Explore the enchanting An Hien Garden House in Hue, Vietnam. This traditional Nguyen Dynasty residence offers a glimpse into royal life with its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and rich history. Discover the beauty and serenity of this hidden gem.
List of Contents
1. Overview of An Hien Garden House
Hue, a city in central Vietnam, is known for its history and culture. The city's Royal Mausoleums and ancient garden houses are important parts of its past.
The An Hien Garden House is a great example of a traditional Hue garden house. It is located at 58 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, close to the Perfume River, Hue Citadel, and Thien Mu Pagoda. An Hien Garden House is a must-see for visitors to Hue.
2. History Of The An Hien Garden House
2.1. Initial Construction
Building of An Hien Garden House started in the late 1800s. It was made for Emperor Duc Duc's 18th daughter.
The 4,608 square meter garden house was a place to live and worship. Its design shows the style of Hue's rich homes of that time.
2.2. Ownership Timeline
After it was built, An Hien Garden House had several owners. They all helped preserve its history and beauty.
- Pham Dong Thap: After 1895, Pham Dong Thap owned the house. He was the son of an important Mandarin under Emperor Gia Long. He was also the nephew of Empress Mother Tu Du. He kept the house grand and culturally important.
- Tung Le: In the early 1900s, Tung Le became the owner. He was a well-known person in the area. He continued to preserve the house's history and architecture.
- Nguyen Dinh Chi and Dao Thi Yen: In 1938, Nguyen Dinh Chi bought the garden house. He was a provincial chief. After he died, his wife Dao Thi Yen managed the house. They used it as a home and a cultural site for visitors and scholars.
- Current Caretakers: Now, Nguyen Dinh Chi and Dao Thi Yen's descendants take care of An Hien Garden House. They preserve its history and open it to the public. This keeps the legacy of the house alive for future generations.
3. Architectural Features
3.1. Entrance
The entrance to An Hien Garden House is charming. A small arched gate made of mortars and bricks welcomes visitors.
Two rows of apricot trees line the path through the garden. They provide shade and a pretty view. A screen with the character for “longevity” (Thọ) is just past the gate. It symbolizes good fortune and a long life.
3.2. Main House
The main house of An Hien Garden House is a great example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. It has three compartments and two wings.
The central area is the main living and worship space. The house's frame is all wood. It has 48 pillars made of jackfruit wood, Anisoptera scaphuls, and ironwood rafters.
The roof has detailed decorations. There are dragon designs along the edges and a lotus flower at the top. The lotus symbolizes purity and enlightenment.
3.3. Garden Layout
The garden at An Hien Garden House is carefully designed. It creates a peaceful and beautiful environment.
A rectangular lake filled with water lilies is at the center. It adds to the calm feeling. The garden has many kinds of fruit trees. This shows Vietnam's biodiversity.
There are lychee, mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, dragon fruits, fig, and strawberry trees. The garden is beautiful and provides fresh fruit.
3.4. Feng Shui Elements
The design of An Hien Garden House follows Feng Shui principles. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art. It creates harmony between people and their surroundings. The entrance gate faces the Perfume River.
This is thought to bring good energy and success. The rectangular lake and the placement of plants and architecture create a balance of energies. This promotes health and well-being for the people living there.
4. Cultural and Aesthetic Significance
4.1. Preservation of Nguyen Dynasty Memorabilia
An Hien Garden House is more than just beautiful architecture. It is also a cultural treasure. It preserves valuable items from the Nguyen Dynasty. One of these is the royal diaphragm “Van Vo Trung Hieu.”
It was a gift from Emperor Bao Dai in 1937. The house also has antique furniture. There are wooden tables, chairs, and tea cabinets. They are arranged carefully following traditional Feng Shui principles.
4.2. Ecological Aspects
The garden at An Hien Garden House is a lively ecological space. It reflects the natural beauty of all four seasons. Many types of plants grow there, including seasonal flowers like roses, jasmine, and camellia.
These plants make the garden more beautiful. They also create an always-changing landscape that visitors enjoy all year.
5. Visitor Experience
5.1. Activities and Highlights
An Hien Garden House offers a rich visitor experience. It combines cultural heritage with fun activities.
Traditional Music Performances:
Visitors can enjoy traditional Vietnamese music performances. They are held daily from 9:00 to 10:15 AM and again from 3:00 to 4:15 PM.
These sessions give a unique look into Hue's culture. They provide a peaceful and musical background to the historical setting.
Hue Traditional Cakes and Folk Music Sessions:
Another highlight is the chance to taste Hue's traditional cakes while listening to folk music. This experience combines delicious food with the soulful sounds of Hue. It creates a memorable visit.
The cakes, known as Co-cakes, are a specialty of Hue. They often have intricate designs and inscriptions such as “Thọ” (longevity) and “Phúc” (happiness).
Photo Opportunities in Traditional Attire (Ao Dai):
Visitors are encouraged to take photos in traditional Vietnamese clothing, such as the Ao Dai.
The elegant design of the Ao Dai complements the historical and cultural feel of An Hien Garden House. It makes for beautiful and timeless photographs.
5.2. Entrance Fee and Operating Hours
To visit An Hien Garden House, the entrance fee is 35,000 VND (about 1.30 USD). Children under 1m2 in height can enter for free.
The garden house is open to visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM. This allows plenty of time to explore its many attractions and enjoy the peaceful environment.
6. How to Get to An Hien Garden House
An Hien Garden House is conveniently located about 5 km from the center of Hue city. There are several ways for visitors to get there:
- Motorbike:
Renting a motorbike is a popular and convenient way to reach the garden house. It offers flexibility and the chance to explore other nearby attractions at your own pace.
- Private Car:
For a more comfortable journey, visitors can hire a private car. This option is ideal for families or groups. It provides a direct and efficient route to the destination.
- Cyclo:
For a more traditional experience, taking a cyclo (a type of Vietnamese rickshaw) is a charming way to travel to An Hien Garden House. It allows visitors to soak in the sights and sounds of Hue along the way.
- Walking:
For those who enjoy walking, the garden house is accessible on foot. The walk offers a pleasant way to experience the local environment and discover hidden gems in Hue.
Read more: How to get around in Hue
7. Nearby Attractions
Visitors to An Hien Garden House can make their trip even better by exploring several nearby attractions:
Just 1 km away, this historic pagoda is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Hue. Its famous seven-story tower and beautiful setting make it a must-see.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Imperial City is a huge complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates. It offers a deep look into the history of the Nguyen Dynasty.
This bridge is a symbol of Hue. It crosses the Perfume River and offers stunning views, especially at night when it is lit up with colorful lights.
8. Travel Tips
8.1. Recommended Attire and Accessories
To ensure a comfortable and respectful visit to An Hien Garden House and other cultural sites in Hue, consider the following clothing and accessories:
- Comfortable, Polite Clothes: Dress in light, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Wearing the traditional Ao Dai can make for memorable and culturally appropriate photos.
- Sports Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to navigate the garden and surrounding areas.
- Umbrella and Hat: These items are especially useful during summer visits. They provide protection from the sun and occasional rain showers.
8.2. Photography Tips
- Utilize Sunny Spots for Better Photos: Make use of natural light by taking photos in sunny areas of the garden. This highlights the beauty of the architecture and nature.
8.3. Respect for Cultural Sites
Always follow the guidelines provided at the cultural sites. Avoid touching or damaging relics and be mindful of the historical and cultural significance of the area.
9. Conclusion
An Hien Garden House is a remarkable historical and cultural site. It offers a glimpse into the royal past of Hue. Its architectural beauty, rich history, and peaceful environment make it a must-see for anyone exploring the city.
By combining your visit with trips to nearby attractions like Thien Mu Pagoda, the Hue Imperial City, and Truong Tien Bridge, you can experience the full range of Hue's heritage. Remember to dress appropriately, respect the cultural sites, and capture the moments to make your visit truly unforgettable.
For a complete overview of Hue's attractions and experiences, visit our Hue Travel Guide. If you're seeking more engaging activities in the area, explore our curated list of Things to do in Hue. These guides will help you uncover all the wonders of Hue!
