KR
JP
VN
“The hundred-year-old house with its ancient gate, lovely garden, and grass-covered path leading to the entrance is the home of many generations in the Imperial City…”
“…It is a place of peace, serenity, and lushness. Whether bathed in sunlight or covered in rain, the vibrant, sincere greenness endures through the years and the four seasons of fruit-bearing trees at An Hien Garden House still linger in the memory.”
There are many beautiful words and cherished memories shared by visitors to An Hien Garden House – one of the most beautiful ancient garden houses in Hue City. Few know that An Hien is owned and managed by Silk Path Hotels & Resorts today to preserve the national culture and promote traditional heritage values. So far, the Silk Path team always regards An Hien as a unique sanctuary where time stands still, leaving its indelible marks.
The traits of time & history
For over a hundred years, having witnessed numerous owners, the ups and downs of history, and the changes of time, An Hien Garden House is now a peaceful place, a cultural landmark, and a familiar destination for visitors coming to the ancient Capital.
The first owner of the garden house in 1883 was the 18th princess of King Duc Duc from the Nguyen Dynasty. At that time, the estate was named “De An Hien”, reflecting its status as a princess’s residence. In 1936, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chi, then serving as the Governor of Ha Tinh Province, decided to purchase the estate. After he died in 1940, his wife, Mrs. Dao Thi Xuan Yen (also known as Mrs. Tuan Chi), continued to manage, care for, and enhance the value of the garden house until her passing in 1997. With the extensive connections and devoted contributions of Mrs. Xuan Yen, An Hien was preserved well and became a frequent gathering place for many literary and intellectual figures in society.
The bespoke & green space
The grounds of An Hien form nearly a square shape, planned and constructed following the traditional architectural principles, featuring elements like boundary walls, water pavilions, and surrounded by the greenery of trees and plants. The main architecture is an ancient house with three compartments and two wings: The middle space is the worship space, with the principle of “Buddha in the front, Holy in the rear” layout. The two rooms on both sides are places to receive guests according to the principle of “left for men, right for women”, the two wings of the house are similar, the left side is the living area for men and the right side is the living area for women.
What makes An Hien Garden House unique is its green surroundings, which consist of various perennial species collected from all over Vietnam, with flowers blooming and fruits growing in all seasons.
Visitors can find familiar fruits such as pomelos, dragon fruits, lychees, persimmons, sapodillas, and tea trees, as well as rare species like agarwood, thriving and contributing to the vibrancy of this garden.
The revival of golden memories
An Hien Garden House is one of the most prominent names when tea enthusiasts seek a place where traditional elegance harmonizes with simplicity and modernity. Here, the caretaker accompanies guests and spends time guiding travelers through the origins of the garden house and exploring each corner marked by significant untold stories.
In collaboration with Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa, An Hien Garden House recreates traditional ceremonies steeped in national identity, such as the Nguyen Dynasty betrothal ceremony, simulating a royal family member’s wedding, combined with cyclo tours around the streets, and ancestor worship rituals to express reverence and seek peace. Visitors can borrow traditional Vietnamese costumes at Silk Path and come to An Hien for a day tour, photo shoot, and more.
The music & dining experiences
An Hien Garden House is an ideal spot for elegant Hue-style afternoon tea parties. Here, visitors can savor delicious and refined royal teas, paired with distinctive traditional Hue sweets such as ‘banh in’ (seal cake), ‘banh dau xanh trai cay’ (fruit-shaped mung bean cake), and ‘me xung’ (sesame candy). The peaceful ambiance, combined with the fragrance of tea and the sweet, rich taste of the cakes, creates a memorable experience that embodies the essence of Hue.
Visiting An Hien in the evening, sitting at the table once used by a princess of the Nguyen Dynasty – the former owner of the garden house – where guests can enjoy Imperial-style cuisines. Under the shimmering lights, visitors can get back in time, living in the golden memories of a bygone era.
A special highlight is that throughout the afternoon tea or dinner experience at the garden house, guests can enjoy ‘Ca Hue’, a traditional folk singing of Hue, that themes revolve around cultural narratives, myths, historical stories, and listen to captivating melodies performed masterfully by skilled artists and eventually learn how to create wonderful sounds by ‘go chen’, the rhythmically tapping small porcelain bowls technique.
The sense-soothing journey
After a day exploring An Hien Garden House, visitors can enjoy a transformative sense-soothing journey at Chi Spa of Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa and stay for an extensive 2 nights in their sumptuous Suite rooms. 
As Hue’s largest spa, Chi harmonizes mind-body pampering with energy-regenerating therapies, ensuring guests emerge rejuvenated. The serene ambiance sets the stage for relaxation, guided by skilled therapists in traditional healing arts. Inspired by the ‘Chi’ principles often referred to in various Eastern philosophies and practices, particularly in Chinese traditional medicine and martial arts, which revolve around life energy or vital energy concepts, the treatments of Chi Spa harmonize energies for holistic well-being. Relaxation areas enhance the journey with calming sounds and gentle aromas, making Chi Spa’s offerings more than pampering – an avenue to restore vitality and inner peace.
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa owns a graceful Suite collection, blending modern comfort with Vietnamese elegance. Each Suite features impressive interiors with tasteful décor and stylish indoor space, overlooking the garden or An Cuu River views. Luxurious bathrooms and high-end amenities such as premium bedding, highlight the experience, complemented by attentive service and state-of-the-art technology. Whether for leisure or business, the Suites provide a serene haven where guests can relax amidst the cultural richness of Hue, ensuring a memorable and indulgent stay.
