Turn your device in landscape mode.
Book tickets

curent lang en

Log in
Book VinWonders tickets
Select a destination

Select a date
Adults
*Above 140cm
*Height from 140cm
Children
*от 80 см до 140 см
*Height from 100cm-140cm *Height from 80cm-140cm
Elders
*From 60 years old
*From 60 years old
Mother’s Day in Vietnam

Mother’s Day in Vietnam: Guide to tradition and celebration

24/11/2024 671 views

Mother’s Day in Vietnam, while not marked by a single specific holiday, is celebrated through various significant occasions that honor and express gratitude to mothers. Among these, the Vu Lan Festival stands out as Vietnam’s traditional version of Mother’s Day, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of filial piety.

1. What is Mother’s Day in Vietnam called? When does it take place?

There is not a specific holiday called Mother’s Day in Vietnam; instead, there are occasions dedicated to honoring and showing gratitude to parents in general and mothers in particular.

Among these, the Vu Lan Festival is often considered the closest to what would be Vietnam’s version of Mother’s Day. In Vietnamese culture, the Vu Lan rituals are observed from the 7th to the 15th day of the lunar month, not necessarily on the full moon day. Its purpose is to honor and acknowledge the contributions of one’s parents while also expressing gratitude not only to them but to ancestors as well.

A traditional celebration of Vietnamese Mother Day

For Vietnamese people, the Vu Lan Festival is a kind of Mother’s Day (Source: Collected)

Read more: 17 famous festivals in Vietnam that culture enthusiasts should experience

2. Things to know about Vu Lan Festival – the so-called Mother’s Day in Vietnam

The Vu Lan Festival is an occasion for people to express gratitude and filial devotion to their parents, especially their mothers. Here is some information you should know about the so-called Mother’s Day in Vietnam. 

2.1. Origin

According to Buddhist belief, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month is linked to the Vu Lan Festival—the so-called Mother’s Day in Vietnamese culture, which originates from the story of Dai Duc Muc Kien Lien. He is one of Buddha Shakyamuni’s chief disciples, who saved his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts.

The Vu Lan Sutra describes how Muc Kien Lien, having achieved great spiritual powers, could see across the heavens and the earth. He discovered that his deceased mother was suffering in hell, plagued by intense hunger and torment. Driven by deep filial piety, Muc Kien Lien brought food to offer her in the underworld.

However, due to her long period of starvation, when she attempted to eat, she used one hand to shield her bowl from other hungry spirits. As a result, the food turned into red flames when it neared her mouth.

Distressed by this, Muc Kien Lien sought the Buddha’s guidance on how to rescue his mother. The Buddha explained that, despite his significant spiritual abilities, he could not save his mother alone. Only through the combined efforts of monks from all directions could her release be possible.

The 15th day of the seventh lunar month was an auspicious time to invite monks and make offerings. Following this advice, Muc Kien Lien was able to free his mother. The Buddha also advised that anyone wishing to show filial piety to their parents should follow this practice. Thus, the Vu Lan Festival was established. And when mentioning Mother’s Day, Vietnamese people often think of this day.

Things to know about Vu Lan Festival

Vietnamese people honor and express gratitude to their mothers on the Vu Lan festival (Source: Collected)

2.2. Significance

The Vu Lan Festival, as so-called Mother’s Day in Vietnam, is a long-standing cultural tradition with roots stretching back thousands of years. Celebrated as one of the most significant Buddhist holidays, Vu Lan is observed nationwide as a time for people to honor and express gratitude to their parents and ancestors, particularly mothers.

During the festival, families engage in various activities to show filial piety and appreciation for parental sacrifices. Ceremonies take place both at home and in temples, where individuals offer prayers and make symbolic gestures of respect, creating a season dedicated to sincere devotion and remembrance.

mother's day in vietnam

Vu Lan serves as an essential occasion similar to Mother’s Day in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Keep reading: Hungry Ghost Festival: Insight into traditional customs and beliefs

Best-selling products

3. How do people celebrate Mother’s Day in Vietnam?

Although it is not officially named “Mother’s Day,” the Vu Lan Festival is widely embraced in Vietnam. During this occasion, people participate in various activities to honor and express love toward their mothers, making it a meaningful time dedicated to filial gratitude and family bonds.

3.1. In a Vietnamese family

Vu Lan Festival, the so-called Mother’s Day in Vietnam, is celebrated with heartfelt gestures and traditions that reflect the deep respect and love for mothers. One of the most cherished ways to honor mothers is by preparing a special family meal. This meal often includes the mother’s favorite dishes, and the gathering serves as a meaningful occasion for expressing appreciation and enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Enjoying a meal together is a popular way to celebrate Vietnamese Mother's Day

Enjoying a meal together is a popular way to celebrate Vietnamese Mother’s Day (Source: Collected)

Another important tradition is giving gifts to mothers. Children and family members present thoughtful gifts such as flowers, jewelry, or personalized items to show their gratitude and love. The act of gift-giving is complemented by writing heartfelt cards or notes, further emphasizing personal connection and affection.

For those who cannot be physically present with their mothers due to distance, a phone call or video chat becomes a crucial way to stay connected. In addition, many families take the opportunity to visit ancestral graves or temples to pay respects and honor their ancestors.

An excellent way to celebrate Mother’s Day in Vietnam is to take a trip with your mom, allowing you both to spend quality time together and make the occasion truly special. There are several fantastic destinations for a memorable getaway, such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Hoi An. These locations boast stunning natural beauty and offer a variety of exciting activities.

VinWonders Nha Trang

Spend quality time with your family at VinWonders Nha Trang

To enhance your travel experience, consider visiting VinWonders, where you can enjoy a range of fun and engaging entertainment options. After a day of exploration and play, Vinpearl’s upscale resorts provide a luxurious retreat with exceptional service, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a relaxing stay. Available in many of Vietnam’s top destinations, both Vinpearl and VinWonders ensure that your trip will be memorable, no matter where you choose to go.

Vinpearl offers luxurious and relaxing stays for your family

Vinpearl offers luxurious and relaxing stays for your family

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

3.2. In the Buddhist community

In the Buddhist community, the Vu Lan festival is celebrated with deep reverence and a range of traditional activities. One prominent ritual observed in temples is the rose ceremony.

During this ceremony, participants wear roses as symbols of their relationship with their mothers—red roses for those who still have their mothers alive and white roses for those whose mothers have passed away. This practice is a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring and appreciating one’s parents, reflecting the essence of Mother’s Day in Vietnam.

In addition to the rose ceremony, another significant aspect of celebrating so-called Mother’s Day in Vietnam within the Buddhist community involves acts of compassion and charity. Many people participate in the practice of “phóng sinh,” or the release of captive animals, as a way to accumulate merit and express gratitude.

Furthermore, engaging in charitable activities is a critical component of Vietnamese Mother’s Day. Families often organize and participate in various forms of charitable work, such as donating to those in need or supporting local community projects.

Vietnam Mother's Day in the Buddhist community

Mother’s Day in Vietnam is a time for both personal reflection and communal benevolence (Source: Collected)

4. Other occasional days to appreciate mothers in Vietnam

In addition to the Vu Lan festival, mothers in Vietnam are celebrated on several other occasions throughout the year:

  • International Women’s Day: Celebrated on March 8, International Women’s Day honors women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality worldwide. In Vietnam, this day is marked by giving flowers, organizing events, and expressing appreciation for the contributions of women in various roles, including motherhood.
  • Vietnamese Women’s Day: Observed on October 20th, Vietnamese Women’s Day is dedicated to recognizing the roles and contributions of Vietnamese women, including mothers. Activities typically include special ceremonies, public recognition, and gifts to honor their efforts and achievements in family and society.
  • Western Mother’s Day: Celebrated on the second Sunday of May, Western Mother’s Day has been embraced in Vietnam as well. On this day, families express their love and gratitude to mothers through gifts, flowers, and special meals, reflecting a blend of local and international customs to honor mothers.
Vietnamese Women’s Day

Vietnamese people have several events to celebrate Vietnamese Mother’s Day throughout the year (Source: Collected)

While Vietnam does not have a specific holiday named Mother’s Day, various occasions serve as important moments to honor and appreciate mothers. The Vu Lan Festival is often regarded as Mother’s Day in Vietnam, focusing on filial piety and ancestral reverence. Additionally, International Women’s Day, Vietnamese Women’s Day, and Western Mother’s Day offer distinct opportunities to celebrate and express gratitude. Each of these celebrations—whether through traditional Vu Lan practices, modern events, or global customs—highlights the deep cultural value placed on honoring mothers.

 

Grab the hottest deals at VinWonders

Best-selling products

Share news via:
  • Copy to clipboard
https://vinwonders.com/en/wonderpedia/news/mother-day-in-vietnam/

Related Posts

Posts for you

[UPDATED] VinWonders – Grand World – Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc bus schedule 2025

20/08/2025 56.827 views

Vinpearl cable car: Location, features, tickets and more

26/06/2024 30.666 views

Han River Bridge: Discover an iconic symbol of Da Nang City

18/11/2025 29.264 views

Phu Quoc food & Phu Quoc restaurants strongly suggested for your trip

20/11/2025 26.708 views

Search

Featured offers

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

[Must-try] Unique dining experiences at VinWonders Phu Quoc / Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

[Must-try] Unique dining experiences at VinWonders Phu Quoc / Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

VinWonders Nha Trang entrance ticket: Special offers to enjoy your wonder trip

VinWonders Nha Trang entrance ticket: Special offers to enjoy your wonder trip

Tìm vé

Search history

Most popular

News & Experiences

Saigon Crocodile Village: A complete guide for visitors

Saigon Crocodile Village: A complete guide for visitors

Saigon Crocodile Village is a unique attraction that offers visitors an exciting mix of adventure, education, and culinary experiences. Just a short drive away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, this crocodile farm provides a rare chance to observe, interact with, and learn about one of nature’s most fascinating creatures.

 05/12/2025
Breakfast in Saigon: 16 places to savor the best dishes

Breakfast in Saigon: 16 places to savor the best dishes

Breakfast in Saigon offers a delicious blend of Vietnamese dishes and foreign flavors. From the flavorful pho and the crispy banh mi to Western-style classics, the city has something for everyone.

 05/12/2025