The UNESCO World Heritage "Hue Imperial Citadel," the pride of the ancient central Vietnamese capital of Hue, will open at night for free for four days from April 25 to 28, 2026. The "Mystical Imperial Palace" program, woven from 3D projection mapping, cannon effects, and torch lighting, transforms the nighttime palace into an extraordinary space, a must-see event. It's a perfect chance to work into Vietnam travel during the Golden Week period.
News overview: four days when the nighttime palace turns into a fantastical space
This event, officially announced by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, is a special program before the long holiday preceding Vietnam's public holidays "Southern Liberation Day (April 30)" and "International Workers' Day (May 1)."
Exhibition overview
- Dates: Saturday, April 25 to Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Venue: The Hue Imperial Citadel and the area around Ngo Mon Gate
- Admission: The nighttime program is free
- Program name: "Mystical Imperial Palace"
Program content
The special nighttime program is an experiential event combining multiple performances.
Changing of the guard and cannon effects at Ngo Mon
At Ngo Mon, the main gate of the Hue Imperial Citadel, a changing-of-the-guard ceremony by guards clad in Nguyen dynasty-era costumes is reenacted. Furthermore, effects using cannons are added, and the boom of gunfire echoing into the night sky and the flames of torches recreate the majesty of the palace of that time.
3D projection mapping
3D projection mapping is projected onto the palace's ramparts and buildings' outer walls, visualizing the Nguyen dynasty's history, culture, and legends. This performance, making use of the latest video technology, shows you "another Hue Imperial Citadel" you could never experience on daytime sightseeing.
Ambient production with torch lighting
Countless torches are lit along the palace's passageways and gardens, creating a fantastical atmosphere as if time-slipping into a medieval castle city. It looks set to draw attention as a social-media-worthy photo spot too.
What is the Hue Imperial Citadel
The Hue Imperial Citadel (the Complex of Hue Monuments) was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1993. Hue, which flourished as the capital of the Nguyen dynasty that lasted from the early 19th century to 1945, is a fortified city designed with reference to Beijing's Forbidden City, and palaces, mausoleums, and temple complexes still remain today. Many structures were damaged in the Vietnam War, but continuous restoration and preservation are still being carried out.
Hue, alongside Hoi An, is a representative tourist destination of central Vietnam, and recently, withHoi An being selected among the world's 51 most beautiful tourist destinations, interest in central Vietnam is rising.
Reactions of Vietnamese readers: voices of anticipation flood social media
In response to the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre's announcement, a big response has spread on social media and in media within Vietnam. Various reactions came in, from local Hue citizens to domestic travelers.
"I go home to Hue every year in this season, but I'm really looking forward to this year's nighttime palace program. I want to see the palace I've been familiar with since childhood transformed by 3D projection." (Facebook user, from Hue, living in Hanoi)
"I attended last year's nighttime program and it was moving. Hearing it'll be upgraded further this year, I made plans with a group of friends. That it's free is truly welcome." (Instagram user, living in Ho Chi Minh City)
"The combination of the changing of the guard and cannon effects might be a first attempt. Recreating the Nguyen dynasty's ceremonial culture this authentically is, I think, Hue's pride." (post in a local Hue Facebook group)
"The torch-lit palace, its beauty takes your breath away just seeing it in photos. I absolutely want to experience it live. I planned my trip to match the four days from April 25." (Twitter user, living in Da Nang)
"The free opening is welcome, but I'm worried about crowds. I have to go early and secure a good spot. The projection in front of Ngo Mon looks set to be especially popular." (Zalo group, a Vietnam-travel-lovers community)
Impact and points for Japanese tourists: how to work it into a Golden Week Hue trip
This event, whose period completely coincides with Japan's Golden Week (in 2026, late April to early May), is an extremely well-timed opportunity for Japanese travelers visiting Hue. We've summarized practical information below.
1. How to get there
- Airplane: Direct flights between Japan and Da Nang (DAD) (JAL, VietJet, etc.) are operating. From Da Nang to Hue is about 1 to 1.5 hours by car or bus.
- Train: If you want to enjoy crossing Vietnam, take the SE (Reunification Express) from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Hue. Hue Station is close to the city center and convenient.
- From Hanoi: Between Hanoi and Hue, VietJet and Bamboo Airways operate cheap flights (about 1 hour). An itinerary combined with April'sHanoi International Travel Mart (VITM 2026)is also possible.
2. Points to note on lodging and booking
April 25 to 28 falls on the eve of a long holiday popular within Vietnam too, and bookings for Hue's hotels and resorts are expected to fill up rapidly. Hotels close to the Hue Imperial Citadel in particular (La Residence Hue, Ana Mandara Hue, etc.) require early booking. On platforms such as Booking.com and Agoda there may still be vacancies at this point, but prices are also on a rising trend toward Golden Week.
3. How to enjoy the nighttime program
- Early entry: Since it's a free opening, many visitors are expected. Enter right after opening and secure a good spot before the crowds.
- Camera preparation: The combination of 3D projection and torch lighting is a perfect subject for nighttime photography. With a tripod, long-exposure shots are also possible.
- Clothing: Late-April Hue averages 25 to 30°C, but nights can get cool from the sea breeze. Bring a thin outer layer.
- Combining with daytime sightseeing: The palace can also be entered during the day for a fee (regular fee: 200,000 dong/person). A plan that's twice as good is recommended: historic structures by day and projections by night.
4. Rich in surrounding sightseeing spots too
Hue is rich in sights, such as Thien Mu Pagoda, the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. Staying 1 to 2 nights and touring the surroundings slowly is ideal. Enjoy the World Heritage city to the fullest together with the special nighttime performances.
For those traveling to Vietnam during Golden Week, Hue's nighttime free program is a highlight not to be missed. Hurry to arrange flights and hotels and prepare for the "Mystical Imperial Palace" experience.
