Top 5 Festivals & Holidays in Vietnam

Vietnam’s festivals and holidays are colorful experiences, often showcasing national heritage, music and dance performances, and high-energy activities such as dragon boat races and street parades. Take part in the fun and learn about the legends that have shaped Vietnam by joining one of these celebrations during your trip. Here are the top 10 festivals to add to your Vietnam itinerary.

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, or Tết, is Vietnam’s largest and most important festival. Emphasis is placed on family with many returning to their home town to celebrate. Yet Tết still offers plenty for travelers to enjoy throughout the country. Usually falling in January or February, Tết Eve is the most important day in the lunar calendar and the excitement is palpable! Join the fun by enjoying the outdoor flower displays and toasting midnight fireworks with locals.

Tết is always held on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Children are the stars of the Mid-autumn Festival as an abundance of toys, paper lanterns, and masks are given out as playthings. Celebrated between September and October, this joyful day is known for its lion dances and lantern processions. Many families gather in their gardens with tea and sweets to watch the harvest moon and enjoy performances from passing dance troupes. 

The Mid-autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

Vietnamese National Day

Sept. 2, 1945, was the day Ho Chi Minh declared the Independence of the Nation of Vietnam from France in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square. This annual celebration commemorates that historic moment with patriotic displays and flags adorning alleyways throughout Vietnam. Major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City hold parades during the day and light fireworks at night. Everyone is out in the streets celebrating, and travelers are welcome to enjoy the festivities too.

Vietnamese Independence Day is on September 2.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

The Hùng Kings Temple Festival commemorates the first king of Vietnam. King Vương is legendary and his origin story is celebrated every year in either April or May as a testament of Vietnam’s epic history. To join the festival, travel to the Hùng Temple in Việt Trì City, where you can witness hundreds of lanterns set aloft into the sky on the eve of the festival. On the day of the festival, watch as processions of pilgrims make their way up the mountain.

Hùng Kings Day is from the 8th to the 11th day of the third lunar month.

Reunification Day

Reunification Day is celebrated with various events and activities throughout Vietnam. These can include parades, fireworks, cultural performances, exhibitions, and speeches. The day holds great importance as it symbolizes unity, peace, and national pride.