The central city is launching a vibrant line-up of events this April as part of Hue Festival 2026, which is being organised under a year-round four-season format, with the Summer Festival running from April through June.
April will serve as the festival’s opening highlight, featuring a series of signature programmes aimed at boosting visitor numbers during the peak holiday period.
Many activities are timed to coincide with major national holidays, including the Hung Kings Commemoration Day on April 25-27, Reunification Day on April 30, and International Workers’ Day on May 1, as the city seeks to stimulate tourism demand.
From April 24 to May 2, the “Imperial Cuisine Space” at the Hue Imperial Citadel will open each afternoon, offering visitors an immersive culinary experience combining royal court gastronomy with traditional local flavours. The venue is expected to become a popular stop before evening tours of the citadel.
On the evenings of April 29 and May 1, the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre will host the “Royal Banquet Night”, where guests can enjoy meticulously prepared imperial dishes served following traditional court rituals, accompanied by artistic performances recreating the splendour of Nguyen Dynasty palace banquets.
Meanwhile, from April 25 to 28, locals and tourists will receive free evening access to the Imperial Citadel for the “Mystical Imperial Palace” programme, featuring immersive performances and artistic activities designed to bring Hue’s royal heritage to life after dark.
Toward the end of April, the coastal cultural event “Thuan An - The Sea Calls” will take place at Thuan An Beach, celebrating the folk traditions of local fishing communities while showcasing Hue’s strengths in marine tourism and coastal economic development. Highlights include traditional boat races, local product exhibitions, community sports and recreational activities.
The Summer Festival will also feature a range of accompanying events, including the Hue Nam Palace Festival on April 18-19, a Reading Culture Festival and book fair, creative exhibitions on French-era architecture and historical sites in Hue, an orchid and ornamental plant showcase, and a themed “Photo Tour” for photography enthusiasts.
Hue’s tourism sector has recorded strong growth momentum. In the first quarter of 2026, the city welcomed more than 1.9 million visitors, up 31.3 per cent year on year. International arrivals exceeded 843,000, rising 26.7 per cent, while domestic visitors reached more than 1.05 million, an increase of 35.2 per cent. Tourism revenue surpassed VND 4.47 trillion (USD 170 million), representing a sharp 71.4 per cent rise compared with the same period last year.
In 2026, Hue aims to attract between 7 million and 7.5 million visitors and generate about VND 15 trillion (about USD 570.34 million) in tourism revenue.
