Vietnam is a country rich in culture, history, and celebration. While stunning landscapes and bustling cities attract visitors, its lively festivals and events offer some of the most memorable travel experiences. Whether you’re a fan of traditional events, looking to dive into local culture, or simply enjoy good food and music, Vietnam’s festivals have something for everyone.
Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year)
The most important celebration in Vietnam, Tết, usually happens in late January or early February. This is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, a holiday rich with customs, family gatherings, and delicious food. It’s similar to Chinese New Year, but it has its own Vietnamese traditions.
During Tết, expect to see streets filled with colorful decorations, flowers, and fruits as locals prepare their homes. People visit temples to offer prayers for good fortune in the year ahead, and families get together for big feasts filled with traditional dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake).
If you’re visiting during Tết, be ready for firework displays, dragon dances, and a festive atmosphere everywhere. However, keep in mind that many shops and attractions close during the holiday since it’s such a special time for families.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
Tết Trung Thu falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September). Originally a celebration of a good harvest, it has turned into a joyous time for children. It’s also known as the “Children’s Festival.”
Expect to see colorful lanterns hung all over cities and towns, and don’t miss the lion dance performances in the streets. Local bakeries sell mooncakes, traditional pastries filled with various fillings like lotus seeds or egg yolk, which are a must-try treat!
You’ll find the biggest celebrations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but even smaller towns get into the festive spirit with market stalls, cultural performances, and, of course, lots of food!
Huế Festival
This biennial festival takes place in the historic city of Huế, usually in April or May. Huế was once the capital of Vietnam, and the festival celebrates both the city’s rich imperial history and the modern art scene. It’s a great mix of the old and the new.
The festival runs for about a week, with performances ranging from traditional Vietnamese opera to international theater and music acts. You can also watch unique events like royal ceremonies re-enacted at the ancient citadel or explore nighttime art installations around the city.
It’s a perfect time to experience not just Huế’s rich culture and food but also to discover Vietnam’s artistic side.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
If you’re visiting the charming town of Hoi An, time your trip for the Hoi An Lantern Festival. It happens monthly on the 14th day of the lunar calendar. The whole town turns off electric lights, and the streets glow with the light from colorful lanterns.
Locals float lanterns down the Thu Bon River, creating a magical sight. Street vendors offer traditional food dishes, while musicians play old Vietnamese folk songs. The whole town turns into a peaceful, almost dreamlike setting.
Don’t forget to buy your own lantern to release into the river for good luck!
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
Held every summer, usually in June or July, this annual festival turns Da Nang into a playground for fireworks lovers. Teams from around the world compete in jaw-dropping pyrotechnic displays over the Han River.
Each night is themed, so you might find performances inspired by nature, culture, or even love. The fireworks light up the sky and are synchronized to music, creating a thrilling experience.
Book your accommodations early, as Da Nang attracts visitors from all over the country and beyond for this event!
Phu Quoc – National Day Celebration
Vietnam celebrates its National Day on September 2, marking the country’s declaration of independence in 1945. Phu Quoc, the island paradise, is one of the best places to celebrate because of its beachside evening festivities.
During National Day, there’s usually live music, fireworks, parades, and a heap of food stalls lining up with local dishes. Popular tourist spots and attractions are packed, so if you want to mix with the locals while enjoying a beach setting, Phu Quoc is a solid option.
Worship of the Hùng Kings (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương)
This unique event takes place every year on the 10th day of the third lunar month, generally in April. It celebrates the Hùng Kings, considered the founders of Vietnam, and is one of the rare occasions where the entire country honors its roots with ritual ceremonies.
The focal point is the Hung Temple outside Việt Trì, where thousands of pilgrims pay their respects to these ancient kings. Expect cultural activities, traditional games, and performances surrounding the event. Even if you’re not around the ceremony spots, many cities offer scaled-down celebrations.
Hà Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival
In November, the northern province of Hà Giang welcomes the bloom of the buckwheat flowers. For anyone seeking a more laid-back festival high in the mountains, this is a must-see.
The flowers create a pink-and-purple carpet across the mountains and fields. To celebrate, locals host cultural activities, traditional performances, and markets to promote the unique buckwheat products.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and an excellent opportunity to witness Vietnam’s untouched natural beauty and rural life.
Bánh Dày, Bánh Chưng Festival
This festival is a tribute to the legendary prince Lang Liêu, who created Vietnam’s sticky rice cakes. Held during the Lunar New Year celebrations, particularly in the regions of Bắc Ninh and Hanoi, the event highlights these symbolic foods.
Bánh chưng (square and wrapped in leaves) and bánh dày (round) are not just food—they hold cultural significance representing the earth and sky in Vietnamese myth. Competitions where locals race to make the fastest, most ornate rice cakes are a big draw.
If you visit during this time, it’s a great chance to learn more about the culinary roots of Vietnam while sampling freshly-made bánh chưng.
Hòa Bình – Khai Hội Chùa Hương (Perfume Pagoda Festival)
Taking place from January to March, this festival is one of the country’s largest pilgrimages. The Perfume Pagoda, located just outside Hanoi, draws thousands of believers and tourists who venture to the limestone mountain where this spiritual complex is nestled.
The journey involves picturesque boat rides and a climb (or cable car ride) to the main temple. Along the way, there are vendors, food stalls, and devotees selling religious souvenirs.
It’s a spiritual trek, but it’s just as much about the stunning views you get along the way.
Ho Chi Minh City – Southern Fruit Festival
If you’re a fruit lover, this June festival in Ho Chi Minh City’s Suoi Tien Park is like hitting the jackpot. Vietnam is home to some of the most exotic and unique fruits in the world, and you can taste them all in this one event.
Mangoes, lychee, dragon fruit, durians—you name it, it’s there. Beyond the fruit stalls, you’ll find carving competitions, traditional music, and street performers. It’s a sensory overload in the best way.
It’s an especially good event for families, and the park’s attractions add another layer of fun if you’re traveling with kids.
Conclusion: Dive into Vietnam’s Festival Calendar
Vietnam’s calendar is packed with festivities year-round. Whether you’re into vivid colors, spiritual journeys, or extravagant fireworks displays, these events show the heart and soul of the country. Planning a trip around one of these festivals is not just a smart move—it’s a chance to experience Vietnamese culture at its liveliest.
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