“Touching Huế” – When Huế Is Shaped by Hand and Heart

July at HiPs was a journey of feelings, where ordinary-seeming afternoons became special thanks to three handicraft workshops steeped in the spirit of Huế. From the aroma of mung bean cakes and the scent of local essential oils to the warmth of Phước Tích terracotta, each activity opened a door to the fine details of the culture and life of old Huế, which you got to touch with your own hands.

The first workshop, “Tropical Garden”, brought participants into the world of Huế cuisine in a new way. Instead of just tasting, they shaped their own dainty mung bean cakes by hand, modelled on the summer fruits of Central Vietnam. The light fragrance, soft colours and care in every step made the afternoon truly poetic.

Next came the essential oil candle-making workshop, where local Huế ingredients such as Thanh Trà pomelo oil, five-vein cajeput oil and A Lưới wild beeswax were lovingly poured into each scented candle. Participants learned how to blend scents, pour wax and decorate, and they also heard the stories behind each ingredient: how local people are working to protect green resources and keep traditional crafts alive.

To close the “Touching Huế” series, the “Phước Tích Raw Pottery” workshop left a gentle, quiet impression. Participants met artisans from the pottery village, kneaded the clay and shaped their own pieces. It was a unique hands-on craft experience, and it let them feel the heartbeat of a centuries-old craft village, simple yet profound.

Three workshops, three touchpoints. Like small puzzle pieces, together they tell a story of Huế that feels close and touches the heart. For HiPs, these were more than experiences. They were a gentle invitation for everyone to find their own Huế, through their hands, their memories and their love.