7 Traditional Festivals Worth Discovering in Vietnam

Vietnam is renowned for its rich and diverse culture, partially showcased in various festivals and special events held throughout the year. When traveling to Vietnam, don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture by enjoying these colorful events.

Here are 7 traditional festivals of Vietnam worth discovering for your trip to Vietnam in the future.

Vietnamese Lunar New Year or "Tết Nguyên Đán"

The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, commonly known as Tet, is the most important festival in Vietnam. The full name of Tet is Tet Nguyen Dan, which means “the first festival of the first morning of the first day”, coming from the fact that this event marks the arrival of spring. Tet is observed according to the lunar calendar, therefore it comes at different times each year, usually between January and February.

The preparation for Tet takes place weeks before the main event. From around 2 to 3 weeks prior to New Year’s Eve or Dem Giao Thua, people start shopping for provisions for making traditional Vietnamese Tet dishes. Home décor items, such as red couplets and ornamental plants, are also purchased around this time. As Tet approaches, people clean and decorate their homes, particularly the ancestral altar, and the five-fruit tray is a vital component. Visiting Vietnam during this time, you will notice a bustling and hustling atmosphere as you observe Vietnamese rushing on the streets preparing for their most significant festival of the year.

>> Read more: Preparations for the traditional Tet, the Vietnamese New Year

Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival

Located in Ninh Binh, 90 kilometers south of Hanoi and near the UNESCO-recognized Trang An Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the largest pagoda complexes in Southeast Asia, covering an area of up to 1,700 hectares. The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is kicked off yearly on the 6th day of the first lunar month in Gia Vien District and lasts until the end of the third lunar month.

The festival is conducted not only to worship the Buddha but also to honor numerous key historical events linked to national heroes like Emperor Quang Trung and Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is a great occasion for visitors to discover Vietnamese culture, as they are invited to experience the sacred atmosphere of the ceremonies, enjoy folk performances, and take part in various traditional games such as wrestling, tug of war, or browsing local produce displayed at the festival's booths. 

Co Loa Citadel Festival

Co Loa Citadel, located about 20 kilometers north of Hanoi’s center, was the capital of the Au Lac Kingdom. The Co Loa Citadel Festival, held from the 6th to the 16th of the first lunar month, is considered one of the oldest festivals in Vietnam.

This festival is associated with a successor of the Hung Kings, King An Duong, who founded the Au Lac Kingdom and built the Co Loa Citadel, a proud symbol of ancient Vietnamese civilization in terms of defense against foreign invaders. To remember the king’s merits, Co Loa villagers and other villages in the region take the 6th of the first lunar month as the main day for the festival. Visiting the Co Loa Citadel on the festival days, visitors will have the chance to participate in the ceremonial rite in honor of King An Duong at the Upper Temple (Den Thuong in Vietnamese), take part in various traditional games such as bamboo swings, wrestling, and crossbow shooting, or simply enjoy folk performances like Quan Ho, Cheo and Ca Tru. A visit to the Co Loa Citadel is also a worthwhile experience to learn about this magnificent architectural work of ancient Vietnamese people, as well as the mysterious legend regarding its construction.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

Since the 18th century, this event has been held monthly in Hoi An Ancient Town.On the 14th night of each lunar month, the town is transformed as all modern lights are extinguished, leaving the streets illuminated only by the enchanting glow of lanterns. These mesmerizing lanterns, representing a myriad of colors and shapes, have come to symbolize the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests who partake in this magical festival can delight in street performances, engage in traditional games, and release lanterns onto the tranquil waters of the Thu Bon River, invoking blessings of good fortune. The Hoi An Lantern Festival is undoubtedly a worth-discovering event, especially for those who adore this antique town.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

Every year, the Perfume Pagoda Festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to pray for good fortunes for the year ahead, making it one of the most popular festivals in Vietnam. Nestled in a picturesque setting where architectural heritage and nature coexist harmoniously, just about a 2-hour drive from the center of Hanoi, Perfume Pagoda is renowned as one of the most famous pilgrimage sitesin Vietnam and a favorite spring vacation destination.

Perfume Pagoda Festival starts on the 6th day of the first lunar month and lasts until the end of March. During the three months of the festival, visitors are invited to dive into the lively atmosphere by participating in various fascinating activities such as a boat trip along the Yen Stream, listening to Chau Van and Cheo performances, mountain hiking, visiting caves,… Huong Tich Cave is the most visited spot, as it is widely believed that in addition to good fortune in money and success, this cave also blesses prayers for children.

Hue Festival

Hue Festival is a grand celebration organized once every two years to pay homage to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Vietnam’s former capital city. The festival is usually held around the middle of the year over the course of a week, featuring a range of continuous activities, namely the street parade, the “Ao dai” grand show, the Hue Poetry Festival, and the Traditional Kite Flying Festival.

Beyond its local significance, the Hue Festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange since the festival showcases captivating performances by both Vietnamese and international artists from all around the globe. Having attracted thousands of visitors each season since the first one held in 2000, the Hue Festival is evidently worth being included in your itinerary when visiting Hue.

Mid-Autumn Festival or "Tết Trung Thu"

The Mid-Autumn Festival, which takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, holds great importance in Vietnam as the second most significant traditional celebration after the Lunar New Year.

Similar to Tet, the vibrant atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival comes weeks before the main day, with a focus on delighting children. Starring the children, in Vietnam, Tet Trung Thu is also widely known as “Children’s Festival”. As the event approaches, the streets are brought to life with colorful arrays of toys of all kinds, from traditional paper lanterns to modern toys.

Some of the iconic features of the Mid-Autumn Festival are star-shaped lanterns, the lively lion dance, the lantern parade, and the mouth-watering mooncakes. For an unforgettable experience, consider visiting Hang Ma Street in Hanoi or the picturesque Hoi An Ancient Town to partake in this enchanting celebration.

Festivals provide an excellent opportunity to learn about a country's culture. If you wish to learn more about other festivals in Vietnam or have any other festivals in Vietnam that you would like to suggest, don't hesitate to share in the comments section of this article. And if you need assistance arranging a memorable vacation to Vietnam, please contact us at: sales@authentiktravel.com. We hope to see you soon in Vietnam!

TOLUNHA

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