Thuy Bieu Flavourful Wandering Private

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Tiger Arena, Elephant temple and village cultural relics
• Gain insights into bronze casting and other traditional crafts
• Appreciate beam house architecture, family lifestyle and traditions
• Enjoy exotic fruits, home meal and sesame nougat in the garden
• Cycle amidst vegetable fields and cruise on poetic Perfume River

Get started with leisure cycling past Le Loi tree-lined boulevard, beautiful French styled architecture in the direction of Phường Đúc, literally “Foundry Ward”. Bronze casting is one of the oldest traditional crafts in Vietnam and Phường Đúc inherited the ancient bronze casting techniques dated back to 1600. Call by a bronze casting manufacturer to learn about the techniques, its products and occasionally watch through some important processes. 

Visit nearby family run workshops like incense sticks, votive objects and try hands making some. More importantly, you gain a deeper understanding about Vietnamese spiritual life. Dead and ancestral worship, spirit medium ritual “Lên Đồng” and Buddhism are especially important practices.

Continue westward and turn off the main road to explore two important legacies of Nguyễn Royalty. The Tiger Royal Arena, built in 1830 to host gladiatorial duels between elephants and tigers. Beside playing as an entertainment for the emperors and his courtiers, the intended victory for the elephants represented the affirmed legitimate power of the Nguyễn. Take the secret road leading to Voi Ré “Trumpeting Elephant” temple dedicated to worship deceased war elephants of the Kings.

Roam around Thuy Bieu village, along green lanes shaded by luxuriant Thanh Tra grapefruit gardens. Depending on the season, breath in the flagrance of its flowers, leaves and fruits. Some stops by the temples, vegetable fields offer good chances to grasp the legendary village atmosphere

Visit a welcoming family living under an ancestral “Nhà Rường” beam house. Over a cup of tea, the host introduces his family’s traditions then takes you on a relaxing garden tour. Taste some seasonal fruits or pick medicinal and aromatic herbs for cooking, preparing your herbal foot bath. Join the kitchen to prepare a Hue family style meal. Equally, have fun making grandma’s sesame nougat and keep some as family’s gift.