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.

On September 14th, Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hue inaugurated and opened the Digital Archive and Exhibition Room at its Campus 1 (Hong Duc Pagoda, 109 Minh Mang Street, Thuy Xuan Ward).

A friend of mine just came from the Southeastern region to visit Hue. After a day visiting various destinations, from the Imperial Citadel to the tombs of Emperors Gia Long and Minh Mang, then heading to the Van Thanh - Vo Thanh temples and Thien Mu Pagoda, my friend warmly remarked: “In Hue, wherever you go, you can see the Huong River. Now I understand why people here are so gentle and friendly. In this scene, by this river, it’s hard even to get upset!”.

When people think of Hue, many envision a serene land “steeped” in Buddhism with hundreds of temples and pagodas. Amid the bustling rhythm of a modern Hue, life behind each pagoda gate is far from dull, but it is a refined embodiment of spiritual beauty that deeply enriches the inner world of many residents of the Ancient Capital. Here, every scene, every space, every presence expressed a quiet, profound stillness, like a sutra in motion.

In 2012, I first visited Chi Linh - Hai Duong and toured Con Son pagoda. Having had the opportunity to visit and worship at many pagodas across Vietnam, Con Son pagoda left a deep impression on me from the very first glance, due to its scenery, its ancient charm, and an unexplainable sense of sacred understanding. Returning in 2025, that feeling remains as intact as the first time. I respectfully share with readers some photos of this ancient pagoda, which is over 700 years old. And if you have the chance, let you visit once to admire and contemplate.

On the morning of May 12 (the 15th of the lunar April month), the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) of Hue City solemnly held the Grand Vesak Celebration 2569 at Tu Dam Pagoda (Truong An Ward, Thuan Hoa District), with the presence of a large number of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers.

Despite the cold and rainy weather, many people in Hue continued the tradition of visiting pagodas on the first day of the Lunar New Year to worship Buddha and pray for a peaceful and prosperous year.

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.