Traditional festivals in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country rich in cultural heritage, where time-honored traditions are deeply woven into everyday life. From north to south, each region offers its own distinctive customs and celebrations that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. One of the most vivid ways to experience this cultural richness is through Vietnam’s colorful traditional festivals — each one a unique window into the nation’s soul. Join us as we explore the Top 10 Traditional Festivals in Vietnam that capture the heart and spirit of this beautiful S-shaped land.

Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Đan)

• Time: From the 1st to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year (usually late January to mid-February)

Tet Nguyen Đan, or Lunar New Year, is the most important and deeply rooted traditional celebration in Vietnam. No matter where they are in the world, Vietnamese people strive to return home for this special occasion to reunite with their families.

In the days leading up to Tet, families thoroughly clean their homes as a symbolic gesture to sweep away the misfortunes of the old year and welcome the good luck of the new one. Homes are then adorned with blooming peach blossoms or yellow apricot flowers, red parallel sentences, and festive lanterns—transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, colorful scenes full of joy and anticipation.

Markets bustle with crowds shopping for holiday essentials, and a festive spirit fills the air. It’s also a meaningful time to reconnect with long-standing Vietnamese traditions—such as gathering around to make banh chung or banh tet, boiling the sticky rice cakes over an open fire through the night while sharing stories and laughter.

When the clock strikes midnight on the first day of the lunar year, streets come alive with spectacular firework displays and the sound of celebratory drums and firecrackers. Many people visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings, while others “gather fire” or “pick buds” from nature as symbols of prosperity and good fortune.

Tet is more than just a celebration – it’s a heartfelt journey back to one’s roots, filled with warmth, hope, and the timeless beauty of Vietnamese culture.

Yen Tu festival

• Date: From the 10th day of the first lunar month (usually in February)
• Location: Yen Tu Mountain, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam

Yen Tu Festival is one of the most important Buddhist festivals in Vietnam, held annually at the sacred Yen Tu Mountain – the cradle of Vietnamese Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims and visitors embark on a spiritual journey up the misty mountain trails toward Dong Pagoda, located over 1,000 meters above sea level. Along the way, they stop at ancient temples, shrines, and pagodas to offer prayers for peace, health, and prosperity in the new year.

The festival not only holds deep spiritual significance but also reflects the rich historical and cultural heritage of Vietnamese Buddhism. Visitors can immerse themselves in solemn rituals, traditional music performances, and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

Lim festival

• Time: Around the 13th day of the first lunar month (usually in February)
• Location: Lim Town, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province

Lim Festival is one of the most unique and culturally rich Vietnam festivals, especially known for preserving the art of Quan Ho folk singing – a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. Held in the northern province of Bac Ninh, this vibrant traditional festival in Vietnam draws thousands of visitors every year.

During the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional music performances, witness graceful singing duets between men and women dressed in traditional costumes, and take part in folk games and rituals. It’s not just a cultural celebration, but a vivid reminder of the deep musical and artistic roots of Vietnamese festivals.

First Full Moon festival (Tet nguyen tieu)

• Time: 15th day of the Lunar New Year (usually in February)
• Location: Nationwide, especially vibrant at temples and pagodas

Tet Nguyen Tieu is one of the most meaningful festivals in Vietnam, celebrated on the first full moon of the lunar year. On this day, people visit temples to pray for peace, good fortune, and spiritual cleansing. It’s also a time to honor ancestors and join in traditional ceremonies such as star-harmony rituals (cung sao giai han).

Temples glow with lanterns and incense, creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. Though often overshadowed by the Tet Festival in Vietnam, this full moon event holds deep cultural and spiritual value – somewhat like a quieter Lantern Festival in Vietnam, offering insight into the country’s rich traditions.

Khau Vai Love market festival (Cho tinh Khau Vai)

• Time: 26th–27th day of the 3rd lunar month (typically in April or May)
• Location: Khau Vai Commune, Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province

Unlike typical markets for trading goods, the Khau Vai Love Market Festival is a unique cultural event with over a century of history, rooted in the traditions of the Tay ethnic group in northern Vietnam. Held once a year in the mountainous province of Ha Giang, this special festival offers a rare opportunity for couples who were once in love but could not be together to reunite, share their stories, and reconnect – if only for a night.

Beyond its romantic allure, the festival also features a vibrant showcase of ethnic culture: traditional folk songs, musical performances, and local games bring the market to life. It’s a truly captivating experience that reflects the diversity and emotional richness of Vietnamese festivals.

Hung Kings’ Temple festival (Gio To Hung Vuong)

• Time: 10th day of the 3rd lunar month (usually in April)
• Location: Hung Kings’ Temple, Phu Tho Province

Hung Kings’ Temple Festival (Gio To Hung Vuong) is one of Vietnam’s most significant traditional festivals, held to honor the legendary Hung Kings—founding fathers of the Vietnamese nation. It’s not only a time for remembrance and gratitude but also a powerful celebration of the country’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.

Taking place at Nghia Linh Mountain in Phu Tho Province, the festival features solemn incense-offering ceremonies and vibrant processions with gilded palanquins, colorful flags, parasols, and traditional music echoing through the mountainside. Visitors can also witness a variety of cultural performances such as Xoan singing (recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage), bronze drum performances, folk games, and water puppet shows.

More than just a spiritual event, the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival is a unique opportunity for both locals and international visitors to experience the soul of Vietnam and connect with its rich, historical traditions.

Reunification day (30/4)

• Time: April 30th every year

April 30th marks one of the most significant and emotional moments in Vietnamese history – the day the country was officially reunified in 1975 after decades of war. It is a sacred milestone engraved in the hearts of every Vietnamese, symbolizing peace, freedom, and national unity.

Each year, as this day approaches, the streets of Vietnam are adorned with vibrant red flags bearing the golden star – proud emblems of independence. Cities come alive with patriotic parades, solemn flag-raising ceremonies, and powerful performances that echo the spirit of victory and resilience.

For visitors, it’s a meaningful opportunity to witness Vietnam’s national pride and reflect on the incredible journey the country has taken. From historical reenactments to traditional music and cultural exhibitions, Reunification Day offers a unique cultural insight into the enduring strength of the Vietnamese people.

Mid-Year festival – Tet Doan Ngo

• Date: 5th day of the 5th lunar month (typically in June)

Known as the “Pest-Cleansing Festival,” Tet Doan Ngo is one of Vietnam’s most unique and meaningful traditional holidays. Rooted in ancient agricultural practices, this day marks the time when farmers would begin ridding their crops of harmful pests – and, symbolically, people would also “cleanse” their own bodies of illness and negative energy.

In the early morning, Vietnamese families eat fermented sticky rice (com ruou), ash cake (banh tro), and sour seasonal fruits like plums and lychees. These foods are believed to help eliminate parasites and purify the digestive system.

More than just a health ritual, the festival is also a time to pay tribute to ancestors and connect with nature’s rhythm. While quieter than other major festivals, Tet Doan Ngo offers a fascinating glimpse into how Vietnamese culture blends traditional medicine, agriculture, and spirituality into everyday life.

Giong festival

• Date: From the 10th day to the end of the third lunar month (usually February to April)
• Location: Soc Temple (Soc Son District) & Phu Dong Temple (Gia Lam District), Hanoi

Giong Festival is one of Vietnam’s most legendary and spiritual traditional festivals, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It commemorates the mythical hero Saint Giong, who, according to legend, grew into a giant and rode an iron horse into battle to repel foreign invaders.

During the festival, vibrant ceremonial processions and symbolic reenactments of the battle are held, accompanied by flag dances, drum performances, and offerings made by villagers dressed in traditional attire. The celebration is both solemn and exhilarating, showcasing Vietnam’s deep respect for heroism, patriotism, and ancestral gratitude.

Buddha’s Birthday (Le Phat Đan / Vesak)

• Date: 15th day of the 4th lunar month (usually in May)

Buddha’s Birthday, also known as Vesak, is one of the most sacred and meaningful festivals in Vietnam, especially for Buddhists. This day commemorates three pivotal events in the life of the Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. More than just a religious celebration, it’s a spiritual occasion that preserves centuries of Buddhist tradition while spreading the timeless values of compassion, wisdom, and peace.

On this day, temples across Vietnam become vibrant centers of prayer and devotion. Devotees visit to offer incense, chant sutras, and pray for blessings and harmony. Many pagodas also host symbolic rituals like the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha, releasing lanterns, and charitable acts that reflect the core teachings of Buddhism.

Joining this festival offers a serene and culturally rich experience—one that beautifully illustrates Vietnam’s spiritual depth and devotion.

Xen Xo Phon festival

• Date: Around the 12th day of the 2nd lunar month (usually in March)
• Location: Northwest Vietnam, especially in Lai Chau Province

Also known as the Rain Praying Festival, Xen Xo Phon is a deeply spiritual and culturally rich event celebrated by the Thai ethnic minority in Vietnam’s northwest. The festival honors the village deities and expresses gratitude for their protection, while praying for good weather, abundant harvests, and a prosperous, peaceful life.

One of the unique rituals involves leading the symbolic “To Horse” (representing a dragon spirit) through the village to collect offerings like seeds, rice, vegetables, bamboo shoots, and water – items symbolizing life and fertility. Traditional dances, music, and community feasts follow, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere.

This lesser-known but meaningful event offers travelers a rare opportunity to witness authentic ethnic festivals in Vietnam and the living heritage of Vietnam’s highland cultures.

Da Nang International Fireworks festival

• Date: Annually from early June to July
• Location: Han River, Da Nang City

The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival is one of Vietnam’s most anticipated cultural and tourism events, lighting up the skies of this charming coastal city. Held annually along the iconic Han River, the festival features mesmerizing fireworks displays from international teams, creating unforgettable moments for both locals and visitors.

More than just a fireworks show, DIFF is a vibrant celebration that blends art, music, and culture – truly a must-see highlight among festivals in Vietnam.

Hue festival

• Date: Biennially (usually in April, May, or June)
• Location: Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province

The Hue Festival is a grand cultural celebration that brings Vietnam’s imperial heritage to life. Set in the former royal capital, this event showcases traditional music, royal court performances, áo dài shows, street parades, and international art troupes – all against the stunning backdrop of ancient citadels and temples.

As one of the most iconic Vietnam festivals, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the elegance, pride, and cultural richness of the Nguyen Dynasty in a modern, immersive format.

Mid-Autumn festival (Tet Trung Thu)

• Date: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or early October)

Also known as the Children’s Festival, Tet Trung Thu is one of the most anticipated and heartwarming traditional celebrations in Vietnam. It’s a special time for families to reunite, share mooncakes, and enjoy festive activities under the full moon.

Children parade the streets with vibrant lanterns, join in joyful lion dances, and participate in traditional games, while adults gather to “pha co”—a symbolic feast celebrating abundance and togetherness. The festival not only brings joy but also reflects the cultural values of unity, gratitude, and the cherished spirit of childhood in Vietnamese life.

National day (2/9)

• Held annually on September 2nd

Vietnam’s National Day on September 2 is a deeply significant occasion that marks a turning point in the nation’s history. It commemorates the historic moment in 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, officially establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

On this day, streets across the country are awash in red flags with golden stars. The atmosphere is filled with patriotic pride, parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances taking place in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

This is a unique opportunity for visitors to witness Vietnam’s strong national spirit, learn more about its journey toward independence, and immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of a truly meaningful celebration.

Festivals in Vietnam are not only vivid reflections of the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage, but also heartfelt occasions that bring communities together in joy, gratitude, and tradition. Whether grand or humble, each festival tells a unique story-of the land, its people, and their enduring values.

If you’re someone who loves discovering a nation’s soul through its cultural rhythms, then immersing yourself in a traditional Vietnamese festival is an experience not to be missed.

We hope this guide to Vietnam’s most cherished festivals helps you plan a meaningful journey across this beautiful S-shaped land. If you’re looking for a seamless travel experience tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Style Travel. As a trusted international tour operator, we’re here to help you explore Vietnam in the most authentic, memorable, and worry-free way possible.