Top 12 Festivals & Events in Vietnam

1. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)

When: Late January or February
Where: Nationwide

Tet marks the start of spring and is Vietnam's most important celebration. In the days before the holiday, markets overflow with flowers, families stock up on treats and everyone seems to be in high spirits. Once the new year arrives, the pace slows down as families gather to honour their ancestors.

Why visit: Arrive just before Tet to catch the buzz with lively markets, traditional foods and dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky.

2. Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival)

When: September or October
Where: Nationwide

This cheerful festival celebrates children, family and the full moon. Streets glow with handmade lanterns, lion dancers weave through crowds, and the scent of mooncakes fills the air. Hanoi's Hang Ma Street and Hoi An's Old Town are especially magical.

Why visit: It's one of Vietnam's most welcoming celebrations. Pick up a lantern, taste a mooncake and soak up the happy chaos.

3. Hung Kings' Temple Festival

When: March or April
Where: Phu Tho Province

Thousands of pilgrims climb Nghia Linh Mountain to pay tribute to the Hung Kings, Vietnam's legendary founders. The ceremony mixes incense rituals, folk performances and a deep sense of national pride.

Why visit: It's a powerful look at Vietnam's ancient roots and enduring community spirit.

4. Giong Festival

When: January and April
Where: Hanoi (Soc Temple and Phu Dong Temple)

The story of Saint Giong, a mythical hero who defended the nation, comes to life with dramatic re-enactments, drumming and colourful parades.

Why visit: Recognised by UNESCO, it's a spectacular display of history, legend and energy all in one.

5. Lim Festival

When: February
Where: Bac Ninh Province

Music fills the air during Lim Festival, famous for its traditional quan ho folk singing. Dressed in elegant costumes, singers perform duets from dragon boats and lakeside stages as the crowd joins in with games and laughter.

Why visit: The melodies drifting across the water are unforgettable, offering a glimpse into northern Vietnam's romantic culture.

6. Perfume Pagoda Festival

When: January to April
Where: My Duc District, near Hanoi

This pilgrimage begins with a scenic boat trip along the Yen Stream, winding between limestone mountains before reaching Huong Tich Cave. Inside, the air is thick with incense and soft chanting echoes through the cave.

Why visit: It's a peaceful blend of spirituality and natural beauty, perfect for travellers seeking quiet reflection.

7. Buddha's Birthday (Vesak)

When: May
Where: Nationwide

Temples and pagodas across Vietnam are draped in lanterns, flowers and prayer flags. In Hue, hundreds of lotus-shaped lanterns float along the Perfume River, creating a breathtaking scene.

Why visit: A serene and heartwarming festival that radiates light, gratitude and community.

8. Hue Festival

When: Biennial, April to June (even-numbered years)
Where: Hue City

For several days, Hue turns into a living stage for art, dance and performance. Expect royal parades, music from across the world and colourful light shows projected onto the ancient citadel.

Why visit: It's the ultimate mix of history and creativity, as Vietnam's former imperial capital comes alive in style.

9. Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF)

When: June to July
Where: Da Nang

The sky above the Han River explodes with colour as international teams compete in this spectacular fireworks event. Music, street parties and glowing reflections on the water make it a city-wide celebration.

Why visit: Watch from a rooftop bar or river cruise for an unforgettable night of colour and sound.

10. Hoi An Lantern Festival

When: Every full moon
Where: Hoi An Ancient Town

Once a month, Hoi An switches off its electric lights and glows under thousands of lanterns. Locals and travellers gather by the river to release candles, make wishes and enjoy live music.

Why visit: It's peaceful, dreamy and one of Vietnam's most photogenic experiences, a night you'll remember forever.

11. Cham Kate Festival (Le Hoi Kate)

When: September or October
Where: Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan Provinces

The Cham people celebrate their deities and ancestors through dance, drumming and rituals at ancient Cham towers.

Why visit: A rare and authentic look into one of Vietnam's oldest ethnic cultures, full of rhythm, colour and life.

12. Ha Long Carnival

When: Late April or early May
Where: Ha Long City

This lively coastal celebration brings together parades, music, costumes and fireworks, all set against the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay.

Why visit: Pair it with a cruise for the best of both worlds, festival fun by night and tranquil bay views by day.

When to Visit: Festival Highlights by Month

• Jan-Feb Tet, Giong, Lim, Perfume Pagoda begins
• Mar-Apr Hung Kings', Hue Festival, Ha Long Carnival
• May Buddha's Birthday
• Jun-Jul Da Nang Fireworks Festival
• Sept-Oct Mid-Autumn Festival, Cham Kate
• Oct-Nov Hoi An Lantern Festival continues

Travel Tips for Festival Season

Book early accommodation and transport fill fast around major events.

Check lunar dates many festivals follow the lunar calendar, so exact timing changes each year.

Stay flexible expect crowds and occasional delays.

Dress modestly cover shoulders and knees for temple visits.

Carry cash smaller stalls and local vendors may not take cards.

Vietnam's festivals are more than just entertainment

They are an open invitation into the country's heart and heritage. Whether you're watching lanterns drift along Hoi An's river, standing beneath fireworks in Da Nang, or sharing mooncakes under a glowing full moon, you'll feel the spirit of Vietnam all around you. Plan your trip around one of these celebrations, and you won't just see Vietnam, you'll feel it.