Hanoi (VNA) - As Tet approaches, the air in Vietnam buzzes with excitement as families prepare for the vibrant spring festival season.
This cherished tradition, passed down through generations, serves as a powerful testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and is also a time to honour ancestors and predecessors.
For travelers fortunate enough to find themselves in northern Vietnam during this time, here are ten spring festivals that promise unforgettable experiences.
Dong Da Mound Festival
Located in Hanoi’s Dong Da district, the Dong Da Mound Festival is a jubilant reenactment of Emperor Quang Trung’s legendary victory over the Qing invaders in 1789. Celebrated on the fifth day of Tet, the festival bursts into life with traditional games, parades, and the dazzling Thang Long Fire Dragon Dance. Nearby, the Dong Quang Pagoda hosts a solemn ceremony honouring fallen heroes. Designated as a special national site in 2018, this festival is a must-visit for those eager to delve into Vietnam’s storied past.
Huong Pagoda Festival
In the serene Huong Son commune of Hanoi’s outlying My Duc district, the Huong Pagoda Festival unfolds from the sixth day of the Lunar New Year until the end of the third lunar month. This spiritual and cultural gem attracts thousands of pilgrims seeking prosperity and peace. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural performances, sports competitions, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for both sightseeing and spiritual reflection.
Doi Son Ploughing Festival
Rooted in Vietnam’s agricultural heritage, the Doi Son Ploughing Festival in Ha Nam province prays for favourable weather and bountiful harvests. Held from the 5th to the 7th day of Tet, this ancient tradition dates back to the 10th century and was revived in 2009 after years of dormancy. Visitors can witness ceremonial plowing rituals and immerse themselves in the rhythms of rural life, a poignant reminder of the nation’s agrarian roots.
Co Loa Citadel Festival
From the 6th to the 16th day of the Lunar New Year, the Co Loa Citadel Festival honours King An Duong Vuong, the legendary founder of the ancient state of Au Lac. This vibrant festival features traditional games, rice cooking competitions, and a grand offering ceremony that honours heaven and earth, inviting visitors to partake in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture.
Giong Temple Festival
In Phu Dong commune, Gia Lam district, the Giong Temple Festival celebrates Saint Giong, a mythical hero who rose to vanquish foreign invaders before ascending to heaven. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this three-day festival, beginning on the 6th day of Tet, includes sacred rituals, processions, and the presentation of symbolic bamboo flowers at Thuong Temple. The 7th day is particularly significant, believed to be the day of Saint Giong’s deification.
Vieng Market Festival
At midnight on the 7th day of Tet, the Vieng Market Festival in Nam Dinh province comes alive with thousands of visitors seeking good fortune for the year ahead. This unique cultural tradition is a vibrant celebration of community and hope. The following day, visitors continue their journey to the nearby Phu Day Festival dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam’s revered "Four Immortals."
Yen Tu Spring Festival
For those who seek tranquility, the Yen Tu Spring Festival in Quang Ninh province is a pilgrimage like no other. Beginning on the 9th day of Tet and lasting through spring, the festival marks the birthplace of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in 1299. Visitors trek to the Dong Pagoda atop Yen Tu Mountain, navigating a sprawling religious complex that marries spiritual depth with breathtaking natural beauty.
Tran Temple Seal-Opening Festival
From the 11th to the 16th day of the Lunar New Year, the Tran Temple Seal-Opening Festival in Nam Dinh province pays tribute to the illustrious Tran Dynasty and its legendary military leader Tran Hung Dao. The main ceremony, held at midnight on the 14th day, honours the Tran Dynasty and the legendary military leader and general Tran Hung Dao, offering a chance to admire the cultural and historical heritage of the Tran Temple – Pho Minh Pagoda Complex.
Lim Festival
The Lim Festival in Bac Ninh province, held on the 12th and 13th days of the Lunar New Year, is a celebration of quan ho - Vietnam’s enchanting love duet folk singing. Against a backdrop of vibrant processions and traditional games, performers captivate audiences with hauntingly beautiful melodies. As a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture, the festival invites visitors to experience the country’s artistic soul.
Hung Kings Temple Festival
Finally, the Hung Kings Temple Festival in Phu Tho province stands as a testament to Vietnam’s origins. Held annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month, the festivities begin weeks in advance, featuring a variety of folk performances, traditional games, and cultural events, culminating in an incense-offering ritual at Thuong Temple. In 2012, UNESCO recognised the “Worship of Hung Kings” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity./.
