1. What is Thanh Toan Bridge?
Thanh Toan Bridge, also known as Thanh Toan Tile Roofed Bridge, was built in the early 18th century during the Nguyen Dynasty. The bridge was constructed to connect the two villages of Thanh Thuy Chanh and Thuy Thanh in Hue City. The project was spearheaded by a woman named Tran Thi Dao, wife of a mandarin in the Nguyen Dynasty.
The bridge is about 17m long, 4m wide, and includes 7 compartments. The middle room is the widest, worshiping Tran Thi Dao and the praying guardian deities. The bridge is supported by two rows of wooden pillars on a stone foundation. The roof is tiled and decorated with carvings and paintings of dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and landscapes. The bridge is considered a rare and precious example of the “house on a bridge” architectural style in Vietnam.
2. Where is Thanh Toan Bridge? How to get to Thanh Toan Bridge
Or if you need a more specific itinerary for your trip, you can refer to: the Hue Countryside Tour by Private Car.
3. History of Thanh Toan Bridge
In the 16th century, many people from Thanh Hoa Province migrated to Thuan Hoa (the old name of Hue) under the leadership of Lord Nguyen Hoang, according to some historical records. Among this group of immigrants, twelve clan chiefs founded Thanh Toan Village. Construction of Thanh Toan Bridge started in the 18th century. The bridge was built in 1776 and completed in the same year. In addition to participating in bridge construction, Tran Thi Dao also used her resources for various charitable efforts, including building schools, temples, and roads as well as providing medical and food aid. free for people in difficult circumstances.
Thanh Toan Tile Bridge has witnessed many changes and events in Vietnamese history, from the Nguyen Dynasty to the French colonial period, from the Vietnam War to the day of the country’s reunification. The bridge has also endured many natural disasters such as floods, storms, and earthquakes that damaged its structure and appearance. The bridge has been repaired and restored many times, most notably in 1847, 1906, 1956, 1971, and 2016. The bridge has also been recognized as a historical relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam. National cultural history in 1990 and a World Cultural Heritage recognized by the World Association of Architects in 2016.
How to learn about the history of Thanh Toan Bridge
The best way to understand more about the history of Thanh Toan Tile Bridge is to join a program with a guide. Or you can request an English tour guide for the Hue City Private Tour
4. What do tourists do when coming to Thanh Toan Bridge?
4.1. Explore the unique architecture at Thanh Toan Bridge
The above architecture is the roof, and the bottom is the foot of the bridge. Divided into 7 compartments, on the side of the bridge is a set of benches designed to stretch across the bridge, allowing visitors to admire the river, sit and relax, fish, and enjoy the scenery of local people’s lives.
Built with natural wood, the porch is shaped like small dragons flying in the sky. Unique patterns further enhance the unique beauty of Thanh Toan Tile Bridge. Although it has undergone 5 renovations and restorations, the beauty and ancient architecture still retain its ancient and elegant features, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign tourists to visit and take photos.
4.2. Thanh Toan Agricultural Museum
One of the attractions near Thanh Toan’s tiled bridge is Thanh Toan Agricultural Museum located next to the bridge. The museum displays various agricultural tools and equipment such as plows, harrows, sickles, and baskets that local farmers use to till the soil and catch fish. The museum also displays images and documents about the history and culture of Thanh Toan village as well as the life and achievements of Ms. Tran Thi Dao, the founder of the bridge. The museum is a great place to learn about Hue’s rural life and culture as well as appreciate the hard work and creativity of Vietnamese farmers.
4.3. Participate in cultural activities in the village
The bridge is also home to various festivals and events, such as the Thanh Toan Bridge Festival, held every two years on the 12th day of the second lunar month. The festival has rituals, offerings, processions, folk games, and performances such as boat racing, wrestling, chess, singing, and dancing. The festival aims to honor Tran Thi Dao and the guardian gods as well as promote the cultural values and traditions of the craft village.
You can also participate in entertainment activities, especially in the afternoon and evening with games such as chess, cards, and badminton, or enjoy folk music and dance such as ca tru and singing. Hue, Bai Choi.
4.4. Festival at Thanh Toan Bridge
Spring and autumn herald vibrant festivals in Thanh Toan village, honoring the village’s founders and honoring a long-standing cultural heritage passed down through generations. These annual festivals not only attract locals but also curious tourists who want to participate in the vibrant traditions of Thanh Toan Bridge.
The canal under Thanh Toan bridge turns into a playground with traditional games, from boat racing to water puppet shows and fish-catching competitions. The nearby temple grounds host many of Vietnam’s favorite folk games, including tug of war, human chess and the odd blindfold game. After Tet, visitors will enjoy the exciting Bai Choi Festival, a UNESCO-recognized show of performing arts, combining music, theater and traditional games of Central Vietnam.
In addition to admiring the oldest bridge in Vietnam, visitors can immerse themselves in many different activities, from boating along peaceful canals to cycling along lush village roads to exploring beautiful villages. Temple and ancestral house. Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of country life, and master the art of making Tet sticky rice cakes or traditional conical hats. Immerse yourself in the bustling village market, try your luck at tented gambling, and immerse yourself in the rhythmic rhythm of rice-pounding songs during festivals, while enjoying local dishes delicious way.
