Every April, when the first rays of early summer sunlight touch the surface of the lakes, pink and white lotus buds of Hue gently and proudly emerge from the water in bloom.

At Thuan An estuary (Thuan An Ward), the rhythm of fishermen’s livelihoods follows the tides with steady regularity. Nearshore net hauls, calls exchanged across the sandy beach, on-the-spot trading activities… all combine to create a vibrant working scene in the summer heat.

With its minimalist elegance and close connection to nature, Kokedama, the Japanese art of growing plants in moss balls, has quickly captured the attention of plant enthusiasts in Hue.

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).

In March, as late spring draws to a close and gives way to the first heat of early summer, the parasol trees in the Imperial Palace burst into bloom. Their canopies of soft pink-purple flowers, scattered across an ancient expanse of deep green, create a poetic and dreamlike landscape that captivates all who visit.

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.

Now in its fifth year, Hue has been hosting the Four Seasons Festival (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). Instead of concentrating activities within a few peak days as in the past, the Hue Four Seasons Festival is implemented under a new model, featuring a continuous series of cultural, artistic and tourism events throughout the year to honor heritage, promote tourism and create new experiences for visitors.

On a summer day at the end of July 2025, a modest living room in an apartment in a building in Vy Da Ward was filled with laughter and chatter from a group of visitors. That very room is also where Distinguished Artisan Nguyen Dang Hoang - known by the stage name “Hoang Dieu” (Hoang Kite), has, for many years, both crafted his famous kites and welcomed visitors eager to visit, learn, and experience kite-making.

In Thanh Thuy Ward, I met Minh, a 10-year-old boy in a Taekwondo uniform. Three years ago, he was a shy child, often sick and reluctant to communicate. But in the summer of 2024, his mother enrolled him in a nearby Taekwondo class. After just three summer months, Minh not only became healthier but also gained the confidence to give presentations in front of his class - something he had never dared to do before.

Every summer, blood shortages occur at many medical facilities across the country, including Hue Central Hospital - one of the top-tier hospitals that continuously receives a large number of emergency and treatment cases. To ensure an adequate blood supply for saving lives, the hospital has proactively launched an internal blood donation campaign and called on the community to join hands for the sake of patients’ lives.

Summer is the ideal time for children to get away from the screens of smart devices, go outside, do exercise, and learn new skills.

This is a group of guests from a business that combines tourism experiences and sports festivals on Tam Giang Lagoon. Under hot weather, water wave experiences and team-building games that bond the group make the guests feel excited.