What is the Hue Festival in Vietnam?
The Hue Festival is a major cultural event in the ancient capital of Hue, aimed at commemorating the traditional values of the city. The first festival, named the Vietnam - France Festival, was held in 1992. It was later renamed the Hue Festival in 2000 and has been regularly organized over the years, except for the year 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The festival features various community events that take place in and around the city, contributing to the revival of Hue's cultural heritage. Visitors can observe Vietnamese customs, traditional activities, rituals, street performances, poetry readings, colorful exhibitions, concerts, drumming, and historical movie screenings.
Some of the events in the festival program include temple festivals, wrestling competitions, poetry festivals, religious ceremonies, Ao dai fashion shows, commemorative events, boat racing, lion dances, lantern festivals, music festivals, etc... Through these festivals, many traditional craftsmanship industries are gradually recovering, leaving their unique mark on Hue's cultural heritage and contributing to the region's economic growth.
Alongside traditional events, the Hue Festival is also a gathering occasion for artistic performances, competitions, fairs, exhibitions, scientific symposiums, and other related activities.
When is the Hue Festival?
If you are interested in the Hue Festival and want to explore this unique cultural and artistic space, below is our essential information about the festival for you.
Ao Dai (Vietnam national costume) fashion show in Hue Festival
Dates of the upcoming festival
From 1992 to 2018, the Hue Festival took place regularly every two years. However, in 2020, the festival was unable to take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2022 onwards, the Hue Festival will shift to the "Four Seasons Festival" project, featuring a series of events held throughout the 4 seasons of the year, including spring, summer, autumn, and winter events. Each year will have its own highlight themes, such as the 2022 Hue Festival Week, and the 2023 festival showcasing traditional crafts.
In conclusion, instead of organizing the Hue Festival every two years with events concentrated in a specific period of time, the festival will now take place throughout the year with a series of events. However, the peak of the Hue Festival will still typically be in the spring - summer months of April, May, and June.
Hue Festival 2023 poster for the theme Traditional Crafts
Information on how to purchase tickets and book accommodations
Within the framework of the festival, there are many free events that can be enjoyed without tickets, as well as free tickets to visit the iconic constructions in Hue such as Hue Citadel. Additionally, there are some special events that require tickets, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 VND (about 4,3 - 17,1 USD).
To purchase tickets and stay updated on the annual event programs, you can contact the festival's organizing committee's permanent unit, Hue Festival Center, through their website or telephone number at +84 234 382 2591. If you need additional support beyond ticketing and event programs, such as arranging transportation, booking hotels, tours in Hue, or any Vietnam tours related to Hue, then New Asia Tour is always available to assist you.
Hotel in Hue - Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Here are some hotels that we recommend to stay in during your time participating in the Hue Festival:
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Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa: 41/23 Doan Trong Truyen, Phu Loc Town, Phu Loc District. Tel: +84 234 368 1688.
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Melia Vinpearl Hue: 50A Hung Vuong, Phu Nhuan Ward, Hue City. Tel: + 84 234 368 8666.
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Azerai La Residence: 5 Le Loi Street, Hue City. Tel: +84 234 3837 475.
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The Scarlett Boutique Hotel: 17/1 Ben Nghe, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City. Tel: +84 234 393 0666.
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Ancient Hue Garden Houses: 47 Kiet, 104 Kim Long, Hue City. Tel: + 84 234 359 0902.
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Alba Hotel: 12 Nguyen Van Cu, Vinh Ninh, Hue City. Tel: +84 234 383 9998.
Top Things to Do and See at the Hue Festival
Before getting ready to immerse yourself in the Hue Festival, let’s check out some useful side things below.
A scene of Hue food fair
Highlights events and Insider tips on how to make the most of your festival experience
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The Hue Festival does not take place simultaneously but has specific time frames throughout the year. This will serve as a basis for tourists to choose the appropriate time and participate in the cultural and entertainment activities they prefer. It is important to thoroughly research each event and festival program to know the location, schedule, and appropriate participation.
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As mentioned earlier, the primary events of the Hue Festival typically occur between April and June. You can choose to attend programs based on your schedule and personal interests. Below is a list of highlighted events of the Hue Festival that you should consider attending:
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Ban Soc Festival, celebrating the New Year.
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Ao Dai Fashion Shows.
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Hue Festival Week.
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Traditional festivals, including the Lantern Festival, Wrestling Competitions, Music Festival, etc.
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Countdown events at year-end.
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While participating in the festival activities, it's essential to follow the regulations and respect the local culture.
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If moving around tourist attractions, you could use a cyclo – an old-fashioned three-wheeled vehicle in Vietnam. This is suitable for leisurely strolling and enjoying the peaceful beauty of Hue in the late afternoon.
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An essential tip to keep in mind when attending the Hue Festival is to book accommodations, such as hotels or homestays, in advance. Hue is a tourist city, so lodging services here are plentiful, ranging from luxury hotels, affordable accommodations, homestays to plush resorts.
Sinh Village Wrestling Competition
Suggestions for must-see attractions in Hue
Hue is a worth-visiting city in Vietnam with a rich history and culture. To make your journey to this location more comprehensive, do not forget to check out the famous Hue landmarks listed below:
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Imperial City - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The complex offers a glimpse into the grandeur and splendor of the Nguyen Dynasty.
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Hue Citadel and Flag Tower - An important historical site in Hue, the citadel and flag tower are symbols of the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people during the wars for national liberation.
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Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue iconic pagoda located on a hill overlooking the Perfume River.
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Royal Tombs - There are several royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors located in Hue, including the Tomb of Tu Duc, Tomb of Minh Mang, Tomb of Khai Dinh, etc. Each tomb is unique and offers a glimpse into the life and personality of the emperor.
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Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts - This museum houses a collection of artifacts, paintings, and ceramics from the Nguyen dynasty. The exhibits showcase the artistic and cultural legacy of the imperial court.
Thien Mu 7-story tower looking over the Perfume river
Continue the journey with more Vietnam festivals.
Hue is already very beautiful with its ancient, mesmerizing features that attract travelers. However, during festivals, Hue becomes even more vibrant with its unique cultural colors and exciting cultural activities. The details we can give you about the amazing Hue Festival are listed above, we hope it helps. And if you want to make yourself a complete Vietnam tour package, then don't hesitate to contact us!
