Vietnam has festivals and cultural events throughout the year, from the nationwide celebrations of Tet and Mid-Autumn Festival to local lantern festivals, religious celebrations, food festivals and large-scale cultural events. The best-known festivals for travelers include Tet (Lunar New Year), the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Hoi An Lantern Festival, Hue Festival and the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.
Festival dates vary from year to year, especially for celebrations based on the Vietnamese lunar calendar. Use this guide to discover the best festivals and events in Vietnam by month and destination, check when they take place, and find out what to expect before adding one to your itinerary.
Vietnam Festival Calendar
Vietnam's festivals take place throughout the year. Many traditional festivals follow the Vietnamese lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change each year. Use this calendar as a quick guide to the country's best-known festivals and major cultural events.
| Festival or Event | When | Where | Type | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) | January or February Dates change each year |
Nationwide | Traditional holiday | Vietnam's biggest annual celebration, with family traditions, flower markets, decorations, food and cultural activities. |
| Lim Festival | February or March 12th–13th day of the 1st lunar month |
Bac Ninh | Traditional cultural festival | Known for Quan Ho folk singing, traditional performances, games and local cultural traditions. |
| Perfume Pagoda Festival | February–April Lunar calendar |
Hanoi | Religious festival | A major Buddhist pilgrimage combining temples, mountain scenery and traditional Vietnamese religious practices. |
| Hung Kings Festival | March or April 10th day of the 3rd lunar month |
Phu Tho | National cultural festival | Honors the Hung Kings, traditionally regarded as the founders of the Vietnamese nation. |
| Hue Festival | Varies by year | Hue | Cultural festival | Features royal heritage, traditional arts, music, performances, food and cultural events in Vietnam's former imperial capital. |
| Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) | Usually May–July | Da Nang | International festival | A major summer event featuring international fireworks teams, entertainment and riverside celebrations. |
| Tet Doan Ngo (Mid-Year Festival) | May or June 5th day of the 5th lunar month |
Nationwide | Traditional festival | A traditional Vietnamese festival associated with seasonal customs, family rituals and special foods. |
| Hoi An Lantern Festival | Monthly 14th day of the lunar month |
Hoi An, Quang Nam | Cultural event | Hoi An's Old Town is illuminated by colorful lanterns, with traditional activities and a distinctive evening atmosphere. |
| Vu Lan Festival | August 15th day of the 7th lunar month |
Nationwide | Buddhist cultural festival | A significant Buddhist observance focused on gratitude, remembrance and honoring parents and ancestors. |
| Vietnam National Day | September 2 | Nationwide | National holiday | Celebrated with flags, public events, cultural activities and celebrations across Vietnam. |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September or October 15th day of the 8th lunar month |
Nationwide | Traditional festival | Famous for lanterns, lion dances, mooncakes and family celebrations, especially lively in major cities. |
| Kate Festival | September or October Usually around the 7th lunar month |
Ninh Thuan and other Cham communities | Cham cultural festival | The most important annual religious celebration of Vietnam's Cham Brahman community, featuring rituals, music and traditional culture. |
Planning tip: Festival dates based on the Vietnamese lunar calendar can change from year to year. Check the official event schedule before booking flights, hotels or transportation.
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