Last month, the “Royal Banquet” program at the Duyet Thi Duong Theater in the Imperial Citadel drew large numbers of domestic and international visitors, enriching Hue’s growing portfolio of night tourism products.
The “Mystical Imperial Citadel” program, piloted for the first time at night, attracted crowds of tourists. The public were given free access to the Imperial Citadel after dark, an experience that had previously been very limited.
Tourist Nguyen Nhat Quynh shared her impressions, “This was my first time participating in such an event. There were many opportunities to experience nighttime activities inside the Imperial Citadel. Hue has a rich monument heritage that can be further developed and introduced to international visitors.”
Launched in late April 2022, the Hue Imperial Citadel Night Street, which operates from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, is a highlight of the city’s nightlife tourism scene.
The night street features royal art performances, exhibition areas, traditional handicrafts, and Hue cuisine. There are 3 performance venues, 4 art spaces, and 27 stalls selling handicrafts. The “Ancient Hue Space” has traditional handicrafts, fine arts, and Hue’s version of the ao dai (long dress).
The “Royal Space” hosts exhibitions, art performances, and royal court music. The “Hue Folk Space” demonstrates and sells kites, drums, paper flowers, conical hats, and lotus-based products. The “Hue Culinary Space” and community art venues feature living statues, street music, bamboo flute performances, and Bai Choi folk singing.
Along both banks of the Huong River, lighting installations include musical fountains, 3D mapping shows, and performances on floating stages.
Hue resident Ho Thi Kim Cuc praises these developments, “Urban renovation around the Imperial Citadel to make tourism one of the province’s spearhead industries is an excellent policy that should be further expanded.”
Developing the nighttime economy is expected to stimulate Hue’s service industry and enhance its image as a culturally rich city that offers diverse experiences day and night.
According to Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Deputy Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Hue is currently assessing its night street models to determine the best development direction.
“Hue’s night economy has yet to match its potential. We’re reviewing the night street zones to implement appropriate solutions. The Hai Ba Trung Night Street, for example, will be oriented toward sidewalk-based commercial activities, while the areas surrounding the Imperial Citadel will receive further lighting investment and new tourism experiences,” said Giang.
During peak periods, the Hue Imperial Citadel welcomes between 15,000 and 20,000 domestic and international visitors per night.
Nighttime heritage tours, combined with royal court performances, culinary experiences, modern lighting technology, and reenactments of traditional rituals, are creating fresh, emotionally engaging experiences for visitors.
Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said nighttime activities inside the Imperial Citadel will continue to be expanded in phases, focusing on combining cultural and art spaces with suitable tourism services.
Trung said he hopes to establish these spaces as regular attractions so that travel agencies and tour operators can include evening experiences in their itineraries.
“The programs aim to extend visitors’ length of stay and improve their overall experience,” he added.
Hue’s night economy is expected to expand further to the northern bank of the Huong River. The area will develop shopping, dining, and waterway tourism linked with Hue folk singing performances on the river.
