Festivals in Hanoi: TOP 12 celebrations to embrace time-honored customs

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Hanoi boasts an abundance of captivating festivals (Source: Collected)

Taking part in festivals in Hanoi is an essential addition to your Vietnam travel itinerary, which offers a captivating glimpse into the soul of the city. Beyond savoring delectable specialties and exploring iconic landmarks, immersing yourself in these festivities will unveil the pride, resilience, and vibrant spirit of Hanoi.

1. Perfume Pagoda Festival – one of the top festivals in Hanoi

• Location: Perfume Pagoda, My Duc District, Hanoi
• Time: 1st – 3rd lunar month

The Perfume Pagoda Festival, a captivating fusion of spiritual, cultural, and natural beauty, offers an unmissable experience for those seeking a deeper connection to Hanoi’s rich heritage. It is one of the top festivals in Hanoi that tourists should not miss out on.

The journey to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi is mesmerizing with stunning mountain landscapes, picturesque rice fields, and enchanting limestone caves. Amidst the festivities, tourists can immerse themselves in the vibrant ambiance, as the pagoda complex dazzles with resplendent garlands, flickering candles, and shimmering gold accents for three months.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival is a significant Hanoi event that showcases the city’s rich heritage (Source: Collected)

2. Co Loa Citadel Festival in Hanoi

• Location: An Duong Vuong Pagoda, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
• Time: 6th – 18th day of the first lunar month

Considered one of the most significant among Hanoi festivals, the Co Loa Citadel Festival pays tribute to King An Duong Vuong, the visionary founder of Au Lac, an ancient Vietnamese kingdom. This annual celebration honors his heroic efforts in safeguarding the nation from invaders.

Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural splendor, featuring soulful folk singing and mesmerizing water puppetry, creating a captivating atmosphere. Co Loa Citadel is also one of the must-visit Hanoi attractions, highlighting the rich heritage of the city among the array of festivals in Hanoi.

3. Giong Festival – one of the most significant festivals in Hanoi

• Location: Soc Son Temple, Soc Son District, Hanoi
• Time: 6th – 8th day of the first lunar month

Giong Festival, one of the oldest and most renowned Hanoi celebrations, has earned the recognition of UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. This exceptional event offers sacred ceremonies, captivating processions, and traditional singing, providing a profound and enchanting experience for visitors.

The Giong Festival is a highlight among festivals in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

4. Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival in Hanoi

• Location: Hai Ba Trung Temple, Me Linh District, Hanoi
• Time: 6th – 8th day of the first lunar month

The Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival is a magnificent festivity honoring the heroic Trung Sisters. It offers tourists an immersive experience with traditional folk games, lively parades, and delectable local cuisine. This vibrant Hanoi Tet festival provides a unique opportunity to connect with Vietnam’s history, showcasing the strength and resilience of its people. It is undoubtedly one of the captivating festivals in Hanoi that should not be missed out on.

5. Bat Trang Pottery Village Festival in Hanoi

• Location: Bat Trang Pottery Village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
• Time: 14th – 15th day of the second lunar month

As one of the prominent festivals in Hanoi, the Bat Trang Pottery Village Festival is a cherished celebration that pays homage to the village’s revered pottery-making tradition passed down through generations. This captivating event allows tourists to deeply engage in the village’s rich cultural heritage. Here, you can see mesmerizing pottery demonstrations, watch vibrant cultural performances, and participate in wishing for peace and luck in the new year. Embodying the spirit of communal tradition, this remarkable festival showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Bat Trang, leaving visitors enchanted by its cultural significance.

Visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village is among the top things to do in Hanoi Vietnam (Source: Collected)

6. Vong La Festival – among the major festivals in Hanoi

• Location: Dai Do Temple, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
• Time: 13th – 15th day of the first lunar month

At Vong La Festival, you will be enchanted by the breathtaking scenery and vibrant ambiance that envelops you, creating a picturesque setting for a plethora of captivating activities. Festivals in Hanoi such as this offer a delightful experience, with folk singing and lion dancing that will leave tourists enthralled.

>>> Enchant your trip with many captivating experiences during Vietnam holidays!

7. Thay Pagoda Festival in Hanoi

• Location: Thay Pagoda, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi
• Time: 5th – 7th day of the third lunar month

The Thay Pagoda Festival, among the most anticipated festivals in Hanoi, pays tribute to the revered Buddhist monk Tu Dao Hanh (1010-1225). The festival consists of sacred ceremonies and mesmerizing folk performances that showcase the ancient worship traditions passed down through generations. During this celebration, visitors are transported to the past, immersing themselves in Hanoi’s authentic cultural fabric.

The Thay Pagoda Festival is among the most anticipated festivals in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

8. Trieu Khuc Village Festival in Hanoi

• Location: Trieu Khuc Village, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi
• Time: 9th – 12th day of the first lunar month

The Trieu Khuc Village Festival, an embodiment of Vietnamese traditions, unites the community in a jubilant celebration of cultural pride. Among the festivals in Hanoi, it showcases the vibrant flag dance, a mesmerizing performance that serves as a captivating finale. With graceful dancers, rhythmic beats, and fluttering flags, the festival’s spectacle enchants all, reflecting the enduring spirit of Vietnamese villages and their rich cultural heritage.

9. Dong Da Festival – one of the most famous festivals in Hanoi

• Location: Dong Da Mound, Dong Da District, Hanoi
• Time: 5th day of the first lunar month

Dong Da Festival, a cherished event that has been in Hanoi for more than two centuries, pays tribute to the heroic Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory led by Quang Trung. This solemn celebration includes a splendid procession of ornate palanquins from Khuong Thuong Communal House to Dong Da Mound, along with captivating dragon dances and exhilarating folk games that embody the timeless spirit of chivalry.

Dong Da Festival stands out among festivals in Hanoi, captivating attendees with its vibrant procession (Source: Collected)

10. Tan Vien Son Thanh Festival in Hanoi

• Location: Minh Quang Commune, Ba Vi District, Hanoi
• Time: 14th day of the first lunar month

Tan Vien Son Thanh Festival, a distinguished event among festivals in Hanoi and recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, pays tribute to Tan Vien Mountain Saint, a revered figure in Vietnamese mythology. The festival commences with a captivating incense-offering ceremony, where attendees gather to honor the saint and pray for favorable weather, prosperity, and boundless happiness in the year ahead.

11. Mid Autumn Festival Hanoi

• Location: Anywhere in Hanoi
• Time: 15th day of the eighth lunar month

The Mid Autumn Festival in Hanoi, Vietnam capital, is a vibrant and joyous celebration. Colorful lanterns adorn homes and people prepare traditional mooncakes and other delicacies in advance. On the day of the festival, children carry lanterns, sing traditional songs, and engage in lively folk games out on the streets. Taking part in this massive festival is one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

The festival’s highlights include the captivating dragon dance, where performers in dragon costumes dance to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, and the lion dance, believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Dancers tour around neighborhoods, showcasing their mesmerizing dances and making the Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam a cherished and enchanting event.

The Mid Autumn Festival is among the most popular festivals in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

12. Le Mat Village Festival – among the oldest festivals in Hanoi

• Location: Le Mat Village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
• Time: 23rd day of the third lunar month

The Le Mat Village Festival is a celebration dedicated to honoring Hoang Duc Trung, a key figure in the founding of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which is ancient Hanoi. The highlight of this festival is the thrilling dance depicting the defeat of the sea serpent, a mesmerizing performance that embodies the unwavering spirit of the Hoang family. This dance symbolizes their triumphant victory over the sea monster, signifying bravery, determination, and the ability to conquer adversity.

>>> Find out more things to do in Hanoi to enhance your trip in the capital city of Vietnam!

To further enhance your Hanoi itinerary, make sure to check out these renowned attractions also: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi Museum, Ngoc Son Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Van Phuc Silk Village, etc.

Among Hanoi’s captivating attractions, don’t overlook the fascinating VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium. VinKE is an educational playground that inspires children to explore and unleash their creativity. Meanwhile, Vinpearl Aquarium offers an enchanting underwater world with thousands of marine specimens.

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium

Additionally, it is also recommended that you include VinWonders Hanoi Wave Park and VinWonders Hanoi Water Park in your itinerary. These attractions offer a chance to relax and indulge in a plethora of water-based activities, ensuring a delightful and blissful experience.

Exciting activities await at VinWonders Hanoi

>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to experience a captivating world of wonder and entertainment!

After touring Hanoi, you can add even more excitement to your Vietnam travel by exploring enchanting places like the ancient Hoi An, vibrant Da Nang, picturesque Nha Trang, and the island paradise of Phu Quoc. And don’t miss the chance to come to VinWonders at each destination – a remarkable entertainment complex that offers thrilling games, mesmerizing shows, and captivating exhibitions for all ages, promising moments of awe and wonder.

VinWonders stands as a premier entertainment destination in Vietnam

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An to experience endless enjoyment!

The festivals in Hanoi will take you on a captivating journey through the diverse tapestry of Vietnamese traditions. From age-old rituals cherished through generations to contemporary celebrations reflecting the city’s dynamic spirit, these events vividly showcase Hanoi’s rich heritage. As you immerse yourself in these festivals in Hanoi, you will see the unwavering resilience, deep pride, and indomitable spirit of Vietnamese people.