Vietnam is well-known for its rich cultural legacy; nothing better than its spring festival season highlights this. Every festival around the nation weaves together history, custom, and celebration to convey a different narrative.
Here is a list of some most major spring festivals in Vietnam, therefore allowing you a detailed view of the highlights of this joyful season.
1. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year Festival)
- Time: Late January or early February (based on the lunar calendar).
- Location: Nationwide, celebrated in every province and city.
The most important festivity in Vietnam is Tet Nguyen Dan, sometimes known as Lunar New Year Festival. Tet holiday, among the 12 extraordinary spring festivals in Vietnam, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and stands for rebirth and wealth.
Families gather to remember their ancestors, cook classic foods like bánh chưng, and trade red envelopes as lucky mementos.
Peach blooms, kumquat trees, and vibrant decorations cover streets during this period, therefore generating a joyful and hopeful environment.
Tet is a profoundly spiritual event when residents embrace the joys of the new year and reestablish their roots, not only a holiday.
Read more: Your Guide to Exploring Vietnam During Vietnamese Lunar New Year
Tet holiday
2. Huong Pagoda Festival
- Time: From the 6th day of the Lunar New Year to the end of the third lunar month.
- Location: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi.
One of the 12 major spring festivals in northern Vietnam, the Huong Pagoda Festival is a spiritual journey taken in Hanoi. To get to the pagoda, pilgrims and visitors sail across the gorgeous Yen River beside limestone mountains.
Part of the list of most well-known spring celebrations in Vietnam, the event offers more than simply worship; it also provides a chance to fully appreciate the local natural beauty.
Activities comprise temple visits, prayers for success, and appreciation of the calm surroundings.
Yen Stream with traditional boat on the way to Huong Ancient Pagoda
3. Lim Festival
- Time: 12th to 14th day of the first lunar month.
- Location: Lim Town, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province.
Among the most famous spring festivals in Vietnam, the Lim Festival takes place in Bac Ninh and is distinguished for soulful quan ho folk singing. This festival celebrated in art and community, which UNESCO recognizes as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In order to further the cultural richness of the area, guests can also engage in age-old sports such wrestling and weaving contests. Without the melodious appeal of the Lim Festival, the spring festival season in Vietnam would be lacking.
Lim Festival
4. Yen Tu Spring Festival
- Time: From the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month.
- Location: Yen Tu Mountain, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.
Vietnamese holy site Yen Tu Mountain is the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen sect. Thousands of pilgrims visit the mountain top during the Yen Tu Festival, where the historic Dong Pagoda rests. Along with being physically demanding, the trip offers times of introspection and peace, therefore strengthening the spirit.
You will engage in Buddhist prayers, rituals, and meditation sessions all during the celebration. This one of the 12 interesting spring festivals in Vietnam is the one with the amazing views from the top and rich historical background of the region.
Yen Tu Spring Festival
5. Hung Kings’ Temple Festival
- Time: From the 8th to the 11th day of the third lunar month (main celebration on the 10th day).
- Location: Hung Kings’ Temple, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province.
Deeply patriotic, the Hung Kings' Temple Festival in Phu Tho honors Vietnam's illustrious forefathers. Ranked among the most popular spring festivals in Vietnam, this one has cultural events, huge processions, and traditional games.
Offers of food and incense allow participants to honor the rulers. Key among the list of most well-known spring celebrations in Vietnam, the festival emphasizes Vietnam's rich past and promotes national pride.
6. Tran Temple Festival
- Time: 13th to 15th day of the first lunar month.
- Location: Tran Temple Complex, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province.
Held in Nam Dinh, the Tran Temple Festival ranks among the top 12 festivals & holidays in Vietnam. Celebrated the Tran Dynasty, known for its triumphs against Mongol invasions, the Tran Temple Festival commemorates The seal-opening ritual, which stands for success and wealth, is the festival's high point. Thousands of people come for this custom, hoping to get the first "seal," a lucky charm.
To create a vibrant and historical environment, the festival also includes light displays, folk games, and classic martial arts demonstrations.
7. Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival
- Time: From the 6th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month.
- Location: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province.
It called the greatest Buddhist structure in Southeast Asia, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh hosts one of the 12 major spring festivals in northern Vietnam. You can participate in prayer events, savor bell ringing customs, and appreciate the pagoda's magnificent construction.
To honor Buddha, pilgrims and guests ring enormous bronze bells, pray in front of light candles.
Read more: All Things You Need to Know About Vesak Day in Vietnam
Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival
8. Dong Da Festival
- Time: 5th day of the Lunar New Year.
- Location: Dong Da Mound, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
Celebrating King Quang Trung's triumph at Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da, this Hanoi celebration ranks among the list of some most major spring festivals in Vietnam. Reenactments of historical wars, parades, and cultural events make this event interesting as well as instructive. It's a chance to see Vietnam's warriors and consider her resiliency.
Dong Da Festival
9. Giong Festival
- Time: Multiple dates depending on the location:
- Soc Temple (Hanoi): 6th to 8th day of the first lunar month.
- Phu Dong Temple (Gia Lam): 8th to 9th day of the fourth lunar month.
- Location: Soc Son District, Hanoi, and Gia Lam District, Hanoi.
Celebrated in Soc Son, the Giong Festival honors Vietnamese legendary warrior Saint Giong. One of 12 interesting spring festivals in Vietnam, this one features communal feasts, vivid processions, and horse-riding reenactments.
Giong Festival
10. Cau Ngu Festival
- Time: Various dates in the first lunar month.
- Location: Coastal villages across central Vietnam, such as Da Nang and Khanh Hoa Province
The Cau Ngu Festival honors the Whale God, thought to be defender of fishermen, in coastal towns. Ranked among the top 12 most popular spring celebrations in Vietnam, it boasts boat racing, fishing ceremonies, and prayers for abundant crops.
11. Ba Den Mountain Festival
- Time: 4th to 6th day of the first lunar month.
- Location: Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province.
Ba Den Mountain Festival held in Tay Ninh, is a pilgrimage to Ba Den Mountain. Participants pray for peace, health, and happiness while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. As part of the spring festival season in Vietnam, this event combines spiritual practices with nature exploration, making it a must-visit for travelers.
Ba Den Mountain Festival
12. Vieng Market Festival
- Time: Eve of the 7th day to the early morning of the 8th day of the first lunar month.
- Location: Nam Truc and Vu Ban Districts, Nam Dinh Province.
Unique among the 12 extraordinary spring festivals in Vietnam, the Vieng Market Festival in Nam Dinh is a night market where visitors buy antiques and lucky charms. Believed to bring good fortune, this event is both a cultural experience and a shopping adventure.
To ensuring a smooth and easy travel, Vietnam Budget Car Rental provides reliable and affordable car rental services to all the major spring festival destinations in Vietnam. Our services comfortably and flexibly meet your transportation needs whether your trip is single, with family, or in groups.
Here are some of the key locations we cover:
- Car rental in Hanoi: We provide car rental services in Hanoi, helping you explore iconic festivals like Huong Pagoda Festival, Dong Da Festival, and Giong Festival conveniently.
- Car rental in Ninh Binh: We offer car rental options to Ninh Binh, where you can visit the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival and explore the region’s stunning landscapes.
- Car rental in Nam Dinh: We make it easy for you to experience the unique Tran Temple Festival and Vieng Market Festival.
- Car rental in Phu Tho: We provide reliable transportation to Phu Tho, home to the historic Hung Kings’ Temple Festival, a must-see event celebrating Vietnam’s legendary history.
- Car rental in Quang Ninh: We can take you to Quang Ninh for the Yen Tu Spring Festival, where you’ll enjoy a spiritual journey amid breathtaking mountain views.
- Car rental in Tay Ninh: We ensure a smooth trip to Tay Ninh for the Ba Den Festival, where you can explore Ba Den Mountain and take part in sacred rituals.
- Car rental in Bac Ninh: We offer car rentals to Bac Ninh, allowing you to attend the Lim Festival and see the rich tradition of quan ho folk singing.
- Car rental in Danang or car rental in Nha Trang: We provide car rental services for coastal villages in Central Vietnam, making it convenient for you to join the lively Cau Ngu Festival in areas like Danang and Khanh Hoa Province.
From cheap sedans to spacious vans, our fleet offers a wide spectrum of vehicles so you may select what best meets your travel requirements.
Make your car hire now and let us assist you to easily and flexible discover Vietnam throughout the spring festival season.
