Huế Festival

Imperial Elegance and Living Tradition Along the Perfume River

2023/06/24 - 2023/06/29

Every spring to summer, the ancient city of Hue in central Vietnam bursts into color and life with the Hue Festival. Traditionally held every two years (with more year-round events in recent years), this grand celebration transforms the former imperial capital into a stage for traditional performing arts, parades, contemporary art, and gourmet experiences. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or a history buff, the Hue Festival offers a special chance to immerse yourself in the creative spirit and royal culture of Vietnam.

From royal court music echoing through the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, to lantern cruises on the Perfume River and the bustle of craft villages on the outskirts, every sense is awakened by color, scent, sound, taste, and touch. Locals and visitors alike are drawn into a world where the legacy of the Nguyen dynasty meets cutting-edge art in a truly extraordinary setting.

Main Attractions

Performances at Historic Sites

Inside the UNESCO World Heritage Imperial City, you’ll find traditional dance and royal opera, while along the Perfume River, open-air concerts and contemporary art shows are staged. Pagodas, bridges, and colonial squares become living stages, where past and present resonate together.

Street Parades & Community Stages

Vibrant parades with elaborate costumes, dragon dances, and marching bands wind through the city. At special stages in Quoc Hoc Square, 3/2 Park, and elsewhere, folk music, fashion shows, and modern performances run from morning until night.

Traditional Craft Villages and Workshops

Visit villages like Thanh Tien (paper flowers), Sinh (woodblock prints), and Thuy Xuan (colorful incense) to experience artisan skills firsthand. Workshops and artist meetups are popular for hands-on creativity and cultural exchange.

Imperial Cuisine & Food Villages

Hue cuisine is famous for its royal beauty and delicacy. During the festival, food villages and open-air courts serve specialties like bun bo Hue (beef noodle soup), banh beo (steamed rice cakes), banh khoai (crispy crepes), nem lui (pork skewers), and che (sweet desserts). The aroma of charcoal, herbs, and rice fills the air, and cooking classes are also offered.

Perfume River Cruises & Light Festival

At night, enjoy lantern cruises on the Perfume River with traditional music and floating lanterns, or marvel at the Imperial City’s light-up and sound installations. Historic buildings are illuminated, creating a poetic and magical atmosphere.

Costumes and Decorations

Performers appear in ao dai, royal robes, and ethnic costumes in vibrant colors. The city is decorated with lanterns, flowers, and banners, and the citadel and bridges are lit up. Parades and performances showcase the beauty of Vietnamese textiles and traditional attire.

Cultural and Historical Background

The idea for the Hue Festival was born from a Vietnam-France cultural exchange event in 1992, with the first official festival held in 2000. Hue flourished as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945 and boasts a wealth of historical heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, royal tombs, and ancient temples.

The festival was originally launched to restore local pride and vitality after years of hardship, focusing on the preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage. The first event, called the Vietnam-France Festival, drew over 300,000 visitors and was a major success. Since then, it has become a biennial international festival, inviting artistic troupes from Asia, Europe, and around the world.

The festival revives Nguyen dynasty court rituals and traditional events such as the Te Giao (Heaven and Earth Ceremony), Xa Tac Festival, and the re-enactment of martial arts exams, alongside contemporary art, music, fashion, and cuisine. The Imperial City, Perfume River, and historic sites become living museums, where tradition and innovation meet in the city of Hue.

In 2024, the festival welcomed over 50 countries’ artistic troupes and around 1.5 million visitors, making it one of Vietnam’s largest international cultural events. For locals, it is a place to rediscover royal pride and living tradition, as well as a hub for tourism, diplomacy, and regional development. Through culture, Hue is enhancing its international reputation as “Vietnam’s city where tradition and modernity harmonize.”

Participant Voices

The royal court music in the Imperial City gave me goosebumps. The costumes and the stage were so authentic, it felt like time travel. The night lantern cruise on the Perfume River was unforgettable.

Fun Facts

The UNESCO-listed Imperial City serves as the main stage for many events.
Hue is also renowned as a capital of royal cuisine, ranked among the world’s top gourmet cities.

Festival Dates

The Hue Festival is held in the city of Hue, central Vietnam, centered around the Imperial City, Perfume River, and historic sites. For the most immersive experience, visit during the festival period to enjoy the opening ceremony, parades, river cruises, and the spectacular light and music shows.