One factor tourists care about when travel to Vietnam is Vietnam festivals, celebrations and holidays. Vietnamese people celebrate a plenty of cultural events. This articles gives you 20 best Vietnam festivals and holidays. More or less, Vietnam festivals will affect your trip here in some ways. They could be an opportunity to see more, experience more Vietnam’s culture and immerse yourself into the festive atmosphere with the locals. At the same time, they could cause some traffic jams, rising hotel price or overbooking of hotels. So, what is the bottom line? Knowing more about Vietnam festivals will surely enriching your experience in Vietnam and avoiding the negative side that festivals and holidays bring.
Sound good?
Here are 20 biggest Vietnam festivals and holidays.
First thing first, here is our list of 20 Vietnam Festivals and Holidays to make it easier to track the time of these events.
1. International New Year’s Eve
Basic Information:
- Category: National public holiday of Vietnam
- When is International New Year’s Eve in Vietnam? 1st January
- Where is International New Year’s Eve in Vietnam celebrated? This Vietnam holiday is celebrated everywhere from rural to urban areas. In bigger cities, there will be more shows and celebrations activities taken place.
How is International New Year’s Eve in Vietnam?
Usually, in big cities, there will be music shows, countdown festivals and fireworks in this one of Vietnam festivals. Travelers could expect to see more and more local people going out as it getting closer to midnight.
New Year Eve in Hanoi could bring you to a never ending mode. Countdown events will be hosted at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, in front of Hanoi Opera House, and Thong Nhat Park. One could get some drinks at the Old Quarter before joining the crowd to the countdown parties. If prefer a calmer setting, travelers could enjoy drinks on roof top bars or luxurious New Year dinning and celebration at 5 stars hotels such as Sofitel Legend Metropole, JW Marriot, Pan Pacific, Hilton…
In Ho Chi Minh City, district 1 or the “Backpacker district” filled with lively nightclubs and bars is also a place to be during New Year eve. However, if travelers are interested in a more fancy location, head to the rooftop bars for drinks and a great view of the city welcoming New Year. Additionally, there are many live concerts, games, exhibitions held in parks such as Dam Sen Culture Park, Suoi tien Culture Park, Saigon zoo, etc.
How does it affect travelers?
The hotel price will increase on Vietnam New Year Day. Most 4 and 5 stars hotels in Vietnam will be serving New Year gala dinning and it is mandatory to pay even if travelers will eat elsewhere. Do expect traffic jams in major cities before and after midnight fireworks.
2. Valentine Day
Basic Information:
- Category: Newer festival of Vietnam
- When is Valentine Day in Vietnam? 14th February
- Where is Valentine Day in Vietnam celebrated? Valentine Day takes place widely from North to South Vietnam. This is one of Vietnam festivals and is aware by everybody but is more popular and common among young adults.
How is Valentine Day in Vietnam?
Valentine became one of the most popular festivals due to the culture exchange with Western countries and it is embraced by many Vietnamese today. On this day, Vietnamese celebrate it as Westerner lovers do. Flowers, chocolates, teddy bears, colorful balloons… are popular gifts. Many popular destinations to spend time with the other half are picnics or walking at parks, warm setting at cafes/ restaurants, vibrant shopping malls, cinemas, and many other picturesque places…
How does it affect travelers?
Travelers will see a lot of valentine products sold on the streets and in stores, areas such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Nguyen Hue boulevard… or cinemas, restaurants, cafes… will be more crowded with young adults. There might be traffic jams here and there but overall, it will not affect travelers much.
3. Tet Nguyen Dan (Tet Vietnam/Vietnam Lunar New Year)
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival and national public holiday of Vietnam
- When is Tet Holiday in Vietnam? This day takes place from the first day of the first month of Vietnamese calendar until at least the third day. Tet usually falls on January or February of the Gregorian calendar. Tet holiday officially lasts for 3 days but many people stretch it to one week or even 10 days.
- Where is Tet Holiday in Vietnam celebrated? All over the country.
How is Tet Holiday in Vietnam?
This has another name as Vietnamese New Year. This is the biggest and most important among Vietnam festivals awaited by many Vietnamese for a whole year. Tet is the Vietnam event of gathering and being together with a rich custom. Similar to Western New Year, Lunar New Year is the time when people get work off and spend time together with their families, visit their relatives, plan out and hope for the best of a new year to come.
There are many traditional activities taken place during Tet holiday. Many traditional customs are held on these days are: Ong Tao ceremony, decorating peach blossom or apricot blossom, making sticky rice cakes, the five fruits tray, lucky money giving… There is no wild-type party for this kind of festival. Hanoi remains the right location during celebration.
How does it affect travelers?
If you plan to travel during Tet Holidays in Vietnam, make sure you plan out ahead in details where you will go and what you will need. During this Vietnam holiday, all administrations, many shops and stores do not open in the first three. So if you need any supplies for your travel in the country, make sure to get it beforehand. After the first three days, markets and supermarkets will open but many restaurants will remain closed until the 10th day. You could have meals at your hotels or homestays. Streets are empty due to people staying in taking their breaks or travelling back to their hometown to see families and acquaintances.
Transportation-wise, it is difficult to book transportation for the month before Tet due to transfer demand skyrockets. At the same time, the price of renting private car with driver will go up as well as hiring local tour guide. It is important that you book transportation or have your local tour operator book it for you in advance. However, international flights will remain stable at all during this time.
4. Perfume Pagoda Festival
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival in Vietnam
- When is Perfume Pagoda Festival in Vietnam? It will take place from the 6th of January to March and the climax is from 15 of January to 18 of February (based on lunar calendar). On Gregorian calendar, it will fall on from February to April.
- Where is Perfume Pagoda Festival celebrated? This event will take place at Perfume Pagoda located in Huong Son Commune, My Duc district, Hanoi.
How is Perfume Pagoda Festival in Vietnam?
This is one of Vietnam festivals and tells the story of a journey to the Buddhist land. According to the myth, this pagoda is the place where one of the Buddhas spent time and was enlightened. Huong pagoda is a collections of many pagodas, caves, mountains and woods. Before the day of the festival, all the pagodas here will put up essences creating a smoking view. The Perfume Pagoda festival kicks off on 6th of the first lunar month and lasts for 3 months. Pilgrims from all over the country come to perfume pagoda on this occasion to pray for a prosperous year and pay respect to Buddha. The journey will start by boat along the famous Yen River to the foot of Huong Mountain and continue on foot by climbing hundreds of stone steps towards Huong Tich cave.
How does it affect travelers?
The destination of Perfume Pagoda will be very crowded for sure with domestic travelers. It is not recommended for foreign tourists to travel here these days due to the large traffic of people flowing in here. However, if you want to watch people and observe locals with their rituals and religious activities, share with your local tour operator to have transportations and other services booked in advance.
5. Lim Festival
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival in Vietnam
- When is Lim Festival in Vietnam? The festival falls on 12th and 13th day of the first lunar month. On Gregorian calendar, it will fall on February and the exact date is various each year.
- Where is Lim Festival celebrated? Lim festival takes place in Tien Du district of Bac Ninh province. You can easily get to this traditional village from Hanoi by bus or private car rental with driver.
How is Lim Festival in Vietnam?
Lim Festival was widely recognized and accepted as a traditional Vietnam festival among Northern Provinces of Vietnam in 18th century. It’s the festival of “Quan Ho” singing, which has become one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009. During this Vietnam celebration you can enjoy local games like bamboo swings, cockfighting, tug-of-war, wresting, etc. and listen to the highlight of the festival – Quan Ho folk singing performances. Locals will perform in traditional costumes on several stages built within the village. This festival is a great chance for your children to experience Vietnamese traditional children games as well as Vietnamese culture.
How does it affect travelers?
This Vietnam festival, even though is well-known across the country, is celebrated in Tien Du, Bac Ninh only. Its size is as big as a block party in Western countries and it will not affect your travel plan.
6. First full moon festival (Tet Nguyen Tieu)
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival of Vietnam
- When is Tet Nguyen Tieu in Vietnam? This festival take place on the first full moon night, which usually lands on February or March in Gregorian calendar.
- Where does Tet Nguyen Tieu take place? This Vietnam festival is widely celebrated by households, pagodas and temples in Vietnam
How is Tet Nguyen Tieu in Vietnam?
This festival originates from China but over time, it became an important aspect in Vietnamese’s cultural and religious life. The story behind this was that long time ago, a hunter on earth killed a swan from heaven. To revenge that, the Heaven God planned out a rain of fire on the first full moon night to destroy mankind. However, there were some gods not agree with this action and told human to burn big fires, light up lanterns and pray on that day, so that the Heaven God was thought that mankind was burned by the fire rain.
Traditionally on this day, locals go to pagodas to pray for good things for their family members and their beloved.
How does it affect travelers?
This Vietnam event will not affect travelers’ tour or activities at all. Travelers can stroll outside or visit temples and pagodas to see more of the local culture.
7. Phu Giay Festival
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival in Vietnam
- When is Phu Giay Festival? It will be on the 30th day of the 2nd lunar month.
- Where is Phu Giay Festival? The festival will take place at Phu Giay Temple in Nam Dinh province (about 55 miles from Hanoi City).
How is Phu Giay Festival in Vietnam?
This festival purpose is to honor Mother Saint Lieu Hanh, who is the main deity in the Worship of Mother Goddesses. This deity is worshiped in many locations across the country but Phu Day festical is the biggest and most original. This festival will last six days. During this festival, thousands of people travel here to pray for happiness, health and prosperity. Locals wear traditional costumes and carry decorated bamboo relics during the festival. There will be many traditional rituals, cultural activities and folk games held in this festival. You can join various games in the festival such as lion dancing, wresting, human chess, capture-the-flag etc.
How does it affect travelers?
Very similar to Lim festival in the way that despite its popularity across Vietnam, the festival size is on a local level. Hence, it should not affect your travel plan.
8. Cold Food Festival (Tet Han Thuc Vietnam)
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival in Vietnam
- When is Cold Food Festival in Vietnam? This Vietnam event takes place on 3rd day of March in Lunar Calendar, which falls on April of Gregorian calendar.
- Where does Cold Food Festival take place? This festival occurs everywhere in Vietnam.
How is Cold Food Festival celebrated?
This event origins in China to commemorate the character of loyalty . In 7th century B.C, the duke of Qin with his loyal underman Jie Zhitui and army successfully retain the kingdom from invaders. The duke was generous to those who had helped him in adversity but overlooked Jie. Jie then sadly retreat with his mother in to the wood.
The duke sent repeated envoys to lure Jie back to court, but Jie felt no ambition for political power. The duke then decided to set the whole wood in fire to smoke Jie and his mother out of hiding, however, they refused to do so and died in the wood instead.
Sad of losing a loyal underman and feeling regret, the duke makes that day a yearly event of remembrance, when there is no allowance of fire, even for the preparation of food.
How does it affect travelers?
On this day, Banh Troi and Banh Chay (a local cake) are often ate in Vietnam.
9. Hung King Temple Festival
Basic Information:
- Category: National public holiday and traditional festival in Vietnam
- When is Hung King Temple Festival? This festival is held annually from 8th to 11th day of the third Lunar month. In Gregorian calendar, early April is the right time to celebrate Hung King Temple Festival.
- Where is Hung King Temple Festival? This Vietnam festival is held in thousands of Hung King temple all across the country but the major ceremony is held at Hung Temple, Phong Chau district, Phu Tho province.
How is Hung King Festival in Vietnam?
Hung King festival is one of the most important holiday of Vietnam. According to Lunar Calendar, it falls on 10th March. This Vietnam event is in commemoration of Vietnam’s first king – Kinh Duong Vuong, around 2879 BC. There are two main parts of the event which are the ceremony and the festival. On the eve of the event, one hundred lanterns are launched into the sky. Travelers can witness many interesting cultural activities during the festival like xoan classical song performances and ca tru classical operas, etc.
How does it affect travelers?
Since this is also a holiday, many people have this day off so travelers should have their services booked in advance.
10. Hue festival
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival in Vietnam
- When is Hue festival? It started in 1992, gained the official name as Hue festival in 2000 and comes up in every two years (so only occurs in even year) in April, May, and June. The exact time period will be announced in that year.
- Where does Hue festival take place? Hue Festival is hold in Hue city, which is located in the Central of Vietnam.
How is Hue Festival in Vietnam?
This is one of the largest festival in Vietnam. During this festival, there will be many community-based events organized inside and outside of the city to show the traditional values and beauty of Hue. Visitors can enjoy several games and a variety of art performances over a week like Ao Dai Fashion Shows, Hue Poetry Festivals, Dialogue of Drums and Percussions etc. This traditional Vietnam festival traces its route to Nguyen Dynasty in the country to preserve its traditional customs. Hue city is the only place where you can celebrate the event.
How does it affect travelers?
This is the great opportunity to experience and immerse yourself into this cultural festival of Hue, Vietnam. If you plan your Vietnam travel in even year, we recommend you to plan your visit to Festival Hue.
11. Reunification Day
Basic Information:
- Category: National public holiday of Vietnam
- When is Reunification Day in Vietnam? 30th of April annually.
- Where does Reunification Day take place in Vietnam? This is a Vietnam national public holiday, which means it is celebrated widely in the whole country.
How is this holiday in Vietnam?
As in any country, Liberation Day is an important historical, political or cultural event and it is the same for Vietnam. This is the Vietnam holiday to celebrate the liberation of Southern Vietnam from American troops as well as when the North and the South of Vietnam reunited under one government.
One this day, Vietnamese locals and families often travel to take advantage of the double-day off with Labor Day. Different each year, the major cities of Vietnam will have special events to celebrate this day and service the community (Danang’s display of fireworks of international teams, Sapa’s Ethnic group performance and exhibition, Hue City’s film screening and hot air balloon, Hanoi’s parade and street decoration…).
How does it affect travelers?
Many travel destinations and sightseeing will be crowded with domestic tourists. Hotels and restaurants are often out of slots on this day. It is not suitable for foreign tourists to travel in Vietnam during these day. However, if you do want to rejoice with the local as well as people watching, make sure you talk to your local tour operator to make bookings ahead of time.
12. International Labor Day
Basic Information:
- Category: National public holiday of Vietnam
- When is International Labor Day in Vietnam? 1st of May annually. If it falls on a weekend, worker will have the first day of next week off as compensation.
- Where does International Labor Day take place? This is a public holiday in many countries in the world, including Vietnam.
How is this holiday in Vietnam?
May Day or Labor Day is a known as a celebration day or day of rest for workers. This Vietnam holiday is often joined with the Reunification Fay on 30th of April resulting in a double-day off. Administrations are closed on these day.
How does it affect travelers?
This day is not suitable for foreign tourist to visit or travel long distance in Vietnam since the number of domestic travel will skyrocket. It is hard to get a decent hotel room during this time if you don’t book overhead.
14. Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak)
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival of Vietnam
- When is Buddha’s Birthday in Vietnam? This festival often falls on the April full moon day in lunar calendar, which converts into April or May in Gregorian calendar
- Where does Buddha’s Birthday take place in Vietnam? People celebrate this Buddhist festival in Vietnam in temples, pagodas and places of worship.
How is this festival in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a country with 12% of the population are Buddhist. Many other people, despite that they do not officially call themselves Buddhist but do practice a lot of Buddhist teachings and philosophy in life as well as do go to temples and pagodas to pray.
On the Vesak day in Vietnam, in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An… there are many parades held by monks to give out gifts to the poor, the homeless and the ones in need. Many other rituals are performed in pagodas and temples on these days are dropping flower pots to the river, washing Buddha’s pictures and statues, organizing Buddhism teaching sessions and praying for peace. In the evening, candles are lit on floating lotus flower and sent out into rivers around Vietnam by the Buddhist with prayers.
How does it affect travelers?
This day will not affect traveler’s activities at all. Thus, it is a great opportunity for travelers experience an important South-east Asia religious festival in Vietnam.
15. Wandering Soul Day (month)
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival of Vietnam
- When is Wandering Souls Day in Vietnam? On 15th day of 7th lunar month, Vietnamese people celebrate the Wandering Souls Day. This day often fall into August or September or Gregorian calendar.
- Where does Wandering Souls Day take place in Vietnam? This day occurs in the whole country.
How is this day in Vietnam?
According to local myth, on this day, the gate of hell will be opened so that souls will be free to wander on the land. On the evening of this day, each household prepares a big feast including flowers, sticky rice cakes, fruits, fake money and paper clothes to offer to the spirits. The locals avoid many activities on this day or month such as wedding, begin of construction, shopping, traveling…
How does it affect traveler?
This festival has no negative effect on travelers. You can enjoy this occasion at most in Hue city where locals and monks perform ceremonies and prayers at numerous Buddhist shrines and pagodas.
16. Vietnam Independence Day (Vietnam National Day)
Basic Information:
- Category: National public holiday of Vietnam
- When is Vietnam Independence Day? 2nd September
- Where does Vietnam Independence Day take place? Widely in the whole nation of Vietnam.
How is this holiday in Vietnam?
In history, this is the day that president Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam. Nowadays, this is not only the day to remember the proud moment of the nation, it is also a Vietnam national holiday where workers get a day break from work to rest and spend time with their families.
How does this affect travelers?
This Vietnam holiday is not the suitable time for foreign travelers to travel to or travel around in Vietnam unless you already have reservations and bookings. The locals take this day to travel resulting to crowded travel destinations and overbooked hotels and restaurants.
17. Mid-Autumn Festival
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival of Vietnam
- When is mid-Autumn Festival? This Vietnam event takes place around mid-August between the fourteenth and fifteenth day of Lunar Calendar.
- Where does mid-Autumn Festival take place? Mid-autumn festival is celebrated by most Vietnamese households and cities.
How is this festival in Vietnam?
Vietnam festivals mean a lot to the people of the country. The Vietnam Mid-Autumn festival is not an exception to this rich tradition. It is also the harvest festival. There are many activities on mid-Autumn festival like children carrying paper lanterns, watching lion dances… On this day, there are many special food such as moon cakes (flavored meat, egg, dried fruit, pumpkin’s seed, peanut with a sweet and salty tasting), jellies, biscuits, and much fruits (bananas, apples, grapefruit, mango…).
How does this affect travelers?
This festival does not affect travelers plan or tours. On the other hand, it add more color to traveler’s experience of beautiful Vietnam, especially in Hoi An. Hoi An is the best place to mark the Mid-Autumn festival, where tourists can see colorful paper lanterns lining Thu Bon Riverside. A lot of street performances, lantern processions and art exhibitions will take place during Mid-Autumn festival in Hoi An.
18. Hoi An Lantern Festival
Basic Information:
- Category: Traditional festival of Vietnam
- When is Hoi An Lantern Festival? Hoi An Lantern Festival occurs on the fourteenth day of every lunar month.
- Where does Hoi An Lantern Festival take place? Ancient town Hoi An, Central Vietnam.
How is this festival in Vietnam?
Hoi An lantern festival is the signature of Hoi An town as well as the night Hoi An at her best. There is total display of paper lanterns in this event. During this festival in Hoi An, businesses, bars and restaurants will turn off their electricity and depend on lanterns and candles. Lantern will appear into river as an offering to the God of the land and worship Vietnamese ancestors.
How does it affect travelers?
Despite being one of Vietnam festivals that are too good to pass, it will not affect transport or hotel in Hoian. It is really a night to enjoy the charming old town and a piece of Vietnamese culture. If you want to worship in any temple on this day, there will be no charge for entrance fees. The best place to attend the festival is within Ancient Town area where tourists can enjoy traditional music, play Chinese chess, read poetry or learn how to make lanterns.
19. Halloween
Basic Information:
- Category: Newer festival of Vietnam
- When is Halloween in Vietnam? The last day of October according to Vietnam’s time zone.
- Where does Halloween take place in Vietnam? Widely all across the country but there are more to be seen and participate in major cities.
How is Halloween in Vietnam?
When mentioning Halloween, you might immediately think this is a typical Western event. However, in the past decade, Halloween has been introduced to Vietnam by tourists and locals that have travelled to western countries. Halloween slowly becomes one of Vietnam festivals celebrated by the Vietnamese. Wherever you are in Vietnam, you could join in the Halloween atmosphere as well.
How does it affect travelers?
This day has no negative effect to travelers plan and tour. Travelers had better stroll around town to see the best of this Western’s festival in Vietnam.
Celebrating Halloween in Hanoi
Hang Ma Street. Located in the Old Quarters, this street is the most popular location to celebrate Halloween by both the locals and tourists. Days before Halloween, you will be overwhelmed with the amount of Halloween party items in the shops along the street. The items are various from decorations, masks, Witch hat and wardrobe, Pumpkin lantern, and so on. Visiting this area, you will not only immerse yourself into the Halloween atmosphere but also are provided with many shopping options.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarters area. The broad walking location and cool atmosphere, along with many social activities, attract many Vietnamese and foreign backpackers coming here. If you want to immerse into the local activities and watching Halloween costumes, these are the places to be.
West Lake Water Park. From 28 October to 31 October 2017, West Lake Water Park holds Halloween party with the theme of “Dating Zombie.” The party will not only include costumes and DJs but also many other Halloween activities.
Celebrating Halloween in Hoian
Contrast to the daily solemn and antique look, on 31 October, Hoi An has its unique modern color of Halloween. On this day, not only local young adults but also travelers from many countries celebrate Halloween as well.
Celebrating Halloween in HCMC
Bui Vien Street and Nguyen Hue Street. Most people come to these streets because of the broad walking area, people watching, and drinking along with many activities. These streets are originally full of bars, clubs, and restaurants for foreigners.
Not only in major tourist destinations, but Halloween takes place in many other places in Vietnam such as Nha Trang, Phy Yen, Quo Nhon, ect.
20. Christmas
Basic Information:
- Category: Newer festival in Vietnam
- When is Christmas in Vietnam? 25th of December
- Where does Christmas in Vietnam take place? Mostly in major cities of Vietnam
How is Christmas in Vietnam?
In the past, Christmas was not very popular among Vietnam festivals except for a minority population of Catholic people. Until today, Christmas is not a public holiday but more and more Vietnamese people are excited, prepare for, and rejoice this day of the year. Coming to Vietnam in December or winter, travelers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the Christmas atmosphere celebrated by the local people. On this day, Vietnamese doesn’t put a Christmas tree in each house but there are Christmas trees in stores and hotels. The neon lights on the streets are fantastic and many hotels or shopping centers put on sparkling Christmas decorations such as Christmas trees, snowflake decorations, colorful ribbons and decorative balls.
How does it affect travelers?
During Christmas in Vietnam, many hotels will host gala dinner and it is mandatory for customers to pay for the service. The room price increases during this time. But besides those, here are tips for travelers to have a Merry Xmas in Vietnam.
What to Eat and Where to Go?
Food: This is one of Vietnam festivals and on this day, Vietnamese don’t have traditional dish like the western such as turkey or ham. However, on Christmas Eve, people like eating or drinking out as well. Travelers could take this chance to fully immerse into the festival atmosphere and explore more about the local cuisine. Another option would be to feast up at your hotels gala dinner buffet.
Destinations: Coming to Vietnam during this time, travelers could enjoy Christmas at main cities of Vietnam (Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Saigon), or spend time with their families and friends at a sunny-still tropical beach or take on adventures by sampan in the Mekong Delta area during its floating water season offering only during this time of the year.
In conclusion
Apart from 20 biggest yearly festivals above, Vietnam still has many festive events held in small cities and provinces across the country but these 20 festivals could be enough to make you overwhelmed with the fact that Vietnam is rich in culture and customs and having a glimpse of such Vietnam traditional events will prompt an urge to visit this amazing country.
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I reckon that you want to say “immerse yourself” instead of “emerge”. Anw, thanks a lot for your informative article ^^