Vietnam is not only famous for its long beaches, majestic mountains, and rich cuisine, but also known as a living cultural treasure with hundreds of large and small festivals scattered across the country. Each festival is a story, a memory preserved through generations, carrying the breath of history, beliefs, and community life.
For international visitors, traditional festivals in Vietnam are the doorway to a colorful world, where you can immerse yourself in the jubilant atmosphere, enjoy folk art performances, take part in traditional games, and witness solemn rituals that have been passed down for centuries.
In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic traditional festivals in Vietnam – events that any visitor should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Huong Pagoda Festival – A Pilgrimage Amid Spring Landscapes
Located about 60 km from central Hanoi, Huong Pagoda Festival is one of the most popular traditional festivals in Vietnam, attracting thousands of pilgrims each spring. It is a journey to the Buddha’s land, where visitors can both worship and admire the poetic scenery of the Huong Son region.
Location: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi
Origin: Rooted in Buddhist beliefs, associated with the Huong Pagoda complex built in the 15th century.
Festival Dates: From the 6th day of the first lunar month, lasting until the end of the third lunar month.
Activities: Incense offering ceremony, pagoda visit, boat trip on Yen Stream, sampling Huong Son specialties.
Highlights: Pilgrimage combined with cave exploration, spring landscape photography, and tasting local cuisine.
Hung Temple Festival – Honoring the Ancestors of the Nation
Hung Temple Festival is a national event to commemorate the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. It holds profound historical significance and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Location: Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province
Origin: Originated from the worship of Hung Kings.
Festival Dates: Main celebration on the 10th day of the third lunar month every year.
Activities: Incense offering ceremony at Thuong Temple and Ha Temple, palanquin procession, Chung cake and Day cake wrapping contest, folk games.
Highlights: Learning about the nation’s founding history, experiencing national pride, and sampling midland specialties.
Lim Festival – The Melodies of Quan Ho in Kinh Bac
Lim Festival is the cradle of Quan Ho folk songs, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. It is both a cultural celebration and a showcase of the charm of the Kinh Bac region.
Location: Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province
Origin: Linked to the worship of the Queen Mother, founder of the weaving village, and teacher of Quan Ho singing.
Festival Dates: 13th day of the first lunar month.
Activities: Quan Ho boat singing, singing competitions, palanquin processions, wrestling, human chess games.
Highlights: Listening to the smooth melodies of Quan Ho, experiencing Kinh Bac culture, and photographing women in traditional four-flap dresses in a peaceful countryside setting.
Giong Festival – The Heroic Spirit of Saint Giong
Giong Festival honors Saint Giong, the legendary hero who defended the country against foreign invaders. It is one of Vietnam’s most striking traditional festivals, blending legend, ritual, and performance.
Location: Phu Dong Commune (Gia Lam District) and Xuan Dinh Commune (Bac Tu Liem District), Hanoi
Origin: Based on the legend of Saint Giong, a symbol of national resilience.
Festival Dates: 9th day of the fourth lunar month (Phu Dong) and 6th day of the first lunar month (Xuan Dinh).
Activities: Battle reenactment of Saint Giong, palanquin carrying, dragon dancing, and folk performances.
Highlights: Spectacular reenactments, insight into folk legends, and immersion in a heroic atmosphere.
Central Highlands Gong Festival – Echoes Across the Mountains
The Central Highlands Gong Festival celebrates the gong culture of Vietnam’s highland ethnic groups, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a vibrant expression of community life, spirituality, and artistry.
Location: Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong provinces
Origin: Associated with the gong culture of Central Highlands ethnic groups.
Festival Dates: Usually held during the year-end festivals or the new rice celebration.
Activities: Gong performances, xoang dance, Yang worship ceremony, grave abandonment ceremony, communal rice wine drinking.
Highlights: Immersing in the powerful sound of gongs, joining community celebrations, and enjoying Central Highlands cuisine.
Ok Om Bok Festival – Moonlight and Racing Ghe Ngo Boats
Ok Om Bok Festival, also known as the Moon Worship Festival, is a signature celebration of the Khmer people in southern Vietnam.
Location: Mainly in Tra Vinh and Soc Trang provinces
Origin: Agricultural belief in giving thanks to the Moon God for a bountiful harvest.
Festival Dates: Full moon of the 10th lunar month.
Activities: Moon worshiping ceremony, wind lantern releasing, ghe ngo (traditional Khmer long boats) racing.
Highlights: Watching thrilling ghe ngo races, tasting flattened rice cakes, and soaking in the Southern festive spirit.
Da Nang Boat Racing Festival – Waves of Unity on the Han River
Held annually during Tet, the Da Nang Boat Racing Festival is a joyful and energetic event showcasing the unity and strength of the local community.
Location: Han River bank, Da Nang City
Origin: Tradition of coastal and riverside communities, praying for good weather and plentiful catches.
Festival Dates: 2nd day of the Lunar New Year.
Activities: Traditional boat racing, spring market, folk art performances.
Highlights: Cheering on racing teams, enjoying fresh seafood, and wandering the Tet market.
Festivals and Style – The Taste of a Complete Trip
The journey to discover traditional festivals in Vietnam not only brings you closer to the nation’s history and culture but also offers unforgettable experiences of its people and landscapes. From the sacred serenity atop Huong Pagoda, the heroic spirit of Giong Festival, to the resounding gongs of the Central Highlands, each festival is a vibrant piece of Vietnam’s cultural mosaic.
And when your journey reaches perfection, it becomes even more memorable with an outfit tailored to capture those moments. After immersing yourself in the country’s traditional festivals, let Tailor Bros, a renowned Hanoi tailor, perfect your style with precise craftsmanship, premium fabrics, and dedicated service. Because style is not only about where you go, but also about how you appear.
