Introduction
Vietnam is a land of vibrant traditions, and its festivals are the heart of its cultural identity. With roots in Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and local folklore, Vietnam’s festivals blend spirituality, community, and joy.
Every year, the country bursts into color with parades, dragon dances, lanterns, offerings, and family reunions. Whether you’re wandering Hanoi’s Old Quarter, exploring the imperial city of Hue, or traveling through the Mekong Delta, chances are you’ll stumble upon a celebration.
This guide covers Vietnam’s most important national festivals, regional events, and unique traditions—a must-read for travelers and culture enthusiasts.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
When: January or February (first day of the lunar calendar)
Where: Nationwide
Significance: Vietnam’s biggest and most important festival.
Tet marks the arrival of spring and the start of the lunar new year. Families clean and decorate homes, honor ancestors, and gather for feasts.
Highlights:
Streets decorated with peach blossoms (north) and apricot blossoms (south).
Special dishes like Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) and pickled vegetables.
Fireworks, lion dances, and temple visits.
Red envelopes (li xi) given to children for good luck.
Traveler Tip: Many shops close during Tet, but it’s the best time to experience Vietnamese hospitality and tradition.
Hung Kings’ Temple Festival (Gio To Hung Vuong)
When: 10th day of the third lunar month (March-April).
Where: Phu Tho Province.
Significance: Honors the Hung Kings, founders of Vietnam.
Thousands of people pilgrimage to Hung Temple to pay respect to Vietnam’s legendary ancestors.
Highlights:
Grand ceremonies with incense offerings.
Folk games, traditional music, and dragon dances.
Local specialties served to visitors.
A rare chance to witness Vietnam’s deep respect for its origins.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
When: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (September-October).
Where: Nationwide, especially Hanoi and Hoi An.
Significance: Celebration of children, family, and the harvest moon.
Highlights:
Lantern processions—streets filled with colorful lanterns.
Children receive toys, masks, and mooncakes.
Lion and dragon dances.
Families gather to enjoy mooncakes with tea.
In Hoi An, the entire ancient town glows with lanterns during this festival.
Hue Festival
When: Every 2 years (April, May, or June).
Where: Hue, the former imperial capital.
Significance: Celebrates royal heritage and cultural diversity.
Highlights:
Imperial court music and dance (UNESCO-recognized).
Traditional games, kite flying, and calligraphy exhibitions.
Ao Dai (traditional dress) shows and folk performances.
Street parades with artists from around the world.
Hue Festival is a colorful blend of history and modern performance art.
Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hoi Chua Huong)
When: From January to March (lunar calendar).
Where: Perfume Pagoda, 60 km southwest of Hanoi.
Significance: Vietnam’s largest Buddhist pilgrimage.
Pilgrims take boat rides through limestone mountains and hike to the sacred pagoda complex.
Highlights:
Thousands of worshippers praying for health and prosperity.
Scenic boat rides through rivers and caves.
Vendors selling vegetarian food, incense, and offerings.
A mix of spirituality and natural beauty.
Lim Festival
When: 12th–13th day of the first lunar month (February).
Where: Bac Ninh Province (near Hanoi).
Significance: Celebrates Quan Ho folk singing.
Highlights:
Performances of Quan Ho duets (intangible cultural heritage).
Traditional games like bamboo swings, wrestling, and chess.
Pilgrimages to Lim Pagoda.
Ideal for music lovers interested in Vietnam’s folk traditions.
Elephant Race Festival (Hoi Dua Voi)
When: March.
Where: Dak Lak Province (Central Highlands).
Significance: Honors the strength and role of elephants in daily life.
Highlights:
Elephants race across fields and rivers.
Drumming, gong music, and local dance performances.
Buffalo sacrifice rituals (in some villages).
A unique festival showing the bond between ethnic groups and nature.
Kate Festival
When: 7th month of the Cham calendar (September-October).
Where: Ninh Thuan Province.
Significance: Cham ethnic community festival honoring gods and ancestors.
Highlights:
Cham people wear traditional costumes.
Processions to Cham towers with offerings.
Music, dance, and weaving demonstrations.
A glimpse into Vietnam’s Cham culture, influenced by Hinduism.
Vu Lan Festival (Ghost Festival)
When: 15th day of the 7th lunar month (August).
Where: Buddhist temples nationwide.
Significance: Honors parents and ancestors.
Highlights:
People wear roses—red if parents are alive, white if they’ve passed away.
Offerings made at temples.
Vegetarian food served.
A spiritual and emotional festival focusing on gratitude.
Local Market Festivals & Regional Fairs
Vietnam also hosts small but colorful regional festivals:
Cau Ngu Festival (Central Vietnam): Honoring the whale god for safe fishing.
Ba Chua Xu Festival (An Giang): Pilgrimage to Sam Mountain for blessings.
Flower Festivals (Da Lat): Celebrating local blossoms and gardens.
Common Traditions Across Festivals
Offerings: Fruits, incense, flowers, and food for ancestors or gods.
Dragon and Lion Dances: Symbols of power and prosperity.
Communal Spirit: Festivals bring families and communities together.
Street Food Stalls: Every festival comes with its own snacks and specialties.
Travel Tips for Festival-Goers
Plan ahead: Festivals attract huge crowds—book transport and hotels early.
Dress respectfully: Especially at temples and pagodas.
Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: A simple “Xin chào” (hello) goes a long way.
Try local festival food: Each celebration has its own special dishes.
Be patient: Large crowds mean things can get hectic, but that’s part of the experience.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s festivals are more than just celebrations—they are living traditions that preserve history, honor ancestors, and bring communities together. From the nationwide joy of Tet to the spiritual pilgrimage of the Perfume Pagoda Festival, each event reflects Vietnam’s cultural richness.
For travelers, attending a festival in Vietnam is like stepping into the country’s soul. You’ll not only see the sights but also feel the heart of Vietnamese culture—through music, food, rituals, and the warmth of its people.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to check the festival calendar—you might just witness a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
