Over the National Day (September 2) holiday, Hue welcomed a large number of visitors from near and far, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. From the Imperial Citadel and heritage sites to scenic spots, craft villages, and community-based tourism destinations, visitors can be seen sightseeing, experiencing local activities, posing for check-in photos, and capturing memorable moments on their journey to discover the Ancient Capital.

Hue is a heritage city, but Hue’s cultural strength does not lie solely in its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, or historic architecture. Behind these tangible forms of heritage lies a vibrant world of music, festivals, beliefs, traditional crafts, cuisine, clothing, and folk knowledge. This is the ‘soul’ that gives Hue its distinctive identity.

As the clear, pure notes of the flute rang out after meticulous carving and tuning, a bright smile lit up Mr. Nguyen Van Tam’s face. Devoting over a decade to simple bamboo pipes, the young craftsman, born in 1993, with his deft hands and sharp ear has quietly "awakened" the sounds of traditional musical instruments, steadfastly preserving a heritage craft amid modern life.

The exhibition ‘Golden Heritage – A Convergence of Excellence’ is being held at Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, showcasing more than 100 valuable artifacts and sets of artifacts crafted during the Nguyen Dynasty. Each object tells a vivid story of history, fine arts, and the royal life.

Preserving traditional crafts is about more than keeping a craft alive; it is about preserving the stories of people, culture, and values passed down through generations. By embracing fresh approaches, those who continue telling these stories are helping traditional craft villages become more relevant to contemporary life while preserving their authentic character.

As a refined blend of beverage enjoyment and hands-on craft activities, workshop cafés have become a popular choice among young people in Hue.

The exhibition and demonstration of traditional crafts, held at the Ethnic Cultural Center of A Luoi 2 Commune, offered visitors vivid and authentic cultural experiences.

Though in his seventies, Excellent Artist Tran Thao (Phu Xuan, Hue) has never spent a single day without nha nhac (court music). He teaches it in classrooms, passing on his craft in his small house and maintaining a nha nhac club for over three decades now. Every year, he travels to An Giang, carrying with him the “music of the past” to share with others.

Traditional culture is now being embraced by young people in new, youthful, engaging and accessible ways through craft village workshop tours. This form of experience is becoming increasingly popular, attracting many young people and tourists who can directly take part in and create traditional handmade products themselves. More importantly, these activities help preserve and spread cultural and historical values while honoring the craftsmanship and dedication of people in traditional villages. ​

With its potential and advantages in natural resources, local culture, traditional craft villages, and agricultural and fishing livelihoods, regional zoning linked with eco-tourism and community-based tourism (CBT) development orientations will help promote sustainable tourism growth in Hue.

With over 300 different variations of designs, Nerikiri requires creativity, meticulousness, and skillful craftsmanship from the confectioner.