The lush lawns and shaded canopies of ancient trees in the Imperial Citadel, Co Ha Garden, or Thieu Phuong Garden are not naturally self-sustained. Behind that serene beauty lies the quiet dedication of dozens of workers who care daily for every tree and flowerbed, helping preserve the “green soul” of Hue’s heritage.

Following the success of its first season, the Song2Light Art Market season 2, themed “Cooltopia”, officially taken place. The event, organized by Song Centre Hue Creative Space in collaboration with Sap Nghe Cultural Gift Shop, took place from July 18 - 20.

For the Pa Co people in Ra Looc – A Soc Hamlet, A Luoi 2 Commune (a merger of Hong Bac, Quang Nham, A Ngo, and A Luoi township), village elder Nguyen Van Trinh is like an ancient tree.

At the beginning of July, David Greilsammer - a renowned French pianist, delivered a captivating performance at Hue Academy of Music under the theme “Fairies, Dreams, and Dances”. This marked his second visit to the Ancient Capital.

Hue Ancient Capital is a paradise for vegetarian cuisine. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, even restaurants that usually serve meat often switch entirely to vegetarian dishes. This is hardly surprising, given that Hue is one of Vietnam’s major Buddhist centers, a land steeped in spiritual traditions, where eating vegetarian food has become a beautiful cultural feature.

Hue and Nara, both are former Ancient Capitals of Vietnam and Japan respectively, are strengthening their cooperative ties amid a global trend shifting toward “local cooperation for global benefit”. This marks the emergence of a new, profound model of partnership, rooted in concrete development goals that place people and heritage at the center.

Thousands of audiences joined a vibrant music night at the Noon Gate Square, where new, youthful, and modern sounds echoed while still retaining a strong sense of identity.

Hue is not only ancient with its heritage system; through the lens of domestic and international photographers, Hue is also poetic and emotional, filled with everyday scenes and the simplicity and kindness of its people.

In addition to other potential markets, the tourism sector of the ancient capital is intensifying efforts in promotion, branding, and positioning Hue in European countries. Through a variety of unique programs and activities, Hue’s tourism industry hopes to see strong growth in visitor numbers from this key market in the near future.

In 2012, I first visited Chi Linh - Hai Duong and toured Con Son pagoda. Having had the opportunity to visit and worship at many pagodas across Vietnam, Con Son pagoda left a deep impression on me from the very first glance, due to its scenery, its ancient charm, and an unexplainable sense of sacred understanding. Returning in 2025, that feeling remains as intact as the first time. I respectfully share with readers some photos of this ancient pagoda, which is over 700 years old. And if you have the chance, let you visit once to admire and contemplate.