Discover the Hidden Charm of Huế

Huế, one of Vietnam's leading historical and cultural cities, is not only famous for its unique royal tomb architecture but also attracts visitors with the diversity of architecture and culinary culture found in neighborhoods shaped by different ethnic communities. In this article, a culturally rich Huế comes to life through the classic charm of the French Quarter, the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese Quarter, and the simplicity of traditional Vietnamese neighborhoods.

The French Quarter

During the French colonial period, numerous French-style buildings were constructed to serve as residences and workplaces for French officials living in Vietnam under diplomatic agreements signed with the Nguyễn Dynasty. As a result, Huế's architectural heritage was enriched with a modern French Quarter, which today stretches along Lê Lợi Street.

Huế's French Quarter along Lê Lợi Street, stretching beside the Perfume River and facing the Imperial Citadel, is a vivid reflection of the city's rich history. More than just a central boulevard connecting famous landmarks such as the Imperial City and Trường Tiền Bridge, it represents the meeting point of two distinct architectural traditions: the imperial architecture of the East and the colonial architecture of the West.

As you stroll along Lê Lợi Street, you will encounter many remarkable examples of French colonial architecture that have survived to the present day, including the Museum of Culture, Huế Railway Station, Quốc Học High School, and Hai Bà Trưng High School.

Among the most notable landmarks is the Huế Museum of Culture, formerly the Public Works Office (Tòa Công Chánh), an elegant example of French colonial architecture. The building is distinguished by its classic French yellow façade and is surrounded by stone sculptures and historic cannons. Today, it has been transformed into a cultural space featuring a café and a library, welcoming visitors who wish to relax and explore its heritage.

Lê Lợi Street is also home to Quốc Học Huế High School, a symbol of educational development during the colonial era. More than a century old, the school is instantly recognizable by its distinctive deep-red façade, making it one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in Huế.

The school gate is particularly distinctive, featuring traditional Vietnamese architectural elements such as a yin-yang tiled roof, intricate dragon motifs on both sides, and a moon-shaped ornament at its center. Its design reflects a harmonious blend of French concrete construction techniques and traditional Vietnamese decorative details — a unique architectural expression of cultural exchange.

The Chinese Quarter along Chi Lăng Street, also known as Gia Hội, has long been recognized as an integral part of Huế's historic urban landscape. Located southeast of the Imperial Citadel, the old quarter of Gia Hội occupies a small islet surrounded by the Perfume River and the Đông Ba River.

The Chinese Quarter is home to many landmarks that showcase traditional Chinese architecture, including Chiêu Ứng Temple, Chùa Bà, Quảng Đông Pagoda, the Triều Châu Assembly Hall, and the Phúc Kiến Assembly Hall. Nearly every corner of Chi Lăng Street reflects the diversity and richness of Chinese cultural heritage.

Among the historic landmarks along Chi Lăng Street, Chiêu Ứng Temple stands out for the elegance and splendor of its traditional Chinese architecture. Built in 1887, the temple was dedicated to 108 Hainanese settlers who lost their lives in a notorious piracy incident during the reign of Emperor Tự Đức. Decorated by artisans from Hainan Island in China, Chiêu Ứng Temple serves as a remarkable symbol of the cultural exchange and harmonious blending of Vietnamese and Chinese heritage.

The Chinese Quarter along Chi Lăng Street was established in the early 19th century. It once served as a major transportation hub and bustling commercial center, where Chinese merchants and craftsmen settled, built businesses, and formed a thriving community. Beyond its remarkable architectural heritage, the quarter is also renowned for its rich culinary traditions — from the famous Thiên Hương sesame candy workshop to Mệ Kéo's Bún Bò Huế and Bà Đỏ's Bánh Bèo, Bánh Nậm, and Bánh Lọc.

Bao Vinh Ancient Town is not only a historic destination but also a cultural treasure, preserving the passage of time through its old houses and unique heritage sites such as Bao Vinh Communal House and the famous Mắt Biếc Café. Like a living diary of the past, Bao Vinh Ancient Town offers not only a journey through history but also a profound insight into the culture and everyday life of its local community.

Although it receives less attention than more famous historic towns such as Hội An or Hanoi's Old Quarter, Bao Vinh continues to captivate visitors who appreciate tranquility, authenticity, and the understated charm of Huế's traditional way of life.

You can cycle or rent a motorbike from the city center to reach Bao Vinh, where you can explore historic houses, visit traditional markets, and gain firsthand insight into Huế's traditional crafts through workshops and local artisan experiences.

Inspired by this very heritage, Thiên Ý Villas is being created within the heart of the Huế Citadel as a place of residence where the architectural values and spirit of the former Imperial Capital are carried forward. With private villas, private pools, and spaces inspired by the fusion of Nguyễn Dynasty architecture and French architecture, Thiên Ý Villas offers guests the opportunity to experience Huế not only through its attractions, but also through the place where they stay.

The retreat consists of three exclusive standalone villas, each featuring a unique architectural identity found nowhere else, along with its own private pool. Designed as a luxury artistic retreat, the property celebrates and honors the royal heritage of the Nguyễn Dynasty.