THE HANOI TIMES — The 2026 Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival is set to revolutionize the visitor experience with cutting-edge technology, marking a significant leap toward digital governance and smart tourism at Vietnam’s revered spiritual site.
Breathtaking panorama of the Huong Pagoda National Special Relic Site. Photo: Thuy Ha/The Hanoi Times
Scheduled from February 18 to May 11, 2026 (lunar calendar: 2nd day of the 1st month to 25th day of the 3rd month), the festival officially commences on February 22. This grand celebration promises a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Organizers are prioritizing digital transformation from day one, ensuring a streamlined and secure experience. Advanced telecommunications infrastructure and AI-powered surveillance systems will monitor key areas, optimizing security, traffic, and overall festival management.
A major highlight is the introduction of QR-code technology for ticketing, access control, and boat services, eliminating congestion and enhancing transparency. A dedicated operations center with a 24/7 hotline will address visitor concerns promptly, elevating service standards.
This festival holds special significance as Hanoi strives to elevate Huong Pagoda into a national tourism hub by 2026 and achieve UNESCO World Heritage recognition by 2030. The event encompasses the entire relic site, featuring four pilgrimage routes and 20 sacred temples, pagodas, and caves.
Traditional Buddhist and folk ceremonies at Thien Tru Pagoda, Huong Tich Cave, and other sacred sites will uphold the festival’s spiritual essence, praying for national prosperity, favorable weather, and community well-being.
The cultural program emphasizes folk arts, community engagement, and educational activities aligned with the site’s heritage. Organizers are committed to minimizing commercialism, focusing on restoring the festival’s cultural authenticity and enhancing its overall quality.
Post-festival, Huong Son commune will sustain tourism initiatives from May to December 2026, including regional collaborations, cultural events, and promotion of local specialties. Plans also include developing unique experiential tourism products, such as meditation and eco-spiritual experiences, solidifying Huong Pagoda’s position as a premier cultural and spiritual destination.
Through meticulous planning and smart technology integration, the 2026 Huong Pagoda Tourism Festival promises a safe, organized, and enriching pilgrimage experience, further cementing its national and international prestige.
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