Don't miss a visit to the historic 247-year-old Thanh Toàn Tile-Roofed Bridge, gracefully situated along the Như Ý River.

More than just a marvel of distinctive architecture, this bridge stands as a historical sentinel, bearing witness to the remarkable transformation of this former imperial capital.
Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge – A Unique Must-Visit and Photo Spot in Hue
Built in the "house on bridge" style (thượng gia hạ kiều), Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge is 16.85m long and 4.63m wide. Constructed from wood with enameled tile roofs, it is adorned with intricate dragon and phoenix motifs.

Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge boasts unique ancient architecture. (Photo: Tuong Vi/VNA)
If you have the chance to visit Hue and wish to admire and explore its ancient, moss-covered beauty, you'll find it not only in the inner city's structures but also in folk architectural works that distinctly embody the rustic charm and simplicity of the countryside.
Such serene landscapes will cleanse your soul, bringing you back to the most peaceful moments and helping you shed the weariness of life. By this criterion, Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge is an unmissable destination.
Located approximately 8km southeast of Hue city center, Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge (in Thanh Thuy Chanh village, Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy town, Hue city) stands as one of Vietnam's five most beautiful ancient tile-roofed bridges.
The bridge was built in 1776 by Mrs. Tran Thi Dao, wife of a high-ranking mandarin during the reign of King Le Hien Tong, who generously donated money for its construction. Her aim was to provide convenience for villagers crossing and a resting place for weary travelers and strangers.
In 1776, King Le Hien Tong bestowed an imperial edict upon her, commending her virtues and exempting the village from various taxes and labor duties, so they would remember her generosity and follow her good example. In 1925, King Khai Dinh also granted her the title of Dực Bảo Trung Hưng Linh phò and ordered the villagers to erect an altar directly on the bridge to worship her.

The wooden structure with its azure glazed tile roof, built in the "house on bridge" (thượng gia hạ kiều) architectural style, defines Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge. (Photo: Tuong Vi/VNA)
Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge is constructed in the "house on bridge" (thượng gia hạ kiều) style, divided into several compartments, each functioning like a small house within a larger structure. The bridge's body is made of wood, topped with enameled tube tiles. Unlike tile-roofed bridges in the Northern region that typically use fish-scale or slipper-toe tiles, Thanh Toan Bridge features azure glazed tiles (ngói lưu ly).
Regarding the "house" (thượng gia) section of the structure, the tile-roofed bridge utilizes a wooden truss system with seven compartments. The central compartment, also the largest, serves as a shrine to Mrs. Tran Thi Dao. The remaining six compartments are symmetrically structured, each featuring two rows of wooden platforms and railings, creating a central "walking lane" and "resting lanes" on both sides, lending grace and harmony to the tile-roofed bridge.
Originally, Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge measured 43 thước mộc (18.75m) in length and 14 thước mộc (5.82m) in width. After several restorations, its current dimensions are 16.85m long and 4.63m wide.
Currently in Vietnam, besides Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge, there are several other bridges with similar architecture, including Chùa Cầu (Hoi An), the tile-roofed bridge in Hai Anh commune (Hai Hau, Nam Dinh), Phat Diem tile-roofed bridge (Kim Son, Ninh Binh), and two tile-roofed bridges at Chua Thay (Hanoi).
While sharing many architectural similarities, unlike Chùa Cầu (Hoi An) which uses mascots of dogs and monkeys for decoration, Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge features dragons and phoenixes sculpted on the ridges of its tiled roof. The gables are adorned with pháp lam (enamelware) and patterns, all sharing the common theme of "dragon transformation."
As for the "bridge" (hạ kiều) section of the structure, Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge is supported by six round, multi-span ironwood (gỗ lim) pillars, with abutments built from rough-hewn stone.
After nearly 250 years of existence, in early April 2020, the local authorities carefully dismantled the bridge for preservation, renovation, and restoration. The project to preserve, repair, and restore the Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge relic was approved by the People's Committee of Thua Thien-Hue province, with a total investment of over 13 billion VND. The renovation and restoration efforts were based on the principle of maximizing the use of original structure and materials.
Pausing at Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge, visitors can take in the characteristic peaceful panorama of a Vietnamese village: vast rice fields, the tranquil Như Ý River flowing gently, verdant bamboo groves, and farmers diligently working, perhaps casting fishing nets, herding buffalo, or collecting snails. This airy, serene atmosphere, combined with the bridge's special architecture and profound significance, has made it not just a resting place for locals but also a must-visit for anyone coming to Hue:
“Oh, if you're heading to Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge,
Please let me join your happy crowd!”
Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge. (Photo: Quoc Viet/VNA)
Recognized for its significant cultural and historical value, Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge was designated a National Cultural Heritage Site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 1990.
In 2019, the Department of Tourism of Thua Thien-Hue province organized a night market at Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge. The night market was set up around the bridge, featuring many attractive activities such as a food market, bài chòi (folk singing game) performances, traditional folk games, and exhibitions for visitors.
This market is held on the 16th day of every lunar month, even during the rainy season, adding diversity to the local eco-tourism and community tourism offerings.
Next to Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge, you'll find the Thanh Toan Agricultural Tools Exhibition House. Here, visitors can learn about the history of agricultural tools, explore artifacts reflecting rural life in Thanh Toan—such as water wheels (xe đạp nước), buckets (gàu), sieves (sàng), jars (chum), rice mortars (cối giã gạo), winnowing baskets (nong), and flat baskets (nia)—and experience or observe fascinating rural activities like operating water wheels, husking rice, and crafting conical hats (nón).
Together with Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge, this place also helps preserve the beautiful aspects of the traditional way of life.
Hue 5317 view
Update day : 28/11/2023
Source : Vietnamplus.vn Affiliate links
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