Discover Vietnams Rich Cultural Heritage Through Its Vibrant Festivals
Go back
Immerse yourself in Vietnam's traditions by attending its most vibrant festivals, from Tet to the Hoi An Lantern Festival. 
Vietnam is a country steeped in rich cultural heritage, and its festivals vividly reflect the vibrant traditions and spiritual depth of its people. Attending these events provides a unique window into Vietnamese life, offering visitors an immersive experience of the nation’s history, customs, and community spirit. Here’s a guide to some of the most significant festivals in Vietnam.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
When: Late January or early February
Where: Nationwide
Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is Vietnam's most significant holiday, marking the Lunar New Year. This festive time is dedicated to family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating new beginnings. Streets across the country come alive with colorful decorations, fireworks, and traditional cuisine. The atmosphere is joyous, filled with flower markets, dragon dances, and cultural performances.
Travel Tip: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are prime locations to enjoy Tet festivities, but many businesses close for several days, so plan accordingly.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
When: Mid-September
Where: Nationwide, with vibrant celebrations in Hanoi and Hoi An
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is a celebration dedicated to children and the harvest moon. Expect lantern parades, lion dances, and delicious mooncakes adorning the streets. Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland, filled with thousands of lanterns, creating a magical ambiance. Families celebrate with toys and lanterns, with festive music and activities animating the streets.
Travel Tip: For a picturesque lantern-lit night, visit Hoi An during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Hanoi, head to the Old Quarter to experience traditional performances and bustling night markets.
Vietnam’s Independence Day
When: September
Where: Nationwide
Vietnam’s Independence Day marks the day Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule in 1945. The occasion is celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and fireworks. In Hanoi, grand celebrations occur at Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh made his historic speech. In Ho Chi Minh City, large crowds gather for cultural performances and fireworks.
Travel Tip: If you're in Hanoi, visit Ba Dinh Square for the official celebrations. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is also an important site during this time.
Reunification Day
When: April
Where: Nationwide
Reunification Day, also known as Liberation Day, commemorates the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi host parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and military displays. The day is celebrated with fireworks and cultural performances, reflecting on Vietnam’s journey toward unity and independence.
Travel Tip: Ho Chi Minh City is a key location for Reunification Day celebrations, with the area around the Reunification Palace hosting the largest events.
Huế Festival
When: April (every two years)
Where: Huế
The Huế Festival is a cultural extravaganza showcasing the ancient imperial city’s rich history. It features traditional music, royal ceremonies, art performances, and reenactments of imperial court life. Visitors can explore Huế’s historic landmarks, such as the Citadel, while enjoying a variety of cultural exhibitions and street performances.
Travel Tip: Book your accommodation early, as the Huế Festival attracts large crowds. Don’t miss the royal banquets or mesmerizing boat parades on the Perfume River.
Hung Kings’ Temple Festival
When: April
Where: Phu Tho Province (near Hanoi)
This festival honors the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. Pilgrims from across the country travel to the Hung Kings’ Temple in Phu Tho to pay tribute to these ancient rulers. The festival includes ceremonies, traditional games, and performances celebrating the strength and unity of the Vietnamese people.
Travel Tip: Just a short trip from Hanoi, this festival is a great addition to your travel itinerary. Joining the pilgrimage offers a truly authentic experience.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
When: The 14th day of every lunar month
Where: Hoi An
Each month, Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland as lanterns illuminate the ancient town during the Lantern Festival. This beautiful event celebrates the full moon, a sacred time in Vietnamese culture. Visitors can stroll through lantern-filled streets or release their own lanterns onto the Thu Bon River, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.
Travel Tip: Take a boat ride on the river during the festival to release a lantern and enjoy the stunning view of thousands of lights reflecting on the water.
Honoring Tradition and Celebrating Culture
Vietnam’s festivals offer incredible insights into its traditions, spirituality, and history. Whether you're in bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City or exploring more remote areas, these cultural events allow you to immerse yourself in the unique vibrancy of Vietnamese life. By timing your visit to coincide with one of these festivals, you’ll gain firsthand experience of the warmth and hospitality that define Vietnam’s national character.
Vietnam is a country steeped in rich cultural heritage, and its festivals vividly reflect the vibrant traditions and spiritual depth of its people. Attending these events provides a unique window into Vietnamese life, offering visitors an immersive experience of the nation’s history, customs, and community spirit. Here’s a guide to some of the most significant festivals in Vietnam.
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
When: Late January or early February
Where: Nationwide
Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is Vietnam's most significant holiday, marking the Lunar New Year. This festive time is dedicated to family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating new beginnings. Streets across the country come alive with colorful decorations, fireworks, and traditional cuisine. The atmosphere is joyous, filled with flower markets, dragon dances, and cultural performances.
Travel Tip: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are prime locations to enjoy Tet festivities, but many businesses close for several days, so plan accordingly.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
When: Mid-September
Where: Nationwide, with vibrant celebrations in Hanoi and Hoi An
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is a celebration dedicated to children and the harvest moon. Expect lantern parades, lion dances, and delicious mooncakes adorning the streets. Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland, filled with thousands of lanterns, creating a magical ambiance. Families celebrate with toys and lanterns, with festive music and activities animating the streets.
Travel Tip: For a picturesque lantern-lit night, visit Hoi An during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Hanoi, head to the Old Quarter to experience traditional performances and bustling night markets.
Vietnam’s Independence Day
When: September
Where: Nationwide
Vietnam’s Independence Day marks the day Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule in 1945. The occasion is celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and fireworks. In Hanoi, grand celebrations occur at Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh made his historic speech. In Ho Chi Minh City, large crowds gather for cultural performances and fireworks.
Travel Tip: If you're in Hanoi, visit Ba Dinh Square for the official celebrations. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is also an important site during this time.
Reunification Day
When: April
Where: Nationwide
Reunification Day, also known as Liberation Day, commemorates the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi host parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and military displays. The day is celebrated with fireworks and cultural performances, reflecting on Vietnam’s journey toward unity and independence.
Travel Tip: Ho Chi Minh City is a key location for Reunification Day celebrations, with the area around the Reunification Palace hosting the largest events.
Huế Festival
When: April (every two years)
Where: Huế
The Huế Festival is a cultural extravaganza showcasing the ancient imperial city’s rich history. It features traditional music, royal ceremonies, art performances, and reenactments of imperial court life. Visitors can explore Huế’s historic landmarks, such as the Citadel, while enjoying a variety of cultural exhibitions and street performances.
Travel Tip: Book your accommodation early, as the Huế Festival attracts large crowds. Don’t miss the royal banquets or mesmerizing boat parades on the Perfume River.
Hung Kings’ Temple Festival
When: April
Where: Phu Tho Province (near Hanoi)
This festival honors the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. Pilgrims from across the country travel to the Hung Kings’ Temple in Phu Tho to pay tribute to these ancient rulers. The festival includes ceremonies, traditional games, and performances celebrating the strength and unity of the Vietnamese people.
Travel Tip: Just a short trip from Hanoi, this festival is a great addition to your travel itinerary. Joining the pilgrimage offers a truly authentic experience.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
When: The 14th day of every lunar month
Where: Hoi An
Each month, Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland as lanterns illuminate the ancient town during the Lantern Festival. This beautiful event celebrates the full moon, a sacred time in Vietnamese culture. Visitors can stroll through lantern-filled streets or release their own lanterns onto the Thu Bon River, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.
Travel Tip: Take a boat ride on the river during the festival to release a lantern and enjoy the stunning view of thousands of lights reflecting on the water.
Honoring Tradition and Celebrating Culture
Vietnam’s festivals offer incredible insights into its traditions, spirituality, and history. Whether you're in bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City or exploring more remote areas, these cultural events allow you to immerse yourself in the unique vibrancy of Vietnamese life. By timing your visit to coincide with one of these festivals, you’ll gain firsthand experience of the warmth and hospitality that define Vietnam’s national character.
Reviews from the experts
Reviews from our Clients on Trip Advisor
"We ask our clients after their tour with Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours to write a review on Trip...
