Vietnam is a country rich in traditions and cultural heritage, with numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year. These events reflect the nation’s deep-rooted history, spiritual beliefs, and vibrant local customs. Below is a comprehensive guide to the major festivals in Vietnam, updated with the latest information.

Tet (Lunar New Year) – Late January to Mid-February

The most significant and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam, Tet marks the beginning of the lunar new year. Families gather to honor ancestors, clean their homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive foods such as banh chung and banh tet.

Tay Son Festival – Late January to Mid-February

Held in Tay Son District near Quy Nhon, this festival features spectacular martial arts demonstrations and a grand parade of beautifully decorated elephants to honor the Tay Son brothers, national heroes of Vietnam.

Water-Puppet Festival – February

As part of the Tet celebrations, the Water-Puppet Festival takes place at Thay Pagoda, west of Hanoi. It showcases the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry, narrating folk tales and legends through intricate performances.

Lim Singing Festival – February to March

Two weeks after Tet, Lim Village in Bac Ninh province hosts a festival dedicated to Quan Ho folk singing. Male and female singers engage in a captivating back-and-forth exchange of lyrical verses, creating an enchanting musical experience.

Hai Ba Trung Festival – March

This festival honors the Trung Sisters, legendary female warriors who led a rebellion against Chinese rule. Held at the Hai Ba Trung Temple in Hanoi, the event features parades, traditional dances, and reenactments of their heroic battles.

Perfume Pagoda Festival – March to April

One of Vietnam’s most famous pilgrimages, this festival takes place at Chua Huong, west of Hanoi. Thousands of Buddhist devotees visit the pagoda, with the celebration reaching its peak on the full moon of the second lunar month.

Den Ba Chua Kho Festival – March to April

Business owners and entrepreneurs visit this temple near Bac Ninh during the full moon of the second lunar month to pray for prosperity and financial success.

Thanh Minh Festival – April

Similar to the Qingming Festival in China, this is a time for families to clean ancestral graves and make offerings of food, flowers, and votive objects.

Phat Dan (Buddha’s Birthday) – May

Pagodas and Buddhist homes across Vietnam are adorned with lanterns to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of Buddha.

Chua Xu Festival – May

Held at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc, this festival attracts thousands who gather to bathe and honor the sacred stone statue of Chua Xu, believed to bring blessings and protection.

Tet Doan Ngo – Late May to Early June

Marking the summer solstice, this festival is observed to ward off diseases and negative energies. Traditional foods like fermented sticky rice and fresh fruits are consumed, and dragon boat races are held in some regions.

Vu Lan (Ghost Festival) – August

Also known as the Day of Wandering Souls, this festival is the second most significant after Tet. Families make offerings of food and clothing to honor their ancestors and to comfort lost souls. In Buddhist traditions, ceremonies are held for the forgiveness of sins.

Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival – August

A unique cultural event held in Do Son, near Haiphong, where buffaloes compete in dramatic battles. The winning buffalo is considered sacred and honored in local rituals.

Kate Festival – September to October

This Cham ethnic festival, held at Po Klong Garai and Po Re Me near Phan Rang, celebrates the Cham New Year with traditional music, dances, and religious ceremonies.

Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) – September to October

A festival dedicated to children, Trung Thu features dragon dances, lantern parades, and mooncake feasts. Children receive star-shaped lanterns, and families gather to enjoy special treats such as banh trung thu (mooncakes).

Whale Festival – September to October

Fishermen in coastal towns like Vung Tau honor the whale, believed to be a guardian spirit of the sea. Offerings are made at Lang Ca Ong temple, and ceremonies include traditional dances and boat processions.

Oc Bom Boc Festival – November to December

This vibrant boat-racing festival in Soc Trang is celebrated by the Khmer ethnic community. It marks the end of the rainy season and is dedicated to thanking the gods for a bountiful harvest.

Da Lat Flower Festival – Late December to New Year

Held biennially in Da Lat, this spectacular festival showcases the city’s stunning floral displays, with exhibitions, parades, and artistic performances featuring a variety of flowers grown in the region.

Christmas – December 24

While Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country, Christmas is widely celebrated, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Midnight masses take place at churches, and festive lights, decorations, and street celebrations bring a lively atmosphere.

Vietnam’s festivals offer a fascinating glimpse into its cultural diversity and spiritual traditions. Whether you are a traveler seeking unique experiences or a local participating in age-old customs, these celebrations provide unforgettable memories and deeper insights into the country’s heritage.