Vietnam has a rich culture, and its festivals are rooted in the history, traditions, and lively spirit that lend the country its distinct character.
Vietnam’s festivals, from Lunar New Year feasts to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, create an unforgettable environment for locals and visitors alike. If you are visiting Vietnam soon or looking to travel to Vietnam soon, make sure to time your trip to enjoy the many festivals happening throughout the year. This guide to Vietnamese festivals shares the most important holidays and celebrations Vietnam has to offer, along with other key information to help you make the most out of your travel experience.
The heart of Vietnamese culture: traditional and spiritual festivals
Vietnam comes alive through its festivals — each one offering a window into tradition, spirituality, and community. Here are the most remarkable celebrations you’ll encounter.
Tết Nguyên Đán: the biggest of the holiday festivals
Tết is the biggest holiday festival, the Vietnamese equivalent of Lunar New Year in other nearby countries. It is the first day of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by reuniting with family, remembering ancestors, and hoping for good fortune in the coming year. Attendees will notice widespread traditions like cleansing the home to sweep out the old, colourful flowers like peach blossoms, and the culinary delights of bánh chưng and bánh tét. During the festival, most establishments are closed and transportation is filled to capacity, so considering options for where to go in Vietnam and how to get there is important as you plan your trip.
Hội An lantern Festival: a night of light
Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly event that takes place in Hoi An on the full moon. Hoi An is aglow with the light of lanterns during this holiday, making it an ethereal and moving experience. Lanterns are a great unifier, and a wide variety of colours and shapes come into view as they pass by. This festival is also set up to honour ancestors, and the lighted lanterns symbolise this during the evening. For individuals visiting Vietnam, this festival is a must-see.
Other notable festivals: celebrating history, food, and community
The Hùng Kings’ Festival: honoring Vietnam’s founders
This celebration, held on the 10th day of the third lunar month, is dedicated to the Hùng Kings. The Hùng Kings are credited with founding the first Vietnamese state. Travellers should visit Phú Thọ Province to attend the festival. The festival attracts people from around the world to join in on ancestor worship.
Tết Trung Thu: celebratory fun in honour of children & the moon
Also known as Children’s Day, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to celebrate with the little ones and welcome the harvest season. Many family activities unfold, such as mooncake gifting, merrymaking in lion and dragon parades, and parties for the kids. It doesn’t get better than a mooncake supplier and a bunch of happy children.
Held every two years in the royal capital, the Huế Festival highlights Vietnam’s majestic past. The gathering includes performances, re-enactments, and a round-up of Nguyen Dynasty-era elements. This cultural gathering is perfect for travellers keen on exploring Vietnam’s imperial past.
Lim Festival (Hội Lim): traditional music & village life
Held in Bắc Ninh Province to commemorate the ancient quan họ singing style, the Lim Festival showcases many traditional Vietnamese art forms. People dress up in costumes, and there are performances day and night. This is a great introduction to folk music and countryside life in the country.
Insider tips for experiencing festivals in Vietnam
Here is a list of everything you need to know while travelling to the country, including the best time to visit Vietnam.
Booking and preparation for the larger festivals: planes and hotels tend to get full during a festival, especially Tết. Book early, or else you will pay double the price or have to wait until next year.
Interacting and connecting with the locals: learning a few local customs and getting to know a few phrases will help you feel at home, much like the people who grow the rice in the dish you are eating. This also involves enjoying the festivals and appreciating the culture.
Transport and getting to the festival: a lot of festivals result in public transit and mom-and-pop shops closing for the holidays (including Tết). Keep in mind, traffic gets heavy on the road to Grandma’s house, so choose your local transportation wisely.
Capturing the moment and photo etiquette: before you pull out your camera, ask. Use common sense and do not take random pictures at a pagoda. You don’t like it when people interrupt you while eating, so don’t interrupt the Gods.
Beyond the guidebooks: immerse yourself in Vietnam’s culture
Joining a festival in Vietnam isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s stepping right into the country’s soul. Picture yourself wandering through Hội An as the lanterns glow above your head, or dancing along with the crowds during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
