Considered one of the most beautiful garden houses in Hue, An Hien Garden House is a must-visit destination for travelers, alongside the city’s famous imperial architecture and royal tombs. Despite enduring numerous historical changes, An Hien Garden House retains its unique beauty, blending traditional folk colors, aristocratic elegance, and distinctive architectural and landscape features.
If you are passionate about Hue’s traditional garden houses and want to explore the heritage and tranquil atmosphere of the ancient capital, An Hien Garden House is an ideal destination.
The History of An Hien Garden House
An Hien Garden House is located at No. 58 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, facing the Perfume River. It is one of the most ancient and representative garden houses in Hue, carrying significant cultural, architectural, and historical values.
With a history spanning over 100 years, An Hien Garden House has passed through multiple owners and has withstood the test of time to become a peaceful retreat and a well-known cultural landmark. According to historical records, its first owner was the 18th princess of King Duc Duc in 1883. At that time, the house was her royal residence and was named An Hien Palace.
In 1895, it came under the management of Pham Dang Khanh, the son of a high-ranking official under King Gia Long and a nephew of Empress Dowager Tu Du. In 1920, the house was transferred to Tung Le, a wealthy philanthropist from the Tri Thien region, who was known for his kindness and support for the poor.
By 1936, Nguyen Dinh Chi, then the governor of Ha Tinh, learned of An Hien’s charitable legacy and decided to purchase the house. When he passed away in 1940, his wife, Madame Tuan Chi, took over the house’s care. She was a highly educated woman—the first female student from Central Vietnam to study at Albert Sarraut School and the first female principal from Hue to lead Dong Khanh Girls’ High School in the 1950s. She later became a National Assembly delegate in 1980.
Due to the prominence and extensive connections of Nguyen Dinh Chi and Madame Tuan Chi, An Hien Garden House became a cultural hub for many esteemed intellectuals, poets, and artists, including Che Lan Vien, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, composer Pham Tuyen, and poet Huy Can. It was also frequently used to host diplomatic and cultural delegations, both domestic and international.
After Madame Tuan Chi passed away in 1997, the house was inherited by her descendants, including her daughter-in-law Phan Thi Hoang Oanh and four grandchildren.
Since July 2018, Silk Path has taken over the ownership and management of An Hien Garden House. The organization has focused on preserving and promoting the cultural values of this historic home while introducing its beauty to visitors from around the world.
Exploring the Architecture and Space of An Hien Garden House
Spanning an area of 6,500 square meters, An Hien Garden House follows the traditional architectural standards of Hue’s garden houses. Its design is heavily influenced by feng shui principles, blending seamlessly with nature in a picturesque location.
- At the front, the house overlooks the poetic Perfume River.
- Beyond the entrance gate, a long path leads to a screen wall, followed by a courtyard, flower beds, ornamental plants, and a pond, before reaching the main house nestled in a lush garden.
- The entrance gate, shaped like an ancient arch, features a decorative calligraphy plaque with the Chinese characters “An Thien Ha”, written in blue and white against a black background.
- Inside the property, a large screen wall is positioned slightly westward to shield the main ancestral hall. Behind the screen wall is a lotus pond, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
The Main House
The main house is a three-room, two-wing traditional Hue garden house, covering 135 square meters. Built in a standard Nguyen Dynasty architectural style, it features:
- A multi-layered tiled roof adorned with lotus motifs at the top and dragon sculptures on both sides.
- All wooden doors made from high-quality timber, intricately carved with floral patterns.
- Beautifully sculpted wooden columns and beams, showcasing the finest craftsmanship of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Interior and Historical Artifacts
Inside, the house follows a strict spatial organization based on function.
- The central hall serves as the ancestral altar, arranged according to the “Tien Phat Hau Linh” principle.
- Many precious relics from the Nguyen Dynasty are still preserved.
- Hanging in the central hall are royal calligraphy plaques gifted by Emperor Bao Dai in the Year of the Ox, alongside poems by Emperor Thanh Thai, displayed in the reception area.
- Antique furniture, such as tables, chairs, tea cabinets, and teapots, all made of wood, retains a timeless charm.
During Madame Tuan Chi’s time, an additional wing was constructed in French colonial style on the left side of the main house.
A particularly unique feature is the library, which holds 338 books covering topics such as politics, law, history, literature, and feng shui in multiple languages, including English, French, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Russian.
A Green Oasis in the Heart of Hue
Beyond its architectural and historical value, An Hien Garden House is a lush ecological retreat, home to a diverse variety of trees and fruits. Some trees are hundreds of years old, while others are rare fruit species gathered from different regions.
Visiting An Hien Garden House – Travel Information
Located just 5 km from Hue city center, An Hien Garden House is easily accessible. Visitors can take Bui Thi Xuan Street toward Da Vien Bridge, then follow Le Duan Roundabout, turn onto Kim Long Street, and find House No. 58.
- Entrance Fee: 50,000 VND per visitor
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Hue’s charm is best experienced through its historical landmarks, and An Hien Garden House is a destination that embodies the soul of the ancient capital—a perfect blend of cultural heritage, architectural elegance, and natural beauty.
Before taking the trip to Hue (Vietnam), you should apply for a visa first. Feel free to contact Vietnam Visa Express for help!
