On the evening of April 25, at Hue Imperial Citadel, within the framework of Hue Festival 2026, the art program “Enchanting Imperial Palace” officially opened. The event offers a variety of experiential areas, recreating the shimmering and enchanting beauty of Hue’s royal heritage at night.

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.

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.

While the morning mist still lingers over the streets, Hue’s flower market is already awake before dawn. At the market along Ngo Kha Street in Phu Xuan Ward, near the wholesale market, warm yellow lights spill over bundles of flowers still in bud. The sharp revving of motorbikes, vendors calling out to one another, and brisk bargaining create a unique rhythm of the final days of the lunar year.

After days of floods, Hue welcomes the cold along with light, lingering rain, in between dry days and occasional sunshine. Once again, Hue gently returns to its peaceful rhythm of everyday life, preparing itself as best as possible to welcome the New Year 2026.

In the mountainous commune of Khe Tre - newly born from the merger of Khe Tre Town and the communes of Huong Phu, Huong Loc, and Thuong Lo - a night concert titled “Ngan Ngo” (A Thousand Reveries) unfolded amid forest breezes, lights, and melodies. With no tickets and no grand stage, the night concert still etched itself in the memory of everyone who attended.

After many years of sustaining their lives through regular blood transfusions, many pediatric patients suffering from congenital hemolytic anemia (Thalassemia) have now found the “light at the end of the tunnel” thanks to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at Hue Central Hospital. From these successful transplant cases, a door of hope has opened, bringing the children a healthy, normal life and complete joy after so many difficult days.

There are flags that have passed through the smoke and fire of war, stretched against storms and floods, and flown proudly at historic milestones. Every fold, every thread is soaked with sweat and tears, embracing the shape of the homeland, igniting faith and pride in the hearts of generations

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.

This was the theme of the 2025 National Scientific Lighting Conference organized by the Vietnam Lighting Association in Hue on the morning of May 30.

Nguyen Hoang Bridge, spanning the Huong River, was just technically opened to traffic on the morning of March 26, eagerly awaited by the people of Hue City. The bridge boasts a unique design, creating a scenic highlight.