Important Lunar Festivals in Vietnam: Where, When & How to Enjoy

Planning a trip and want to understand the important lunar festivals in Vietnam? These cultural events follow the Vietnamese lunar calendar, and they shape travel patterns across the country. They also offer a rare chance to witness authentic Vietnamese lunar festival celebrations during your visit.

1. Why Important Lunar Festivals in Vietnam Matter in Local Culture

Vietnam’s most meaningful traditions follow the Vietnamese lunar calendar, and these traditions shape travel experiences in every region. This section helps you understand why these festivals matter and why they attract millions of locals each year.

Lunar dates carry deep spiritual meaning because people believe they mark special moments between heaven, earth, and ancestors. These dates guide simple rituals and temple visits. For travelers, knowing them makes it easier to plan around crowds and ceremonies.

Ancestor worship is central to many important lunar festivals in Vietnam. Families clean altars, prepare offerings, and honor past generations. Travelers can observe these peaceful moments and may even join a small offering or shared meal with a local host.

Lunar festivals also bring communities together. Towns fill with lanterns, music, and lively markets. Visitors can enjoy great photo spots, try street foods, and connect with locals in a friendly atmosphere.

2. Tet Nguyen Dan: The Most Important Lunar Festival in Vietnam

Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, is the biggest and most anticipated celebration of the year. The entire country prepares weeks in advance, creating a joyful yet busy travel period.

2.1 Key traditions and symbolism

Tet represents renewal. Families clean their homes, decorate with peach blossoms, and prepare “banh chung.” Streets glow with red decorations symbolizing luck. You may also see customs like giving “li xi,” visiting temples at midnight, and preparing offerings to ancestors.

2.2 Best cities to experience Tet

Tet feels different across Vietnam, and each region has its charm.

• Hanoi: Traditional atmosphere, flower markets, cultural performances.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Modern lights, decorated Nguyen Hue Walking Street, vibrant nightlife.
• Hoi An: Lantern-lit nights perfect for photos and peaceful temple visits.

If you plan a Tet holiday, consider joining a city tour to understand customs better and access less crowded attractions.

2.3 Travel tips during one of the most important lunar festivals in Vietnam

Tet is beautiful but it comes with challenges. Many shops close, transportation gets busy, and prices may rise. Book hotels early, plan flexible itineraries, and check attraction schedules in advance.

👉 If you need help planning Tet travel, feel free to contact Sun Getaways Travel for personalized support.

3. Full Moon of the First Month: A Key Event Among Important Lunar Festivals in Vietnam

Known as Ram Thang Gieng, this full moon is considered the most important full moon of the year.

3.1 Religious rituals in pagodas

On this night, pagodas fill with worshippers offering incense and praying for good fortune. The air feels calm and sacred, creating a unique spiritual experience for travelers.

3.2 Meaning of “Cau an dau nam”

“Cau an dau nam” means praying for peace and safety at the start of the year. Many people believe these prayers set the tone for the months ahead. As a visitor, joining respectfully – often by lighting a single incense stick – offers a meaningful cultural moment.

4. Perfume Pagoda Festival: A Famous Pilgrimage in the List of Important Lunar Festivals in Vietnam

Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is one of Vietnam’s most iconic pilgrimage destinations, attracting visitors from late January to April.

4.1 Origins of the pilgrimage

This pilgrimage has existed for centuries and honors Buddhist beliefs about compassion and enlightenment. Many locals consider this journey a way to “cleanse the soul” at the start of the year.

4.2 What visitors experience during the festival season

Travelers enjoy boat rides along the Yen Stream, visits to sacred caves, and panoramic mountain views.
The peaceful atmosphere, combined with ritual chanting, creates a rare cultural immersion.

4.3 Ideal time and route to visit this important lunar festival in Vietnam

The best time is from the first to the third lunar month. Routes include boat rides, cable cars, and forest trails. If you plan on visiting Hanoi, this festival makes a great day trip and often pairs well with city tours.

5. Hung Kings Temple Festival: Honoring National Heritage

This festival honors the Hung Kings – believed to be the founders of the Vietnamese nation.

5.1 Historical significance

Locals celebrate the Hung Kings to express gratitude for the nation’s roots. The rituals combine patriotism, history, and folklore.

5.2 Ceremonies and performances

The festival features parades, drum dances, folk music, and traditional offerings. Travelers often love the lively atmosphere and open-air cultural shows.

5.3 Why this festival draws huge crowds

Millions join this national event because it symbolizes unity and national pride. For visitors, it offers insight into Vietnamese identity beyond everyday life.

6. Mid-Autumn Festival: One of the Best Important Lunar Festivals in Vietnam for Families

Tet Trung Thu is a joyful celebration filled with lights, performances, and traditional sweets.

6.1 Lantern parades and lion dances

Children carry lanterns shaped like stars, fish, or butterflies. Streets come alive with lion dances – a must-see cultural highlight for photographers.

6.2 Festival foods like mooncakes

Mooncakes are the heart of the celebration. Flavors include lotus seed, green tea, durian, and mixed nuts. Trying mooncakes during your trip adds a sweet cultural touch to your experience.

6.3 Best places to experience the atmosphere

Hoi An, Hanoi Old Quarter, and District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City host some of the best celebrations. If you enjoy night photography, these areas are perfect.

7. Ghost Month: Understanding the 7th Lunar Month

Ghost Month blends spiritual respect with cultural caution, making it one of the most interesting Vietnamese lunar festival celebrations for curious travelers.

7.1 What locals avoid during this period

Many avoid signing contracts, night swimming, or risky activities. These beliefs stem from the idea that spirits roam freely during this month.

7.2 Ceremonies for wandering spirits

People prepare offerings, burn incense, and release paper lanterns on rivers to honor lost souls.
For travelers, these moments are beautiful and deeply symbolic.

7.3 How tourists can observe traditions respectfully

Dress modestly, avoid stepping on offerings, and follow temple etiquette. A local guide can help you understand customs more clearly.

8. Travel Tips for Enjoying Important Lunar Festivals in Vietnam

Before exploring the list below, remember that festivals vary by region, season, and crowd levels. Planning ahead helps create a smoother experience.

• Check dates early: Lunar dates change yearly, so confirm them before booking flights. This prevents surprises and helps you plan Vietnam travel by lunar calendar better.
• Book accommodations in advance: Popular festivals like Tet can fill up hotels quickly, especially in major cities. Early booking ensures better room options.
• Dress respectfully: Temples and pagodas require modest clothing. This helps you blend in and shows cultural respect.
• Join guided tours: Local guides explain rituals, stories, and symbolism, enhancing your understanding of each festival.
• Try local street food: Festivals are the best places to taste regional snacks. It adds more depth to your cultural experience and supports local vendors.

“Travelers should always check the Vietnamese lunar calendar before arranging festival trips. This helps avoid high-traffic days and ensures you catch the most meaningful ceremonies.”
– Mrs. Emma Nguyen, Tour Operator Manager with over 12 years of experience at Sun Getaways Travel

9. Comparison Table: Highlights of Key Lunar Festivals

10. FAQs about Important Lunar Festivals in Vietnam

11. Conclusion

Experiencing the important lunar festivals in Vietnam is one of the best ways to feel the country’s culture. These events also let you enjoy real Vietnamese lunar festival celebrations filled with color, food, and tradition.

For a smooth trip, Sun Getaways Travel is here to help. Contact us for simple advice, festival timing tips, and a custom itinerary made for your travel style.