Located near the center of Hue imperial city, Thuy Bieu village is known for its serenity, immense grapefruit gardens and hundreds of years old houses. The name Thuy Bieu may originate from the three sides of Thuy Bieu village surrounded by romantic Perfume River (Thuy means water and Bieu means a gourd). Local people eke out a living mainly out of rice cultivating, gardening and handicraft making.
Among the fruit trees grown in the garden, the most attractive is Thanh Tra, a specialty pomelo of Hue.
Thuy Bieu is a wonderland of pomelo that possesses a very special taste and fragrance. Grapefruit in Thuy Bieu village is different from other species throughout Vietnam. It’s smaller, but sweeter and known under the name of Thanh Tra. This fruit used to be provided for the Royal Families only.
The garden house is something typical of Hue and you will visit the garden houses in Thuy Bieu village, some centuries-old houses… Thuy Bieu village still retains many ancient and unique architecture of garden houses.
Coming to Thuy Bieu village you should also not miss the fighting arena of elephant and tiger intact in walls, stands, entrances, and stone steps since the last two hundred years.
Under the Nguyen dynasty, this is the arena of elephants and tigers to sacrifice in festival and served as of recreation for the Kings, the officials and residents. Here is the chance for you both explore hidden charm of Hue countryside as well as learn more of Nguyen regime.
Ruong house in Thuy Bieu is also unique and featuring traditional Hue old houses. It’s called ‘nha ruong’ (Ruong house) because they were constructed by wood and there are many pillars, trusses, sesame and indoor space is calculated by the columns in the house, without walls. Tile parquet with two layers overlap, so that the house in the summer is always cool and warm winter. Most of these houses are more than hundred years old.
It would be relaxing a day out to visit Thuy Bieu village on a cycling trip, you will get to know more about Hue local life style, the serenity as well as the history of this charming capital city.
