North Vietnam is a land of misty mountains, lively cities, and, most importantly, festivals. Throughout the year the country plays host to epic parades, spiritual ceremonies, and celebratory holidays.
Timing your visit wisely, to coincide with these festivals, means you gain a front-row seat to Vietnamese culture at its finest.
But hold on to your rice hats—these festivals can be a little chaotic! (Although, what isn’t charmingly chaotic in Vietnam?!) That's where this guide comes in.
We'll cover everything from major public holidays to lesser-known festivals in North Vietnam, with insider tips to help you navigate the hustle and bustle like a pro.
Bonus: we’ll throw in suggestions for Bong Hostel's tours, like the Ha Giang Loop, Sapa trekking, and Ha Long Bay cruises, to make your trip even more unforgettable!
Major Public Festivals in North Vietnam 2025
1. Vietnamese New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán)
When: January 29–February 2, 2025
Tết is Vietnam’s Super Bowl, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve rolled into one. It’s a time for family reunions, lion dances, and enough fireworks to make your ears ring for a week. During these days, cities across the North shut down in a wave of festivities and tradition.
Want to join the fun? Be ready to navigate crowds, plan ahead, and have your trip severely impacted. Many restaurants and shops are closed during Tết and transport and accommodations can be scarce.
2. Hung Kings Temple Festival (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương)
When: April 18, 2025
The Hung Kings Temple Festival celebrates Vietnam’s founding fathers. It's held in Phu Tho Province, about two hours from Hanoi, where you’ll find processions, incense offerings, and cultural activities galore.
If you can’t make it to Phu Tho, why not pair the holiday with a trekking adventure in Sapa? Few things beat celebrating Vietnam’s heritage while surrounded by its stunning natural beauty.
Must Read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Go Trekking in Sapa.
3. National Day (Quốc Khánh)
When: September 2, 2025
Think of National Day as Vietnam’s 4th of July, complete with patriotic parades, fireworks, and speeches. Hanoi is the epicenter of the action, especially at Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945.
After soaking in the celebrations, cool off with a Ha Long Bay cruise. Sip a cocktail as you watch limestone karsts drift by — the perfect way to wind down.
Seasonal and Local Festivals in North Vietnam 2025
4. Lim Festival
When: February 8–27, 2025
Quan Ho folk singing is the star of the show at the Lim Festival in Bac Ninh Province, just a short drive from Hanoi. Imagine traditional call-and-response tunes performed in colorful outfits — it's like a karaoke battle but classier.
Combine this with a Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop tour, where you can belt out your own tunes by night while winding through epic mountain passes by day.
5. Perfume Pagoda Festival
When: February 23–Mid-May 2025
Looking for a mix of spirituality and adventure? The Perfume Pagoda Festival offers just that. Hop on a boat down the Yen River, hike to the limestone cliffs, and join thousands of pilgrims in prayer.
Author’s tip: Beat the crowds by visiting on a weekday. Return to Hanoi afterwards for a relaxing day of coffee shop hangs and spa treatments.
6. Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
When: September 6, 2025
The Mid-Autumn Festival is all about mooncakes, lanterns, and laughter. Kids roam the streets with glowing lanterns while families gather for feasts. Travelers can join the festivities by learning to make their own lanterns or tasting every mooncake flavor imaginable.
For the best Mid-Autumn Festival experiences, head to Cat Ba Island or Ninh Binh. Bong Hostel offers day trips to Ninh Binh, where you can paddle through lush waterways while enjoying festival vibes.
7. Buckwheat Flower Festival
When: October 20—November 10 2025 (Please note: exact dates will depend on local arrangements and announcements closer to the time).
The Buckwheat Flower Festival is a celebration unique to Ha Giang in North Vietnam.
As the hills of Ha Giang and Cao Bang bloom with endless fields of delicate, pinkish-purple buckwheat flowers, locals and travelers love to bear witness to, and honor, this dreamy sight.
The festival features traditional music, ethnic performances, and unique dishes made from buckwheat, offering an immersive cultural experience.
For the best way to experience the Ha Giang Buckwheat Flower Festival, join a Bong Hostel Ha Giang Loop tour that includes stops at prime flower-viewing locations.
Joining a tour of the loop gives you the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the festival while enjoying an incredible motorbike adventure.
Historical and Spiritual Festivals in North Vietnam 2025
8. Reunification Day & International Labor Day
When: April 30–May 1, 2025
Two back-to-back holidays mean one epic long weekend. On Reunification Day, Vietnam celebrates the end of the Vietnam War. The following day, International Labor Day honors workers’ contributions.
Expect fireworks, parades, and streets lined with flags. While major tourist spots might get crowded, Hanoi is surprisingly serene during this time. Stay at Bong Hanoi Hostel or join a Bong Hostel cruise around Cat Ba Island for an even more laid back vibe.
9. Ghost Month
When: August 24–September 21, 2025
Ghost Month is a time to honor wandering spirits, believed to return to the world of the living during the 7th lunar month. Families set up offerings of food, incense, and joss paper to appease these spirits, and pagodas host ceremonies to guide them back to the afterlife.
While the festival isn't as elaborate in North Vietnam as in other regions, travelers can still experience its quieter, spiritual side. Visit Hanoi's local temples to witness the rituals or explore smaller villages where traditions like floating lanterns on rivers are practiced.
10. Wandering Souls Day (Vu Lan Festival)
When: September 6, 2025
Part of Ghost Month, this heartfelt festival honors ancestors and wandering souls. Families set up altars with offerings while lanterns are floated on rivers to guide spirits.
Catch the lantern displays in smaller towns or temples. If you’re near Sapa, combine the festival with a trek to nearby ethnic villages for a deeply moving experience and better understanding of Wandering Souls Day.
11. Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak Day)
When: May 12, 2025
Temples across North Vietnam come alive with flowers, lanterns, and chanting for Buddha’s Birthday. Hanoi’s Quan Su Pagoda is a hot spot, but smaller, quieter temples offer a more intimate vibe.
Pair this spiritual day with a Ninh Binh day trip, where you can explore ancient pagodas surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Insider Tips for Enjoying Festivals in North Vietnam
Plan ahead: Festivals often mean limited transport and accommodations. Book your Bong Hostel tours early to secure your spot.
Join in: Festivals are about participation. Try making a lantern, tasting festival foods, or joining a parade.
Travel light: Crowded streets and busy temples aren’t the place for bulky backpacks. Pack light and keep your belongings secure.
Be respectful: Learn a bit about the festival’s cultural significance before joining in. A little knowledge goes a long way in making locals feel appreciated.
Make the Most of North Vietnam with Bong Hostel
Why stress over logistics when Bong Hostel has you covered? Here's how our tours fit into your festival-filled adventure:
Ha Giang Loop Tours: Experience mountain vistas and cultural villages while weaving through epic festival spots.
Sapa Trekking Adventures: Combine festivals with breathtaking treks to ethnic minority villages.
Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Cruises: Celebrate in style with luxury cruises and serene seascapes.
Ninh Binh Day Trips: Paddle through magical waterways and ancient temples during festival season.
So there you have it; the festivals in North Vietnam are as diverse as the region’s landscapes, offering a little something for everyone. Whether you’re here to sing, eat, pray, or party, Bong Hostel is your go-to for unlocking the best memories.
Ready to dive into the madness and magic of festivals in North Vietnam? Pack your bags, your appetite, and your sense of adventure — we’ll see you there!
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