The people of Hue, no one knows exactly since when, but on the full moon (15th day) and the first day of each lunar month, many eateries close, and quite a few meat and fish stalls at the market also stop selling. Many places that normally serve meat-based dishes switch to vegetarian food instead.

Quoc An, one of the oldest ancestral pagodas in Hue, is well known not only for its ancient architecture or long history, but also for its collection of statues, antiques, and precious documents, which are preserved almost intact.

On May 31 (the 15th day of the fourth lunar month), the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in Hue City solemnly held the Grand Vesak Celebration, Buddhist Calendar 2570 at the Executive Board’s headquarters - Tu Dam Pagoda (Thuan Hoa Ward), in the joyful presence of thousands of monks, nuns, Buddhists, and people from near and far.

Following the Buddha bathing ceremony at Dieu De National Pagoda, thousands of monks, nuns, and Buddhists joined the Buddha procession to Tu Dam Ancestral Pagoda. This is one of the important ceremonies held annually during the Vesak.

In the depth of Hue culture, gardens are not merely green zones, acting as supporting elements for architecture, but a constituent factor shaping the urban identity. Hue is famous for the Perfume River, Mount Ngu, the Citadel, royal tombs, pagodas, and noble residences, but Hue is also well known for its gardens. In Hue, gardens soften architecture, calm the everyday life, deepen poetry, and create a unique urban style: a garden city, a city of poetry, the harmony between man and nature, or “an urban poem” as said by M’Bow, former Director-General of UNESCO.

“Half of the Vietnamese are in Hue” - a playful remark that has become a vivid expression of the strong appeal of tourism in the land of Huong River and Mount Ngu these days. Crowds are flocking to relic sites, pagodas, royal mausoleums, and eateries during the holidays, making the Ancient Capital more vibrant and lively.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse, when streets are awash in the golden hues of apricot blossoms, young people once again eagerly enter the season of photo hunting. From the Imperial Citadel, ancient pagodas, and Dong Ba Market to cafes decorated in spring colors, every street corner and every space become a backdrop for capturing beautiful moments. Tet photos not only mark the transition between the old year and the new, but also reflect the vibrant, youthful rhythm of life in the heart of the Ancient Capital.

Mossy temples, royal mausoleums, ancient pagodas and the beautiful scenery granted to the former capital city all together form an “urban poem.” And that beauty of Hue is even more gorgeous through eyes of talented painters.

On the morning of October 25, Hue Central Hospital and Hue City People’s Procuracy, in coordination with Thanh Nien Newspaper, Venerable Nun Thich Nu Tam Nguyet, and the Buddhists of Pho Hien Pagoda (Ho Chi Minh City), organized a gift-giving program for pediatric patients in especially difficult circumstances who are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

On the familiar green chalkboard, under the skillful hands of Ms. Le Thi Loc Phuong, an art teacher from Tu Ha Primary School No. 1 (Huong Tra Ward), the heritage sites of Hue such as Ngu Phung Pavilion, Thien Mu Pagoda’s bell tower, or the graceful curve of Truong Tien Bridge gradually come to life. Each delicate stroke of white and colored chalk transforms the classroom chalkboard into a lively painting, evoking an image of Hue that is both serene and poetic.

Ro Pagoda ox racing festival is a unique cultural feature of the Khmer people in the Bay Nui region (Tri Ton District, Tinh Bien Town, An Giang Province) during the annual Sen Dolta (the ancestor worship ceremony).

If you haven't been here, you should visit Thanh Duyen Pagoda to enjoy the beauty of this fairyland.