THE BEST FESTIVALS IN VIETNAM: A CULTURAL JOURNEY YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO MISS

Vietnam is a country brimming with rich culture, history, and traditions, and its festivals offer a unique and exciting way to experience all that it has to offer. I will introduce you to the best festivals in Vietnam that you would not want to miss.

1. Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year)

The most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam is Tết Nguyên Đán, or Lunar New Year, which typically falls between January and February. It’s the Vietnamese equivalent of the Chinese New Year, but with its own unique traditions and flair.

Lunar New Year

During Tết, families reunite, homes are cleaned and decorated, and delicious food like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) is prepared. The streets come alive with colorful decorations, dragon dances, and fireworks, as people pay homage to ancestors and welcome the new year with hope and joy. Expect to see vibrant parades, stunning traditional costumes, and people visiting temples and pagodas to pray for good luck and health.

Family reunion

Banh Chung Cake is one of the top dishes that all the family would not miss in the Tet Holiday.

Tết is a time for family, and it’s one of the most important festivals in the Vietnamese calendar, so if you visit during this time, you’ll witness the country at its most festive. Just be prepared for some businesses and tourist sites to be closed during the first few days of the holiday as the locals celebrate.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)

If you’re traveling to Vietnam in September, you’ll have the chance to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu. This festival is one of the most beloved holidays in Vietnam, especially for children. It’s a celebration of the harvest and the moon, marked by lantern processions, mooncake feasts, and traditional dances.

Tet Trung Thu

What makes this festival special is the sight of children parading the streets with colorful lanterns, singing and laughing under the moonlight. The iconic mooncake – a round, thick pastry filled with lotus seed paste or salted egg yolks – is eaten by families, making it a treat for foodies like me. The atmosphere is festive and joyful, with people of all ages celebrating the magic of the harvest moon.

Trung Thu Cake – A special cake only available during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

If you’re in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss the chance to explore the moonlit streets, join the lantern procession, and indulge in some delicious mooncakes.

3. Hội Lim Festival

Held annually in Bắc Ninh Province, Hội Lim is a traditional festival that celebrates the art of Quan Họ, a form of Vietnamese folk singing. The festival takes place in mid-February and is one of the most culturally immersive experiences you can have in Vietnam. The highlight is the spectacular Quan Họ singing performances, where male and female singers exchange songs, often in poetic and playful banter.

Hoi Lim

The atmosphere is magical, with the music echoing through the air, creating a sense of timeless beauty and connection to Vietnam’s folk traditions. In addition to the music, there are plenty of local delicacies to try and handicrafts to browse, making Hội Lim a great opportunity to experience the art, culture, and spirit of northern Vietnam.

4. Hue Festival

For those who appreciate history and art, the Hue Festival is an absolute must. Held every two years in the former imperial capital of Hue, this festival showcases the best of Vietnamese culture and heritage. The event is typically held in April, and it brings together artists, musicians, dancers, and performers from all over the world.

Hue Festival

The highlight of the Hue Festival is the Imperial Night, where the majestic Royal Citadel is transformed into a stage for traditional music, dance, and theatrical performances that tell stories from Vietnam’s imperial past. The festival also includes a beautiful parade, food stalls featuring traditional dishes, and cultural exhibitions that showcase the best of Hue’s royal history.

You can enjoy the music of Hue festival

Visiting the Hue Festival is like stepping back in time to the grandeur of Vietnam’s imperial era, and it’s an unmissable experience for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike.

5. Da Nang International Fireworks Festival

If you’re looking for an event filled with stunning visuals and excitement, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival is a must-see. Held annually in Da Nang, usually in late April or May, this festival brings together top international fireworks teams for a jaw-dropping pyrotechnic display that lights up the night sky.

The fireworks are choreographed to music, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that’s synchronized to perfection. The festival also includes music performances, cultural activities, and a lively atmosphere along Da Nang’s stunning coastline. Whether you’re watching from the beach or a nearby viewpoint, this festival will definitely leave you in awe.

6. Phan Thiet Whale Festival

Every year, the coastal city of Phan Thiet hosts the Whale Festival, usually in April. This festival is a spiritual celebration for the fishermen and local communities who believe that the whale is a protector of the sea and a symbol of prosperity.

The festival features colorful processions, traditional rituals, and performances that honor the whale and the people’s connection to the ocean. The highlight of the event is the offering ceremony, where locals present offerings to the whale statues as a gesture of gratitude for safe voyages and bountiful catches. The festival is a serene and spiritual celebration, making it a perfect choice for those who want to experience Vietnam’s deep respect for nature.

Whether you’re drawn to spiritual ceremonies or festive street parties, Vietnam’s festivals promise unique moments that you won’t want to miss.