Vietnam – a country not only blessed with abundant tourism resources and stunning landscapes, but also captivating visitors through festivals deeply rooted in Asian culture and religion. The harmony between the solemnity of rituals and the vibrancy of celebrations is what often surprises and delights travelers, showcasing the unique way Vietnamese people preserve and cherish their cultural heritage. Explore Festivals in Vietnam month by month, and immerse yourself in its cultural heartbeat at any time of the year through this article.

1. Why are Festivals in Vietnam Unmissable?

Vietnam’s traditional culture has been condensed over thousands of years, preserved and passed down through many generations with diverse forms from spiritual beliefs, art and the way to express the most unique features of that culture is festivals. As a country that always respects and is rich in culture and history, Vietnam always has festivals all year round across the country, impressing with the scale and uniqueness of spiritual festivals to show gratitude as well as festivals with bright colors.

 

 

Among them, many outstanding festivals have become “living museums” of Vietnamese culture and history, attracting countless tourists from around the world. Tet Nguyen Dan, filled with red blossoms and vibrant decorations, is not only a joyful celebration of spring but also a time for families to honor ancestors and welcome good fortune. The Hue Festival recreates the grandeur of Vietnam’s feudal heritage through royal court music, traditional dances, and colorful processions. In Bac Ninh, the Lim Festival delights visitors with folk games such as wrestling, weaving contests, swing rides, and cooking competitions. The Hung Kings Temple Festival pays tribute to the legendary founders of the nation, while the Giong Festival in Hanoi celebrates the hero Saint Giong with spectacular lion and dragon dances. Down south, the Nghinh Ong Festival in Vung Tau reflects the spiritual life of coastal communities as fishermen pray for calm seas and bountiful harvests through folk songs and rituals.

For many travelers, joining these festivals is the most authentic and fascinating way to experience Vietnam—where gratitude, tradition, and community come alive.

 

2. The Most Famous & Important Festivals in Vietnam

Tet Festival Vietnam (Lunar New Year Vietnam) – January and February 

One of the most important and grand celebrations in Vietnam is Tet – the Lunar New Year, which usually takes place between mid-January and mid-February (the exact dates vary according to the lunar calendar). In 2026, Lunar New Year will start from February 16th to February 21st. 

Each year in the lunar calendar is represented by a zodiac animal, bringing unique cultural symbolism and decorations. For example, 2025 will be the Year of the Snake, while 2026 will welcome the Year of the Horse. Decorations and symbols often change accordingly, reflecting wishes for luck, prosperity, and happiness in the new year.

During Tet, Vietnam is adorned with red lanterns, kumquat trees, peach blossoms, apricot flowers, and other festive decorations. More than just a holiday, Tet is a time for family reunions, when loved ones gather to welcome the New Year’s Eve, honor their ancestors, and share joyful meals together. 

Some activities that tourists can see and experience in Vietnam during Tet are sightseeing, shopping for some Tet decorations to bring back as gifts or looking at typical Tet flowers in the old quarter, many other big and small activities such as wrapping banh chung, making lucky money envelopes or even tourists can find and make friends with locals, eat meals together and watch fireworks.

Travelers should note that Tet is the longest public holiday of the year, lasting around one week. Many shops and restaurants may close, be fully booked, or increase service prices with surcharges. Therefore, if you plan to travel during Tet, it is highly recommended to book your hotels and restaurants well in advance for a smoother experience.

 

 

Khau Vai Love market Festival – March 

The Khau Vai Love Market Festival in Ha Giang, in the mountainous area of North Vietnam.  is held only once a year on the 27th day of the third lunar month and has a history of more than a hundred years. In 2026, the Khau Vai Love Market will be held in April 16th This is a festival for lovers, local people can come here to find their boyfriends, girlfriends or even couples, they come here to find their beloved friends from the past and confide in each other in just one day.  

The festival always welcomes and attracts visitors with many extremely bustling activities. After the worship ceremony at the Temple and the sacred love-praying ritual, the games will begin with many diverse folk games: tug of war, pounding banh day (a traditional cake made from rice), jumping bamboo pole (a traditional game in which someone will beat the rhythm of bamboo sticks on the ground, requiring players to jump to the beat without touching the bamboo sticks with their feet),….

 

 

Today, the Khau Vai Love Market Festival is not only a place to preserve traditions but also to attract tourists to experience, the ceremony still retains its traditional identity but organizes more folk games and sells unique local products. 

 

Hung Kings Festival Vietnam – April  

 

 

The Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day is one of Vietnam’s most significant festivals, held annually on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month (usually in April). It is a time for the Vietnamese people to honor the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the first Vietnamese state, Van Lang. In 2026, The Hung Kings Festival will be on 26th April. 

This sacred celebration has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underlining its deep cultural and historical value. On this day, tens of thousands of people, including both locals and visitors, travel to the Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province to take part in solemn incense-offering ceremonies, traditional processions, traditional folk games and have the special experience of listening to QUAN HO – one of the folk melodies of Vietnam.

Beyond its rituals, the Hung Kings’ Festival embodies the Vietnamese spirit of unity, gratitude to ancestors, and national pride, offering international travelers a profound insight into the soul of Vietnam.

 

Giong Temple Festival – April 

According to legend, Saint Giong was a mythical hero who grew into a giant, rode an iron horse, and defeated the invading Ân enemies to protect the Vietnamese people. After his victory, he soared into the sky on his horse, symbolizing the eternal spirit of resistance against foreign invaders. Revered as one of Vietnam’s “Four Immortals,” Saint Gióng is believed to be a divine figure sent from heaven to aid the nation.

The Giong Temple Festival is only scheduled to take place from the 7th to the 9th of the 4th lunar month, but due to its spiritual significance, the specific schedule for each year will be announced 1 month before the event date. Some various temples are dedicated to Saint Gióng, with the most famous celebrations taking place at Soc Temple (Soc Son, Hanoi) and Phu Dong Temple (Gia Lam, Hanoi). In 2010, UNESCO inscribed the festival on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The festival features solemn rituals such as palanquin processions and offerings, alongside joyful folk games including tug-of-war, clay pot breaking (similar to the piñata tradition in Mexico), wrestling, and quan họ folk singing. It is not only a vibrant cultural event but also a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s heroic spirit, communal solidarity, and deep gratitude toward its legendary defender.

 

 

Vesak Festival (Buddha’s Birthday) – May 

 

 

One of the most surprising things for many visitors to Vietnam is that while around 70% of the population does not follow any official religion, Buddhism remains the most widespread and influential faith in the country, shaping many cultural practices and traditions.

As a result, the Vesak Festival (Buddha’s Birthday), commemorating the birth of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, is celebrated nationwide with great devotion and festivity. The celebration takes place annually between the 8th and 15th days of the 4th lunar month; next year, 2026, the Buddha’s Birthday festival will officially take place from May 24th to May 31st.

During this period, Buddhist temples across Vietnam, from the largest urban pagodas to the smallest rural shrines, are adorned with colorful Buddhist flags, lotus decorations, and lanterns. Key rituals include the Buddha procession, the sacred bathing ceremony, prayers for peace, animal release, and lantern-floating ceremonies. Streets also come alive with banners and lights, creating a vibrant yet spiritual atmosphere that warmly welcomes not only Buddhists but also curious travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s cultural soul.

 

Dragon Boat Festival Vietnam – May 

The Dragon has long been a sacred symbol in Vietnamese culture and art, representing strength, nobility, and national pride. In ancient times, dragon boats were used exclusively to carry kings along the rivers. Today, these boats continue their legacy in a new way – as the centerpiece of the vibrant Dragon Boat Races.

The Dragon Boat Festival is traditionally held during the Double Fifth Festival (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month), a time believed to bring vitality to the rivers and ensure favorable weather and abundant harvests. In 2026, the Double Fifth Festival will be on 18th June .

The highlight of the celebration is the thrilling dragon boat races, where long, brightly decorated boats glide across the water to the rhythmic cheers of the crowd. Alongside the races, visitors can enjoy traditional folk games such as human chess and rice-cooking contests,….. adding to the festival’s festive and communal spirit.

Some of the most famous locations to witness the festival include:

• Ninh Binh: in the UNESCO-recognized Trang An Landscape Complex and along the Sao Khe River, where dragon boat races harmonize with the breathtaking scenery of the ancient capital.
• Hue: on the poetic Perfume River, where dragon boats race in a royal, historic setting.
• Quang Binh & Quang Tri: with boat races on the Kien Giang and Thach Han rivers, carrying deep spiritual and historical meaning.
• Da Nang: where the Han River comes alive with colorful dragon boat races, attracting both locals and tourists.

 

What makes the festival truly special is that visitors are not limited to being spectators – in some places, they may even join the locals in the festivities, creating an unforgettable cultural immersion.

 

Hue Festival Vietnam – June

Unlike traditional festivals, the Hue Festival is one of Vietnam’s largest modern cultural and artistic events, organized by the government to honor and promote the country’s rich heritage. Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, remains a city steeped in history and artistry. It is home to unique cultural treasures such as the Royal Court Music of Hue, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

The Hue Festival is held annually, with diverse activities spread across the four seasons, and each year features a distinct theme. More than just a series of performances, the festival serves as a bridge connecting visitors with Vietnamese culture, showcasing everything from traditional music and dance to contemporary art installations, street parades, and dazzling light shows.

For example, Hue Festival 2025 will feature highlights such as: Ao Dai shows, international art performances, royal court music presentations, night markets, and colorful street carnivals,..

 

 

Ghost Festival Vietnam (Vu Lan Festival Vietnam) – August

The Ghost Festival in Vietnam, held in the seventh lunar month, is a deeply spiritual occasion dedicated to honoring the departed, offering prayers for wandering souls, and expressing gratitude to ancestors. Despite its name, this is not a frightening festival – rather, it is a meaningful tradition that reflects the kindness, compassion, and filial piety of the Vietnamese people.

During this time, families often visit pagodas to hold memorial ceremonies or prepare offerings of food, incense, and flowers for the restless spirits, while also paying respect to their ancestors. Unlike other festivals, the Ghost Festival does not involve grand decorations or lively parades. Instead, it is marked by quiet yet heartfelt rituals. Travelers may notice incense sticks burning along the streets – particularly in Hue – symbolizing prayers for the souls in need.

The seventh lunar month also includes the Vu Lan Festival which will be held on 27th August, 2026. The Vu Lan Festival is one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in Vietnam. This day is devoted to filial piety, when children express gratitude and love for their parents. Together, these traditions make the Ghost Festival not a time of fear, but a season of compassion, remembrance, and family devotion.

 

 

Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam (Moon Festival Vietnam) – September and October

 

 

Mid-Autumn Festival, as its name suggests, is celebrated every autumn, usually falling between September and October. It is also widely known as the Full Moon Festival, since the main celebration takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon shines brightest and fullest. In 2026, the Mid-Autumn Festival will be held on 25th September. 

This festival is a time for family gatherings, when Vietnamese people come together to enjoy the festival’s signature treat – the Mooncake. These sweet pastries come in a variety of flavors, from mung bean and red bean to the traditional mixed filling made of nuts, seeds, and salted pork fat. Rich in taste and aroma, mooncakes are often savored with hot tea, creating a delightful combination under the full moonlight.

What makes the Mid-Autumn Festival truly special is that it is also considered a Children’s Festival in Vietnam. As autumn begins, streets across the country light up with vibrant lantern displays, ranging from traditional paper lanterns to modern designs, alongside countless toys for children. The joyful atmosphere, colorful lanterns, and festive spirit make this celebration one of the most enchanting cultural events of the year. Visitors can experience unique decorations during this festive period in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoi An.

 

Hoi An Lantern Festival (Vietnam Lantern Festival) – All-year around

Every month on the full moon night is the Hoi An Lantern Festival. On this night, when the moon shines brightly, the residents of Hoi An switch off electric lights in parts of the Old Town, leaving only the natural glow of the moon and the vibrant colors of countless lanterns. By day, Hoi An is bustling and lively, but by night, under the full moon and shimmering lanterns, it transforms into a scene of romance and enchantment that feels truly unique.

A highlight of the festival is the tradition of floating paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River. Both locals and visitors believe that setting these lanterns afloat carries prayers for good fortune, peace, and happiness, making the experience not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

 

 

Nowadays, some major world holidays are also celebrated in Vietnam such as: Easter, Halloween, Christmas,… During these times, the streets will be decorated according to festival themes, attracting many tourists from many places around the world, even many tourists feel excited to celebrate major holidays in Vietnam with their families.

 

3. Travel Tips for Experiencing Festivals in Vietnam

Best time to visit depending on festivals

Vietnamese festivals are celebrated all year round – nearly every month has at least one traditional or international event. That means travelers can not only enjoy breathtaking landscapes but also enrich their journey by joining these unique festivals to experience authentic local culture.
Since each festival takes place in different regions and times, it’s important to plan your trip carefully. For personalized itineraries that align with major festivals, travelers can reach out to Asia Viva Travel for tailored advice and schedules.

 

Etiquette for joining lunar festivals in Vietnam

Some festivals, especially those deeply rooted in religious and spiritual traditions such as Tet (Lunar New Year), Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday), or the Ghost Festival, require extra cultural sensitivity. When visiting temples or attending ceremonies, dress modestly, avoid disruptive behavior, and show respect toward monks, elders, and local customs. A small gesture of reverence can go a long way in creating a meaningful experience.

 

Packing & safety tips for crowded events

Festivals in Vietnam often attract large crowds, which makes them lively but also overwhelming at times. Travelers should keep personal belongings secure, carry only essentials, and ensure they have a working phone or contact method in case of separation from their group.
During major holidays, hotels and services may be fully booked or raise prices, so it’s wise to book accommodations, tours, and transport in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth experience.

 

 

Festivals in Vietnam are more than just events – they are living, breathing expressions of the nation’s spirit. To wander through a Vietnamese festival is to feel the heartbeat of its culture: the colors, the rhythms, the prayers, the laughter, and the timeless traditions passed down for generations.

So don’t just visit Vietnam – celebrate festivals with Asia Viva Travel. Let the lanterns, drums, and prayers guide your journey. Book your festival adventure today, and step into the vibrant soul of this extraordinary country.