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The spring atmosphere permeates the streets, from flower-filled avenues to heritage sites and entertainment venues. The large presence of tourists not only brings a vibrant rhythm to the city but also signals a promising outlook for Hue tourism in the Year of the Horse 2026.
Spring in the brushstrokes of heritage
From early morning, the Hue Imperial Citadel was ablaze with the colors of spring, maintaining its inherent majestic and serene atmosphere. Along the entrance to the palace, miniature Tet flower displays were arranged elegantly and harmoniously with the ancient architecture. The warm yellow of the tiled roofs, the red of the flags and flowers, and the delicate green of the first spring buds created an overall scene that was both vibrant and refined.
From early morning, the Hue Imperial Citadel was already bathed in the colors of spring, maintaining its inherent majestic and serene atmosphere.
Around 8 a.m., the number of tourists visiting the Imperial Citadel began to increase.
A leisurely stream of people flowed by: families dressed in traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) taking New Year's photos, groups of young people enjoying the spring festivities, interspersed with international tourists eager to explore the ancient Imperial Palace. Many visitors lingered longer in courtyards, corridors, and scenic spots to capture the first images of the year – where Hue appeared both ancient and vibrant.
Around 8 a.m., the number of visitors to the Imperial Citadel began to increase. Besides independent travelers, many tour groups also took advantage of the early morning hours to visit. The weather was cool, with occasional light rain, but this did not disrupt the spring excursion; on the contrary, it added to the romantic and tranquil atmosphere of the heritage site.
Experience the Hue Tet (Lunar New Year) in the Imperial Palace.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, visitors are particularly excited to watch the changing of the guard ceremony – a vivid reenactment of ancient court life. Performances of grand and small musicals, Hue folk songs, and various art forms take place continuously, giving visitors a firsthand glimpse into the cultural life of the Nguyen Dynasty court.
A highlight that attracts the attention of many tourists is the cannon firing ceremony after the changing of the guard at Ngo Mon Gate. The resounding sound echoing through the Imperial Citadel delighted many tourists, especially international visitors, who continuously recorded videos and took souvenir photos.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, tourists are especially excited to watch the changing of the guard ceremony – a ritual that vividly recreates the life of the ancient royal court.
The Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center's decision to waive entrance fees to historical sites for Vietnamese visitors on February 17th is considered a significant boost, contributing to attracting a large number of local people and tourists from other provinces and cities to visit and experience the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere within the Imperial Palace.
Ms. Vo Thi Nguyet (born in 1988, from Dong Nai) shared that her family came to Hue on the 29th day of the Lunar New Year and had already strolled along the Perfume River, Truong Tien Bridge, and Hen Island.
“On the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year), the whole family visited the Imperial Citadel, rented traditional costumes for photos, and experienced the traditional Tet atmosphere. It was my first time celebrating Tet in Hue, and I found everything absolutely wonderful, from the food and scenery to the friendly people and good security. The Tet atmosphere here is very gentle and profound, yet also vibrant,” Ms. Nguyet expressed.
Many international tourists have said they are impressed with how Hue preserves traditional rituals within its heritage space, while also creating opportunities for visitors to directly participate in and experience Tet in a very unique way of the ancient capital.
The spirit of spring is spreading throughout the destinations.
Not only at the Imperial Citadel, but many other tourist attractions and entertainment venues throughout the city also attracted large numbers of visitors on the first day of Tet. At Thuy Xuan incense village (Thuy Xuan ward), from over 10 am, a considerable number of visitors flocked there. Bundles of colorful incense sticks were arranged in large clusters, creating a vibrant space and becoming a favorite "check-in" spot for tourists.
Tourists, especially young people, choose to wear traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) to capture memorable spring moments in the culturally rich craft villages of Hue. The atmosphere is both lively and retains the rustic, down-to-earth charm of a traditional craft village.
Tourists, especially young people, choose to wear traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) to capture memorable moments during the spring festival.
Along the parks bordering the Perfume River, the atmosphere of spring is subtly yet vibrantly present. Every little corner offers beautiful photo opportunities for visitors enjoying the spring season: families strolling, children eagerly picking lucky branches for the new year, international tourists experiencing feeding the fish, and immersing themselves in the city's slow pace of life.
Independent travel is gaining popularity, and overnight stays are increasing sharply.
According to observations, during this year's Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), the trend of independent travel continued to prevail. Many families and groups of friends chose to drive themselves to Hue to have more control over their itinerary, destinations, and length of stay. Many tourists said they spent most of their time exploring the local lifestyle, culture, and cuisine, rather than just visiting familiar landmarks.
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the tourism industry, in coordination with relevant units, organized a welcoming ceremony and offered New Year greetings to the first international visitors to Hue in the new year. The bright red lucky money envelopes and friendly New Year wishes left a beautiful impression, contributing to promoting Hue's image as a hospitable city rich in cultural identity.
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the tourism industry, in coordination with relevant units, organized a welcoming ceremony and wished the first international visitors to Hue in the new year a happy new year.
According to representatives from the Department of Tourism, occupancy rates at accommodation establishments increased rapidly right from the beginning of the year. Specifically, on the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year), occupancy reached approximately 71%, on the second day approximately 93%, and on the third day of Tet reached 99%. These figures demonstrate the strong appeal of Hue during the peak season at the beginning of the year, and also reflect tourists' confidence in this heritage destination.
The bustling atmosphere on the first day of the Lunar New Year not only reflects Hue's appeal during the early year tourist season, but also demonstrates the positive transformation of tourism in the ancient capital – a place that both preserves heritage values and constantly innovates its products, enhancing the visitor experience.
Spring in Hue is not boisterous or ostentatious, but rather serene in every street corner, moss-covered tiled roof, the echoing sounds of royal court music, and the gentle smiles of the people of Hue. It is this harmony that makes Hue an ideal destination to begin a new year peacefully, profoundly, and full of inspiration.
Spring in Hue is not boisterous or ostentatious, but rather serene in every street corner, moss-covered tiled roof, and the echoing sounds of royal court music.
