On March 3rd, coinciding with the Nguyen Tieu (first Full Moon) Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026, the Department of Agriculture and Environment released nearly 100.000 fish into the Huong River to help restore local aquatic resources. Species included crucian carp, yellow catfish, climbing perch and common carp.

On the Lantern Festival (the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month) more than 15 years ago, the most “pure Hue native” friend I know, architect Nguyen Trong Huan, and I put on thin raincoats and walked together through the light, drifting drizzle to search for Hue’s culinary specialties. Having lived in this city for many years, Huan still longed for the flavors he once tasted.