THANH TOAN BRIDGE – “JAPANESE BRIDGE” IN THE ANCIENT HUE CITY
Thanh Toan tile- roofed bridge is one of two Japanese style bridges in Vietnam. If tourists have visited Hoi An, you could see a similar architecture in Chua bridge. However, Thanh Toan bridge surely will be a new experience for tourists when coming here.
WHERE IS THANH TOAN BRIDGE?
Unlike massive bridges in Hue city: Trang Tien or Phu Xuan, Thanh Toan bridge is located in a small village. Currently, it belongs to Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy district. The bridge is in the West and about 8 kilometers from Hue city.
Thanh Toan bridge crosses a tiny stream of the last part of Nhu Y river. Surrounding here, wide rice fields will mak tourists a peaceful feeling when visiting.
THE ESTABLISHING HISTORY OF THANH TOAN BRIDGE
Thanh Toan was built in the 16th century by a woman- Tran Thi Dao. She is the childless wife of a high ranking mandarin in Le Hien Tong reign. She paid money to build the bridge to pray for a child. And thank to bridge the transportation was also accelerated, the villagers did not need to go by boat like before. Furthermore, Thanh Toan bridge was a stop point for the immigrants from other places, too.
After she passed away, Emperor Khai Dinh ordered the villagers to put an altar for her on the bridge. And until now, when going here tourists will see local people here still worship her.
SPECIAL ARCHITECTURE OF THANH TOAN BRIDGE
Thanh toan has a special architectural style like Japanese bridge in Hoi An old town. It is kind of “ upper part is house, lower part is bridge” architecture. Coming here, tourists will admire the old house style 7 compartments over the bridge. Whereas, lower part is designed after the normal style of a bridge. This combination in the bridge creates a new look in eyes of tourists when traveling to Thanh Toan bridge.
ATTRACTIVE THINGS WHEN COMING TO THANH TOAN BRIDGE
Thanh Toan is an ideal destination for tourists when visiting Hue city. Apart from contemplating village scene peacefully, tourists have chance to see farming tools in museum. Besides, activities on farms and traditional games are also demonstrated for tourists to understand more the village life.
In addition, visiting village market is an interesting activity. The local market is nearby the bridge. So it is easy to get here and see life of small business women. Moreover, tourists can buy local products in market with a good price.
Food paradise is other fantastic things here. There are a lot of local foods cooked by the local people. Enjoying foods with cheap prices and delicious taste will be an unforgettable experience for tourist when coming Thanh Toan bridge.
HOW TO GET THERE?