Hue City is the urban area with the highest density of trees in the country, with more than 64,000 trees lining its streets, parks, and lush green garden houses. These trees are cared for and protected by both local authorities and residents, beautifying the city while serving as a natural shield that brings a refreshing sense of coolness during the scorching summer heat.

On May 16, leaders of Long Quang Commune promptly visited, encouraged residents, and deployed forces to help 4 households in Rung Ghenh Village re-roof their homes and clean up gardens damaged by the tornado.

Many journeys back to old Hue begin with seemingly small details. For me, it was a visit to An Thu garden house in Gia Hoi old quarter - a contemplative Hue residence nestled behind lush green trees. Mr. Vo Chanh Tien, the current caretaker, led me through the rooms while sharing the house's history and stories of generations tied to the garden and the rhythm of the old Gia Hoi. But what made me linger the longest was actually… beneath my feet.

In Hue, authentic local tourism experiences are created not only by luxurious resorts or packaged tours, but also by farmers, garden-house families, and fishing village residents...

After a period of temporary closure, in early August this year, Ngu Ha Vien – the garden house near Ngu Ha River - reopened with an engaging program introducing the Thanh Liễu woodblock heritage of Hai Duong.

Hue culture with its typical characteristics of the land is portrayed through many unique cultural values such as cuisine, clothing, garden house architecture, education, music, theater, language, and poetry. These values have become great potential for Hue to become an important tourist center of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Hue garden houses always carry a distinct charm, blending aristocratic elegance with traditional colors. With green and peaceful spaces of ‘tea’ (Acalypha evrardii) hedges, tiny yards, decorative guarding screens, as well as the yellow apricot blossom trees, and lovely persimmon plants in front of the house, etc. Hue garden houses reflect a slow-paced lifestyle that is close to nature and values the long-standing cultural values of Hue locals.

On September 29, the Hue Garden house Management and Protection Board, belonging to Hue People’s Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the garden house located at No.3 Pham Thi Lien St., Kim Long ward, Hue City.

“I study garden houses as a connection between Vietnamese art and culture and a deep connection with the land and spirit of Hue. Hidden cultural features still thrive in the values and identity of Hue today,” said Professor and Landscape Architect Kimberlee Stryker (University of California, Berkeley) in her “Listening to the Gardens of Hue, Vietnam” 25 years ago.

Nguyen Huu Thong, researcher, former Deputy Director of Hue Sub-Institute of Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts, made such assessment of the story of Hue garden houses during a seminar held on April 21st at An Nhien Garden space (Phu Thuong Ward, Hue City).