ILLUMINATION: Various technologies have been applied to offer visitors the best experience. VNA/VNS Photos Minh Quyết

The 2024 Huế Festival brings together culture, heritage and the arts, and has amazed local residents and tourists with a week of stunning events.

This year, the festival features activities that take place throughout the year. The highlight was the Huế International Arts Festival organised from June 7 to 12 with the participation of 30 art troupes. Guest troupes were from France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, and South Korea.

CATCHING A MOMENT: Tourists enjoy a light show at the festival.

The event also included a vegetarian food festival and shows of the UNESCO-recognised heritage of Huế – royal court music and songs.

Spectacular art performances were staged on opening night on June 7 at Kiến Trung Palace – an amazing architectural wonder – to present the heritage values of a cultural region with a history of more than 700 years.

LOCAL FAN: A young woman poses for a photo shoot at an incense shop featuring vibrant colours.

The festival line-up also included leading artists from the Huế Traditional Theatre, the Huế Conservatory of Music and Huế's Royal Arts Theatre, who joined artists from Bắc Ninh, Bạc Liêu, Kon Tum, and Việt Nam's Circus League.

A special one-night show was dedicated to songwriter Trịnh Công Sơn, a native of Huế accompanied by an áo dài show designed by his younger sister Trịnh Hoàng Diệu.

HEALTHY OPTIONS: Tourists attend the Vegetarian Food Festival.

Alongside cultural activities, there were also economic and commercial programmes organised such as an international trade fair, a culinary festival featuring the cuisine of Việt Nam's three regions, and a boat race held on Tam Giang Lagoon.

FRUITY FUN: Vegetarian dishes are intricately designed with high aesthetics.

The 2024 Huế Festival is a national event of international stature that helps promote the culture of the traditional Huế lifestyle and the country, channelling the charm, nature and people of the former royal capital city. VNS

LOCAL SPECIALITIES: Huế vegetarian cuisine has a unique distinctiveness.

FLOATING AWAY: Lanterns are released on the Hương River during the festival.

RIVER VIEW: The lantern festival is held at Nghênh Lương Đình in Huế.

STICKING THEIR OAR IN: A boat race takes place on June 10 on Tam Giang Lagoon in Huế..

ON THE CATWALK: An áo dài show at the festival.

DRUMMING UP EXCITEMENT: An art troupe from Belgium parades at the festival.

DRAGON DANCE: An art troupe perform traditional dances at the street festival.

FESTIVE FUN: Members of an art troupe from South Korea perform at the festival.

FASHIONISTAS: Young women take part in an áo dài fashion show at the festival.

PRETTY IN PINK: South Korean artists perform at the festival.

MASKED BALL: Performers parade at the festival.

HIGH ON LIFE: Stilt-walker Belgian performers seen at a parade in the festival.

FLOWERY FOOD: A vegetarian dish is presented at the Vegetarian Food Festival.