All Festival in Vietnam by Month: Cultural Highlights of 2026

Vietnam is a land of vibrant culture, diverse traditions, and colorful celebrations that bring communities together throughout the year. From the north to the south, festivals in Vietnam showcase the country’s deep spiritual roots, agricultural heritage, and modern expressions of joy. If you’re planning a trip in 2026, timing your journey with these festivals will give you an unforgettable cultural experience.

In this guide, we’ll take you month by month through the most significant festivals in Vietnam in 2026, including when and where to celebrate them. Whether you’re drawn to ancient rituals, food-filled gatherings, or lantern-lit nights, there’s always something magical happening in Vietnam.

January – A New Year of Joy and Traditions

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

• When: January 26 – February 1, 2026 (dates vary by lunar calendar)
• Where: Nationwide

Tet is the most important of all festivals in Vietnam. Families clean and decorate their homes, honor ancestors, and gather to celebrate the start of the lunar year. Streets are filled with peach blossoms in the north and yellow apricot flowers in the south. Visitors can join in by tasting special Tet foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and pickled vegetables.

👉 Navigating travel during Tet can be tricky with limited transportation and crowded venues; for a stress-free experience, consider booking a guided tour with Sun Getaways Travel to immerse yourself in the festivities.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

• When: January 14, 2026 (lunar calendar)
• Where: Hoi An, Quang Nam

Hoi An nightlife glows with thousands of colorful lanterns on the 14th day of every lunar month. In January 2026, the town’s ancient streets will be especially lively as Tet and the lantern festival overlap, creating a magical atmosphere.

February – Spring Festivities and Pilgrimage

Perfume Pagoda Festival

• When: February 12 – March 12, 2026
• Where: Huong Son, Hanoi

Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of the largest Buddhist festivals in Vietnam. Pilgrims take boat rides along the Yen Stream, then hike up to the Perfume Pagoda. The month-long event includes prayers for peace, health, and prosperity. For more on Vietnam’s spiritual sites, see our guide to Vietnamese temples.

Lim Festival

• When: February 8, 2026
• Where: Bac Ninh Province

The Lim Festival celebrates quan họ folk singing, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Singers perform in traditional costumes, and cultural games like bamboo swings and wrestling take place.

March – Honoring Ancestors and National Heroes

Hung Kings’ Temple Festival

• When: March 31 – April 1, 2026
• Where: Phu Tho Province

This festival pays tribute to the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. Pilgrims climb Nghia Linh Mountain to offer incense, while parades, folk games, and traditional music fill the province. It’s one of the most patriotic festivals in Vietnam, uniting locals nationwide.

April – Celebrating Reunification and Spiritual Beliefs

Reunification Day

• When: April 30, 2026
• Where: Nationwide

A national holiday commemorating the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, Reunification Day features parades, fireworks, and cultural performances in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Khmer New Year (Chol Chnam Thmay)

• When: April 13–15, 2026
• Where: Mekong Delta (Soc Trang, Tra Vinh)

For the Khmer ethnic community, April marks the solar new year. Temples host ceremonies, and locals join in water-splashing games and dragon dances.

Hue Festival

• When: April 25 – May 2, 2026 (Dates may vary)
• Where: Hue, Thua Thien Hue Province

The Hue Festival features features a diverse array of traditional performances, art exhibitions, and captivating street festivals. Visitors can witness a reenactment of a royal ceremony, attend music concerts, and explore the beautifully lit Imperial Citadel. It’s one of the most prominent festivals in Vietnam, blending ancient rituals with modern art.

May – Rituals of Fertility and Agriculture

Ba Chua Xu Festival

• When: May 21–25, 2026
• Where: Sam Mountain, An Giang Province

Dedicated to the Lady of the Realm, this festival attracts pilgrims seeking blessings for health, wealth, and fertility. Rituals include bathing the statue of Ba Chua Xu and traditional dances.

June – Water and Whales

Whale Festival (Cau Ngu Festival)

• When: June 6, 2026
• Where: Coastal provinces like Binh Thuan and Khanh Hoa

Fishermen in central Vietnam honor the whale god, believed to protect sailors. The festival includes processions, offerings at sea, and traditional hat bội (classical opera). To explore Vietnam’s coastal gems, check out our guide to Vietnam’s best beaches and islands.

July – Paying Respect to Ancestors

Vu Lan Festival (Ghost Festival)

• When: July 28, 2026 (15th day of the 7th lunar month)
• Where: Nationwide

Similar to the “Hungry Ghost Festival” in other Asian cultures, Vu Lan is a Buddhist holiday for honoring deceased ancestors. Pagodas overflow with offerings, and red or white roses are worn to symbolize whether one’s parents are alive or passed away. For a deeper understanding, explore the traditions of ancestor worship in Vietnam.

August – A Mid-Autumn Celebration

Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)

• When: September 25, 2026 (15th day of the 8th lunar month)
• Where: Nationwide

Though falling in late September in 2026, preparations begin in August. Children enjoy lion dances, mooncakes, and lantern parades. It’s one of the most joyful festivals in Vietnam, centered on family and harvest.

👉 If you’re traveling with your family, a customized festival tour from Sun Getaways Travel can ensure everyone has a memorable and fun-filled experience.

September – Remembering National Independence

Vietnam National Day

• When: September 2, 2026
• Where: Nationwide

Marking Vietnam’s independence from French colonial rule in 1945, this day features fireworks, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural shows. Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square is the most symbolic place to experience the celebrations.

October – Festivals of Rice and Harvest

Ooc Om Bok Festival

• When: October 25, 2026 (15th day of the 10th lunar month)
• Where: Tra Vinh, Soc Trang

A Khmer festival giving thanks to the moon for a bountiful harvest. The highlight is the Ngo boat race, where long, dragon-headed boats race down the river. This vibrant celebration of unity and agriculture is unique among festivals in Vietnam.

November – Paying Tribute to Teachers

Vietnam Teachers’ Day

• When: November 20, 2026
• Where: Nationwide

Though not a traditional festival, this day highlights Vietnam’s deep respect for education. Students bring flowers and gifts to their teachers, and schools hold ceremonies in honor of mentors.

December – Christmas and Year-End Festivities

Christmas in Vietnam

• When: December 24–25, 2026
• Where: Major cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi

Vietnam’s Christian community celebrates Christmas with midnight mass, decorated churches, and nativity scenes. Cities light up with ornaments and festive markets, making December one of the most dazzling times to visit. For more on what to do, see our Ho Chi Minh City Guide.

Tips for Experiencing Festivals in Vietnam

1. Plan Ahead: Dates for festivals based on the lunar calendar shift yearly, so confirm 2026 schedules before booking. For the best time to visit, see our month-by-month guide.
2. Respect Traditions: Dress modestly at religious sites and follow local customs.
3. Join the Fun: Many festivals in Vietnam encourage participation, whether dancing, singing, or enjoying traditional food.
4. Book Early: Accommodation in festival hotspots like Hoi An, Hanoi, and Hue fills up quickly.
5. For seamless planning and a personalized itinerary, contact us via WhatsApp to help you make the most of your journey.

Final Thoughts

Traveling through the festivals in Vietnam in 2026 is like walking through the nation’s cultural calendar. From the fireworks of Tet and National Day to the peaceful offerings at Vu Lan, every month offers a chance to connect with Vietnamese traditions. Whether you’re drawn to spiritual pilgrimages, folk games, or lantern-lit celebrations, these festivals reveal the soul of Vietnam.

So, if you’re planning your 2026 adventure, align your trip with these events to witness the heartbeat of Vietnamese culture in its most festive form.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to visit Vietnam for festivals?

The best time to visit for festivals is during the spring (January–April). This period includes major events like Tet (Lunar New Year), the Perfume Pagoda Festival, and the Hue Festival, offering a wide range of cultural experiences.

2. How do I know the exact dates for lunar calendar festivals?

Since lunar calendar dates change each year, it’s crucial to check them a few months before your trip. For example, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Hoi An Lantern Festival follow the lunar cycle, so their dates on the Gregorian calendar will be different every year.

3. What should I wear to religious festivals?

When visiting temples or pagodas during religious festivals like the Perfume Pagoda Festival or the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival, it’s important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees.

4. Can I join in on the celebrations?

Absolutely! Many festivals in Vietnam, especially in local communities, welcome visitors. You can join in folk games, enjoy traditional music, and try special foods. Just remember to be respectful and follow local customs.

5. Is it more expensive to travel during festival times?

Yes, travel costs—including flights and accommodation—often increase significantly during major holidays like Tet and National Day. It’s best to book your travel and hotels well in advance to avoid higher prices and limited availability.