Top 8 Most Iconic Festivals in Vietnam
For travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, Vietnamese festivals are a treasure trove of discovery. From the bustling streets of Hanoi during Lunar New Year (Tết) to the serene beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An, these events offer a unique glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese life. The list below is the top 8 festivals in Vietnam added to your itinerary.
1. Lunar New Year
Time: On 1st-3rd day of the 1st Lunar Month
The Lunar New Year, also known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most important festival in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the new year according to the lunar calendar. It is a time for family reunions, where people return to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones. During Tết, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and prepare traditional foods such as bánh chưng (rice cake) and bánh tét (cylindrical rice cake).
Tết Nguyên Đán – one of the biggest festivals in Vietnam (Image Source: Internet)
People visit pagodas to pray for good fortune and health, and children receive red envelopes containing money as a symbol of luck and prosperity. The festival is also marked by vibrant fireworks displays and lion dance performances, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the country.
Vietnamese usually visit pagodas in this time to pray for good health (Image Source: Internet)
2. Lim Festival
Time: From 31 January to 2 February, the 1st Lunar Month
The Lim Festival is a celebration of Quan Ho singing, a UNESCO-recognized folk music tradition of the Red River Delta. Held in Lim Hill, Bac Ninh Province, the festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the unique melodies of Quan Ho singing. Participants engage in folk games such as tug-of-war and human chess, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Vietnamese locals are excited for preparing the special event, the Lim Festival (Image Source: Internet)
The highlight of the festival is the Quan Ho singing competition, where singers perform on boats in the river, showcasing their skills and creativity. The festival also features traditional parades and cultural performances, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Quan Ho singing performance during Lim Festival (Image Source: Internet)
3. Huế Festival & Huế Craft Village Festival
Time: Alternately every year in April
The Huế Festival and Huế Craft Village Festival celebrate the cultural heritage of Huế, the former capital of Vietnam. The festival features a wide range of activities, including traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and fashion shows. Visitors can explore the ancient Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the grandeur of the imperial city.
Huế Festival and Huế Craft Village Festival (Image Source: Internet)
The festival also highlights the traditional crafts of Huế, such as silk weaving, wood carving, and pottery, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs. Boat racing and street performances add to the festive atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for all.
>>> Don’t miss the chance to visit Hue during the festive season!
4. Hùng Kings Temple Festival
Time: Annually on the 10th day of the third Lunar Month
The Hùng Kings Temple Festival is held in honor of the Hùng Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. As a custom of worshipping the nation’s ancestors, the festival takes place at the Hùng Temple in Phu Tho Province. Participants join processions to the temple, where they offer incense and pay respects to the kings.
Hùng Kings Temple Festivals taking place in Phu Tho province (Image Source: Internet)
The festival features traditional games, such as rice cooking competitions and tug-of-war, as well as cultural performances and lantern releases. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession, where people carry the sacred palanquin of the Hùng Kings through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
5. Ghost Festival or Wandering Souls Day
Time: On the 15th day of the 7th Lunar Month, usually in late August or early September.
The Ghost Festival, also known as Wandering Souls Day or Vu Lan, is a Buddhist-influenced festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors return to the world of the living. People visit pagodas to offer food and flowers at ancestor graves, and burn paper money and clothes to provide for the spirits.
The Ghost festival is deeply rooted in Buddhist and Taoist traditions (Image Source: Internet)
The festival is marked by solemn rituals and prayers for the well-being of deceased loved ones. In some regions, people also prepare special meals and offer them to the spirits, ensuring that they are well-fed and content.
>>> Read more: Hoi An Lantern Festival on every full moon
6. Vietnamese Independence Day
Time: On the 2nd September
Vietnamese Independence Day is celebrated on September 2nd, marking the declaration of independence from France by Ho Chi Minh in 1945. The day is marked by patriotic celebrations, including parades, fireworks, and cultural events. People gather in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to watch the parades and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The day is a reminder of Vietnam’s struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by its people. It is a time for reflection and celebration of the country’s achievements and progress.
The military parade in front of Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum takes place during Vietnamese Independence Day. (Image Source: Internet)
7. Mid-Autumn Festival
Time: On the 15th day of the 8th Lunar Month
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is a festival celebrating the full moon and is particularly focused on children. Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the festival is marked by lantern processions, lion dances, and the sharing of mooncakes.
Children carry colorful lanterns and participate in parades, while families gather to enjoy the moon and share stories. The festival is a time for family reunions and a celebration of the harvest. In Hoi An Ancient Town, the festival is particularly vibrant, with the Thu Bon River illuminated by lanterns and boats, creating a magical atmosphere.
Vietnamese children enormously enjoying the atmosphere of Mid-Autumn Festival (Image Source: Internet)
8. New Year’s Eve
Time: On the 31st December
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Vietnam, marking the arrival of the new year. People gather with family and friends to count down to midnight, often watching fireworks displays in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The celebrations are filled with music, dancing, and festive gatherings. Many people also visit pagodas to pray for a prosperous year ahead. The atmosphere is lively and joyful, with everyone looking forward to new beginnings and opportunities in the coming year.
Fireworks during New Year’s Eve (Image Source: Internet)
Tips for Foreign Visitors Attending Vietnamese Festivals
Vietnamese festivals take place throughout the year, so if you visit the country during a festival, don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you fully enjoy your Vietnam trip and create more memorable experiences.
Planning Ahead
During major festivals like Tết (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, accommodations and transportation fill up quickly. Since festivals often follow the lunar calendar, their dates vary each year. Confirming the schedule in advance will help you align your visit and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Respecting Local Customs
When visiting temples or sacred sites during festivals, it’s important to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid overly casual attire like shorts or tank tops. Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially during rituals or spiritual moments, as some may prohibit photography.
Engaging with Locals
Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases, such as “Cảm ơn” (thank you) or “Chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year), can go a long way in showing respect and connecting with locals.
Conclusion
Vietnamese festivals are more than just celebrations—they are vibrant expressions of a nation’s soul, weaving ancient traditions with contemporary life. From the explosive joy of Tết to the serene beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival, each event offers a unique window into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry. Start your Vietnam trip today!
