Vietnam's 5 Most Important Festivals & Travel Tips

Vietnam's cultural richness continues to shine through an array of traditional festivals. Engaging in these vibrant celebrations offers a unique chance to delve into Vietnam's myths, customs, and ways of life.

A multitude of cultural events and festivals are celebrated at both national and local levels throughout the year. If you’re unsure which festivals to attend, the following list of the most popular festivals in Vietnam, along with valuable travel tips, will be beneficial.

Tet Holiday

Tet Holiday, officially recognized as the Lunar New Year, remains the most significant festival in Vietnam, celebrated as a time for family reunions and traditional rituals. This celebration occurs on the evening of the first new moon of the lunar calendar, typically falling between January 20 and February 20 in the Gregorian calendar.

Public holidays usually extend for seven days, during which various special customs take place. These include cleaning and decorating homes, purchasing salt for good fortune, providing 'li xi' or lucky money to children and elders, family gatherings, New Year greetings, and visiting pagodas. As a primarily religious event, the Tet celebration is characterized by a warm, intimate atmosphere rather than wild parties.

To enhance your experience during Tet, keep the following information in mind:

• Most shops and stores remain closed until at least the third day of the Lunar New Year, so plan your shopping or sightseeing ahead of time.
• Ensure you book flights, hotels, and services to popular attractions well in advance—ideally a few months before Tet—to avoid overcrowding.
• Exercise caution with bargaining in markets, as vendors may perceive excessive haggling as bad luck for their business this time of year. It’s advisable to offer smaller discounts than usual.

New Year

In contrast to traditional festivals, New Year’s Day is a global celebration marking the transition from the old year to the new one according to the Gregorian calendar. Given the widespread adoption of the solar calendar, this occasion is regarded as the second most important festival in Vietnam, following Tet.

Throughout Vietnam, cities come alive with performances, fireworks, music shows, and countdown festivities, particularly in major urban areas like Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City.

For an enriching New Year’s experience, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at event venues, bars, and nightlife spots, where you can enjoy cocktails while counting down to the new year. However, be mindful of your belongings and try to avoid overcrowded areas.

Full Moon Festival

The Full Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival or 'Tet Trung Thu' in Vietnamese, falls on the 14th and 15th of the lunar month in August. This harvest celebration is significant not only in Vietnam but also in several other rice-cultivating nations in Asia, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea. It serves as a key opportunity for family gatherings, alongside Tet.

During the Full Moon Festival, families partake in various activities such as children carrying ornate lanterns, lion dances, and setting up altars at night. Food stalls featuring mooncakes, sticky rice, fruits, and sweets often appear months in advance.

There are no strict customs to adhere to; however, seeking beautiful locations during this festival period is recommended. Hoi An is extraordinary for its lanterns floating along the Thu Bong Riverside. In Hanoi, visiting Thang Long Royal Citadel, My Dinh National Stadium, and West Lake or Hoan Kiem Lake can provide a festive yet tranquil atmosphere.

Hung King Memorial Festival

The annual Hung King Memorial Festival (Hung Temple Festival) is held in honor of King Duong Vuong, the first monarch of Vietnam, by the northern province of Phu Tho. Celebrations occur between the 6th and 10th day of the third month of the Lunar New Year and include a rich variety of ceremonies and activities.

The central worship event unfolds at the Hung Temple, located atop Nghia Linh Mountain, honoring the Hung Kings and commemorating National Father Lac Long Quan and National Mother Au Co. This is followed by a flower ceremony at Den Thuong (Upper Temple), where the Hung Kings once worshiped deities during their reign. The festival also features folk performances, exhibitions, cake-making contests, athletic tournaments, and traditional games, celebrating local culture. Tourists can enjoy festivities at night markets and pedestrian zones throughout the event.

For a fulfilling experience during this vibrant festival, consider these tips:

• Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, as visiting temples and pagodas often requires hiking up hills.
• Pack food and bottled water as purchasing necessities on-site can be challenging.
• Keep personal valuables secure to prevent theft in crowded areas.
• Avoid engaging in games outside the designated festival zones.