Awaken the mystical royal palace.

Hue's tourism industry has long been "lacking," and most importantly, lacking in nighttime activities. With the opening and illumination of the Hue Imperial Palace through the "Mystical Imperial Palace" program, that disappointing impression has been dispelled...

Ancient Royal Palace - a new experience

During the April 30th - May 1st holiday, Hue City experienced a surge in tourists for the first time. A video capturing the crowds entering the Hue Imperial Citadel to attend the "Magical Imperial Palace" program went viral on social media. This "Magical Imperial Palace" program, the highlight of the summer festival series themed "Shining Imperial City," was the catalyst for this tourism boom, part of the Hue Festival 2026.

Tourists enter the Hue Imperial Citadel to watch the "Magical Imperial Palace" show.

Photo: Xuan Dat

The program begins with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Ngo Mon Gate, featuring the firing of cannons, marking the moment the palace gates are opened. Visitors are then transported into a magical space illuminated by torches, and a 3D mapping display of palace motifs is presented on the Trung Dao Bridge. A lantern dance by palace maidens follows, creating an emotionally rich journey that leads viewers into the courtyard of the Thai Hoa Grand Court.

The program features a fashion show combining Hue-style ao dai with Hanbok.

Photo: Xuan Dat

Here, the imperial court ceremony is staged, recreating the solemn atmosphere of the Nguyen Dynasty's court. Visitors can witness reenactments of ancient rituals, with a courtyard full of civil and military officials in solemn attire paying homage to the emperor amidst vibrant ceremonial music. Following this, the grand military parade and drills of the Imperial Army take place east of the Thai Hoa Palace, featuring traditional martial arts performances such as flag dances, staff dances, spear fighting, archery, and fire effects… depicting the majestic spirit of the ancient army. In addition, the Imperial Market offers many unique cultural experiences for visitors.

Reenacting the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Ngo Mon Gate, Hue Imperial Citadel.

Photo: Xuan Dat

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Ms. Yen Thu (a tourist from Hanoi) said she was not disappointed with her choice of Hue as her family's holiday destination. "I've been to Hue many times, but this is the first time I've been to the Hue Imperial Palace at night. The palace's artistic lighting was incredibly beautiful and magical. Besides witnessing reenactments of royal ceremonies, we also experienced traditional games, watched a fashion show featuring Hue ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) combined with Hanbok ( Korean style )... it was very beautiful and interesting. Modern interactive activities such as the VR virtual reality experience 'Searching for the Lost Imperial Palace,' the 'Imperial Capital Archaeological Chronicle' space, and the exhibition of orchids and bonsai from the three regions at the Ministry of Interior, Thieu Phuong Garden, Co Ha Garden... further enriched the journey, bringing new perspectives on heritage," Ms. Yen Thu shared.

The Imperial Citadel will be open regularly.

In addition to cultural programs and experiential tours evoking novel feelings about the life of the ancient royal court, one of the programs expected to open up new prospects for developing services and increasing revenue for the heritage site is the Royal Banquet (ticketed in the Duyet Thi Duong space) and the Imperial Culinary Space at the Ministry of Interior. Besides the ticketed Hue cuisine buffet, the culinary space offers a diverse Hue menu in set menus and à la carte options, meeting the needs of tourists and providing a feast of flavors from both the royal court and folk cuisine of Hue.

International tourists enjoy the activities of the Magical Palace show.

Photo: Xuan Dat

With a harmonious blend of traditional elements and modern technology, the series of activities in the "Magical Imperial Palace" program is not only a unique nighttime tourism product but also contributes to enriching the experiences at the Hue Imperial Citadel, thereby spreading the value of the ancient capital's heritage in contemporary life. A complete evening is not only a journey of exploring heritage but also an opportunity to enjoy the finest Hue cuisine in a luxurious setting, imbued with the flavors of the imperial palace. This will be an ideal stop to enjoy the cuisine and begin your nighttime exploration of the Imperial Citadel.

The royal banquet was well received by many tourists.

Photo: Xuan Dat

Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Ancient Citadel Relics Conservation Center, said that the "Magical Imperial Palace" program is elaborately staged, vividly recreating the atmosphere of the imperial palace at night through a series of unique artistic activities and experiences. Through this program, the Hue Ancient Citadel Relics Conservation Center hopes to enrich the nighttime experience at the Hue heritage site, linking it with festival activities within the framework of the Hue Festival, and nighttime culinary programs at the Hue Imperial Citadel. These interesting destinations contribute to extending the length of stay, increasing the value of services, and more effectively exploiting the potential of the heritage...

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Reenacting the royal court ceremony in the courtyard of the Thai Hoa Palace.

Photo: Xuan Dat

"The Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center is planning to continue researching, developing projects, improving services, and collaborating with partners to implement and soon bring Hue Imperial Citadel to nighttime activities to serve tourists," said Mr. Hoang Viet Trung.

According to data from the Hue City Department of Tourism, the number of visitors to Hue from April 24-28 was estimated at approximately 395,000, including about 98,700 international visitors. The second period, from April 29 to May 3, was estimated at 610,000 visitors, including about 164,000 international visitors (a 73.7% increase compared to the same period last year).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/danh-thuc-hoang-cung-huyen-ao-185260616162333068.htm