They include people from the capitals and world cultural heritage sites in countries such as France, Russia, Denmark, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, India, Thailand, Laos, the US, Mexico, Argentina, and Australia. In addition, there will be art troupes from 27 countries, including Cuba, Haiti, Senegal, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Mexico and Mongolia.

About 3,000 artists, including 550 foreigners, will take part in the festival, which first began as a Vietnam-France festival in 1992. (France has attended the biennial event five times.)

The province of Thua Thien-Hue, which hosts the festival, has completed 12 outside stages  at 6 major venues in the Ngo Mon (Noon Gate) area.

The organizers say that for the first time, all tickets to cultural performances will cost the same in Vietnam dong for both domestic and foreign visitors.

They add that there will be 15-minute firework displays during the opening and closing ceremonies.