Dec - 31 - 2025
Huyen Tran Temple Festival is held annually, with its official day falling on the 9th day of the first lunar month, marking the death anniversary of Princess Huyen Tran. The festival honors her significant contributions to the development of Dai Viet and attracts visitors seeking blessings and cultural immersion in early spring. For travelers planning their visit, GTrip provides helpful information on festival timing, rituals, and local customs.
Princess Huyen Tran - A historical figure
Princess Huyen Tran is remembered as a virtuous and patriotic woman in Vietnam’s history.
Historical records of Princess Huyen Tran
Princess Huyen Tran was admired for her loyalty, patriotism, and virtue. She was married to King Che Man of Champa by her brother, King Tran Anh Tong. In return, Champa offered O and Ly prefectures to Dai Viet.
Though it meant sacrificing her personal happiness, she accepted her role as queen consort, helping establish peaceful relations between the two kingdoms. This union allowed Dai Viet to expand further south, laying the foundation for the development of Thuan Hoa - Phu Xuan - Thua Thien Hue.
The Huyen Tran Temple
For centuries, the people of Hue worshipped Princess Huyen Tran, honoring her legacy with a temple in the southern part of the city. Unfortunately, due to wars, harsh weather, and the passage of time, the original structure did not survive.
In 2006, the Huyen Tran Cultural Center was constructed at Ngu Phong Mountain, and inaugurated in March 2007 to mark the 700th anniversary of Thuan Hoa - Phu Xuan - Thua Thien Hue. Each year during the festival, thousands of locals and visitors come to the temple to offer incense and show respect for Princess Huyen Tran and King Tran Nhan Tong, two figures who played pivotal roles in expanding Vietnam’s territory. The festival is also a time to pray for peace, prosperity, and success in the new year.
Huyen Tran Temple Festival honors the princess's contributions to expanding the nation's territory
Signature activities of the Huyen Tran Temple Festival
The festival is typically observed at Ngu Phong Mountain (now the Huyen Tran Cultural Center).
Ritual program and spiritual ceremonies
Since 2008 the festival has been formally celebrated on the 8th and 9th days of the first lunar month. From 2022 it has also been positioned as the opening event of Hue’s Four Seasons Festival program.
The festival opens with a dramatic, epic-style performance themed “Paying Homage to Ancestors”, which retells the life and legacy of Princess Huyen Tran. This artistic spectacle sets a reverent tone and helps younger audiences connect visually and emotionally with the past.
A major ceremonial highlight is the prayer for national peace and public welfare, conducted at the Huong Van Zen Monastery according to traditional Buddhist rites. The prayer service calls for peace, prosperity, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and the well-being of the people. After the formal rites, locals and visitors file through the temple to offer incense, make wishes, and join the community devotion.
Huyen Tran Temple Festival takes place in a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere
Festive activities
Alongside solemn rituals, the Huyen Tran Temple Festival also brings to life a vibrant cultural space filled with rich artistic activities that reflect the traditions of the Ancient Capital. Visitors can enjoy soulful Ca Hue performances, emotional traditional instrumental ensembles, lively rounds of bai choi folk singing, and exciting martial arts demonstrations.
The festive atmosphere continues with various folk games that recreate the daily life of Hue’s people in the past. Artistic exhibitions also highlight the beauty of Hue through calligraphy, paintings, and Ao Dai fashion shows, showcasing the elegance and grace of Vietnamese women. In addition, the festival features an impressive display of handicrafts from Hue’s traditional villages, as well as local specialties and confections. Other engaging folk activities, including human chess, Chinese chess, Van An traditional martial arts, rice pounding chants, folk dances, portrait sketching, children’s painting, and flower arranging contests. All make the festival a truly colorful and immersive cultural experience.
The festival’s meaning
The Huyen Tran Temple Festival is a profound expression of gratitude to Princess Huyen Tran. She is a woman of beauty, talent, and patriotism who sacrificed her personal happiness for her country’s future.
It embodies the Vietnamese tradition of "when drinking water, remember its source", honoring ancestors who contributed to the nation’s foundation and territorial expansion. For visitors, it is a rare chance to experience both spirituality and cultural vibrancy in the ancient capital.
The festival occurs at the beginning of spring, attracting many visitors and locals
Huyen Tran Temple Festival is one of Hue’s most important spring celebrations, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. With its blend of solemn rituals, cultural performances, and folk festivities, it offers both spiritual reflection and joyful entertainment. Plan your trip to Vietnam during Lunar New Year, don’t miss the chance to join this meaningful festival in Hue!
