Rich in culture and heritage, one of the best ways to plan an unforgettable trip to Vietnam is to plan the vacation around any festival that is celebrated in the country. Most of the festivals in Vietnam are celebrated during specific times of the year, the dates are fixed depending on the Chinese Lunar calendar, the source of inspiration. Watching these festivals are a soul-touching experience and it lets you absorb and witness the culture which the Vietnamese people hold very close to their heart. So next time you are planning a Vietnam vacation don’t forget to check the calendar to make sure your vacation is exceptional.
Top 7 Festivals of Vietnam that one must not miss
Most of the festivals in Vietnam fall in the first half of the year, yet another point making the first 6 months the best time to visit Vietnam. We have listed some of the top celebrated festivals in Vietnam which you can look to incorporate into your itinerary the next time you plan a Vietnam holiday.
Tet Nguyen Dan
Perfume Pagoda Festival
Hung King Temple Festival
Hue Festival
Buddha’s Birthday
Mid-Autumn Festival
Hoi An Lantern Festival
1. Tet Nguyen Dan
The Vietnamese Lunar New year is celebrated to thank the gods for the arrival of spring. The locals come together as a family and welcome the new year by offering prayers to their ancestors. Many travel back to their hometowns to be with their family and hence you will find cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi relatively less crowded during this period. The Hanoi Opera House hosts fireworks displays and wonderful parties at night. In the morning, the locals proceed to the Ngoc Son Temple or Quan Su Pagoda to light incense sticks and pray to their ancestors. One of the best Vietnamese festivals, Hanoi would make an ideal spot to enjoy the Tet Festival. Enjoy it with your partner by booking a Vietnam honeymoon package.
When – The First Day of the First Month of the Chinese lunar calendar
2. Perfume Pagoda Festival
The Perfume Pagoda welcomes thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world to visit the sacred caves. The visitors pray for a happy and prosperous year ahead. The Perfume Pagoda is one of the sought-after Pilgrimage sites in the country thus making it one of the best festivals in Vietnam and an extremely important one as well. To visit the Perfume Pagoda one has to travel through a beautiful limestone mountain via rice paddies and historical shrines. Then you need to take a boat and climb about a hundred stone steps to arrive at the breathtaking caves.
When – The festival begins on February 15 on the lunar calendar and continues till mid-March.
3. Hung King Temple Festival
This is one of the national public holidays and it is one of the most prominent and celebrated festivals in Vietnam. The Hung King temples spread across the country play host to this colorful festival. The main ceremony is held at Hung Temple in Phong Chau District and it is one of the best places to witness the grand event. The festival is celebrated every year around the 8th or 11th day of the lunar month according to the Chinese calendar. Tourists can witness the festival from across the country even if they are not able to visit the main temple.
When – The main festival day takes place on 10 March every year and the activities last for the first 10 days of the third lunar month.
4. Hue Festival – The Music Festival of Vietnam
Taking place every 2 years, the UNESCO-listed Hue city is home to one of the most major festivals in Vietnam celebrated with joy and splendor – The Vietnam Music Festival. This week-long festival portrays an amazing array of cultural events, games, and performances. There is never a dull moment at this festival as there is a multitude of activities like human chess, boat racing, kite flying, drums and percussions, Hue Poetry Festival, and many more. Your day will be entertained with multiple film screenings, acrobatics, puppet shows, art exhibitions, and street performances that are part of their traditional customs.
When – Happens every 2 years in April, May, or June
5. Buddha’s Birthday
One of the most important festivals in Vietnam, Buddha’s birthday is celebrated by devotees across the country. The locals bring various offerings to the decorated temples including flower garlands, fruits, and a variety of Vietnamese dishes. Considered to be one of the best places to celebrate this day, Hoi An holds witness to thousands visiting to partake in street parades and prayer sessions. The celebrations start off with a procession of monks walking along the Ancient Town of Hoi An. The devotees make their way to the Phap Bao Pagoda to perform religious rites and listen to Buddhist Scriptures.
When – 30th April
6. Mid-Autumn Festival- The Harvest Festival of Vietnam
This colorful festival is celebrated on the 14th and 15th of the lunar month. Lanterns are lit during the night time and both children and elders come together and enjoy the festivities. This harvest festival is one of the best festivals in Vietnam. People get to witness the spectacular Lion Dance and also get to taste special food like jellies, biscuits, and moon cakes.
When – 1st October
7. Hoi An Lantern Festival of Vietnam
Taking place every full moon, this festival transforms the UNESCO World Heritage Site into a striking display of colors. The ancient city is decorated with paper lanterns of all sizes, colors, and shapes. This serene town is transformed into a very happy place with all shops, restaurants, and businesses in the ancient town with hundreds of lanterns and candles. These shops stop using electricity to make use of the lanterns and candles to the fullest. This light festival though it takes place in Hoi An, the Ancient Town is the best place to witness this festival in Vietnam.
When – Every month on the Full moon day
A fantastic way to experience the country’s culture is by taking part in these beautiful festivals in Vietnam. So what is the wait for? Plan a trip to Vietnam with our experts at Growing Global Overseas to
indulge yourself in the rich heritage and vibrant culture. You can also explore our recently booked Vietnam package page to get inspiration from our popular Vietnam tour package. Let’s start your Vietnam vacation planning and book your dream Vietnam trip with Growing Global Overseas!
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