Vietnam is a land of vibrant cultures and rich traditions and nowhere is this more evident than in the charming town of Hoi An. If you are looking to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience, Hoi An’s festivals are a must-see. Here are the top 10 festivals that will make your trip to Vietnam unforgettable. These festivals are not just events; they are windows into the soul of Vietnam.
1. Hoi An Lantern Festival
When: 1st, 14th, and 15th day of the lunar month (dates vary Month and Year wise!)
Month | Dates |
January | Jan 24th,2024 |
February | Feb 23rd, 2024 |
March | March 23rd, 2024 |
April | April 22nd, 2024 |
May | May 21st, 2024 |
June | June 19th, 2024 |
July | July – 19th, 2024 |
August | August 17th, 2024 |
September | September 16th, 2024 |
October | October 16th, 2024 |
November | November 14th, 2024 |
December | December 14th, 2024 |
Why Go: Witness the ancient town aglow with thousands of colorful lanterns. Participate in traditional music performances, lion and dragon dances, and release flower lanterns on the Hoai River to make your wishes come true.
2. Full Moon Day – The Festival for Family Bonding
When: 12th to 15th of the August lunar month (September 16 to September 19, 2024)
Why Go: Celebrate the bond of family by enjoying moon cakes, watching the full moon and strolling through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
3. Lady Thu Bon Festival
When: 10th – 12th February lunar month (March 21 to March 23, 2024)
Why Go: This ancient festival honors Lady Thu Bon, a local deity. Experience traditional ceremonies, folk games and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Hoi An.
4. Cau Bong Festival
When: 7th January lunar month (February 16, 2024)
Why Go: Dive into the agricultural spirit of Tra Que vegetable village with soil-digging and vegetable-growing competitions. Enjoy the local cuisine and witness the beauty of labor.
5. Long Chu Procession Festival
When: 15th January and 15th July lunar month (February 24, 2024, and August 19, 2024)
Why Go: This festival, steeped in Buddhist and Taoist traditions, features rituals to expel evil spirits and bring good omens. The procession and the burning of the Long Chu boat are sights to behold.
6. Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival
When: 9th – 10th July lunar month (August 13 to August 14, 2024)
Why Go: Explore the rich heritage of Thanh Ha pottery village. Participate in pottery-making competitions, boat races, and enjoy a range of traditional activities.
7. The Ceremony of Mr. Fish
When: Middle of March lunar month (April 23, 2024)
Why Go: Experience the coastal culture of Hoi An. Join the locals in rituals to honor Mr. Fish, praying for a successful fishing year and safe seas.
8. Hoi An Memories Show
When: Daily from 8 pm to 9 pm
Why Go: Don’t miss the world’s largest real-life art show, showcasing Hoi An’s history and culture through breathtaking performances.
9. Lady Thien Hau Procession
When: 23rd of March lunar month (May 1, 2024)
Why Go: Celebrate the unity of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures. The statue bathing ritual and other ceremonies are deeply moving and culturally rich.
10. Vu Lan Festival
When: Full moon day of the July lunar month (August 19, 2024)
Why Go: Express your gratitude and filial piety. Join the locals in releasing lanterns along the river and participate in the pinning ceremony at local pagodas.
From May to August is the time when Hoi An organizes many cultural festivals. You can make a travel plan during this time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The town buzzes with life and the streets are filled with cultural events. Just remember, during the festival days, you can’t use motorbikes or cars in the ancient town area, so get ready to stroll around. Don’t miss out on trying the local food like chicken rice, banh mi, Cao lau noodle soup, mango cake, and tofu – they’re all delicious! And when it comes to souvenirs, lanterns, bronze statues, turtlenecks, conical hats and keychains are top picks. Before you release flower lanterns or hop on a boat down the Thu Bon River, make sure to check the prices to avoid any surprises. Enjoy your time soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and rich culture of Hoi An!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to create lasting memories. Book your Hoi An adventure with Ardienteworld today!
Also read – Things to know before you travel to Vietnam.