“Half of the Vietnamese are in Hue” - a playful remark that has become a vivid expression of the strong appeal of tourism in the land of Huong River and Mount Ngu these days. Crowds are flocking to relic sites, pagodas, royal mausoleums, and eateries during the holidays, making the Ancient Capital more vibrant and lively.

For many years, the development of waterway tourism has been a consistent goal, as the potential of Hue's rivers remained largely untapped. Following the City People's Committee's announcement of the inland waterway route on the Ngu Ha River, along with the pilot launch of heritage-linked tourism routes using electric boats on the Huong River and its tributaries, the local waterway tourism is expected to be unlocked.

On the morning of April 25th, at Dang Van Ngu Secondary School, the Zhi Shan Foundation, in coordination with the People’s Committee of An Cuu Ward, held a ceremony to inaugurate two “friendly libraries” and hand over bookcases to local schools.

Hue chess has long been renowned for its famous female players, such as Nguyen Thi Thuan Hoa, Hoang Thi Bao Tram, Hoang Thi Nhu Y, and Vo Thi Kim Phung, etc. After these outstanding players retired or moved to compete for other localities, Hue chess recently received good news at the beginning of 2026 as 18-year-old Nguyen Ha Khanh Linh was awarded the title of FIDE Master by the World Chess Federation.

After several attempts to “step back,” I was fortunate enough to squeeze into the packed schedule of Meritorious Physician, Level-II Specialist Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Director of the Phu Vang Medical Center, to hear the deeply heartfelt reflections of a physician who has spent over 30 years carrying out his mission of saving lives.

Unlike the potted orchid lilies often seen in gardens, the pink trumpet tree is a tall, woody species typically planted along streets. Originating from the Americas, this flower - also known as the pink bell flower - has been widely grown in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. It usually blooms from February to June. When in full blossom, most of its leaves fall away, leaving behind clusters of soft pink and light purple flowers that create a gentle, romantic scene under the sun.

From discarded items left behind after use, artisan Nguyen Dai Nghia (Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City) has crafted distinctive handmade jewelry pieces that bear a strong personal imprint.

On the morning of April 11, at Secret Affairs Institute - Tam Toa Complex, Hue Monuments Conservation Center, in coordination with Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, Hai Ba Trung High School, and Nguyen Hue High School, organized a heritage education program titled “Reforms of Emperor Minh Mang”, in celebration of Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21).

Hue City People’s Committee has officially announced the opening of an inland waterway route on the Ngu Ha river, spanning 3,5 km, set to begin operations on April 10th, 2026. This marks the initial step in a project to introduce electric tourist boats, expected to be launched around April 30th, opening up new prospects for river-based tourism and enabling the exploration of heritage spaces by water.

On the morning of March 31, Chairman of the City People’s Committee Nguyen Khac Toan had a courtesy meeting with the working delegation of Daewon Group (South Korea), led by Mr. Cheun Eng Sik - Group’s Chairman.