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| A group of young people posing for Tet photos at a heritage site |
Photo-taking by tour
Within the ancient, tranquil setting of Tu Hieu Pagoda (Thuy Xuan Ward), groups of young people gently appear in Ao-dai, with carefully prepared props. Mindful of the sacred space at the pagoda gate, they keep their voices low, limit laughter, and choose discreet angles to capture moments of spring.
The age-old architecture, harmoniously blended with lush greenery, offers Tu Hieu Pagoda photo angles rich in poetic charm. Each photo set shared on social media continues to bring this destination into the spotlight on lists of Tet photo “hotspots.” Many young people even create short videos introducing the site as an ideal place for Tet photography. “After seeing information on social media, my friends and I rode motorbikes here from Da Nang to take photos. Here, every corner produces stunning pictures,” shared Le Thi Minh Tuyet, 24.
To meet the desire to preserve these moments, young people are increasingly investing in the polish of their Tet photo sets. Many groups are willing to buy professional cameras or hire photographers. Even when shooting with smartphones, they still prepare additional props such as reflectors, apricot or peach blossom branches, or accessories that fit the predetermined concept of the photo set. Having invested in time and effort, Tet photo sessions are carefully scheduled, sometimes even organized along specific routes or tours, to “hunt” for the most satisfying shots.
Tu Hieu Pagoda is often combined with Thuy Xuan Incense Village and Vong Canh Hill, forming a suitable photo route along the same itinerary. Nguyen Thao Nguyen, 22, said: “Moving between nearby locations helps us save time and makes it easier to change outfits. More importantly, the destinations often suit the same photography concept”.
With travel distances within the core area of Hue City not too far, Tet photo hunting becomes more convenient. Some people choose to shoot at a few locations they like, while many young people design complete photo routes such as: the Imperial Citadel - Truong Tien Bridge - Dong Ba Market - Gia Hoi Old Quarter; or the Imperial Citadel - Nguyen Hoang Bridge - Thien Mu Pagoda. Some photo sets are themed around heritage, with itineraries including the Imperial Citadel, An Dinh Palace, and royal tombs. In addition, there are ideas for photo shoots at ward-level spring festivals, Tet flower markets, or cafes decorated for spring.
“Usually, we spend an entire morning, even a whole day, taking photos. That’s why the ‘hotspots’ are carefully selected, from available angles to staging, to produce photos that match what we want,” a young participant shared.
Scheduling photo shoots around spring events
Ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, many localities across Hue City organize spring celebration and Tet welcome venues associated with the zodiac animal of the new year. Alongside these are a series of cultural and festival events such as “Sac Vi Kinh Ky” in Phu Xuan Ward, Hoa Chau Tet Festival in Hoa Chau Ward, or Thuan Hoa Year of the Horse 2026 Festival Day in Thuan Hoa Ward.
According to many young people, taking Tet photos linked to events is an interesting experience, as it allows them to immerse themselves in the lively festival atmosphere, folk games, and bustling community activities. Real scenes and real people create vivid backdrops, making Tet photos more authentic and emotionally rich. “I’ve noted down the event schedules of several localities to take Tet photos. Hopefully, these will be ‘hotspots’ that offer something different,” said Le Nhu Hoa (born in 1999).
When Tet flower markets begin to take shape in many wards and communes, dressing the streets in brilliant colors, more young people head out to take photos. The colors of flowers blend with the hues of Ao-dai and new outfits worn by young people, creating a fresh, vibrant spring scene full of vitality. Many plan to rent traditional or classical Ao-dai for photo shoots, further enhancing Hue’s distinctive sense of place.
Amid the flow of passers-by, smiles mingling with blossoms and fluttering Ao-dai in the spring breeze make Hue even more beautiful. For young people, Tet photo hunting is not merely about preserving images; it is also a way to connect with the Tet atmosphere in their own way. Each captured photo marks a moment when the youthful, lively rhythm of spring life is being recorded on the land of the Ancient Capital.