Inside a workshop thick with the scent of cement on Lai The Street (My Thuong Ward), there is a craftsman who remains devoted, day after day, to the meticulous work of casting bonsai pots. He is Nguyen Van Nhan, 53 years old, with 15 years of experience dedicated to creating pots tailored specifically for bonsai artworks.

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.