Phú Thanh: The Hidden Gem of Hue

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [kaw]
• NoKhông
  [kawng]
• Please/You're welcomeLàm ơn
  [lam uhn]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kam uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [ban kwee kawng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kwee. kawn ban]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [ban kaw noi tyeng anh kawng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kawng hye-uh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, vui lòng
  [toy moon sem menu, vui long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kawng un tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuk suk kwee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy moon thanh toan, vui long]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kew]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kan saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lak doong]
• I'm illTôi bệnh
  [toy benh]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy moon mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chi sem]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [bow nyew tyen]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [dat kwa]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?
  [ban kaw tye jam za kawng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [bay zow la mye zow]
• It's one o'clockMột giờ
  [mote zow]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ ba mươi
  [mooee zow ba mooee]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwoy sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwoy chieu]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwoy toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hom kwa]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hom nay]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ngay mai]
• 1Một
  [mote]
• 2Hai
  [hay]
• 3Ba
  [ba]
• 4Bốn
  [bon]
• 5Năm
  [nam]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bay]
• 8Tám
  [tam]
• 9Chín
  [chin]
• 10Mười
  [mooee]

• Where's a/the...?Đâu là...
  [dow la]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dia chi la yee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [ban kaw tye chi cho toy tren ban do kawng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến tiếp theo (xe buýt)?
  [khee now la chuyen tyep teo se bwuit]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ...)
  [mote vee den]

Phú Thanh, situated on the banks of the Perfume River, has its roots in the early Nguyen Dynasty when it began as a small fishing village. The strategic location of Hue as the imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 meant that Phú Thanh played a role in the daily life and economy of the city, particularly in trade and agriculture.

During the Nguyen Dynasty, Phú Thanh was influenced by the cultural and architectural styles of the period. The area became known for its traditional crafts and local cuisine, contributing to the rich tapestry of Hue’s cultural identity. The neighborhood was also home to artisans who created handmade goods, which were vital to the local economy and cultural preservation.

The Vietnam War had a profound effect on Phú Thanh, as it did on all of Hue. The neighborhood experienced significant destruction during the Tet Offensive in 1968, which saw intense fighting throughout the city. This turmoil disrupted the community and altered the landscape, leaving lasting scars that would take decades to heal.

Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, Phú Thanh underwent a period of reconstruction. Efforts were made to restore the community and revitalize its economy. Local initiatives focused on preserving traditional crafts and enhancing agricultural practices, which helped to revive the neighborhood's cultural heritage.

In recent years, Phú Thanh has embraced tourism, showcasing its historical sites, traditional cuisine, and vibrant local culture. The neighborhood is increasingly recognized for its contributions to Hue’s overall charm, attracting visitors who seek to experience authentic local life amidst the backdrop of historical significance.

Phú Thanh is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Hue. From the city center, you can take a taxi or a motorbike taxi (xe ôm) for a quick ride, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Public buses also run regularly to Phú Thanh, with several stops in the area. If you are coming from the Hue Railway Station, a taxi or ride-sharing service would be the most convenient option, taking approximately 20 minutes.

Phú Thanh is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Renting a bicycle is a popular option, with several rental shops available. Taxis and motorbike taxis are also accessible for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk. Public buses connect Phú Thanh to other parts of Hue, but the schedules may not always be reliable.

Phú Thanh is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid displaying valuable items such as expensive cameras or jewelry, particularly in crowded areas. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, especially near markets. It's advisable to stay away from poorly lit streets at night and be cautious in areas with large gatherings.

In case of emergencies, dial 113 for police assistance, 115 for medical emergencies, and 114 for fire services. The local hospitals and clinics in Hue are equipped to handle various medical situations, and it's advisable to have travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples or pagodas. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when entering religious sites, remove your shoes and speak quietly. Public Transport: Do give your seat to elderly passengers; don’t engage in loud phone conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod; don’t assume everyone speaks English. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept food offerings; don’t waste food or leave your plate unfinished, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Phú Thanh like a local, visit the bustling markets in the area, where you can find fresh produce and traditional snacks. Engage with vendors, who are often eager to share stories about their goods. Don’t hesitate to try local specialties, such as bánh bèo and bánh khoái. Take a stroll along the Perfume River to enjoy the scenic views, especially at sunset. Joining a cooking class can also provide insight into the local cuisine and culture.