Hue is a land that bears the imprint of the southward migration and territorial expansion undertaken more than 700 years ago by the people of ancient Thuan Hoa. Very few documents reveal the timing of these migration waves or the organization and formation of Vietnamese villages in the region. Yet during fieldwork, I gained access to several ancient Han-Nom documents recording the migration, land reclamation, and establishment of villages and communes. Most notably is a cadastral record dating to the 9th year of the Dai Hoa reign (1451) under King Le Nhan Tong, compiled exactly 575 years ago.

Its tranquil atmosphere, unhurried pace of life, and poetic scenery have made Hue a favored destination for those seeking peace and serenity. Free from the noise and rush of modern life, Hue Ancient Capital seems to carry its own rhythm, slow enough for people to reconnect with themselves, yet gentle enough to soothe the burdens of everyday life.

Not only honored as one of the world’s leading romantic honeymoon destinations in 2026, Hue is also increasingly becoming attractive to international visitors thanks to its safety, friendliness, and rich cultural identity. These advantages are opening up strong prospects for the Ancient Capital’s tourism sector in attracting high-value international travelers.

Young people in Hue Ancient Capital are tracing back through time to visit historic ‘red sites’, carrying forward the story of patriotism in the language of the digital generation.

“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.

On the afternoon of April 26th, Vietnam Haiku Poetry Club - Hue Ancient Capital branch held a gathering and poetry - music exchange to commemorate the 51st anniversary of National Reunification Day (April 30th, 1975 - April 30th, 2026). The event also included the induction of new members, contributing to the spread of verses associated with April memories and love for the homeland.

On April 18, at Secret Affairs Institute - Tam Toa Complex (No. 33, Tong Duy Tan Street, Phu Xuan Ward), Hue Monuments Conservation Center opened the exhibition “Stories from Ancient Manuscripts.” The event responds to Hue Festival 2026 - the Summer Festival themed “The Shining Citadel” and looks ahead to Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21).

The opening ceremony of the VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 took place at noon on April 17 at Phu Van Lau.

Amid the flow of visitors experiencing the Ancient Capital, the image of Mr. Nguyen Don Long - a male tour guide (born in 1986) wearing the traditional ao dai - quietly tells the story of love for culture, spreading traditional values in a distinct Hue way.

This was the theme of the Ancient Capital Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2026, organized by Hue City Obstetrics and Gynecology Association on the morning of April 11.