks through. The beauty lies in the expansive, unobstructed view. Far to the horizon are city streets, and right near your feet, the river reflects the light, illuminating the entire scene with the warmth of a new day.
Fortunate to be here on the first day of its public operation, I not only witnessed the sunrise but also basked in the sunlit joy of the locals. Hue has such a splendid place to kickstart the day; who wouldn't be overjoyed? Sharing this photo with you, someone proudly claiming to be its mother stands in the midst of that crowd—serendipitous and amusing.
If aware of tomorrow's sunny embrace in Hue, relive the days when Trinh Cong Son was still here.
Opposite the Archbishop's Palace is the Nguyen Truong To collective housing area, once the 'returning home' for musician Trinh in the 60s-70s. Now, it's just a memory with trading stalls and cafes. The coffee here is simple, rustic, not adorned with extravagance, enough for a leisurely sit, admiring the golden carpet of leaves along the roadside.
At the end of the row of houses is Cafe Nghia, no air conditioning, a menu of a few dishes, a few tables, and oversized windows to capture all the morning sunlight. On regular days, it might be a bit warm, but the early-year sun is just right.
Plenty of time left, why not stroll down to the row of trees where Diem once exchanged tender glances with the musician. Today, no rain floats above the ancient towers, only sunlight filtering through the branches, pouring down onto the layer of golden leaves covering the road.
If aware of tomorrow's sunny embrace in Hue, silently immerse yourself in the sacred precincts of the Phu Cam Cathedral.
Standing from Trinh's balcony, looking towards the An Cuu River, two bell towers of the Phu Cam Cathedral stand majestically on the slope leading to Truong An. Two cypress trees amidst the green canopy add to the serenity.
At this hour on a regular day, hardly any devotee visits. The sun fills the wide corridor, imposing yet not desolate. Every time the worship hour concludes, I often drift with the hurried crowd returning to their own affairs. Moments of tranquility like these are truly rare.
The side door of the church remains open, welcoming souls in search of the divine. Inside, the vaulted architecture echoes each of my footsteps distinctly. Birds, for some reason, gather densely, continuously building nests, persistently chirping away.
Sunlight through the arched windows bathes the entire sanctuary in golden glow. In that atmosphere of abundant grace, the spiritual connection between humanity and the Creator becomes clearer than ever.
If aware of tomorrow's sunny embrace in Hue, pedal from Truong Tien Bridge to Thien Mu Pagoda.
Alongside the Crescent Moon Bridge, the walking and cycling path along the Perfume River is also a recent urban transformation in Hue. The route is not new, but it only extended to Thien Mu Pagoda last year.
While the afternoon sun is still playfully dancing with tiny waves on the river, take advantage of this moment. Follow this path, cross the Bach Ho Bridge, and head straight to Kim Long—where Emperor Thanh Thai once lavishly praised a girl. Even if you get stuck at the Bach Ho Bridge due to a passing train, the sunlight on the rusty steel remains captivating.
Is beauty created by scenic views, or do scenic views give birth to beauty? I dare say the latter is more accurate, as gazing at the Perfume River and Mount Ngu in the last rays of the day is hard to resist. Easily touched, easily captivated, one must surrender to this unique beauty.
Amidst the river are a few people enjoying a river bath. Kim Long, closer to the source, suggests that the water here is slightly cleaner. There's also stand-up paddleboarding services, but I haven't had the chance to try them. Perhaps because I find satisfaction in the cool breeze from Thien Mu Pagoda's pier.
From Kim Long, entering the old city isn't far. Life along the city walls may seem unfamiliar to most, and I am no exception. The sun bathes the layers of dust on the under-repair road, and it's quite a delightful sight.
If aware of tomorrow's sunny embrace in Hue, wherever you go, whatever you do, joy will overflow. These early days of the year are when I eagerly anticipate returning to Hue the most—not just for the weather, but for the exuberant spirit palpable in every person and every street I traverse.
Therefore, regardless of the activity, as the end of the lunar month approaches, I habitually allocate time, returning to my hometown over a week earlier to prepare my soul for the Lunar New Year. Despite being a Hue native for years, I still lack confidence that I've explored every nook and cranny of this city, let alone venturing a bit farther.
So, if tomorrow brings sunlight to Hue, leisurely explore every place, a little each time, from this year to the next month, and you'll surely manage, won't you?
Author: Nguyen Duc Le Hoang
*This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share initiative. It's an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
