10 must-see Tet festivals in Vietnam

At Authentik Vietnam, we firmly believe that the best way to understand a country is through its living traditions. And in Vietnam, no period is more culturally rich than Tết Nguyên Đán, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

Far more than a simple celebration, Tết marks renewal, a return to family values, and a deep attachment to spiritual beliefs. On this occasion, the entire country comes alive through a wide variety of Tet festivals, blending rituals, history, folklore, and popular joy. From the mountains of the North to the dynamic cities of the South, each region welcomes spring in its own way.

Here is a selection of 10 must-see Tet festivals in Vietnam, offering a journey into the very heart of Vietnamese culture.

Tet Festivals in Northern Vietnam: Spirituality and Historical Memory

Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hanoi)

The Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of the largest pilgrimages in Vietnam. From the 6th day of the first lunar month, thousands of worshippers and visitors board small boats to travel upstream along the Yến River, surrounded by spectacular karst landscapes.

This Tet festival is above all a spiritual quest. Pilgrims come to pray for health, prosperity, and family harmony. The peaceful atmosphere—filled with incense, Buddhist chants, and lush nature—offers deep immersion into Vietnamese traditions.

Đồng Kỵ Firecracker Procession Festival (Bắc Ninh)

Held from the 4th to the 6th day of the first lunar month, this popular festival pays tribute to the village’s guardian generals. Once marked by real firecrackers, the event now revolves around impressive symbolic structures carried in procession.

In a festive and collective atmosphere, this Tet celebration highlights the importance of solidarity, prosperity, and courage in Vietnamese culture.

Gò Đống Đa Festival (Hanoi)

Celebrated on the 5th day of the first lunar month, the Gò Đống Đa Festival commemorates a historic victory by King Quang Trung against the Qing invaders in the 18th century.

Through solemn processions, historical reenactments, and traditional performances, this Tet festival reminds us that the Vietnamese New Year is also a time of national memory and cultural pride.

Tet Festivals in Central Vietnam: Popular Traditions and Local Identity

Cầu Ngư Festival – The Fishermen’s Festival

Found in many coastal provinces of Central Vietnam, the Cầu Ngư Festival is dedicated to the whale, considered the protector of fishermen. Organized at the beginning of the lunar year, it aims to invoke calm seas and an abundant fishing season.

Rituals, traditional dances, and folk games punctuate this festival, illustrating the deep bond between Vietnamese communities and the sea.

Traditional Wrestling Festival of Sình Village (Huế)

Every 10th day of the first lunar month, Sình Village hosts a unique traditional wrestling festival. Open to all, this event symbolizes strength, vitality, and fair play—qualities believed necessary for a good start to the year.

This popular celebration perfectly reflects the energy and conviviality of Tet festivals in Central Vietnam.

Hội An Lantern Festival

On the full moon of the first lunar month, the ancient town of Hội An is illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns. Modern lights are turned off, giving way to a soft, timeless atmosphere.

Locals pray for peace, release floating lanterns onto the river, and take part in traditional games. This celebration is among the most beloved festivals in Vietnam for travelers.

Tet Festivals in Southern Vietnam: Devotion and Joy of Life

Bà Đen Mountain Festival (Tây Ninh)

A major pilgrimage site in the South, Bà Đen Mountain attracts millions of visitors during Tet. From the 10th to the 15th day of the first lunar month, pilgrims come to pray for luck, success, and spiritual protection.

This Tet festival combines religious devotion, cultural activities, and the festive atmosphere typical of southern Vietnam.

Lantern Festival in Chợ Lớn (Ho Chi Minh City)

On the 15th day of the first lunar month, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, Chợ Lớn, comes alive during the Lantern Festival. Parades, lion and dragon dances, crowded temples, and illuminated streets create a vibrant atmosphere.

This celebration illustrates Vietnam’s multicultural richness and the influence of the Chinese community on Tet festivals in Vietnam.

Dinh Bà Ông Lang Festival (Phú Quốc)

On Phú Quốc Island, the Dinh Bà Ông Lang Festival honors local protective deities. It reflects the popular beliefs of island communities and their strong attachment to ancestors.

Taking part in this festival allows travelers to discover a more intimate and authentic side of Tet in southern Vietnam.

Flower Markets and Spring Festivals in Southern Vietnam

Throughout Tet, major southern cities host flower markets and spring festivals. Yellow apricot blossoms, orchids, and colorful decorations fill the streets, symbolizing prosperity and renewal.

These events provide valuable insight into Vietnamese New Year customs, which we explore in detail in our article dedicated to Tet and its traditions.

FAQ – Traveling in Vietnam During and After Tet

What is Tet in Vietnam?

Tết Nguyên Đán is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It is the most important celebration of the year, marked by ancestral rituals, offerings to ancestors, and numerous traditional festivals.

Can you travel in Vietnam during Tet?

Yes, traveling during Tet is entirely possible and culturally enriching. However, some businesses close temporarily and transportation can be busier. In return, travelers experience unique Tet festivals and a deeply authentic atmosphere.

Is it better to travel in Vietnam after Tet?

Traveling just after Tet is often ideal. The country gradually returns to its normal rhythm, tourist sites are quieter, and the spring atmosphere remains.

To prepare your stay, consult our complete guide to traveling in Vietnam after Tet.

Which Tet festivals are most interesting for travelers?

The most popular include the Perfume Pagoda Festival, the Hội An Lantern Festival, Gò Đống Đa in Hanoi, Bà Đen Mountain, and the Lantern Festival in Chợ Lớn, Ho Chi Minh City.

Should you book your trip in advance for Tet?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to book accommodations and transportation in advance, as Tet is a peak travel period for both Vietnamese people and international travelers.

Discover Tet Festivals with Authentik Vietnam

Tet festivals in Vietnam offer exceptional immersion into Vietnamese culture, spirituality, and way of life. Each festival opens a window onto the country’s traditions, beliefs, and history.

To experience these moments as closely as possible to local life and in harmony with the local rhythm, discover our tailor-made Vietnam travel ideas, designed around the seasons and major cultural festivals.