Due to the COVID outbreak in Central Vietnam, Hue Festival will be postponed until 2021.

Every other year, the city of Huế stages a magnificent festival. On stage, along the Perfume River and in the streets, the city celebrates its legacy as Vietnam’s imperial capital and the home of its last feudal dynasty. This year the Huế Festival is scheduled for August 28 until September 2. Here’s your guide to this six-day spectacle of arts, culture and history.

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Theme: “Always a New Hue”

In its 11th year, the Huế Festival is highlighting its distinctive heritage, showcasing its unique culture and development over the past two decades. The festival program for 2020 features traditional and contemporary performances, culinary and musical showcases demonstrating Vietnam’s incredible modern and classical talents.

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Highlights

If you’re in Huế from August 28 until September 2, here’s a list of festival highlights you won’t want to miss. Aside from these, a variety of superb traditional and contemporary art performances will take place inside the Imperial Citadel, An Dinh Palace and at other non-ticketed venues within the city.

Opening ceremony

The opening ceremony is always a spectacular show, presenting the theme of the festival through music and dance. Equally cinematic, the Closing Ceremony will be held at the same spot on September 2 at 8pm.
Where and when: Noon Gate Square, 8pm on August 28

‘Hue Royal Inspiration’ program

This key show tells the story of the five UNESCO-recognized Heritage Sites and the Imperial City during the 19th century. It will be a creative collision of poetry reading, music & dance with sound and light effects.
Where and when: Imperial Citadel, 7pm on August 28 & 30  

'Colours of Culture' street performance

Local art troupes put their best foot forward in the streets of Huế. Watch from the sidewalks as beautifully costumed dancers perform choreographed routines from Vietnam and other ASEAN nations. 
Where and when: Along two main routes in the city centre, at 4:30pm from August 29 to September 2

‘Hue -- Capital of Gastronomy’  

Vietnamese culinary artisans will prepare dishes to showcase outstanding Vietnamese staples. Taste dishes from Central Vietnam as well as Hue specialities in a relaxing outdoor setting along the Perfume River. 
Where and when: Thuong Bac Park, every evening at around 4:30pm

'Echoes from the Perfume River'

The city's fabled Perfume River will form a watery stage for a series of artistic performances after dark. You can watch this captivating performance from the river banks in the centre of town.
Where and when: Trinh Cong Son Park, 8pm on August 31

Ao Dai fashion show

Taking inspiration from Huế folk art and Vietnamese silk, top local fashion designers will reimagine the ao dai – Vietnam’s iconic national dress in a stylish show. This runway show will be part of the festival’s closing ceremony.
Where and when:  Noon Gate Square, 8pm on September 2 

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Other activitiesIn between the main programs, there are plenty of side events and sporting activities to keep you entertained. 

For a sampling of Vietnamese music and vocal talent, catch Trịnh Công Sơn’s Music Concert  (8pm on August 30) at Phu Van Lau Park; or join the party at an EDM Festival with top Vietnamese djs at Tu Do Stadium (8:30pm on September 1). Additional performances by domestic art troupes will be held nightly at the Quoc Hoc Beer Theater, Tu Tuong Park and Ngo Mon Square from August 29 to September 1. If you’re an art lover, you might want to spend a few hours with the exhibits staged specially for the Huế Festival. 

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Coming for the festival? Here are some useful tips for your trip.

Where to Stay

Huế is a beautiful city with many accommodation options, from romantic art-deco mansions along the river, to friendly family-run guesthouses. If you’re coming for the Huế Festival, here’s a list of areas to consider.

Pham Ngu Lao – Chu Van An – Vo Thi Sau area, Huế - These areas are all close to the night market and many cafes and restaurants are in walking distance.

Le Loi – Doi Cung area by the Perfume River, Huế - This part of Huế has lovely sidewalks along the river, as well as some colonial buildings.

Thuan An beach, Thuan An town, Phu Vang district (15km from Huế) - If you prefer to stay by the beach and just come into town now and then, Thuan An beach has several options for you.

Lang Co beach, Phu Loc district, (65km from Huế) – Lang Co is home to upscale resorts, golf courses and spa retreats. The drive to Hue takes less than an hour.

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What to eat

During your stay, don’t miss the Huế International Gastronomy Festival and Vegetarian Food Court themed “Friendly environment – happy life.” Apart from this, here are few must-try dishes.

Bún bò Huế - Huế style rice vermicelli with beef

Try it: Tran Cao Van – Hanoi St.

Bánh khoái - Fried pancake made of rice flour stuffed with pork, shrimp, diced green onion, and bean sprouts

Try it: Hong Mai restaurant or Lac Thien restaurant, Dinh Tien Hoang St.

Bánh bèo – nậm - lọc – These are typical authentic Huế dishes

Try it: Hanh on Pho Duc Chinh St., Ba Do in Nguyen Binh Khiem St., Hang Me on Vo Thi Sau St., or Chi on Le Viet Luong St.

TIP:  Street food lovers should wander over to Mai Thuc Loan street and Huế Night Market; while vegans can check out Bo De restaurant on Le Loi street and San May restaurant, on Thanh Tinh street.

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Transport to Huế

Getting to Huế is simple and easy for travellers. The city has its own domestic airport, and it’s also possible to land in the international Danang Airport two hours away, and complete the trip by car, bus or train.

By plane: Vietnam Airlines and Viet Jet Air have direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Huế. Jetstar Pacific Airlines offers direct flights from Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City.

By train: Several trains a day arrive Huế city from the north and south. These are run by Vietnam Railways. Check http://dsvn.vn for timetable and fares.

By bus: Open buses are operated by Sinh Tourist and Hung Thanh. Both have booking offices in major cities throughout Vietnam.

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Hotlines

• Tourist information helpdesk: 02 34 3828288 or  02 34 3501111
• Hue Festival Centre: 02 34 3823591

Visit www.huefestival.com for more details.

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