1. Hoi An Lantern Festival
Boasting magnificent architecture and riverside settings, Hoi An’s ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Vietnam’s central coast. Every month, when the full moon shines, fluorescent lights are switched off, roads are closed to traffic and the streets are illuminated with thousands of colourful lanterns. Join in with the festivities: full of old-fashioned games, delicious food and tuneful music.
When? Throughout the year
2. Chu Dong Tu Festival
Named after one of four immortal gods in the Vietnamese pantheon, the festival takes place in Chu Dong Tu Temple in Da Hoa and Da Trach, near Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. A dragon procession, martial arts competition, powerful lion dances and soulful Cheo (traditional music) performances commemorate Saint Chu Dong Tu, who introduced the practice of agriculture into Vietnamese society.
When? 10-12 March
3. Thay Pagoda Festival
A celebration of Buddhist monk Tu Dao Hanh’s life in Quoc Oai (just below Hanoi), with water puppetry performances and a procession of monks from Thay Pagoda. During his life, Tu Dao Hanh made many advances in medicine and religion, and invented the Vietnamese water puppet show.
When? 11-13 April
4. Hue Festival
The biennial cultural event honours the social values of Vietnam’s former capital city, Hue (Hanoi became the capital of Vietnam in 1976 after the North’s victory in the Vietnam War). Enjoy the wide variety of poetry, exciting street art performances, colourful exhibitions, drum and percussion concerts, and historical films.
When? 29 April-3 May
5. Liberation Day
Also known as Reunification Day, this marks the event when Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) on 30 April 1975, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. The anniversary is marked by several festivals across Vietnam, and the big cities such as Hanoi, Hue and Da Nang are decorated with colourful banners, flags and lights. Because it is a national holiday, many people head home and spend the day with their family.
When? 30 April
6. Vu Lan Festival
Celebrated throughout the country, friends and family gather together to bless the souls of their lost loved ones, making offerings of food and flowers. One of the most renowned meeting places is at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City.
When? 15 August
7. Mid-Autumn Festival
This is one of the most important festivals for celebrating family relationships in Vietnam: it is thought to date back as far as 20,000 years ago as a way for parents to make up for lost time with their children after a busy harvest. Nowadays, gifts are given to school children, and farmers are congratulated for harvesting the crops. Held under the full moon – which represents fullness and prosperity of life – local delicacies such as Mooncakes (a round pastry filled with meat, egg, dried fruit and nuts) are eaten.
When? 15 September
Thankyou to InsideVietnam for their expert help with this article. You'll find a selection of their most exciting trips on the Wanderlust TripFinder.
Main image: Lanterns in Hoi An (Shutterstock.com)
