Thanh Toan Bridge in Hue: Amaze visitors with the peculiar architecture

Are you looking for unique and interesting tourist attractions in Hue, Viet Nam? Thanh Toan Bridge is a great choice! You can explore this amazing structure and immerse yourself in the culture with this ancient landmark, read on now for a detailed guide!

Thanh Toan Bridge -  a 200-year-old ancient building in Hue (Source: Collected)

Thanh Toan Bridge is one of the ancient monuments  recognized as a national relic in Hue. This location is historically significant as a testament to the transition of an ancient capital of a long-gone civilisation and also has spiritual significance. With the unique beauty of architecture, charming landscape with idyllic countryside, the bridge deserves an impressive tourist attraction in Hue tourism.

1. Where is Thanh Toan Bridge Hue? How to get there?

Thanh Toan Bridge Hue is located in the small town of Huong Thuy. In fact, the ancient bridge is located in the suburbs, about 6km southeast of the city center. By turning left at the intersection of Hoang Quoc Viet street, you may take the To Huu route beginning in the center. Then, all you have to do is arrive at the Tile Bridge market without making any further stops.

Thanh Toan Bridge is one of the famous monuments and a highlight of Hue tourism (Source: Collected)

Thanh Toan Bridge can be reached either by car or by motorbike. Taking a taxi or Grab may be the most convenient way to get there if you're coming from Hue city center.

2. Learn about the history of Thanh Toan Bridge Hue Vietnam

In the 15th century, 12 patriarchs of the Tran family followed Vietnamese King Le Thanh Tong and settled in Thanh Toan village in the south of Vietnam. In 1776, Mrs. Tran Thi Dao, a sixth-generation niece of the Tran family and wife of a high ranking official under King Le Hien Tong, used her own money to build the bridge and donated it to the village. 

Learn about the ancient and unique architecture of the bridge in Thanh Thuy commune (Source: Collected)

To remember her contribution, King Le Hien Tong exempted the village from many kinds of collections. In 1925, Emperor Khai Dinh ordered people to set up an altar on the bridge to worship her.

3. Explore the distinctive architecture of Thanh Toan Bridge

The Thanh Toan tiled bridge is an architectural wonder that has been standing since the 18th century in Vietnam. It is divided into seven compartments, each adorned with a glazed pipe tile roof that pays homage to the old pagoda style of construction. Along the sides of the bridge are thick wooden platforms and railings for people to sit back and relax. 

Unfortunately, the wooden posts have deteriorated over time, so they need to be repaired and replaced in order for the bridge to still stand. However, with careful restoration techniques being used, the original structure of the bridge has remained intact and is a testament to its strength and beauty. 

Panoramic view of Thanh Toan tile bridge from above (Source: Collected)

It was constructed with a unique style of "a house above a bridge", possessing a total length of 18.75m (43 yards of wood) and width of 5.82m (14 yards of wood). Its roof is covered with lapis lazuli - a popular tile at the time, and detailed embossed soft-curving dragons with pearl inlays add a vibrant splash of color. The bridge also boasts three rows of wooden pillars across six columns, all attached via tenon blocks to prevent subsidence.

Tiled bridge - ancient check-in point in Hue (Source: Le Phuong Tung)

Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful stroll through the countryside of Hue, surrounded by its long-held culture and simple yet tranquil lifestyle.  With its characteristic cultural colors, Thanh Toan tile bridge is sure to be a memorable experience for all visitors.

4. What are yearly events held at Thanh Toan Bridge?

4.1. The death anniversary of Tran Thi Dao

On the 15th day of the lunar calendar each year, a special death anniversary is held to commemorate Tran Thi Dao, who is credited with building the iconic Thanh Toan tile bridge. On this day, people will gather at the communal house to take part in solemn ceremonies for her continued spirit. 

Come to Thuy Thanh commune's tile bridge during the festival season (Source: Collected)

Following the solemn ceremonies, there will be folk fun activities such as tug of war, boat racing on the river, rice pounding villagers and visitors to enjoy and experience. 

4.2. The biennial fair

The Thanh Toan Bridge Fair is one of the most beloved annual events held in Huong Thuy, Vietnam. This fair brings together the local villagers, who converge at the legendary bridge to take part in a wide array of festivities and activities. 

Crowded space of the festival (Source: Collected)

This annual activity is held every two years where visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, experience the countryside market space with many simple but unique dishes and specialties of Hue. At the same time, participate in exciting fun activities such as boat racing, tug of war,…

4.3. Bai Choi Festival

The tradition of playing Bai Choi on the third day of the Lunar New Year is a priceless cultural practice, but it is not red-black or gambling. Each participant in the game is exposed to heartfelt songs about their country and home. On the first day of spring, there are also gatherings, trades, and lucky awards. 

Tourists being enthusiastic to join the game (Source: Collected)

Bai Choi has a history of working with folk artists in the performing arts. Bai Choi each have their own unique qualities, all influenced by native traditional culture,...

For more than two centuries, the Thanh Toan Bridge has maintained its remarkable structural integrity despite being exposed to numerous natural disasters and experiencing various significant historical events. This ancient bridge is renowned for its exceptional aesthetic value and importance in the architectural history of Vietnam. In addition to providing local people with a useful transportation route, it has also come to be a popular tourist destination in Hue. The beauty of the bridge is sure to leave visitors with an unforgettable impression of the city. 

 

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