Benefiting from infrastructure projects
At 5 a.m., Mr. Nguyen Lan, a resident of Gia Hoi Ward (Phu Xuân District), begins his day by walking from Gia Hoi bridge along the riverside path behind Dong Ba market to the foot of Nguyen Hoang bridge and back, then stopping at Phu Xuan park for morning exercise. This routine helps him enjoy life and witness the city’s transformation. “Recently, Hue has prioritized investing in transport infrastructure and urban beautification, especially the revitalization of both banks of the Perfume River. These riverside paths not only enhance the river’s beauty but also allow residents to connect with nature and benefit from these developments,” Mr. Lan shared.
Many tourists strolling along the Perfume River are equally delighted by the open spaces and scenery. Especially since Nguyen Hoang bridge opened to traffic, the area beneath the bridge in Kim Long Ward has attracted hundreds of locals and tourists daily to check in and admire both the bridge and the riverside landscape.
To give riverbanks “a new face”, alongside the projects funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), since 2021, the Provincial (now Hue City) People’s Committee has approved a detailed master plan for the 15 km long of the riverbank from Vong Canh hill to Bao Vinh ancient town. The planning area includes five central zones: the city center of Hue City (old) and four auxiliary zones: Phuong Duc, Thuy Bieu, Vong Canh, and Tien Non - a countryside village in Phu Mau Commune (now Duong No Ward, Thuan Hoa District).
The plan also divides the architectural landscape into three sections: from Vong Canh hill to Da Vien islet to preserve the landscape and manage historical and cultural resources; the urban center from Da Vien to Hen islet; and the downstream area from Hen islet to Bao Vinh for natural and ecological landscape preservation. Streets adjacent to the Perfume River include Kim Long, Lê Duan, Tran Hung Dao, Bui Thi Xuan, Huyen Tran Cong Chua, and Le Loi.
According to Mr. Phan Thien Dinh, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and Secretary of the Thuan Hoa District Party Committee, two riverside paths have already been completed: one from Dong Ba market to Thien Mu pagoda (north bank), and the other from Toa Kham wharf to Da Vien islet (south bank). These are accompanied by upgraded parks, boat docks, and an outdoor stage behind the Quoc Hoc stele. Thuan Hoa district is also continuing the projects constructing roads that connect Toa Kham wharf to the foot of Dap Da, and from Da Vien islet to Nguyen Hoang bridge, with the aim of forming continuous riverside paths that serve both residents and tourists.
Connecting the urban landscape
The Perfume River banks are becoming more open and modern. The walking paths are not only longer but also harmoniously designed, balancing aesthetics with function. Green trees are preserved to the greatest extent; lawns, sidewalks, and docks are integrated into nature without disrupting Hue’s “green flow.” As a result, the riverside paths have become community spaces for walking, cycling, exercising, and for tourists to admire the river amid lush surroundings, with highlights such as the ironwood bridge, boat docks, and parks.
Hue City and the two districts of Phu Xuan and Thuan Hoa are continuing to invest in additional cultural and service infrastructure, such as public restrooms, outdoor stages, reading spaces, cafés, and street performance areas. Boat docks like Toa Kham, Dock No. 5, the area near Truong Tien bridge, Nguyen Dinh Chieu pedestrian street, and parks like Phu Xuan and Kim Long are becoming lively, attractive destinations. Notably, river cruises from Dock No. 5 to Thien Mu Pagoda are being encouraged to develop further and provide tourists with a complete view of the Perfume River’s beauty as well as help reduce road traffic.
Mr. Phan Thien Dinh added that the former Hue City People’s Committee and Thuan Hoa District have gradually developed facilities along both riverbanks, enriching the space and providing added amenities for residents and visitors. A series of modern public restrooms combined with refreshment kiosks and rest stops have emerged. This will be followed by performances by local clubs, reading spaces, and public service areas along the riverside paths. The city is focusing on developing the Le Loi street, with standout spaces at No. 15 and 23-25 Le Loi, Toa Kham wharf, and Dock No. 5, to gradually create spaces for recreation and leisure.
The city is also continuing to invest in a bridge across the An Cuu river to complete a loop connecting the Perfume River area. The stage behind Quoc Hoc stele is also being extended toward Dock No. 5. By the end of 2025, all riverbank beautification projects on the southern side of the Perfume River will be completed. At that point, Hue will have a continuous green corridor stretching from Dap Da to Nguyen Hoang bridge, connecting to the route from Gia Hoi Bridge to Thien Mu Pagoda on the northern bank, creating two riverside paths with fully developed infrastructure while maintaining the surrounding landscapes and their functionality. At the same time, the spaces created by the paths will link cultural and historical sites, reading areas, etc… bringing residents and visitors closer to the Perfume River in a welcoming and intimate way.
