Top 10 Must-See Festivals in Vietnam for 2025
Nov 22,2024 | Snowdust
Table of contents
1. Tet Nguyen Dan, Lunar New Year
4. Tet Han Thuc (Cold Food Festival)
7. Huế Festival and Huế Craft Village Festival
9. Mid-Autumn (Full Moon) Festival
Although Vietnam follows the Gregorian calendar for everyday purposes, its festivals are deeply rooted in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. These events are marked by vibrant, dynamic celebrations held throughout the year, each steeped in tradition and cultural significance.
Participating in these festivities offers a window into Vietnamese folklore, revered deities, and customs that have shaped the nation’s identity. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, why not align it with one of these extraordinary festivals?
To help you make the most of your journey, we’ve curated a list of 14 must-see festivals in Vietnam for 2025. Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable cultural adventure.
1. Tet Nguyen Dan, Lunar New Year
Date: 29 January 2025 (1st day of the 1st Lunar Month).
Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as the Lunar New Year, is Vietnam’s most significant celebration and a cherished holiday. During this period, schools, businesses, and factories shut down, enabling locals to reunite with their families—an essential aspect of the festival.
For travelers, Tet is a perfect opportunity to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, admire beautifully adorned homes, and immerse themselves in the culture by visiting pagodas and temples to offer prayers for the coming Lunar Year. Greeting locals with well-wishes for luck is also a delightful way to connect with the community.
This vibrant festival takes place nationwide, allowing you to participate in traditional activities whether you're in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or anywhere in between.
2. Hoi An Lantern Festival
Date: Monthly (The 14th day of the Lunar Month).
If you're planning a trip to Hoi An, timing it with the Lantern Festival is a must.
This enchanting event transforms Hoi An's ancient town into a mesmerizing sea of lanterns, showcasing an array of shapes, colors, and sizes. Meanwhile, local eateries, bars, and shops switch off their electric lights, illuminating their spaces with the soft glow of candles to join in the celebration.
The festival aims to blend traditional values with the magic of the full moon. The result? A stunning scene of vibrant lanterns floating under the luminous moonlight creates an unforgettable atmosphere in Hoi An.
3. Perfume Pagoda Festival
Date: 30 January ~ 20 April (1st to 3rd Lunar Month)
The Perfume Pagoda Festival in Hanoi stands as one of Vietnam’s most cherished traditional celebrations.
This sacred event centers around the Perfume Pagoda, a revered pilgrimage destination that draws countless visitors from across the globe each year. Participants embark on a journey through scenic Vietnamese landscapes, including lush mountains, serene rice paddies, and majestic limestone caves.
Upon reaching the pagoda, visitors can ascend the 120-step stone staircase or opt for a more relaxed experience by taking the cable car.
At the summit, the breathtaking sight of the pagoda adorned with vibrant garlands, glowing candles, and golden decorations awaits. Visitors can engage in cultural rituals such as praying for a healthy child by touching the mountain or seeking prosperity by reaching out to the silver and gold trees within the limestone caves.
4. Tet Han Thuc (Cold Food Festival)
Date: 31 March (Third day of the third lunar month).
Ten Han Tuc, commonly referred to as the Cold Food Festival, is among Vietnam’s most distinctive celebrations. The Han Thuc Tet originated in China and is associated with the story of Jie Zhitui, a sage of the Spring and Autumn period.
Jie Zitui refused to become an official and chose to live in seclusion in the mountains. Duke Wen of Jin set fire to the mountains, intending to force Jie Zitui to appear. However, Jie Zitui, holding his mother, was burned to death under a large tree.
To honor this loyal and righteous man, people refrain from lighting fire and cooking on the day of his death, eating cold food instead. This tradition evolved into the Cold Food Festival, where both locals and visitors savor a variety of chilled and uncooked dishes.
5. Hung King Temple Festival
Date: 7 April (Tenth day of the 3rd Lunar Month).
The Hung King Temple Festival primarily takes place in Phu Tho Province, located about an hour’s drive from Hanoi. However, its significance extends nationwide, as locals and travelers alike gather at Hung King Temples throughout Vietnam to partake in the celebrations.
This festival honors the legacy of the 18 Hung Kings, Vietnam’s earliest rulers and the nation’s founders. While exploring the temples, visitors can witness elaborate palanquin processions and ceremonial offerings, which are captivating highlights of the event.
Beyond temple visits, the festival offers a variety of engaging activities, including traditional games, bamboo swings, and even lively rice-cooking contests, making it a delightful experience for families and visitors of all ages.
6. Buddha’s Birthday
Date: 5 May (8th day of the 4th lunar month).
As a predominantly Buddhist country, Vietnam celebrates this festival nationwide, marking it as one of the most significant religious events in the country.
On Buddha’s Birthday, temples across Vietnam are adorned with intricate decorations, featuring statues and glowing lanterns. Residents present offerings such as traditional dishes, fresh fruits, and floral garlands to pay homage to Buddha and commemorate his birth, enlightenment, and passing.
For an unforgettable experience, consider visiting iconic locations like Quan Su Pagoda, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, or Quan Su Street in Hanoi, as these spots are renowned for their vibrant celebrations of Buddha’s Birthday.
The festivities also emphasize acts of kindness, with participants engaging in charitable activities like assisting the elderly and caring for the sick. Many devotees also take a moment to offer prayers, reflecting their faith and gratitude to Buddha.
7. Huế Festival and Huế Craft Village Festival
Date: 1st week of April (the 3rd Lunar Month)
Once the seat of the Nguyen dynasty until 1945, Huế now proudly hosts one of Vietnam's most prestigious music festivals every two years.
Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Huế offers a wealth of history and stunning scenery throughout the year, but the town truly transforms into a vibrant cultural hub during the festival.
From the captivating Huế Poetry Festival and elegant Áo Dài fashion showcases to thrilling drum performances, boat races, and lively street acts, the event promises an unforgettable experience. Visitors can also explore traditional crafts during the festivities, making it an ideal opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs to remember your trip.
8. Ghost Festival
Date: 18 August (The 15th day of the 7th Lunar Month).
The Wandering Souls Day, also known as the Ghost Festival, holds significant cultural importance in Vietnam. It is rooted in the belief that ancestral spirits return briefly to their former homes.
With its deep Buddhist origins, the festival sees locals flocking to temples to present offerings of their ancestors' favorite meals and treats. On the eve of the celebration, families come together at ancestral graves to offer prayers or adorn them with flowers and fruits as a gesture of respect. Additionally, burning paper replicas of money and clothing is a common ritual during this time.
Although the festival might initially feel unfamiliar to visitors, Wandering Souls Day provides an extraordinary opportunity to experience the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
9. Mid-Autumn (Full Moon) Festival
Date: 6 October (The 15th day of the 8th Lunar Month).
The Mid-Autumn Festival revolves around children, who light up the streets with vibrant lanterns and indulge in mooncakes—a tradition visitors are more than welcome to enjoy as well!
Known as the Full Moon Festival, preparations for this grand celebration start weeks in advance to create a magical atmosphere. To fully immerse yourself in the festivities, head to Hanoi or the ancient town of Hoi An. These locations come alive with dynamic lion dance performances, locals donning vibrant masks, and the sight of glowing lanterns filling the night sky. And don’t forget to savor the iconic mooncakes, a must-try treat of the season.
10. Independence Day
Date: 2 September.
Setting the Lunar Calendar aside, let’s dive into one of modern Vietnam’s most significant celebrations: Independence Day.
Observed annually on September 2, Independence Day is a prime time to visit Vietnam. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City come alive with vibrant parades during the day, while the night skies are illuminated with breathtaking fireworks displays.
What makes this holiday special is its inclusive nature—visitors are welcome to join in the festivities. From participating in parades to embracing local customs and activities, there’s plenty to enjoy alongside the Vietnamese people.
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