Great delivery. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the great spirit.
Hue, a peaceful and enchanting city, captivates visitors with its ancient charm. It embodies the quiet elegance of a former capital that has weathered the tides of history. But once you’re there, what to do in Hue? The Hue Festival is one of the best ways to explore its rich cultural legacy.
The Hue Festival Vietnam, one of the city's most important cultural events, is a unique opportunity to discover the historical and cultural treasures of this former imperial capital. Held regularly, this event attracts thousands of local and international visitors each year who come to enjoy the art, music, and traditions of Hue. The Hue Festival 2025 promises unforgettable experiences with a wide range of activities and exceptional performances. Read on to discover the highlights of this must-see festival.
Table of Content[Hide]
1. Overview about Hue Festival - an event at the heart of Vietnamese heritage
Nestled along the Perfume River, Hue embodies the soul of imperial Vietnam. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former capital proudly preserves the remnants of a glorious past: the Imperial City, royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors, ancient pagodas, and unmatched cultural wealth.
It was in this historical setting that the Hue Festival was first launched in 2000, thanks to a cultural partnership between the city of Hue and the French Embassy. The festival aims to revive imperial traditions and showcase the artistic richness of Vietnam to the world.
Since its inception, the festival has grown into a major event, celebrating royal heritage through grand performances, historical reenactments, international artistic showcases, and traditional rituals. It serves as a bridge between past and present, where imperial culture meets modern creativity.
Each edition of the Hue Festival is an ode to Vietnamese heritage and an open window to the world, bringing together Vietnamese and international artists in a vibrant atmosphere. A must for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the imperial soul of Vietnam.
2. Hue Festival 2025 program
The Hue Festival 2025 is part of the National Tourism Year - Hue 2025, under the theme: “Hue - Ancient Capital, New Horizons”. This theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Hue (March 26, 1975 - March 26, 2025) and marks the city's new administrative status.
This year introduces a “Four Seasons Festival” format, with over 170 events at both national and provincial levels spread throughout the year. Each season has a unique theme inspired by Hue's landscapes, traditions, and spirit.
Opening Ceremony of Hue Festival 2025 and National Tourism Year
Spring (January - March) – "Spring of the Ancient Capital"
This season celebrates renewal, youth, and spiritual richness through traditional rituals, prayer ceremonies, and poetic performances by the Perfume River.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Official announcement of Hue Festival 2025 & performance "Hue, A New Day" | Ngo Mon, Imperial City | 01/01/2025 |
| Traditional Tet Cake Festival "Fragrances of the Past" | Hue City | 22/01/2025 |
| Opening ceremony of National Tourism Year | Bia Quoc Hoc monument | 25/03/2025 |
| Plant and Animal Exhibition | Hue City | 10/04 - 14/04/2025 |
Opening Show “Lời tự tình dòng sông” – A poetic performance on the banks of the Perfume River
Sacred Ritual of the Điện Huệ Nam Festival – An immersion in the spirituality of Hue
Hue Martial Arts Festival, Imperial New Year (Thiết Triều) ceremony, celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Hue
Summer (April - June) – "Illuminated Citadel"
This vibrant season brings the Imperial City to life with áo dài parades, digital projections, and open-air shows combining tradition and tech.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| F1 Powerboat Grand Prix | Hue City | 01/04 - 30/04/2025 |
| World Record “Bun Viet – Bun Hue” Event | Hue City | 28/04 - 01/05/2025 |
| International Gastronomy Festival | Hue City | 28/04 - 03/05/2025 |
| Youth Music Festival | Hue City | 29/04 - 01/05/2025 |
| “Bun Hue – Then and Now” Culinary Event | Hue City | 30/04 - 01/05/2025 |
| Beer Festival | Hue City | 01/05 - 31/05/2025 |
| Miss Vietnam Final | Hue City | 01/05 - 31/05/2025 |
| Vesak Week & Vegetarian Cuisine Festival | Nghenh Luong Dinh | 05/05 - 12/05/2025 |
| Hue Lotus Festival 2025 | Hue City | 17/05 - 19/05/2025 |
| Ao Dai Art Parade | An Dinh Palace | 06/06/2025 |
| Community Ao Dai Week | Hue City | 14/06 - 20/06/2025 |
| Rural Fair “Village Festival Market” | Cau Ngoi Thanh Toan, Thuy Thanh Commune | 27/06 - 30/06/2025 |
Participants in Ao dai during Community Week – A vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture.
Light show on the ramparts – A play of shadows and history in the royal citadel.
Autumn (July - September) – "Hue in Autumn"
This poetic season is anchored by the Mid-Autumn Festival, with children’s activities, lantern displays, and the Hue International Lantern Festival 2025.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| International Balloon Festival | Hue City | 01/07 - 31/07/2025 |
| Culinary Festival & National Chef Contest | Hue City | 01/07 - 31/07/2025 |
| Sculpture Residency | Kim Long Park | 15/07 - 30/08/2025 |
| Street Food Festival | Hue City | 01/09 - 30/09/2025 |
| Vietnam International Photography Festival | Hue City | 01/09 - 30/09/2025 |
| Miss Golf International Competition | Hue City | 01/09 - 30/09/2025 |
| Traditional Boat Race | Hue City | 02/09/2025 |
| Lantern Festival | Nghenh Luong Dinh | 24/09 - 28/09/2025 |
| Dragon Dance and Mid-Autumn Parade | Hue City | 29/09 - 30/09/2025 |
“Mùa thu cho em” Concert – Soft music and poetic recital in a cozy setting
Ao Dai Evening Parade – Timeless Elegance by the Perfume River
Winter (October - December) – "Winter in Hue"
Winter brings year-end celebrations, folk performances, Tet markets, and the New Year 2026 Countdown Show.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tuồng Performance "Echo of a Thousand Years" | Hue City | 03/10/2025 |
| Women of Hue: Áo dài and Flowers | Hue City | 20/10/2025 |
| Hue International Music Week | Imperial Gate, Le Huan Street | 01/12 - 31/12/2025 |
| Closing of National Tourism Year | Hue City | 13/12/2025 |
| New Year Countdown Show | Hue City | 31/12/2025 |
Hue celebrates the arrival of the New Year 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the Imperial City
3. Immersive cultural experiences during Hue Festival
The Hue Festival is more than a series of shows—it’s a journey into the soul of Vietnam, through its traditions, craftsmanship, cuisine, and people.
Attend performances at historic sites
Experience traditional dances inside the Imperial City, royal opera under the stars, and traditional music concerts by the Perfume River. These performances unfold in unique heritage settings, bringing deep emotional resonance.
Explore traditional craft villages
Hue’s surrounding villages preserve ancient skills. At Thanh Tien, see handmade paper flowers; in Sinh, explore vibrant folk prints; in Thuy Xuan, admire rainbow-colored incense sticks. Each creation tells a story of Vietnamese artistry.
Thanh Tien, a village renowned for its paper flowers, embodies Hue's craftsmanship
Discover imperial cuisine
Hue’s cuisine, rooted in royal traditions, is known for its elegant presentation and refined flavors. Don’t miss food villages, open-air food courts, and workshops. Try iconic dishes like bún bò Huế, bánh bèo, cơm cung đình, and chè Huế.
Hue specialties inherited from the culinary art of the imperial court
Enjoy a perfume river cruise
As night falls, drift along the Perfume River on a small boat. Traditional music echoes over the water, and floating lanterns create a peaceful and spiritual scene.
Visit Hue’s most famous sites
- Imperial City – UNESCO site and Nguyen dynasty center
- Royal Tombs – Majestic architecture and symbolic beauty
- Thien Mu Pagoda – Spiritual icon on the river’s edge
- Truong Tien Bridge – Colonial landmark lit up during the festival
- Dong Ba Market – Historic hub of flavors and commerce
4. Practical tips for attending Hue Festival 2025
- Check the program in advance on the official Hue Festival website
- Book early for hotels, transport, and tickets
- Dress appropriately – light clothes for day, respectful attire for temples
- Use eco-friendly transport – walk, bike, or cyclo to enjoy the vibe
IZITOUR, a Vietnam-based travel agency, specializes in tailor-made tours. Whether you want to attend Hue Festival performances, explore imperial sites, or visit traditional villages, our team is here to help. Contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp: +84 382 536 266.
Hue welcomes you. Let us craft your journey.
See more:
