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| The rustic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and poetic beauty of Tam Giang Lagoon continue to attract visitors seeking unique experiences and exploration. Photo: Hoai Thong |
In a heartfelt moment of reflection, Tuan Anh shared that whenever life becomes overwhelming, his mind feels tangled, and emotional scars begin to weigh heavily on him, he chooses to shoulder a backpack and set off on a journey. For him, traveling is not only a way to escape the daily pressures of Ho Chi Minh City, where he lives and works, but also a means of rediscovering himself. Among the many places he has visited, Hue remains the destination he returns to for exploring, experiencing and healing.
Over the past decade, Tuan Anh has returned to Hue 7 times. Each journey is thoughtfully arranged, with every itinerary offering a new perspective on Hue Ancient Capital. Some trips take him deep into nature, such as immersing himself in the lush forests of Bach Ma National Park or relaxing at Thanh Tan Hot Springs. On other occasions, he explores the tranquil lagoon region, visiting places such as Tam Giang Lagoon, Ru Cha Mangrove Forest, Ngu My Thanh, and Dam Chuon.
There are times when the coastline becomes his destination, with journeys stretching from Lang Co Bay to Thua Luu - Chan May area, or even across Tu Hien toward the untouched beauty of Ham Rong Beach. On quieter visits, he returns to the peaceful countryside of Thanh Thuy Chanh, famous for its traditional rural market festival, or wanders to enjoy the rustic beauty of Phuoc Tich Ancient Village.
Most of the places Tuan Anh chooses are deeply connected with nature. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, he often stays for days, spending his time walking slowly, breathing in the fresh air, and fully immersing himself in the calm and restorative rhythm of Hue.
According to Tuan Anh, Hue is at its most charming in Spring and Autumn, when the weather is cool and pleasant, the sunlight soft, and the pace of life feels even calmer. During these seasons, simply strolling along quiet streets, watching the scenery by the Perfume River, listening to the rustling trees, or sitting quietly before an ordinary landscape can become a deeply relaxing experience. Throughout his journeys, Tuan Anh often spends time swimming in rivers, streams, and the sea, and connecting with local people listening to their everyday stories. Food is another essential part of every trip. He enjoys exploring Hue’s diverse cuisine, from rustic countryside dishes to fresh seafood specialties from the lagoons and coastal areas. Through these simple yet meaningful moments, each visit leaves him feeling more refreshed, balanced, and at peace.
In simple terms, healing is the process of restoring mental and emotional well-being after the pressures of everyday life. It may involve stepping away from familiar routines, slowing down one’s pace of life, immersing oneself in nature, or seeking out quiet spaces to reconnect with the inner self. Numerous studies have shown that nature can help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and renew positive energy. By distancing themselves from noise and bustle, spending time walking, breathing fresh air, or admiring natural landscapes, people are often able to regain their inner balance. It is precisely these seemingly simple experiences that can become an effective form of emotional healing.
With its quiet charm and gentle beauty, Hue offers many of the qualities sought in a healing journey: peaceful surroundings, poetic landscapes, and a slow, unhurried rhythm of life. Like Tuan Anh, many visitors regard Hue as a place to restore emotional balance and inner peace. Thu Loan, a visitor from Hai Phong, once shared that her trip to Hue went beyond a journey of discovery, it was also an opportunity to listen, reflect, and regain energy through life’s simplest moments. Whether standing quietly before the open sea or immersing herself in the serene atmosphere of an ancient pagoda, she could feel a deep sense of calm. The roads she traveled, the landscapes she encountered, and the warmth of the local people all seemed to gently ease the emotional burdens she carried within.
Without the need for extravagant experiences, sometimes a simple morning strolling along the Perfume River, an afternoon watching the sunset over Tam Giang Lagoon, or a slow-paced day in the countryside is enough for Hue to help people rediscover a sense of balance in life.