Located on the Thanh Tien Riverbank in Central Vietnam, Thanh Tien Village stands as a living testament to Hue’s rich cultural heritage. This hidden gem offers travelers a unique glimpse into a traditional craft that has survived for over three centuries, telling a story of creativity, spirituality, and resilience.
What Do You Know About Thanh Tien Village?
Thanh Tien is a small village located in Phu Mau commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province. Situated just 10 kilometers from Hue’s city center, this village is more than just a destination – it’s a journey into the heart of Vietnamese traditional craftsmanship. Recognized officially as a traditional craft village in 2013, Thanh Tien has preserved an art form that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful.
The History and Spirit Behind the Paper Flowers
The origins of Thanh Tien’s paper flower craft are rooted in a practical and spiritual necessity. Hue’s harsh climate made it challenging to maintain fresh flowers for ancestral worship and traditional ceremonies. The local people ingeniously developed paper flowers as a lasting alternative, creating intricate blooms that could withstand time and serve sacred purposes.
These are not mere decorations but carry profound cultural significance. Traditional paper flower arrangements often feature symbolic designs – typically three large flowers in the center surrounded by five smaller ones, representing the Confucian principles of Tam Cương (Three Fundamental Principles) and Ngũ Thường (Five Constant Virtues).
Image of the Village in Nowadays
While the village’s paper flower craft remains alive, it faces challenges typical of traditional crafts in the modern era. Currently, only 10 households produce paper flowers, with just three actively maintaining both production and tourist experiences. The craft is primarily sustained by elderly artisans, with younger generations often seeking opportunities in cities.
However, during festivals like Lunar New Year, the entire village comes together, demonstrating their continued commitment to preserving this unique tradition. Each villager, from children to adults, remains proficient in the intricate craft, keeping the spirit of their heritage alive.
What Can You Find in This Paper Flower Village?
Thanh Tien Village offers more than just a passive observation of a traditional craft – it promises an immersive cultural experience that connects you directly with Vietnam’s rich artisanal heritage.
Strolling Around Paper Flower-Making Houses in the Village
Walk through the village and witness the magic happening right before your eyes. Observe artisans meticulously crafting paper flowers, breathing life into delicate petals. The atmosphere is filled with the subtle scents of natural dyes, bamboo, and paper, creating a sensory journey that goes beyond visual appreciation.
Learn and Try to Make Traditional Paper Flowers
Many workshops offer hands-on experiences where you can learn the intricate art of paper flower making. You’ll discover the painstaking process: selecting flexible bamboo, preparing natural dyes from tree saps, cutting precise paper shapes, and assembling flowers with incredible detail. Pro tip: Patience is key, and don’t be discouraged if your first flower isn’t perfect!
Buy Paper Flowers Directly in the Village
Take home a piece of Hue’s cultural heritage. Paper flowers are incredibly affordable, with simple flowers ranging from 5,000-7,000 VND and more elaborate decorative pieces between 25,000-40,000 VND. Each flower is a unique artwork, perfect as a souvenir or decoration.
How to Get to Thanh Tien Village from Hue City Center
Located around 10km from Hue city center, reaching Thanh Tien Village offers travelers two fascinating routes: a scenic river journey or a comfortable road trip, each providing a unique perspective of Hue’s beautiful landscape.
By Road
For those preferring direct land travel, the journey is straightforward:
- Distance from Hue city center: Approximately 10 kilometers
- Route: Head through Dong Ba market
- Follow Huynh Thuc Khang street for about 5 kilometers
- Continue towards Bao Vinh ancient town
- Travel time: Around 20-30 minutes by motorbike or car
This option best suited for:
- Independent travelers who enjoy flexibility
- Photographers wanting to capture roadside landscapes
- Families with children or elderly members
- Those with limited time
- Travelers who prefer air-conditioned comfort
- Budget-conscious travelers (cheapest option)
Ideal Travelers: Solo backpackers, small groups, budget travelers, those with mobility needs
By River and Road (Recommended Scenic Route)
For a more adventurous approach:
- Start at Dong Ba market
- Take a boat trip downstream the Perfume River
- Disembark at Tien Non village
- From Tien Non, travel 1 kilometer to Thanh Tien village
- The total journey offers picturesque views of Hue’s riverside landscapes
Best Suited For:
- Adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts
- Travelers interested in cultural immersion
- Couples looking for a romantic journey
- Those who want a more authentic local experience
- Visitors with flexible schedules
- Nature lovers and landscape photographers
Ideal Travelers: Cultural explorers, romantic couples, professional photographers, travelers who prioritize unique experiences over convenience
Travel Tip: Your choice depends on your travel style, budget, time availability, and personal interests. The road route offers practicality, while the river route provides a more memorable, picturesque journey through Hue’s traditional landscapes.
Recommended Transportation:
- Motorbike rental: 100,000-150,000 VND per day
- Taxi/private car: 300,000-500,000 VND round trip
- Guided tour: Includes transportation and local insights
Pro Recommendation: If possible, combine both routes – take the road on the way to the village and return by boat to experience the full spectrum of Hue’s transportation and landscape.
Indochina Voyages also provides private tours as well as day tours to Thanh Tien Village and combines with many boutique experiences to other craft villages as well as tombs in Hue. All you need to do is contact our travel experts, our team will get back to you soon with the best advice and quotation.
Before You Go
A few essential tips to ensure a memorable visit:
- Best time to visit: Lunar New Year for the most vibrant experiences
- Dress comfortably and respectfully
- Bring cash for purchases
- Consider hiring a local guide for deeper cultural insights
- Be prepared for a hands-on, potentially messy but incredibly rewarding experience
Thanh Tien Village is more than a tourist destination – it’s a living museum of Vietnamese cultural craftsmanship. By visiting, you’re not just observing a tradition but helping to preserve it. Each paper flower tells a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Hue’s artisans.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, art lover, or simply curious traveler, Thanh Tien Village promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Vietnamese traditional craft.
>> Read more: Beyond the Ordinaries of Vietnam: 10+ Unusual Things to Do in Hue
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
