Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year Festival)
Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, is the most significant festival in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming a prosperous year ahead.
Celebrations include lion dances, fireworks, and the preparation of traditional foods like Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) and Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake). The streets are adorned with peach blossoms in the north and apricot blossoms in the south, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the country.
Hung Kings’ Festival
Celebrated on the 10th day of the third lunar month, the Hung Kings’ Festival pays tribute to Vietnam’s legendary founding fathers, the Hung Kings. The festival takes place in Phu Tho Province, where grand ceremonies, processions, and cultural performances are held. Pilgrims from all over the country gather at the Hung Temple to offer incense and participate in traditional games and activities.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
Tet Trung Thu, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a joyous occasion mainly for children. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month and features colorful lantern parades, lion dances, and the enjoyment of mooncakes. Families gather to admire the full moon and share stories, making it a cherished cultural tradition.
Lim Festival
Held in Bac Ninh Province, the Lim Festival is a unique celebration of Vietnam’s traditional Quan Ho folk singing. This festival, which occurs on the 13th day of the first lunar month, brings together talented singers who perform duets while standing on boats or in pagodas. Visitors can also enjoy various folk games, including bamboo swings and wrestling competitions.
Perfume Pagoda Festival
Taking place from the sixth day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month, the Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of Vietnam’s most significant Buddhist pilgrimages. Pilgrims travel to the Perfume Pagoda, located in the scenic Huong Tich mountains near Hanoi, to pray for prosperity and happiness. The journey includes a boat trip along the Yen Stream, followed by a hike to the main pagoda, creating a spiritual and scenic experience.
Giong Festival
The Giong Festival, held annually in Soc Son and Gia Lam districts near Hanoi, honors the legendary hero Saint Giong, who defended Vietnam from foreign invaders. The festival, which takes place on the 6th to 12th days of the fourth lunar month, features grand processions, traditional martial arts performances, and symbolic battles reenacting his heroic deeds.
Oc Om Boc Festival
Celebrated by the Khmer ethnic community in the Mekong Delta, the Oc Om Boc Festival takes place in the tenth lunar month to honor the Moon God. The highlight of the festival is the Ngo Boat Race, where long, elaborately decorated boats compete in an exciting race. Other activities include floating lanterns on the water and offering traditional rice cakes to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
Vietnam’s traditional festivals not only preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage but also provide a great opportunity for visitors to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. Whether you are drawn by the lively Tet celebrations or the serene beauty of the Perfume Pagoda Festival, these cultural events are a must-see for anyone exploring Vietnam.
Vietnam’s festivals offer a unique window into the country’s cultural richness and spiritual traditions. Whether the lively celebrations of Tet draw you, the artistic displays of Hue Festival, or the solemn rituals of the Hung Kings’ Festival, 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to explore and appreciate Vietnam’s cultural heritage firsthand.
