Vietnam is full of exciting festivals that bring its culture, history, and traditions to life. From glowing lanterns in Hoi An to royal parades in Hue and peaceful mountain temples near Hanoi, each celebration shows a different side of the country. These festivals are fun, beautiful, and full of meaning. If you’re thinking about visiting Vietnam, here are five amazing festivals you won’t want to miss.
Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) – Nationwide
Tết, or Lunar New Year, is Vietnam’s most celebrated festival, ushering in spring and a fresh start. In 2025, celebrations will peak around January 29, lasting over two weeks with family reunions, ancestral offerings, and firework displays. Homes are decorated with peach blossoms and kumquat trees, symbolizing luck and prosperity, while temples fill with incense and prayers.
The streets come alive with dragon dances, flower markets, and traditional performances, drawing over 10 million domestic travelers annually. Cultural staples like Bánh Chưng (sticky rice cake) and pickled onions are lovingly prepared and shared during festive meals. Since this is one of Vietnam’s busiest travel seasons, it’s wise to arrange travel documents early – services like ontrailvisa.co.uk can simplify your visa process ahead of the rush.
Hoi An Lantern Festival – Hoi An, Quang Nam Province
Every month, on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, the ancient town of Hoi An transforms into a peaceful wonderland of glowing lanterns. Streets are closed to traffic, and electric lights give way to colorful silk lanterns that line doorways, bridges, and riverbanks. Locals and tourists gather to release paper lanterns into the river, each carrying wishes for health, love, and fortune.
The festival is beautiful and interactive, where visitors can join lantern-making workshops or sample signature dishes like white rose dumplings and Cao Lau noodles. Often hailed as one of the most Instagrammable experiences in Vietnam, the event attracts over 500,000 visitors a year and is increasingly recognized for using eco-friendly materials in lantern production.
Hue Festival – Hue City, Thua Thien-Hue Province
Held biennially, the Hue Festival is a cultural spectacle celebrating the legacy of Vietnam’s imperial capital. In 2025, it’s scheduled for early April and will feature royal court music, traditional dances, and martial arts displays across the city’s historic landmarks. Events unfold at the Imperial City, where visitors can step back in time through heritage performances and exhibitions.
Highlights include the Royal Banquet, reenactments of Nguyen dynasty ceremonies, and performances of Nhã nhạc – Vietnamese court music recognized by UNESCO. The festival draws over one million visitors, supporting Hue’s tourism and cultural preservation efforts. Travelers are encouraged to explore the surrounding countryside and royal tombs to fully appreciate the city’s imperial grandeur.
Perfume Pagoda Festival – Hanoi (Hương Sơn)
The Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of Vietnam’s most important Buddhist celebrations, beginning on February 3, 2025, and lasting until late April. Located 60 kilometers from Hanoi, the sacred site draws pilgrims seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and peace. The journey begins with a scenic boat ride through limestone mountains and continues with a hike to the main cave temple, Chùa Trong.
Along the way, worshippers stop at shrines to make offerings and burn incense, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere in a breathtaking natural setting. The blend of religion and nature makes this festival unique among Vietnam’s cultural events. For travelers, it offers an intimate view into local beliefs while exploring some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Kate Festival – Ninh Thuận Province
Celebrated by the Cham ethnic group, the Kate Festival pays tribute to Cham kings and deities in a vivid display of ancient customs. Usually held in late September or early October, the festival is marked by processions to ancient Cham towers, traditional dances, and the dressing of sacred statues in royal attire. This celebration has been designated a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The festival blends Hindu and local beliefs and showcases Cham crafts, music, and rituals that date back centuries.
More travelers visit each year – about 15% more – as more people become interested in Vietnam’s native cultures. Visiting the Kate Festival is a rare opportunity to experience a living tradition kept alive by one of the country’s most resilient communities.
Celebrate Vietnam’s Rich Culture Firsthand
Vietnam’s festivals aren’t just fun – they’re unforgettable journeys into the heart of the country. From glowing lanterns to ancient temples and lively street parades, each celebration gives you something special to experience and remember. These moments stay with you long after your trip ends. So pack your bags, plan, and get ready to explore Vietnam like never before, one festival at a time.
