As the late afternoon sun begins to fade, a small tent is pitched on the sandy shore of Loc Binh Beach (Vinh Loc Commune). Nearby, a group of folding chairs surrounds a glowing mini barbecue grill. Accompanied by the gentle rhythm of waves lapping the shore, Ms Tuyet Loan and Mr Chi Nhan from Phu Xuan Ward are enjoying the meal while soaking in the tranquility that mini camping offers.

Amid the cool mountain air of Bach Ma National Park, beneath a star-filled sky and alongside the gentle murmur of streams flowing through the park’s majestic landscape, a group of young performers from Hon Viet Event treated visitors to an emotionally musical night show with “Symphony No. 5: A Date with the Clouds and Sky”.

Compared to many other coastal localities, Hue’s sea possesses a distinctly unique beauty, gentle and captivating in its simplicity and softness. In recent years, that beauty has become even more alluring thanks to the new coastal road and the recently completed bridge spanning the Thuan An estuary. From there, visitors coming to Hue can begin their journey from the clear blue waters of Lang Co Bay, travel along breezy coastal roads through Vinh Thanh, Thuan An, and Hai Duong, before continuing toward the peaceful seaside area of Quang Dien.

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.

It is a paradise of gentle tranquility found along the pedestrian walkways by the Huong River after being planned, including the Nhu Y riverside route, the network of pedestrian walkways along the Huong River, and riverside parks in the heart of Hue City.

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.

It is the season of late spring transitioning into early summer, when cicadas begin their rhythmic chorus amidst the leafy canopies. During this season, from late March to early April, Hue still carries a slight chill in late night and early morning, offering many cool parts throughout the day. This is an ideal condition for visitors from near and far to experience the natural scenery, historical relics, scenic spots, and the daily life of this ancient capital.

Many visitors from afar often say that Hue is blessed with an abundance of breathtaking scenery. Wherever the eye turns, beauty unfolds, a poetic Hue City that inspires people to capture and preserve its quiet, gentle, and intimate moments. Perhaps this is why in Hue, every time a camera is raised, a beautiful shot emerges, whether taken with a smartphone or a high-end digital device…

On a pure morning, I bumped into groups of visitors strolling along the path leading into Hue Imperial Citadel. Cradling her camera in both hands, Ms. Marie, a French tourist, asked the guide in a gentle voice: “May I… try on Vietnam’s traditional costume?”. That question seemed to open an unexpected journey for them, an experience that felt as if they could touch the ancient soul of Hue

As the final days of the lunar December slip away, street corners, parks, and public gathering spots in Hue are dressed in vivid blooms, heralding the arrival of Binh Ngo Spring. In the mild, lingering chill of the year’s end, the city takes on a new charm, bright yet gentle, warm in its own way.