Thanh Toan bridge in Hue is one of the ancient architectural monuments containing ancient beauty, tinged with time, and is also a bridge of unique artistic value in Vietnam today. Thanh Toan Tile Bridge was recognized as a National Relic on July 14, 1990.
Hue daily tours
Thanh Toan Bridge is about 8 km away from Hue, located at Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy district, Thua Thien Hue province. In the 16th century, many people from Thanh Hoa Province followed Nguyen Hoang Lord to immigrate to Thuan Hoa (the former name of Hue). Among these immigrants, there were 12 patriarchs who set foot in this area and founded Thanh Toan Village. This bridge was built by Mrs. Tran Thi Dao in 1776, who is a member of the 6th generation of Tran’s family (one of the families that explored Thanh Toan village). Mrs. Tran Thi Dao was the wife of a great mandarin under King Le Hien Tong but had no children. She wanted to use her money to pray for the village so it is the reason why Thanh Toan Bridge was built. Thanh Toan Bridge was also a place for local people to relax after a long journey.
In 1776, to praise the merit of Mrs. Tran Thi Dao, King Le Hien Tong reduced many kinds of taxes and fees for people in Thanh Toan Village so that they could practise charity like what Mrs. Dao had done. In 1925, Mrs. Tran Thi Dao was honored by King Khai Dinh; Thanh Toan Bridge became a place of worshipping her.
Thanh Toan Bridge was made of wood and the structure is “a bridge under a house” which made Thanh Toan Bridge different from other ancient bridges. The length of Thanh Toan Bridge was 18.75 meters and the width was 5.82 meters. Being destroyed by natural disasters and wars, the bridge has witnessed restoration four times in 1847, 1906, 1956, and 1971. Nowaday, it is 17meters in length and 4 meters in width, there are 2 rows of wooden platforms and railings on both sides of the bridge for people to lean on. On the covered bridge, the glazed pipe layer is divided into 7 compartments, of which the middle is designed to be the widest and there is also the place to place the altar to worship Mrs. Tran Thi Dao.
Experiencing festivities in Thanh Toan Bridge
Tran Thi Dao’s death anniversary: On August 15 of the lunar calendar every year, people will organize the death anniversary for the person who has contributed to building the Thanh Toan tiled roof bridge. At that time, people will pick her up from the communal house to pray, then bring her back to the communal house. When the solemn ceremonies are completed, there will be folk fun activities such as tug of war, boat racing on the river, rice pounding, etc.
Thanh Toan Tile Bridge Country Fair: An annual activity held every two years. Where visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, and 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, and tug of war, …
Bai Choi Festival of Thanh Toan Tile Bridge: on the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year every year, the custom of playing Bai Choi is a valuable cultural activity, but it is not red-black or gambling. The game spreads meaningful songs about the homeland and the country to each attendee. In addition, there are also meetings, exchanges, and lucky rewards on the first day of spring. Bai Choi has been associated with performing arts with folk artists. Bai Choi all brings their characteristics, all bearing the imprint of indigenous traditional culture,…Bai Choi is an exclusive heritage site in Central Vietnam that was recognized by UNESCO.
The canal that Thanh Toan Bridge crosses over is the place of traditional games, including sailboat racing, water-puppet dancing, fish-catching, and many other joyful activities. In the temple yard nearby, some folk games of Vietnam are performed, which are tug-of-war, human chess, and blind man’s buff.
Except for seeing the most ancient bridge in Vietnam, other activities include rowing a boat along canals or riding a bicycle on green village roads for visiting temples, and family worship houses. joining to be a farmer and experiencing farming life, especially learning how to wrap Tet sticky rice cakes (Banh Chung & Banh Tet) or make a conical hat, etc… Visitors also can go to the market, play hut gambling, and pound rice singing (on festivals) as well as enjoy special cuisines.
Don’t miss exploring this Thanh Toan bridge when you come to Hue. Come to Elephant Travel, we’ll take you to discover this bridge and many other fascinating tourist attractions.
Hue daily tours
