Tourism surges in Vietnam’s Hue over holiday period

The central city of Hue in Vietnam welcomed 610,000 visitors during the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day from April 29 to May 3, up 73.7 per cent compared to the same period last year.

International arrivals climbed sharply to 164,000, up 129 per cent, while domestic visitors reached 446,000, up 59.5 per cent.

Total tourism revenue for the holiday was estimated at VND1.35 trillion ($51.22 million), up 85 per cent from the 2025 holiday period.

Accommodation facilities reported an average occupancy rate of 99 per cent.

Record-breaking revenue at heritage sites

Ticket sales at Hue’s heritage sites on May 1 alone exceeded VND4.2 billion ($159,500), the highest single-day revenue ever recorded.

The city had already seen strong momentum during the Hung Kings Commemoration Day holiday on April 25 to 27, attracting 395,000 visitors, compared to 109,000 a year earlier.

International arrivals during that period were estimated at 98,700, with tourism revenue reaching VND958 billion ($36.39 million).

Average hotel occupancy surpassed 90 per cent.

Visitor numbers exceed 2.6 million in early 2026

In the first four months of the year, Hue welcomed over 2.6 million visitors, up 30.3 per cent year-on-year.

International tourists accounted for 1.13 million, up 27.7 per cent, while domestic visitors topped 1.53 million, up 32.3 per cent.

Tourism revenue from January to April exceeded VND6.23 trillion ($236 million), representing a 70.5 per cent annual rise.

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New experiences aim to extend tourist stays

To draw more visitors and encourage longer stays, Hue has rolled out a variety of new tourism offerings.

A standout was the “Mystical Imperial Palace” program, held from April 25 to 28 at the Imperial Citadel.

Free nighttime access allowed visitors to experience a reimagined royal court setting through performances and interactive activities.

Highlights included the changing of the guard at Ngo Mon Gate, three-dimensional mapping shows, torch-lit walkways, lantern dances, reenacted royal ceremonies, and martial arts displays featuring flag routines, spear drills, archery, and traditional combat techniques.

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