Festivals of Vietnam

Participating in the festivals of Vietnam is one of the most profound ways to connect with the country’s spirit and traditions. As Asia specialists for over 20 years, Shanti Travel offers unique insights into these colorful events, many of which are steeped in centuries-old rituals and vibrant community gatherings.

Due to its history and geographical location, the colourful festivals of Vietnam and important celebrations of the lunar calendar tend to follow the rhythm of its Chinese neighbour, yet are distinguished by deeply rooted Vietnamese customs.

Find out about the main festivals of Vietnam here:

Vietnamese New Year / "Têt"

The most important of all festivals of Vietnam is Têt (Tet Nguyen Dan): a Vietnamese term meaning "the feast of the first day of the year.” Serving as the country’s grandest occasion, Têt is a moment of reunion, renewal, and spiritual reverence, blending influences from Buddhism, Confucianism, and ancient animist beliefs.

Historical Roots and Rituals

• Preparations begin weeks in advance: homes are meticulously cleaned, debts are settled, and new clothes are bought to invite good luck for the coming year.
• Family altars are adorned with five-fruit trays and traditional foods like Banh Chung (sticky rice cake), while offerings are made to honor ancestors and the Kitchen Gods, who are believed to ascend to heaven just before the celebrations begin.
• The "Le Tru Tich" ceremony on New Year's Eve is a revered moment to bid farewell to the departing year's guardian spirit and welcome the new one.

Regional Traditions & Symbols

• Northern Vietnam: Homes are decorated with pink peach blossoms, reflecting robustness and renewal.
• Central and Southern Vietnam: Yellow apricot blossoms and the lush kumquat tree, symbols of wealth and fertility, are common.
• The tall cay neu bamboo pole, adorned with red papers and charms, may be erected to ward off evil spirits and is removed only when the festival officially ends.

Traveler Advice during Têt:

• Pre-Têt the streets are exuberant with flower markets and festive shopping. Participating in these preparations is a wonderful cultural experience.
• During Têt week, cities become unusually tranquil as families return home; shops close and daily rhythms pause. Services can be disrupted, and prices may rise—plan accommodations and travel well in advance.
• Cultural etiquette: Avoid sweeping on New Year’s Day (believed to "sweep away good luck"), and respect the importance of family gatherings. If you’re invited to a home, bring gifts (fruits or specialty sweets are appreciated).

Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)

Falling between late August and mid-September, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a joyful event most widely celebrated by children. It marks the brightest full moon of the year and originated as a harvest festival, later evolving into a celebration of family unity.

Unique Traditions

• Children parade with vibrant lanterns—fish, star, or carp-shaped—and enjoy street performances of lion dances.
• Mooncakes, in flavors ranging from lotus seed to mixed nuts, are exchanged among friends and family as a symbol of reunion.
• In towns and villages, communal games and contests are held, while urban parks and streets are filled with music and laughter. Some regions feature unique local dances and performances adding to the diversity of the celebration.

Tips for Travelers

• The festival offers unforgettable chances to participate in lantern-making workshops or join public parades. Be respectful by observing before taking part, and always ask politely before photographing festival participants.

Public Holidays of Vietnam

Vietnam’s public holidays mark powerful events in national history—like Independence Day (September 2), Liberation Day (April 30), and Labor Day (May 1). These dates are marked by patriotic displays, with city centers decked in floral arrangements and the national flag. While not as centered on ritual as Têt, these holidays unify communities and provide travelers with a glimpse of national pride, especially in urban parades and concerts.

Local and Regional Festivals

Diverse regional and ethnic identities across Vietnam give rise to myriad local festivities, each with its unique customs:

• Hue Festival (April, biennial): Showcases Vietnam's imperial heritage with reenactments of Nguyen Dynasty ceremonies, dragon boat races, traditional music, and vibrant street parades. The event is a highlight for cultural immersion in central Vietnam.
• Danang Firework Festival (every two years): Featuring international fireworks competitions and lively waterfront entertainment.
• Ethnic Performances: Central Highlands' Elephant Race Festival and Bac Ninh’s Lim Festival (folk singing and community rituals) display the diversity of Vietnam’s cultural landscape. The Ooc Om Boc Festival of the Khmer celebrates the moon and river spirits, spotlighting unique music and water processions.

Keys to Experiencing Vietnam's Festivals

• Cultural Awareness: Dress modestly, participate respectfully, and recognize the significance of rituals—especially around ancestor worship and public ceremonies.
• Join, Don’t Disrupt: While travelers are often welcome, ceremonies (especially during Têt) remain sacred. Observe quietly if unsure.
• Respect Taboos: Learn about festival-specific customs—such as not visiting someone unannounced at Têt, or which symbolic foods are appropriate as gifts.

Vietnam’s festivals offer a window into the heart and soul of the country, from bustling New Year’s preparations to magical moonlit lantern parades and solemn historical commemorations. For the curious traveler, they are an invitation to witness the living heritage, vibrant spirit, and deep-rooted community bonds that shape the nation.

At Shanti Travel, we seamlessly integrate such experiences into your journey, sharing tips honed by decades of firsthand immersion. There’s truly no better way to discover Vietnam than through its festivals—join us for an authentic cultural adventure.