Ghost Month in Vietnam: What Travelers Should Do and Avoid

Among the many amazing events, Ghost Month is a fascinating phenomena especially in Vietnam. This article explores the magical world of this unique event and learn customs and meaning to guarantee a your pleasant Vietnam vacation experience.

What is Ghost Month in Vietnam? When is Vietnam Ghost Month? 

Ghost Month is celebrated in several nations around Asia including Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Among the many Asian nations, including Vietnam, Ghost Month is an annual celebration with tremendous cultural value. Celebrated during the seventh lunar month, usually falling between July and August. In 2025, it takes place Saturday, September 6.

Burning joss paper in Vietnam Ghost Month

Although the meaning of Ghost Month differs in every nation in Asia, it always shows the ingrained beliefs and traditions around ancestral worship and the interaction between the mortal world and the realm of spirits.

It is thought that the gates of the spirit world open during this period, allowing wandering spirits and dead ancestors to make a return to the living domain.

Read more: Discover the Unique Traditions of Mother’s Day in Vietnam

What is offerings in Hungry Ghost Month in Vietnam?

On the full moon day of Ghost Month in Vietnam, families typically prepare two feasts. The first feast, held at noon, is dedicated to honoring the spirits of ancestors. The second feast, offered in the evening, is meant for wandering spirits.

The bulk of the food presented at feasts is rice porridge, sugarcane, confections, fruits (which often comprise a range of five colors), and sweet potatoes. Along with the meal are three glasses of water, three sticks of incense, candles, salt, votive paper.

Since spirits reportedly have a short esophagus and cannot digest foods, gruel porridge is absolutely necessary. After the presents are completed, rice and salt are tossed on the street and road to guide the spirits.

Offerings in Hungry Ghost Month

Things to do in Ghost Month in Vietnam

1. What to Do

• Attend temple events including rites, ceremonies, and performances honoring ancestral worship and spiritual purification.
• To honor and placate ancestors and wandering spirits, they will provide food, incense, and other goods at altars or other set sites.
• Visit and clean ancestral graves, offering flowers and prayers to honor and remember your ancestors.
• Whether at home or in temples, burning incense creates a sacred atmosphere and serves as a gesture of reverence.

Read more: Vu Lan Festival

Visit the pagoda in Ghost festival

2. What to Avoid

Being aware of what not to do during Ghost Month can help one to show respect for the spirits and maintain good fortune during this special time. When you attend this Ghost festival season, go through the following rules:

• Refrain from wearing red or brilliant colors. Because red is usually connected with spirits, so it is suggested to avoid wearing this hue during this period to reduce any attention of it.
• The ghost will pull your legs from under the water, hence avoid swimming in the seventh month of the lunar calendar especially in rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes.
• Hanging garments outside at night is supposed to draw wandering ghosts who might unintentionally affect the living through the clothes.
• Avoid launching businesses or making significant changes, as this time is seen as spiritually volatile.
• In the middle of the night, avoid calling each other names since this would allow the ghost to recall the name of that individual and might haunt him/her.
• Avoid hanging out late at night because ghosts are thought to be more active during Ghost Month, this will help to reduce the encountering of running into evil spirits.
• You should be mindful of food and items left on streets as offerings for spirits, don’t step on them, because it is considered disrespectful.
• Particularly in this month, avoid standing close to the banyan tree since Vietnamese people see it as the plant of the soul. People should not near stand there to prevent ghosts.
• Hang wind chimes far from your bed because they will draw hungry ghosts to your house and disturb your sleep and life.

Hand woman clasped holding incense

Although Ghost Month in Vietnam, which falls between July and August, has great cultural value, it is still a perfect time to go our interesting nation.

Having dependable transportation can help you to maximize your trip to Vietnam, particularly in special events like Ghost Month. With reasonably priced and handy Vietnam car rental options from Vietnam Budget Car Rental, you can explore the stunning scenery and energetic cities of the nation at your own speed.

We offer affordable rates, a range of vehicles, and flexible rental plans, we ensure you can explore top destinations like Hoian, Hanoi, and Danang at your own pace.

Whether you're visiting during Ghost Month or any other time of year, our car rental service make your Vietnam travel unforgettable trip. Book now.

Read more: Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam: Travel Guide 2025