The 5 Best Places to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Whether you’re drawn by glowing lanterns, cultural performances, or nostalgic charm, Vietnam offers endless opportunities to experience this magical celebration. If you’re planning your trip, here’s a guide to the best places to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, where the moonlight and tradition create unforgettable memories.

As the full moon glows over Vietnam every 15th day of the eighth lunar month, the country bursts into color, sound, and light. Lanterns float across rivers, children parade through the streets, and mooncakes fill the air with sweetness. The Mid-Autumn Festival—Tết Trung Thu—is one of the most anticipated and heartwarming cultural events in the country.

🌕 Key Takeaways – Best Places to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

1. Hoi An Ancient Town – The Heart of the Lantern Festival

If you’ve ever seen photos of Vietnam covered in lanterns, chances are they were taken during the Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival. This UNESCO World Heritage town in central Vietnam is widely considered one of the best places to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam.

When the full moon rises, Hoi An turns off its electric lights, and the entire town glimmers under the glow of silk lanterns. Locals and visitors gather along the Thu Bồn River to release small, candle-lit lanterns onto the water—a tradition symbolizing peace, luck, and prosperity.

Why You’ll Love the Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival

• The whole town transforms into a living lantern museum with music, laughter, and ancient charm.
• Folk games, mooncake tasting, and traditional dances fill the narrow streets.
• You can join lantern-making workshops and learn from local artisans.

Tips for Visiting

• Stay close to the Ancient Town for easy evening walks under lantern light.
• Join a riverboat ride at night—releasing your own lantern is a must-do.
• Book early; hotels fill up quickly around the Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival.

2. Hanoi – Where Tradition and Joy Collide

In the north, Hanoi celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with cultural depth and urban vibrancy. The Old Quarter, especially Hàng Mã Street, becomes a festival wonderland where children buy star-shaped lanterns and masks while families share laughter in the lantern-lit night. This special time is especially cherished for Mid-Autumn Festival for kids in Vietnam.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake glows with moonlight, lion dances drum through the streets, and food vendors sell traditional mooncakes beside modern pastries. Hanoi is undoubtedly among the best places to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam for travelers who want a local, authentic experience.

Why Visit Hanoi During the Festival

• The city blends old and new traditions beautifully.
• You’ll find countless local treats, folk performances, and cultural parades.
• The energy of the crowds creates an atmosphere of unity and joy.

Travel Tips

• Arrive before sunset to enjoy the best photos and street scenes.
• Visit local bakeries for handmade mooncakes filled with lotus seed paste.
• Combine your festival stay with day trips to Ninh Bình or Ha Long Bay for a complete northern Vietnam journey.

3. Ho Chi Minh City – The Southern Celebration of Light

Down south, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) brings a modern and vibrant energy to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The main attraction is Chợ Lớn, the city’s historic Chinatown. During the festival, Lương Nhữ Học Street turns into a dazzling lantern market filled with families, students, and travelers.

The atmosphere here is fast-paced and joyful—lion dances, glowing decorations, and endless street snacks make this celebration unforgettable.

Why It’s One of the Best Places to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

• The fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese-Vietnamese culture creates a unique festival experience.
• The city’s modern backdrop makes for stunning festival photos.
• Lantern shops stay open late, allowing you to shop, eat, and and explore under the moon.

Tips for Travelers

• Visit late afternoon to see the lanterns light up gradually.
• Use taxis or Grab—traffic can be hectic during festival nights.
• Try southern-style mooncakes with durian or coconut fillings.

4. Tuyên Quang – The Grand Parade of Northern Vietnam

If you prefer a celebration off the beaten path, head to Tuyên Quang, a northern province known for hosting Vietnam’s largest and most spectacular lantern parade.

Each neighborhood designs giant lantern floats shaped like dragons, castles, or folklore symbols. Locals march them through the streets accompanied by music and laughter, creating a vivid, community-driven celebration.

Why Visit Tuyên Quang

• It’s authentic, festive, and full of local spirit, showcasing the beauty of Northern Vietnam.
• The lanterns here are massive and artistically made.
• It’s one of the few places where the whole town joins the parade.

Travel Tips

• Arrive a day early to see lanterns being crafted.
• Book accommodations in advance—the festival draws visitors from across Vietnam.
• Bring your camera—Tuyên Quang’s lanterns are pure art.

5. Huế – The Imperial City Under the Moon

The Huế Mid-Autumn Festival may not be as crowded as Hoi An or Hanoi, but it’s one of the most serene and poetic experiences in Vietnam. The former imperial capital celebrates the festival with elegance—lanterns drift on the Perfume River, children sing folk songs, and temples glow under the soft light of the full moon.

Why Huế Deserves a Spot on Your List

• It’s a calm, graceful celebration perfect for reflection and romance.
• The royal citadel and ancient temples provide a stunning backdrop.
• Cultural performances, tea ceremonies, and traditional crafts complete the experience.

Travel Tips

• Book a riverside hotel to watch the lanterns float past your window.
• Visit the citadel during the day, then enjoy the riverside by night.
• Bring a tripod for night photography—it’s truly breathtaking.

💫 Let Sun Getaways Travel arrange your Huế escape—complete with river cruises, cultural shows, and the best hotel views.

When and How to Plan Best Places to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

1. Festival date: In 2025, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Monday, October 6 (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month).
2. Book early: Hotels and tours sell out fast during this holiday.
3. Pack light but festive: A light jacket, comfortable shoes, and your camera are all you need.
4. Respect local customs: Avoid blocking children’s parades or touching offerings on family altars.
5. Enjoy the food: Try both baked and snow-skin mooncakes, each symbolizing reunion and sweetness.
6. Immerse fully: The joy lies not only in the lanterns but also in the sense of community—everyone smiles a little wider under the full moon. Learn basic phrases to enhance your interactions.

Why Travel with Best Places to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

At Sun Getaways Travel, we believe festivals aren’t just events—they’re stories you live. Our local expertise and trusted partnerships help travelers experience Vietnam’s most meaningful moments with ease and authenticity.

Here’s what we offer for your Mid-Autumn Festival trip:

1. Tailored itineraries that match your interests, from lantern festivals to scenic escapes.
2. Insider access to local craftspeople, workshops, and the best festival viewing spots.
3. Stress-free logistics—accommodation, transport, guides, and special experiences all handled by our expert team.
4. 24/7 support, ensuring your only task is to enjoy the magic around you.

💬 FAQs – Best Places to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Final Thoughts about Best Places to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam isn’t just about lights—it’s about connection, community, and cultural wonder. From the glowing rivers of Hoi An to Hanoi’s joyful chaos, from Saigon’s modern buzz to Huế’s gentle elegance, every corner of Vietnam shines in its own way.

If you’re seeking the best places to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, let Sun Getaways Travel take you there—with expert guidance, personalized service, and the kind of attention that turns a holiday into a lifetime memory.

✨ The lanterns are waiting. Follow the moon—and let us handle the rest.