The 10 Most Unforgettable Festivals in Vietnam

Vietnam is an incredibly rich place of festivals - alive and vibrant traditions. Festivals define the culture and spirit of this great nation. These festivals, which are an integral part of Vietnamese tradition, are a few of the main reasons why international tourists find themselves visiting this beautiful nation.

Most festivals are based on the lunar calendar, which may be very inconvenient for foreign visitors to schedule their holidays. To ease all the troubles, we have created a detailed guide on these celebrations with their Gregorian dates. From Tet to some lesser-known local festivals, this article takes you through the most memorable holidays to ensure you never miss out on the enchanting cultural experience.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 26-12-2024

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New Year’s Day

In Vietnam, the New Year is celebrated twice: the Solar New Year, on January 1, and the Lunar New Year (Tet Festival), the most significant holiday in the country. While the Solar New Year celebrations are shorter than in some countries, they remain vibrant and full of life, with fireworks, festivals, and concerts creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

What to Do During the Solar New Year in Vietnam?

• Hanoi: Feel more connected to the capital city's beating heart at Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals and tourists gather to attend concerts and enjoy dazzling light shows. At midnight, the joyous cheers and vibrant animations fill the night sky. Wander into the Old Quarter teeming with life, where cozy cafes and buzzing bars keep the partying alive until the early hours.

• Ho Chi Minh City: Take a walk down Nguyen Hue Street, beautified with bright decorations and lively outdoor activities. Enjoy spectacular illuminations and high-energy music. For a touch of class, visit one of the city's rooftops to sip cocktails while enjoying great views of the fireworks.
• Da Nang and Nha Trang: Celebrate at the beach with lively parties, feel the sand between your toes, and savor fresh grilled seafood as the waves lap the shore beneath a canopy of stars.

New Year's Eve in Vietnam is sure to create unforgettable memories, whether you seek lively parties or peaceful moments away from it all. Do remember to raise your glass and toast with the locals: Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! (Chook Moong Nam Moi).

>>> Related: The 6 BEST DESTINATIONS to celebrate New Year's Eve in Asia

Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year)

Tet Nguyên Đán, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is definitely the most important and dearest festival in Vietnam's calendar. It falls on January 29 in 2025. The three official days are preceded by weeks of preparations, so most Vietnamese have at least a week free to reunite with family.

What Makes Tet Special?

Flowers and Decorations: Tet is precious because, during this time, Vietnamese cities seem to glow in red and golden colors. The fame of this period is summed up by seeing fields of peach blossoms in the North and apricot trees in the South. Just taking a stroll down the flower market, seeing and smelling these blooms captures the most festive moments.

Old Traditional Foods: Enjoy typical Tet foods such as bánh chưng and bánh tét. Made of glutinous rice, pork, and beans, these rice cakes have culinary and cultural significance. See how people work hard, gathering together to wrap and cook these over an open fire; it is an unforgettable experience.

Red Envelopes (Lì xì): One of the favorite traditions is giving children and young people a red envelope with money inside as a symbol of good fortune. Participate in this meaningful event alongside locals and truly engage in the celebration.

Plan Ahead for Tet

Tet is often a time to reflect and spend time with family, so many shops and restaurants will close. However, this is the only time when you can see Vietnam in its most authentic way. It is worth planning ahead for meals or, even better, accepting a local invitation to have a traditional Vietnamese family meal. Not only will you enjoy excellent food, but you will also have a chance to experience Vietnamese warmth.

Visiting Vietnam During the Tet Festival: Why?

Tet is not only a festival but a magical time for the awakening of all traditions, joys, and renewal found in Vietnam. From the lion dance echoes through the streets to stunning fireworks illuminating the night sky, every moment is suffused with endless sensory pleasure.

>>> Discover more about Lunar New Year in Vietnam:

• 9 Secrets of Vietnamese Envelopes
• A Traveler’s Handbook for Tet Holiday in 2025
• Bánh Chưng: The Heart of Tet
• Banh tet: A Southern Tradition on the Tet Holiday Table
• Vietnamese calligraphy

Perfume Pagoda Festival

• When: Annually, after Tet Festival, from the 6th to the 10th day of the first lunar month (February 3–7, 2025).
• Where: The Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương), located about 60 kilometers south of Hanoi in My Duc district.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival is probably one of the most prominent religious festivals in Vietnam, where millions of pilgrims and tourists come annually to pray or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Visitors are taken on a peaceful boat procession along the Yen River, surrounded by mountains on both sides, to the Peak of Mount Perfume before ascending the mountain, where the Perfume Pagoda is situated, devoted to Quan Am, the goddess of mercy. During this time of year, every visitor can participate in special prayers and ceremonial services to wish for health and prosperity, offering a deeply personal spiritual experience rooted in Vietnamese tradition.

Apart from its spiritual significance, the festival also invites you to explore tranquil rivers and sacred caves nestled among giant mountain peaks, all while soaking in the soothing atmosphere of the Vietnamese countryside. This unique combination of spirituality and nature makes the Perfume Pagoda Festival a must-visit for travelers seeking cultural depth and serene landscapes.

Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival

• When: Annually, starting on the 6th day of the first lunar month (February 13, 2025) and continuing until the end of the 3rd lunar month (April 27, 2025).
• Where: Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Ninh Binh province, about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi and just 20 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is one of the most noteworthy religious-cultural events in Vietnam, where many Buddhists and travelers from all over the world visit during this time. Whether the activities are spiritual or cultural, Bai Dinh exudes a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can engage in prayer, offerings, and learning, as well as witness various traditional performances honoring different Buddhist deities and enjoy the great spiritual heritage of Vietnam.

Nestled in the serenity of one of the largest Buddhist pagodas in Southeast Asia, the festival promises to be an unforgettable mixture of divinity and nature. The beauty of the enormous Buddha statues of Bai Dinh Pagoda, its splendid architectural construction, and its peaceful courtyards ingeniously create a setting that is not only sacred but also dream-inspiring.

Co Loa Citadel Festival

• When: After Tet Festival, from the 6th to the 18th day of the 1st lunar month (February 13–15, 2025).
• Where: Co Loa Pagoda, Đông Anh district, about 17 kilometers from Hanoi.

As a feature of sitting peacefully into the past of both this country and its people, in fact, the Co Loa Pagoda Festival offers a unique opportunity to witness, in a live event, some of the most brilliant jewels of Vietnam's history and vibrant cultural life. This remarkable festival attracts thousands of people not only from across Vietnam but also from many other countries worldwide. It all begins with an impressive procession, during which participants wear traditional attire and carry gifts and banners to dedicate to the legendary King An Dương Vương, associated with the Co Loa Citadel. The event has become an unforgettable memory for the citizens due to its special spiritual significance, blended with traditions that have persisted through the years.

Besides the usual rituals, spectators are treated to water puppet shows, traditional songs, and thrilling folk games such as wrestling and archery, which revive ancient customs. Set against the breathtaking historical landscape of Co Loa, the festival provides a rare opportunity to connect with the cultural heritage of Vietnam while experiencing the sincere warmth of its people.

A North Vietnam Tour will allow you to participate in most festivals

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival

This is an event that speaks of extravagance and pomp, rivaling any international fireworks event. Thousands of people from across the world gather to be amazed at the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival each summer. The festival is held from May to June and transforms the scenic beauty of the bay into a panorama of twinkling lights and music. Ten countries, including Italy, Japan, and the USA, send their respective teams to compete for the best synchronized fireworks display with music.

But there is more to it than just fireworks. It also includes Vietnamese cultural programs, featuring live concerts and handicraft exhibitions in an exciting ambiance. You can feel the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality by tasting their delectable local culinary specialties while enjoying the stunning views of Da Nang.

A little advice: come early to get a good seat, and don't forget your camera!

Bull Running Festival, An Giang

The Bull Running Festival of An Giang, one of the landmarks of South Khmer agricultural festivals, takes place in September or October. In 2025, this promising event will be held from August 29 to September 2. The festival celebrates the conclusion of a hard-working season and showcases Khmer culture, community spirit, and a strong regard for animals.

During the festival, beautifully decorated bulls race on a 120-meter-long muddy track, guided by drivers standing expertly on rakes. It is a contest as exciting as it is unusual: the pair that stays on track, overtakes their competitors, and avoids the driver falling wins.

Amidst the cheers of electrifying crowds, vibrant decorations, and thrilling competitions, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. It provides a great opportunity for those eager to explore Vietnam's cultural heritage and natural beauty, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mekong Delta.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)

• Date: Day 15 of the 8th lunar month (October 6, 2025)
• Location: Vietnam-wide

It is under the full moon's bright light that the Mid-Autumn Festival occurs, transforming Vietnam into a magical land. Streets come alive with colorful lanterns in the shapes of stars, butterflies, and fish, decorating the landscape, particularly in the evening. Lantern parades feature traditional dancers adorned with traditional instruments, playing to the rhythmic sound of drum beats, immersing visitors in a magical and festive atmosphere.

The festival is highlighted by the unicorn dance, a performance that captivates audiences of all ages. Witnessing a massive, intricately constructed unicorn head moving through the streets, carried by acrobatic dancers, is an impressive sight that cannot be missed. After the festivities, delicious mooncakes (Bánh Trung Thu)—both sweet and savory—are served. These indulgent treats symbolize harmony and closeness in the family and are traditionally shared with loved ones, adding warmth and a welcoming touch to the celebration. >>> Continue reading: Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Hoi An Lantern Festival

Celebrated on the 14th lunar day of the month, the festival transforms Hoi An's old town into a brilliant paradise. The narrow streets along the banks of the Thu Bồn River come alive with myriad colors, and the atmosphere becomes magical. Visitors can admire beautiful lanterns shaped like flowers, animals, dragons, and other mythological figures, each emitting a soft, magical glow while basking under a sea of golden lights.

The magic deepens as boats filled with floating candles drift down the calm river. The lantern release ceremony is one of the most beloved cultural events for the local community and tourists alike, as participants gently release candlelit lanterns onto the water. Each floating lantern carries a prayer or wish for good luck, health, and happiness. This ceremony symbolizes the essence of a typical Vietnamese festival, providing an opportunity for reflection and connection.

Beyond being a visual feast, the Lantern Festival is a celebration of Vietnamese culture. Enjoy the wonderful sounds of traditional music and folk dances and explore stalls brimming with locally handcrafted products. It offers a complete immersion into the crafts, customs, and culture of Hoi An, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of its UNESCO-listed old town.

Giant Canoe Races Festival

Home to various water festivals influenced by Cambodian traditions, the Mekong Delta is known as a vibrant destination. In particular, the province of An Giang houses a large Khmer population, making it an excellent venue for cultural exchanges. The Ok Om Bok festival, celebrated in the Mekong Delta, mirrors Cambodia’s Bon Om Touk, blending captivating ceremonies with a spirit of festive camaraderie.

Chau Doc, in An Giang province, is the ideal starting point for those who want to enjoy these festivities. A dazzling 5-hour speedboat ride from Chau Doc along the Mekong River takes travelers directly to Phnom Penh, offering breathtaking views of the river's bustling livelihood, floating markets, and lush landscapes.

Our Final Words

Vietnam is a small country with many diverse and varied cultures. When you arrive here, you will not only have the opportunity to admire beautiful natural landscapes but also to immerse yourself in exceptional traditional festivals—true cultural and artistic celebrations full of color.

By joining these festivals, you will feel the sincerity and warmth of the local residents. Through their stories, dances, and traditional dishes prepared with meticulous care, they showcase the splendor of their art. It is also a valuable opportunity to better understand and appreciate this land of Vietnam, where each festival offers a unique perspective on a world filled with colors, sounds, and emotions.

>>> Also read:

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• Vietnam Tourist Map 2025: Most Complete Guide to Regions
• Bac Ha, land of ethnic groups and its colorful market
• Hmong New Year: Traditions of Laos and North Vietnam
• Mekong Delta: 12 interesting facts to know!
• First Time to Phu Quoc Island? Your Must-Know Travel Guide!