Event calendar
Vietnam's calendar is a living tapestry woven from solemn historical remembrance, vibrant cultural tradition, and modern-day celebration. To understand this calendar is to understand the cultural heartbeat of the nation. It's a rhythm that moves from the quiet, familial reverence of Tết, the Lunar New Year—a time filled with the scent of incense and the taste of homemade bánh chưng—to the exuberant, patriotic pride of National Day, where cities are draped in the national flag and the sky erupts in fireworks. This guide promises to take you beyond the typical tourist trail and offer a chance to witness the soul of Vietnam at its most authentic moments.
Vietnam's Key Events & Festivals
Here's a look at the key events that shape the Vietnamese year:
The Big One: Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year)
Tết is the most important holiday in Vietnam, a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating the arrival of a new year. Homes are decorated with peach blossoms and kumquat trees, and the air is filled with the aroma of traditional foods like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake). It's a time of gift-giving, with children receiving "lucky money" (lì xì) in red envelopes.
National & Historical Holidays
- Hùng Kings' Commemoration Day: This day honors the legendary founders of the nation, the Hùng Kings. It's a day of national pride and historical remembrance, with ceremonies held at the Hùng Temple in Phú Thọ province.
- Reunification Day (April 30) & Labour Day (May 1): These back-to-back holidays create a long weekend for many, making it a popular time for domestic travel. Reunification Day marks the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country.
- National Day (September 2): This holiday commemorates Vietnam's declaration of independence. Expect to see parades, patriotic decorations, and fireworks displays in major cities.
Major Cultural Festivals
- Hội An Lantern Festival: On the 14th day of each lunar month, the ancient town of Hội An transforms into a magical wonderland, with the streets illuminated solely by the soft glow of thousands of silk lanterns.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu): This festival is a delight for children, with lion dances, parades of star-shaped lanterns, and the sharing of mooncakes. It's a time for family gatherings and celebrating the harvest moon.
- Huế Festival: This biennial event, held in the former imperial capital of Huế, is a celebration of Vietnamese culture and arts. It features a wide range of performances, from traditional court music to contemporary art exhibitions.
Planning Your Trip Around Vietnam's Events
Here's some practical advice for planning your trip to coincide with Vietnam's major events:
Traveling During Tết: The Ultimate Guide
Traveling during Tết can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning.
- Pros: You'll get to witness the country's most important cultural celebration and experience a festive and joyous atmosphere.
- Cons: Many shops, restaurants, and attractions will be closed, and transportation will be chaotic and crowded.
- Actionable Advice: Book your flights, trains, and accommodation several months in advance. Be prepared for higher prices and consider staying in one place to avoid the travel rush.
Booking & Logistics for Holidays
For any public holiday, especially the long weekend for Reunification Day and Labour Day, it's essential to book your transportation and accommodation well in advance.
Festival Etiquette
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas during festivals.
- Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially during religious ceremonies.
Tips from locals
Local tips
🎉 The week leading up to Tết is a fantastic time to visit. The country is buzzing with excitement, streets are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and almost all businesses are still open. You get all of the festive atmosphere with none of the closures.
🌊 During the Tết holiday, major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City become very quiet. However, popular beach destinations like Vũng Tàu, Nha Trang, and Phú Quốc will be extremely crowded and expensive as they are top vacation spots for local families.
💡 Ask your hotel concierge or a local guide about small neighborhood festivals. Many communities have their own unique celebrations for a temple or local deity that are not in any guidebook. These can offer a truly authentic and memorable experience away from the large crowds.
Be aware
💰 Be prepared for "holiday pricing." During peak travel periods like Tết or the April 30 holiday, it is common for hotels, restaurants, and transport providers to increase their prices significantly. This is a standard practice, so lock in your bookings early and always confirm the price of services like taxis or cyclos before you accept a ride.
🚌 Assume all transportation will be sold out. The single biggest mistake travelers make is underestimating the sheer volume of domestic travel during public holidays. Do not wait until you arrive in Vietnam to book buses, trains, or flights between cities. Book everything online as far in advance as possible to avoid being stranded.
FAQs
Is it a good idea to travel to Vietnam during Tết?
It can be, but you need to be prepared for widespread closures and travel disruptions. It's best to plan well in advance and stay in one place.
Are shops, restaurants, and attractions open during public holidays?
Many businesses, especially small, family-run ones, will be closed during Tết. During other public holidays, some may remain open, but it's best to check in advance.
How far in advance should I book my travel for Vietnamese holidays?
For Tết, book at least 3-4 months in advance. For other holidays, 1-2 months should be sufficient.
What is the best festival for a foreign tourist to experience?
The Hội An Lantern Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival are both visually stunning and offer a great introduction to Vietnamese culture.
What is proper etiquette when giving or receiving 'lì xì' (lucky money)?
Use new, clean bills and give an even amount of money. When receiving, accept it with both hands and don't open the envelope in front of the giver.
Can I participate in festival activities?
Yes, tourists are generally welcome to observe and participate in festival activities.
Is transport more expensive during the holidays?
Yes, expect to pay higher prices for flights, trains, and buses during public holidays.
What is the difference between a public holiday and a festival?
A public holiday is an official day off for workers, while a festival is a cultural or religious celebration that may or may not be a public holiday.
Are there major regional festivals I should know about?
Yes, there are many regional festivals, such as the Kate Festival of the Cham people in Ninh Thuận and the Elephant Racing Festival in the Central Highlands.
How can I find out the exact dates for the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month. You can easily find the exact dates online by searching for "Hoi An Lantern Festival dates".
Do public holidays in Vietnam affect visa processing times?
Yes, absolutely. Immigration offices, embassies, and consulates will be closed during all official public holidays. Be sure to apply for your e-visa or other visas well in advance of any holiday period to avoid delays.
Are banks and government offices closed on public holidays?
Yes, all government offices, banks, and post offices will be closed on all official public holidays. Plan any necessary administrative tasks or currency exchanges around these dates.
Are hotels significantly more expensive during national holidays?
Yes, especially in popular tourist destinations. Expect hotel rates to increase by 30-100% or more during Tết and other long-weekend holidays. Booking several months in advance is the best way to secure reasonable prices.
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