Hue Festival - Visitor Information & Travel Tips
While Hue continues to embody a blend of confidence and tranquility from its days as the ancient capital, vibrant and adventurous visitors can still find a wealth of activities during the Biennial Hue Festival.
The Hue Festival represents the city's most eagerly anticipated cultural event, usually occurring for a week during April, May, or June at the Imperial Citadel every two years. Attendees revel in a lively atmosphere filled with cultural events, performances of music and dance from both local and international artists, and traditional rituals that celebrate the enduring cultural heritage of the region.
Photo: nld.com.vn
Be sure to check the event calendar and plan your visit to coincide with this remarkable celebration. Here are some essential tips for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Check the Dates in Advance
The opening date of the Hue Festival is not fixed and can vary within April, May, June, or even later, with the specific dates typically announced a few months before the festival begins. Therefore, it is crucial to confirm dates before planning your travel.
Photo: toquoc.vn
Know the Locations of Events
Every festival program takes place at distinct venues, so it's important to plan your itinerary accordingly. For instance, the grand opening and closing ceremonies occur at the Ngo Mon Gate, while the Royal Feast is hosted at Duyet Thi Duong.
Book Your Accommodation Early
Although Hue offers a range of accommodations catering to various preferences and budgets, it is wise to secure a lodging option near the Hue Festival venues to minimize travel time. Notable hotels close to the Imperial Citadel include Vinpearl Hotel Hue, Muong Thanh Holiday Hue Hotel, Moonlight Hue, Tam Family Homestay Hue, and Asean Garden Homestay Hue.
Photo: congthuong.vn
Experience Royal Banquets
Alongside exciting performances, the Hue Festival offers a genuine culinary extravaganza where visitors have the chance to savor royal dishes and enjoy an experience fit for royalty.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for the Hue Festival vary depending on the program:
- Hue Festival Grand Opening Program: 250,000 VND
- Ao Dai Show: 180,000 VND
- Hue Citadel Art Program: 120,000 VND
- Art Program at An Dinh Palace: 70,000 VND
- Hue Festival Closing Ceremony: 180,000 VND
- Children under 1.2 meters are exempt from ticket fees. Tour guides accompanying 15 visitors also receive free admission.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy free access to many street performances and programs throughout the city's center, making the festival an inclusive experience.

Hue Festival 2021 - Main Events & Performances
Without doubt, the biennial Hue Festival is one of the most awaited events of Hue, of the Central Region and of the whole Vietnam. Every time it comes, Hue Festival triggers a feeling of pride for Vietnamese, curiosity for foreign tourists, and excitement for both.

Festival Hue: Revive The Folk Traditions
In every Hue Festival, the city seeks to encourage the celebration of these traditional practices and customs, by holding a lot of events to revive and enliven these invisible and intangible values.

Hue Festival - Meeting Point Of Global Cultures
Hue Festival, with participation of 40 international art troupes, including a big number of traditional ones from 30 countries, promises to give tourists golden chances to appreciate different traditions through numerous art performances of varied origins, styles and genres: from East to West, court to folk, music, dance, drama to costume exhibit.