The Ultimate Guide to the Vietnamese Moon Festival 2026
Dan Vy
3 min. to read
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to one of Vietnam’s most enchanting cultural celebrations: the Vietnamese Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam). Whether you’re a curious traveller, a cultural enthusiast or planning a special trip with family, this post explores everything you need to know for 2026 — from origins and legends to how to join the festivities with the help of your trusted travel partner, Sun Getaways Travel.
The Vietnamese Moon Festival, commonly called Tết Trung Thu in Vietnam, is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month — which in 2026 falls on September 25.
While the festival is celebrated in many East-Asian cultures as the “Mid-Autumn Festival”, the Vietnam version carries its own unique flavour and traditions.
Why is it called the “Vietnamese Moon Festival”?
The full moon on that night is at its brightest and roundest of the year — and it symbolises unity, reunion, prosperity, and joy. Families gather under the moonlight, children carry lanterns, mooncakes are shared, and the spirit of thanks and granting wishes fills the air.
A festival for children—and for families
In Vietnam, Tết Trung Thu is often called the “Children’s Festival”. It’s a celebration of childhood, of family reunion after the harvest, and of expressing gratitude for both family and nature. The deep focus on youth makes the Mid-Autumn Festival perfect for kids in Vietnam.
“Not everyone celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam because it’s something you’re allowed to but not forced to do… this festival … is an occasion for us to connect with our family, friends, community and to cherish our tradition.”
2. Origins and Legends of the Vietnamese Moon Festival
Agricultural roots & family reunion
Historically, the festival’s timing — after the summer harvest — gave parents who were busy in the fields a chance to spend time with their children. From that grew the notion of a festival particularly for kids and for family togetherness.
Popular legends in Vietnam
The story of Cuội: A man who floated to the moon tied to a banyan tree after an accident; children lighting lanterns are said to help him find the way back. This is just one of many vibrant Vietnamese festivals celebrated throughout the year
Carp lantern myth: One old tale says a carp-spirit once caused harm, and lanterns (particularly carp-shaped) were carried to scare it away and to symbolise hope for the harvest.
Evolution of the festival
Over centuries, the festival has evolved from temple rites and harvest rituals to a more family-and-children-centred celebration of light, moon-watching, fun and sharing.
3. When & Where — The 2026 Edition Vietnamese Moon Festival
Hội An Ancient Town: Lantern‐lit, riverside parades, floating lanterns on the Thu Bồn River, folk games. The atmosphere here is often compared to the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival.
Hà Nội Old Quarter: Streets like Hàng Mã burst into lantern and toy stores; vibrant night markets for the festival.
Other cities and towns across Vietnam also partake, each adding their local flavour.
Why plan ahead with Sun Getaways Travel
Since the festival attracts travellers and local participation alike, accommodations and event access can fill up fast. If you’d like to join the celebration stress-free, Sun Getaways Travel can help you secure optimal lodging, local guides, and even lantern-making or moon-cake tasting workshops tailored for your group – Contact us via WhatsApp today to reserve your spot for the 2026 festival!
4. Traditions & Activities to Experience: Vietnamese Moon Festival
The Vietnamese Moon Festival is packed with fun, food and meaningful rituals. Here are the key experiences you won’t want to miss:
4.1 Lanterns everywhere
Children—and many adults—craft or purchase colourful lanterns (star-shaped, carp-shaped, butterfly, etc.). On the festival night they carry them in parades, under the full moon, lighting up neighbourhoods. For a truly authentic experience, you can learn about Vietnamese traditional lantern making.
4.2 Mooncakes & festive feasts
Mooncakes (bánh trung thu) are a must. Round or square, filled with lotus seeds, mung bean, salted-egg yolk, or even modern fillings. Families also present trays of fruit and savoury snacks. You can learn more about the varieties of Mooncakes in Vietnam.
4.3 Lion dances & street shows
In many places you’ll find lion or dragon‐dance troupes patrolling streets, drumming, entertaining children, and symbolising luck and prosperity. This performance is a staple of Vietnamese night performances during the festival season.
4.4 Worship & moon-watching
Families set up altars or simply gather outside to offer thanks, worship ancestors, and admire the full moon together. It’s a contemplative but joyful episode in a festive evening. This practice ties into broader Vietnamese culture and traditions.
4.5 Games, masks & kids’ fun
Children carry lanterns, wear masks, play traditional games in public squares. The festival emphasises child-friendly fun and community experiences.
👉 Don’t miss this: Let us customise your tour to include a lantern-workshop and moon-cake tasting — a truly immersive way to celebrate the Moon Festival with local families.
5. Top Destinations & Best Spots for Vietnamese Moon Festival 2026
Here are some of the most photo-worthy and authentic places to join the Vietnamese Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam:
Hoi An Ancient Town
Walk the lantern-lit alleys, watch lanterns drift on the Hoài River, join riverside performances. magical.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Head to Hàng Mã Street and nearby lanes for lantern markets, kids with star lamps, the buzz of festival shopping and evening lantern walks. Don’t forget to check out the lively Hanoi Old Quarter area!
Other regional experiences
Smaller towns and even villages often offer more traditional, less tourist-packed versions of the festivities — a great choice if you prefer quieter authenticity. (We can tailor your journey accordingly.)
6. Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Vietnamese Moon Festival
Here are handy pointers to make your Vietnamese Moon Festival experience smooth and memorable.
Timing & accommodation
Since the festival draws crowds, book your accommodation early (especially in hot spots like Hoi An and Hanoi).
Arrive a day or two before the full-moon night to feel the build-up and join pre-festival lantern-making or street markets. You might consider checking out Hanoi’s night markets for pre-festival shopping.
What to pack & wear
Comfortable walking shoes for evening lantern parades.
Light jacket: though Vietnam is warm, evenings can be breezy in open riverfront or city streets. Refer to our general Vietnam packing guide for more tips.
Camera and portable light: lanterns glow best after dusk.
Local currency for street food, lantern-vendors, and small gifts.
Cultural etiquette
Respect family homes and altars if you glimpse them; ask permission for photos. It’s important to familiarize yourself with general Vietnamese etiquette when travelling.
Many events are family-centred – children carry lanterns, perform games; your involvement is welcome but mindful observation is good.
When participating in lantern parades, follow the local route and stick with crowds for safety.
Language & greetings
Learning a few phrases helps. For example: “Trung Thu vui vẻ!” means “Happy Moon Festival!”. A guide to Vietnamese phrases is always helpful.
Dietary & food experiences
Try a variety of mooncake flavours — the salted egg yolk version is traditional, while newer ones have green tea, chocolate or ice-cream fillings. You’ll find many unique options at the Vietnam street food night markets.
Street-food stands will pop up near festival zones – sample local snacks, sweets and fruit trays.
Travel tip
Let Sun Getaways Travel arrange a private evening tour during the festival: local guide, lantern-market visit, safe spots for lion-dances, and a riverside lantern release session. Let’s make your 2026 festival unforgettable. For unique evening activities, explore unique Vietnam night activities beyond the festival.
Are u ready for Hoi An?
Known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, vibrant lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage, Hoi An offers a truly immersive experience… More details below 👇
7. Why the Vietnamese Moon Festival Is a Must for Travellers in 2026
7.1 Cultural immersion
You’ll observe living traditions — lantern-making, moon-worship, children’s parades — not just a tourist spectacle. Vietnam’s Moon Festival is deeply rooted and widely celebrated.
7.2 Visual magic & memorable photos
The glow of thousands of lanterns against the full moon, river reflections in Hoi An, kids flooding the streets with lanterns — it’s a visual feast you’ll remember forever. If you are a couple, this provides perfect romantic Vietnam nightlife scenery.
7.3 Family and community spirit
This festival is warm, inclusive, and celebratory — it’s perfect for families, couples, solo travellers looking to connect with local culture. The emphasis on children and family gives the evening a joyful, lively energy. For families, this is one of the best things to do in Vietnam.
7.4 Off-peak travel advantage
Because Tết Trung Thu is not a public holiday in Vietnam (in many places), you’ll often find fewer international tourists than at some of the other big festivals. With good planning (and expert help), you can get a richer, more meaningful experience. With good planning, you’ll still get a great experience, avoiding the crowds of a holiday like Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).
Ready to join? Reach out to Sun Getaways Travel now to lock in your festival itinerary for September 2026.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnamese Moon Festival
1. Is the Vietnamese Moon Festival a public holiday? A: No, in most of Vietnam the festival is not a national day off — but many businesses and schools still recognise it with evening events and family gatherings.
2. Can foreigners participate? Absolutely – venues are public, lantern markets are open to all, riverside events and family-friendly activities welcome visitors. Just act respectfully.
3. Are there any special rules for visitors? Dress modestly for temple or altar visits, ask permission before photographing families, and be mindful during lantern or river-float events (safety first).
4. What happens after the festival night? Many celebrations continue for a few days (especially in Hoi An) with exhibitions, folk-games, and local craft fairs. It’s worth spending a few days to soak it all in.
9. How Sun Getaways Travel Can Elevate Your Experience
At Sun Getaways Travel, we specialise in curating cultural-immersive journeys in Vietnam — and the Vietnamese Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam) 2026 is a highlight. Here’s what we offer:
Customized festival tour: Choose your base (Hoi An, Hanoi or rural village), pick the number of nights, and we handle accommodation, transfers, and local events.
Exclusive experiences: Lantern-making workshop, moon-cake tasting with a local family, guided night parade route.
Local insight: Access to non-touristy festival events and insider tips on where the best lantern displays and lion-dances happen.
Safe & family-friendly: If you’re travelling with children, we tailor the schedule for comfort and fun.
Take action now: Secure your spot for the 2026 Moon Festival with Sun Getaways Travel — spaces are limited!
10. Summary & Final Thoughts
The Vietnamese Moon Festival/Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam is much more than a pretty night of lanterns — it’s a cultural moment of togetherness, gratitude, childhood joy, and spectacular visuals. Whether you’re strolling the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An or watching children parade in Hanoi under the bright full moon, you’ll feel the magic of Vietnam in full bloom.
For 2026, set your calendar: September 25, bring your sense of wonder, and travel with intention. With Sun Getaways Travel by your side, your experience will go from tour-package to memorable cultural journey.
Ready to celebrate?Contact us today and let’s design your Moon Festival adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Dan Vy 
3 min. to read 
