Thanh Toan tiled bridge - A gem in the countryside of Hue.
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Where is Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge located?
Located approximately 8km east of Hue city center, Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge sits peacefully in Thanh Thuy Chanh village, Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy town. It is one of the few remaining ancient bridges in Vietnam, notable for its unique "upper house, lower bridge" architecture and profound cultural and historical value.
Visitors can easily reach the bridge by motorbike, car, or bicycle, taking only about 15-20 minutes from the city center. The route is quite convenient; just follow Hoang Quoc Viet road and you'll see signs directing you to the bridge. If you're looking for a nearby tourist spot with a strong sense of old Hue, Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge is an ideal choice.
History of its construction
Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge was built in 1776 by Mrs. Tran Thi Dao, a woman from the village, who voluntarily funded its construction to serve the transportation needs of the local people. She was the sixth-generation descendant of the Tran family, and her actions were praised by King Le Hien Tong. In 1925, King Khai Dinh also bestowed upon her the title "Duc Bao Trung Hung Linh Pho" and ordered the construction of an altar on the bridge to worship her.
Unique architecture of the bridge
Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge is built in the "house above, bridge below" architectural style - a house on top, a bridge below. The bridge is approximately 17.8m long and 5.3m wide, divided into 7 sections, with a glazed tile roof. On both sides of the bridge are rows of wooden benches and railings for locals and tourists to sit, rest, and admire the scenery.
The main material of the bridge is wood, creating a rustic and familiar beauty that reflects traditional culture. The middle section of the bridge is wider, where the altar of Mrs. Tran Thi Dao is located. The bridge's architectural elements are decorated with circular and square sections, supported by stone pillars, showcasing the skill and sophistication of traditional construction art.
Cultural and Historical Value
Thanh Toan tiled bridge is not only a unique architectural work but also a symbol of community cohesion and compassion. The bridge was recognized as a National Cultural Heritage site in 1990 and is one of the most beautiful ancient tiled bridges in Vietnam.
Every year, during the Hue Festival, the "Rural Market Festival" takes place here with many traditional cultural and artistic activities such as lion dance, folk singing, and folk games, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists.
Experience tourism at Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge
When visiting the bridge, tourists not only admire the ancient architecture but also have the opportunity to experience peaceful village life, participate in traditional cultural activities, and enjoy local cuisine.
In addition, the area around the bridge has many attractive tourist attractions such as the rural market, ancient houses, and lush green rice fields, creating a vivid and authentic picture of Vietnamese countryside.
Notes when visiting
It is recommended to visit in the morning or afternoon to avoid the harsh sun and enjoy the fresh air.
Maintain cleanliness and do not litter to protect the environment and the historical site.
Respect the sacred space, especially the altar of Mrs. Tran Thi Dao on the bridge.
Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge is a symbol of Vietnamese traditional architecture and culture, deeply marked by history and human kindness. If you have the chance to travel to Hue, don't miss the opportunity to visit this ancient bridge to experience the simple and profound beauty of the former imperial capital.
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