Top 11 most important Vietnamese festivals that you shouldn’t miss

Vietnam is a land of captivating festivals that mirror its rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. These festivals are a reflection of the Vietnamese people’s spirit and an essential part of their lives. If you plan to visit Vietnam, timing your trip to coincide with one of these festivals will undoubtedly enrich your experience. Let’s explore the top 11 Vietnamese festivals that will leave you mesmerized and wanting to come back for more.

I. Top 11 most famous Vietnamese festivals

Even if the bulk of the main festivals in Vietnam in 2022 are held at the beginning of the year, it also happens to be the ideal time to see the nation at its most powerful. On your next visit to this captivating city, make sure to not miss some of the best holidays and festivals in Vietnam.

1. Tet Festival – The biggest among Vietnam festivals

Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam. It marks the Lunar New Year and is a time for family reunions and paying respects to ancestors. Homes are adorned with vibrant decorations, and the streets come alive with colorful parades and traditional performances. The festival usually takes place between late January and early February, depending on the lunar calendar.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival – The funniest Vietnam festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a delightful event celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a time to honor the harvest and express gratitude to the moon. Families gather to share mooncakes and enjoy the spectacle of colorful lanterns illuminating the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

3. Hung King Temple Festival – Special Vietnamese festivals 

The Hung King Temple Festival is a sacred occasion that pays homage to the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation, the Hung Kings. Celebrated on the tenth day of the third lunar month, this festival holds great historical and cultural significance. It draws pilgrims from all over the country to the Hung Temple in Phu Tho province, where rituals and performances honor the nation’s ancestors.

4. Hoi An Lantern Festival – Beautiful Vietnamese Festivals

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts a monthly Lantern Festival on the 14th day of each lunar month. During this festival, the town’s electric lights are turned off, and the streets are illuminated solely by colorful lanterns, creating a mesmerizing scene. Visitors can release lit lanterns onto the Thu Bon River, making a wish for good luck and happiness.

5. Hue Festival – Beautiful Vietnam festivals

The Hue Festival is a biennial cultural extravaganza that showcases the artistic heritage of the former imperial capital, Hue. This event celebrates the region’s history, architecture, and traditions, offering visitors an opportunity to witness grand parades, traditional music, dance performances, and delicious cuisine.

6. Yen Tu Festival

The Yen Tu Festival is a spiritual journey to Yen Tu Mountain, a sacred Buddhist site in Quang Ninh province. Celebrated during the spring, this festival attracts devotees seeking blessings and enlightenment. The trek up the mountain is a test of devotion and determination, with breathtaking views awaiting those who reach the summit.

7. Huong Pagoda Festival – Meaningful Vietnam Festivals

The Huong Pagoda Festival is a captivating blend of religious pilgrimage and natural beauty. Located in Huong Son Commune, this festival takes place from the sixth day of the first lunar month until the end of March. Pilgrims visit the Perfume Pagoda by boat and foot, making offerings and praying for prosperity and happiness.

8. Lim Festival

The Lim Festival is a folk festival celebrated in Lim Village, Bac Ninh province. Held in late January, this event showcases the region’s traditional music, particularly “quan ho” singing. Quan ho is a captivating call-and-response singing style that symbolizes the harmonious spirit of Vietnamese culture.

9. Chua Xu Lady Festival – Spiritual Vietnamese Festivals

The Chua Xu Lady Festival, held in Sam Mountain, An Giang province, honors Lady Xu, a local deity believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the region. Celebrated in late spring, this festival attracts thousands of pilgrims who participate in processions and rituals, seeking blessings and good fortune.

10. Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival

Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, hosts a grand festival during the Lunar New Year. Pilgrims from all corners of the country gather to pray for health, happiness, and success. The serene ambiance and majestic architecture make this festival a remarkable experience.

11. Giong Festival – Cultural Vietnam festival

The Giong Festival commemorates the mythical hero, Saint Giong, who helped defend Vietnam against invaders. This festival involves vibrant processions and martial arts performances, symbolizing bravery and national pride. Celebrated in the fourth lunar month, it showcases the deep-rooted belief in the nation’s legendary history.

II. Time of Vietnamese Festival 2023

The timing of these festivals holds great significance and adds to the allure of each celebration. Let’s take a closer look at the unique timings of these Vietnamese festivals 2023:

• Tet Festival: The Tet Festival typically falls between late January and early February. The exact dates vary each year as they are determined by the lunar calendar. It is a time when the whole country comes alive with preparations, and families eagerly await the moment to reunite and welcome the New Year with joy and hope.
• Mid-Autumn Festival: The Mid-Autumn Festival occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually falling in September or October. This timing aligns with the autumn harvest season when families gather to express gratitude for the bountiful crops and pray for a prosperous future.
• Hung King Temple Festival: This sacred festival takes place on the tenth day of the third lunar month, which typically falls in April. During this time, people flock to the Hung Temple in Phu Tho province to pay tribute to the Hung Kings, symbolizing their deep respect and appreciation for the nation’s founders.
• Hoi An Lantern Festival: Hoi An’s enchanting Lantern Festival occurs on the 14th day of each lunar month, adding a magical touch to the already charming town. Visitors can experience this captivating event throughout the year, enjoying the sight of colorful lanterns illuminating the streets and the Thu Bon River.
• Hue Festival: The Hue Festival is a biennial event that takes place in even-numbered years, offering visitors a chance to witness this grand cultural spectacle. It typically spans over a week and occurs in April, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and traditions of the former imperial capital.
• Yen Tu Festival: The Yen Tu Festival is held during the spring season, usually starting in February and extending until April. This timing provides a pleasant climate for devotees to undertake the challenging pilgrimage to Yen Tu Mountain and seek blessings and enlightenment.
• Perfume Pagoda Festival: This captivating festival starts from the sixth day of the first lunar month and continues until the end of March. Pilgrims embark on a spiritual journey during this time, making their way to the Perfume Pagoda to pray for good fortune and prosperity.
• Lim Festival: The Lim Festival takes place in late January, coinciding with the beginning of the new year. It offers a glimpse into the traditional music and cultural heritage of Bac Ninh province, highlighting the communal spirit and harmony of the Vietnamese people.
• Chua Xu Lady Festival: Celebrated in late spring, usually in May, the Chua Xu Lady Festival gathers pilgrims from various regions to pay homage to Lady Xu at Sam Mountain. The timing provides an excellent opportunity for spiritual reflection and seeking blessings for the year ahead.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival: Bai Dinh Pagoda hosts its grand festival during the Lunar New Year, coinciding with the Tet Festival. This auspicious time attracts countless pilgrims who wish to begin the year with prayers for good health, success, and happiness.
• Giong Festival: The Giong Festival occurs in the fourth lunar month, typically falling in May or June. This timing allows for vibrant processions and martial arts performances to commemorate the bravery of Saint Giong, reinforcing the nation’s sense of pride and unity.

III. FAQs about Vietnamese festivals

Conclusion

Vietnamese festivals offer an extraordinary window into the country’s cultural tapestry and the spirit of its people. Each celebration is a testament to Vietnam’s rich history, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality. From the grandeur of the Tet Festival to the spiritual journey of Yen Tu Festival, and the magical lantern-lit nights of Hoi An, these festivals promise an unforgettable experience.