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| Foreign tourists posing for photos amid a vibrant display of flags and flowers |
At around 8 a.m., the number of visitors to Hue Imperial Citadel began to steadily increase. In addition to independent travelers, many tour groups also arrived early to make the most of their visit. The cool weather, with occasional light rain, did not disrupt the spring holiday activities. Visitors eagerly watched the changing-of-the-guard ceremony, enjoyed performances of royal court music, a variety of arts program, and witnessed the ceremonial cannon firing following the guard-changing ritual at Ngo Mon Gate.
Free entry to heritage attractions for Vietnamese visitors on February 17, announced by Hue Monuments of Conservation Center, emerging as a highlight of the first day of the New Year. This policy attracted a great number of local and domestic tourists coming to visit and experience the traditional Tet setting within Hue Imperial Citadel.
Ms. Vo Thi Nguyet (born in 1988, a tourist from Dong Nai) shared that her family arrived in Hue on the 29th day of the lunar December, and had strolled along the Huong River, Truong Tien Bridge, and explored Hen Islet. “On the first day of Tet, our whole family visited Hue Imperial Citadel, heritage sites, and rented traditional costumes for photos. Celebrating Tet in Hue for the first time, I find everything absolutely wonderful, from the cuisine and scenery to the friendly people and strong sense of security,” said Ms. Nguyet.
Beyond Hue Imperial Citadel, various other tourist attractions in Hue also drew a great number of visitors. Specifically, from about 10:00 am., Thuy Xuan Incense Village (Thuy Xuan Ward) was bustling with visitors, many choosing colorful ao-dai to catch their moments within the vibrant traditional craft setting.
This year’s Tet holiday has seen independent travel maintain its lead, in which, many families and groups of friends chose to drive to Hue themselves to enjoy greater control over their travel plans. Many tourists highlighted their intention to spend more time exploring the city’s cultural atmosphere and daily life.
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the tourism sector coordinated with related units organize a welcoming ceremony and presented lucky money to the first international visitors arriving in Hue in the new year. According to the representative of the Tourism Department, accommodation occupancy rates increased from the first day of Tet, with approximately 71% recorded on the first day of the lunar new year, 93% on the second day, and up to 99% on the third day, reflecting a robust tourism outlook from the outset of the year.
Following are some photos of spring travel taken by Hue Today Online:
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| A group of foreign tourists coming to Hue Imperial Citadel to experience Hue Tet atmosphere |
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| Joyfully gathering new year blessings |
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| Ms. Vo Thi Nguyet’s family from Dong Nai, dressed in traditional ao-dai, checking in at Hue Imperial Citadel |
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| A great number of tourists attentively watching the guard-changing ritual |
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| The lucky foreign visitors receiving the new year’s lucky money |
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| A foreign visitor and her son enjoying feeding the fish |
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| Each corner at the riverside parks along the Huong River serving as an ideal spot for springtime photography |