Traditional Festivals in Vietnam: What Travelers Should Know

Vietnam's festivals follow the Lunar calendar, so many of the festivals in the list below are movable relative to the Gregorian calendar; while the dates relative to the lunar calendar do not change, the dates relative to the Gregorian calendar do.

Major Festivals in Vietnam

Some of these festivals are celebrated nationwide, as some provinces have their own series of festivals unique to the locals.

1. Hoi An Full Moon Festival

Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, this festival transforms Hoi An into a magical place.

What to expect:

• Streets lit with colorful lanterns
• No motorbikes in the old town
• Traditional music and performances
• Busy temples with locals honoring ancestors

2. Tet (Vietnamese New Year)

Tet is the most important festival in Vietnam.

Key highlights:

• Family reunions across the country
• Fireworks and celebrations at midnight
• Traditional food like bánh chưng
• Homes decorated with flowers and lucky symbols

3. Lim Festival

The Lim Festival takes place in northern Vietnam.

Main activities:

• Quan họ folk singing
• Performances on boats and at pagodas
• Cultural exchanges between singers

It is a great place to experience traditional music.

4. Huong Pagoda Festival

Held at Perfume Pagoda, this is one of the biggest religious festivals.

Visitors can:

• Take a boat through scenic rivers
• Walk up mountain paths
• Pray for health and luck

5. Hue Festival

The Hue Festival is held every two years in Hue.

Highlights include:

• Traditional music and dance
• Royal court performances
• Cultural shows around the citadel

Unique Cultural Festivals

6. Hung King Festival

The Hung Kings Festival honors Vietnam’s first rulers.
People visit temples to:

• Offer incense
• Show respect to ancestors
• Celebrate national history
• Thay Pagoda Festival

This festival honors a famous monk and inventor.

Activities include:

• Water puppet shows
• Religious ceremonies
• Traditional performances

7. Whale Festival (Lang Ca Ong)

Popular in coastal areas, this festival honors whales.

Fishermen believe whales:

• Protect them at sea
• Bring good luck

Events include:

• Boat processions
• Prayers and offerings

8. Buon Don Elephant Races

Held in the Central Highlands, this festival is exciting and unique.

What to see:

• Elephants racing with riders
• Loud cheering and music
• Cultural traditions of local ethnic groups

Festivals for Families and Fun

9. Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is especially loved by children.
Popular activities:

• Lantern parades
• Lion dances
• Mooncakes and sweets

10. Buddha’s Birthday

Celebrated across Vietnam, especially at temples.
You will see:
Decorations and lights
Ceremonies and prayers
Large gatherings of visitors