Vietnamese Festival Calendar 2026

Vietnam's most important holiday — a week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year that transforms every city in the country. In 2026, Tết falls on February 17 (Year of the Horse). In the weeks before, Hàng Lược flower market in Hanoi fills with peach blossoms (đào) and kumquat trees while Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen Hue Boulevard explodes with elaborate flower arrangements. Families travel home from across the country — roads and trains are packed for two weeks. On the eve, midnight fireworks over Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and the Saigon River in HCMC are among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia. Families gather for ancestral offerings (mâm cúng giao thừa), sticky rice cake (bánh chưng), and the xông đất tradition of the first person to enter the home after midnight. Most restaurants and shops close for 3-5 days — plan ahead. The atmosphere in the days before Tết is electric; the quiet on New Year's Day itself is profound. I consider Tết eve in Hanoi one of the most extraordinary travel experiences in all of Asia.

Da Lat's biennial flower festival transforms the highland city into a garden wonderland. Elaborate floral displays, parades, and cultural performances celebrate the "City of Eternal Spring" and its famous flower-growing heritage.

Pilgrims flock to the Huong Son complex southwest of Hanoi for this Buddhist festival. Boat rides along the Yen Stream lead to a dramatic cave pagoda in the limestone mountains — one of Vietnam's most atmospheric religious celebrations.

A celebration of Quan Ho folk singing — UNESCO-recognized duets between young men and women in traditional dress. The festival takes place on the 13th day of the first lunar month in Bac Ninh province, a short trip from Hanoi.

Vietnam's premier cultural festival held biennially in the Imperial City. Two weeks of traditional music, court dances, ao dai fashion shows, art installations, and culinary events set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Citadel.

National holiday honoring the legendary founders of Vietnam at the Hung Kings Temple. Elaborate rituals, traditional games, and the iconic Banh Chung making contest draw pilgrims from across the country on the 10th day of the third lunar month.

One of the oldest festivals near Hanoi celebrating the monk Tu Dao Hanh. Water puppet performances on the pagoda's pond, boat races, and traditional ceremonies in a stunning mountain setting.

April 30 marks the reunification of Vietnam with citywide celebrations in HCMC. Parades along Le Duan Boulevard, fireworks over the Saigon River, and a festive atmosphere across the country. Combined with May Day on May 1 for a long holiday weekend.

Pagodas across Vietnam celebrate with lantern processions, flower offerings, and candlelit ceremonies. Hue is especially spectacular — thousands of lotus-shaped lanterns float down the Perfume River as monks chant in the ancient pagodas.

A biennial celebration of Nha Trang's maritime culture with boat races, beach sports, seafood festivals, and cultural performances along the coastal city's famous beachfront. Music stages and art exhibitions bring the seaside promenade to life.

On the 14th day of each lunar month, Hoi An's Ancient Town turns off its electric lights and glows with hundreds of silk lanterns and candles. Paper lanterns float down the Thu Bon River while traditional music fills the streets. The most magical night in Vietnam.

The Buddhist "Wandering Souls Day" on the 15th of the seventh lunar month. Families visit pagodas, burn offerings for ancestors, and release paper lanterns. In Hue, the Perfume River fills with floating lights — hauntingly beautiful.

Vietnam's enchanting children's festival — lion dances wind through neighborhoods, kids carry star-shaped lanterns, and mooncakes are shared with family. Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoi An are the best places to experience the lantern-lit celebrations.

September 2 celebrates Vietnam's declaration of independence with military parades, cultural performances, and fireworks at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi — where Ho Chi Minh read the proclamation in 1945.

The Cham people's most important celebration honoring their ancestors and deities at the Po Klong Garai temple towers. Traditional Cham music, dance, and ceremonies offer a rare window into this ancient culture.

Teams from around the world compete in spectacular fireworks displays over the Han River. The festival runs over several weekends in spring/summer with live music, food stalls, and a carnival atmosphere along the riverfront.

Da Lat's famous flower festival (held in late autumn or early winter depending on the year) showcases the highland city's horticultural heritage with elaborate floral displays, garden exhibitions, and cultural performances.

Vietnam goes all-out for Christmas regardless of religion. HCMC's Notre-Dame Cathedral area and District 1 transform into a winter wonderland of lights. Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district fills with festive decorations. The energy and crowds rival any Western city.