A Night at the Royal Court
Family Dinner With Traditional Music in Hue
Few experiences in Vietnam offer such a rich blend of culture, history and family-friendly wonder as an evening immersed in Hue’s Royal Court Music. For parents seeking meaningful ways to introduce their children to Vietnam’s heritage, this elegant musical tradition offers a unique entry point, one that delights the senses while nurturing curiosity.
Known as Nhã Nhạc, or “elegant music,” this centuries-old art form once echoed through the halls of Vietnam’s imperial palaces. Recognised by UNESCO in 2003 as Vietnam’s first Intangible Cultural Heritage, Nha Nhac combines music, dance and ceremonial performance in a dazzling expression of Vietnamese identity.
Angsana Lăng Cô, one of Vietnam’s premier family resorts, makes it possible for families to experience this cultural treasure in an immersive and deeply memorable way.
The Royal Court Music Experience
To witness Nha Nhac, or Hue Royal Court Music, is to step into a world once reserved for emperors. From the 15th to the mid-20th century, this refined musical tradition was central to life at the royal court in Hue, gracing ceremonies from coronations to ancestral rites. Nha Nhac was also a means to pay tribute to the gods and share knowledge about nature and the universe.
A living link to the country’s imperial past, Nha Nhac was recognised by UNESCO as the first Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam in 2003. In 2008, it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Royal Court Music of Hue is performed by an ensemble of singers, dancers and musicians in resplendent traditional costume. Each Nha Nhac performance is a meticulous ritual, where large orchestras fill the air with rhythms from deep-sounding drums, delicate lutes and fiddles, and rich flute and oboe sections. Every movement, whether a bow, a fan flick or a drumbeat, is choreographed with ceremonial precision, offering a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. The venue itself, a traditional Hue-style theatre or restored royal courtyard, heightens the atmosphere. Soft lantern glow, lacquered columns and open-air seating create a setting that feels intimate yet grand.
For families, the experience is nothing short of captivating. Children are drawn in by the vibrancy of the performers’ costumes, the elaborate headdresses and the hypnotic pacing of the choreography. Performances are thoughtfully adapted to retain historical authenticity while being accessible and visually engaging for younger audiences.
Lantern Dance
One of the most mesmerising highlights of a Royal Court performance is the Lantern Dance, or “Luc Cung Hoa Dang.” Originally rooted in Buddhist rituals, this ceremonial dance evolved during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang into a birthday offering for royalty. Performed by dancers dressed as ethereal figures — Tien Dong (Fairy Boys) and Ngoc Nu (Fairy Girls) — each movement is a gesture of reverence, offering incense, tea, fruit and flowers in six stages of worship. With glowing lotus lanterns in hand, performers glide across the stage under a warm flicker of light, casting a dreamlike glow.
Ghost Hunting
For families seeking a performance with a thrilling storyline, “Huu Bien Vo Hinh,” translated loosely as “Ghost Hunting,” is a clear favourite. This dramatic court play brings to life a mythic tale of good versus evil, where humanity is besieged by monsters and moral decay. To restore balance, the Jade Emperor sends divine generals to confront these dark forces. Through striking choreography and ceremonial combat, the play captures children’s imaginations while sharing a timeless message: even in the face of overwhelming darkness, goodness and courage prevail.
Fan Dance
Elegant and expressive, the Fan Dance was once performed exclusively for queens, concubines and princesses of the Nguyen dynasty during banquets and celebrations. Today, it is one of the more graceful and visually soothing elements of a Nha Nhac performance. Dancers move in perfect harmony, unfurling silk fans in sweeping motions that mimic blooming flowers or drifting clouds. The choreography is gentle yet precise, symbolising love, harmony and the blessings of a joyful family life. Soft colours, flowing sleeves and synchronised formations make it especially enchanting for young viewers.
A Culinary Journey Through Time
After the show, extend the cultural experience over a delicious family meal. Sample the bold, time-honoured flavours of Hue, once prepared for emperors, now served in generous, family-friendly portions.
Tuck into steaming bowls of bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass and chilli, or share plates of crispy Banh Khoai packed with shrimp and pork. For younger diners, dishes like lotus seed porridge (chao sen) or sticky rice dumplings (banh it tran) offer a milder introduction to the local cuisine.
Throughout Hue, family-friendly restaurants and courtyard eateries serve these dishes in relaxed settings, perfect for unwinding after an evening of cultural festivities.
Planning Your Family Royal Evening
The most authentic place to experience Nha Nhac is at the Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater, located inside Hue Imperial City.
Performances run for 35 minutes and are held daily at 10AM and 3PM. Tickets cost 300,000 VND per person. Note that entry to the Forbidden City is separate and costs 200,000 VND for adults and 40,000 VND for children aged 7 to 14.
Alternatively, families can enjoy a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River while listening to royal court music. Tickets cost between 100,000 and 250,000 VND, depending on the provider. This 50-60 minute cruise is best booked for late afternoon, when lanterns begin to light up the river and dinner plans can follow.
Children around age seven and up tend to appreciate the music and ceremony best. To help them engage, share a bit of the story behind the performance in advance, or tell them about the instruments and costumes to be featured.
For travellers wondering where to stay in Hue with their family, Angsana Lăng Cô offers the ideal balance of comfort, cultural access and family-friendly convenience. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle straight to Hue, making it easy to explore the historic city.
- Available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for booking guests
- From Banyan Tree Lăng Cô to Hue Departure Time: 9:30AM Arrival Time: 11AM
- From Hue to Banyan Tree Lăng Cô Departure Time: 4PM Arrival Time: 5:30PM
- Pick-up & Drop-off Location: Le Ba Dang Art Museum, 15 Le Loi Street, Hue
Experience Hue Royal Court Music With Angsana Lăng Cô
Hue Royal Court Music, a UNESCO-recognised tradition, offers families an enriching glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial history.
Located in Lang Co Bay, near Hue and Da Nang, Angsana Lăng Cô is the ideal base from which to experience this art form first-hand while enjoying everything Central Vietnam has to offer. After watching a Nha Nhac performance, explore Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an excursion to nearby Bach Ma National Park. Our resort also offers family-friendly activities, including paper lotus making, bocce ball and water sports in Vietnam.
Book your next family holiday at our golf hotel in Vietnam and let Hue’s royal court music set the tone for unforgettable moments.