A Guide To The Autumn Festival In Vietnam For Tourists

By Azure Lee

Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage that comes to life during its many festivals. Among them, the Autumn Festival in Vietnam stands out as a magical celebration. This festival, known locally as the Mid-Autumn Festival or "Tết Trung Thu," takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which falls in September or early October most of the time. This festival offers visitors a unique chance to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture, partake in customary celebrations, and feel the lively mood filling the country at this special time.

The Mid Autumn Festival is one of Vietnam's most cherished cultural festivals. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam around the 8th lunar month, this Full Moon celebration is worth seeing.

The History And Significance of the Autumn Festival in Vietnam

The history of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is deeply rooted in the country's agricultural traditions, with influences from Chinese culture. The festival also known as “Tết Trung Thu,” celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is a time for family reunions and celebrating the harvest moon festival. 

Historically, it marks the end of the summer harvest season, when farmers can rest and enjoy the fruits of their hard work. Over time, this event became associated with children’s happiness, symbolizing the love and care of parents. According to legend, the festival also honors the Moon Goddess and the story of the Moon Boy, who was carried to the Moon by a magical banyan tree. 

The Children carry colorful lanterns, participate in lion dances, and enjoy mooncakes during the festival, making it one of Vietnam’s most cherished holidays. 

What Is The Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a significant celebration in Vietnam, typically held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls in late September or early October. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated on September 17th. This festival is not only celebrated in Vietnam but also in several other countries in East and Southeast Asia.

The festival, known as the Mooncake Festival in Vietnam, is a traditional event to celebrate the biggest full moon of the year, according to the Moon Calendar.

Which country celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is not unique to Vietnam; it is celebrated in several countries across Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. However, each country has its unique customs and traditions that make their celebrations distinct. In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival is particularly noteworthy due to its focus on children and its vibrant street celebrations.

How is the Autumn Festival in Vietnam celebrated?

Vietnam celebrates the Mid-Autumn festival in a variety of ways across the country, but some common features are making mooncakes, lanterns, fruits, and flowers; offering food and incense to ancestors and deities; watching lion and dragon dances performed in the streets; and getting together with loved ones to enjoy the moonlight and share wishes and stories.

Mooncakes

Mooncakes are the symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. A must-do activity during the Mid-Autumn Festival is nibbling on mooncakes and drinking tea with loved ones.

Mooncake stands spring up on every other corner before the Mid-Autumn Festival. These pop-ups have intricately adorned boxes that contain a range of mystery cakes and fillings. Vietnam offers a large variety of mooncakes with various fillings and crusts. This Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival food is also available in various sizes and shapes. Locals buy mooncakes to honor their ancestors, eat with family, and give as gifts to their dear ones. 

Mooncakes are the symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Lanterns

Lanterns are also an important part of the Vietnamese Autumn Festival. They represent happiness, optimism, and enlightenment. Kids like making colorful lanterns in a variety of sizes and shapes, including stars, fish, butterflies, and animals. Additionally, kids like playing with toys such as paper fans, drums, whistles, and masks.

During the full moon night, children with vibrant lanterns organize boisterous parades and stroll through their village while belting out tunes. Some locations also host lantern festivals or contests to highlight their creativity and craftsmanship.

Another crucial element of the Autumn Festival in Vietnam is lanterns

Lion Dance

At the Autumn Festival in Vietnam, the Lion Dance, which embodies cultural richness and meaning, takes center stage. This energetic and acrobatic show, which has colorful lion costumes, is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring luck and wealth. The dance, which is accompanied by cymbals and rhythmic drumming, stimulates the community, particularly the kids who enthusiastically join in.  Nothing compares to this amazing performance on the eve of Trung Thu for Vietnamese children. 

The Lion Dance, which has vibrant costumes and a theatrical aspect, not only enriches the festival's aesthetic show but also preserves and passes cultural norms throughout generations.

Nothing compares to this amazing performance on the eve of Trung Thu for Vietnamese children

Experience The Autumn Festival In Vietnam

While the Autumn Festival in Vietnam is celebrated across the country, some places provide a more engaging and lively experience than others. These are a few of the recommended destinations for tourists to enjoy the event.

Hanoi

Hanoi, the 1000-year-old capital of Vietnam, is the ideal place for you to learn about the culture and values of the Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam. 

During this time, you may enjoy the festive atmosphere created by hundreds of brilliant lanterns on the streets, particularly in the ancient town "Phố Cổ". Take in the sights and sounds of Hang Ma Street, a bustling, well-known thoroughfare that sells a wide range of modern and traditional toys, vibrant lanterns in a variety of shapes and designs, and local Vietnamese families buying gifts for their children, as well as young people stopping by for beautiful check-in photos.

On the Full Moon date, take the opportunity to visit the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake to blend in the vibrant atmosphere, experience live performances, and see the lion and dragon dance. Under the magnificent full moon, feel free to play freely, roam through the streets, and participate in lantern parades with Vietnamese kids.

Hanoi is the ideal place for you to learn about the values of the Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Ho Chi Minh City has a lovely attraction. In addition to the city's brilliant lantern-lined streets, interesting parades, and lively traditional sports and dances, the Chinese community also hosts a one-of-a-kind Mid-Autumn Festival.

On the date of the Full Moon, you can visit Chinatown in District No. 5 to take in the traditional ambiance of these streets lit up with red lanterns. Famous landmarks and amusement parks in Ho Chi Minh City are another great option for your kids to experience the joyous and festive atmosphere of Vietnam's biggest metropolis.

Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town is crowded but not too lousy during festivals, and it possesses a charm even on the most busy days, particularly during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hoi An, noted for its colorful street lanterns, appears significantly more lovely at night.

On the 15th date of each lunar month, there is also a custom of releasing floating lanterns, or candles, on the Thu Bon River at night. Furthermore, it would be more thrilling on the Mid-Autumn Festival date. It is thought that placing them in the water and letting them float will bring you luck and pleasure. Fun folk games and lion dances in some corners will astound you and your kids with an incredibly joyful traditional Asian celebration.

Hoi An is breathtaking during the Mid-Autumn Festival

Useful Tips To Enjoy The Autumn Festival 

Plan Your Trip In Advance

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a busy time, with many locals traveling to visit family. It’s advisable to book your accommodation and transportation well in advance, especially if you plan to visit popular destinations.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a busy time

Experience Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival Food

Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival food like mooncakes. Sample various types of mooncakes from local bakeries to find your favorite flavor.  There could be unique specialties in every place.

Explore Local Events

To make the most of your festival experience, check your local listings for parades, events, and performances.

Respect Local Customs

Be mindful of the traditions and customs of the places you visit. For example, avoid disturbing lion or dragon dancers during their performances.

Traveling With Vietnam E-Visa

Traveling to Vietnam is easy, however, ensure that you have sufficient documents to enter the country. The Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-Visa) enables quick access to online applications, and allows eligible nationals to apply online, simplifying the process and time-saving. 

With the Vietnam E-Visa, visitors can stay up to 90 days for tourism purposes, providing a great opportunity to enjoy the festival and explore every part of the beautiful country. The Vietnam E-Visa application process is straightforward and takes 3 business days, therefore, it’s advisable to apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date.

Conclusion

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam has a long and fascinating history that reflects the country's cultural heritage and values. For tourists, it provides a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a traditional Vietnamese festival, filled with joy and meaningful customs. From the lively streets of Hanoi to the serene landscapes of Hoi An, the festival offers diverse experiences that beautifully highlight the richness of Vietnamese culture.

Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or natural landscapes, the Vietnam E-Visa makes it convenient to plan your trip. Start your journey and experience the culture, stunning scenery, and vibrant festivals of Vietnam today. 

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