Best Festivals in Vietnam 2025 & Haiphong Travel Guide: Celebrate Culture, Explore Hidden Gems

Vietnam is more than just stunning landscapes and mouth-watering cuisine. The country shines brightest when its streets come alive with colors, music, and celebration. Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2024? Don’t just go sightseeing—immerse yourself in local joy with some of the Best Festivals in Vietnam. And once the celebrations are over, head to the port city of Haiphong to unwind, explore, and indulge. This guide also includes a detailed Haiphong Travel Guide to help you make the most of your journey.

PART 1: Best Festivals in Vietnam to Attend in 2024

From cultural traditions to religious celebrations and even international carnivals, Vietnam’s festivals reveal the heart of its people. Here's a breakdown of must-attend festivals throughout the year:

1. Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) – Late January to Early February

The most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. Cities shut down but come alive with color—red lanterns, peach blossoms, lion dances, and firecrackers fill the streets. Families prepare traditional meals, visit ancestral temples, and exchange lucky money.

What to Expect:

• Fireworks at midnight

• Special foods like bánh chưng

• Decorative streets and markets

• Most places close for 3–5 days, so plan accordingly

2. Lim Festival – February

Held in Bắc Ninh province, just outside Hanoi, this festival honors Quan Họ folk music—a form of traditional love duets. Locals dress in classic Ao Tứ Thân outfits and engage in beautiful, poetic singing competitions.

Ideal for: Culture lovers and music enthusiasts

3. Hùng Kings Temple Festival – April

This festival pays tribute to Vietnam’s ancient founders, the Hùng Kings. Processions, drumming, and traditional games are held at the Hùng Temple in Phú Thọ Province. It’s a spiritual and patriotic event that reflects national pride.

4. Buddha’s Birthday – May (Vesak Day)

Temples across the country are beautifully decorated with lights and lotus flowers. Devotees gather for prayer, chanting, and meditation, offering a serene, peaceful vibe in cities and towns.

Where to experience it: Hue, Hoi An, and major pagodas in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

5. Da Nang International Fireworks Festival – June to July

A modern event, but unforgettable! Countries from around the world compete in epic firework displays over the Han River. The city turns into a carnival zone with parades, music, and food.

Perfect for: Families, couples, and photography lovers

6. Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) – September

Vietnam's “festival of children.” Streets are filled with lanterns, mooncakes, and lion dances. Kids parade around with glowing lights and enjoy special performances.

Don't miss: Lantern-making workshops and mooncake tasting

7. Ok Om Bok Festival – October to November

Celebrated by the Khmer community in southern Vietnam, especially in Soc Trang. It’s a harvest festival that includes moon worship and the iconic Ngo boat races, which are thrilling to watch.

8. Hoi An Lantern Festival – Monthly (Full Moon Night)

Held on the 14th day of every lunar month in Hoi An Old Town. Streets are lit with colorful silk lanterns, and locals release floating candles into the river for good fortune.

Tip: Book accommodation in advance—this festival is very popular with tourists.

Quick Tips for Enjoying Vietnamese Festivals

• Dress modestly and comfortably

• Try festival-only foods and sweets

• Always ask before taking photos of locals, especially during ceremonies

• Carry cash—many stalls and markets don’t accept cards

• Stay hydrated, especially in southern Vietnam’s tropical climate

PART 2: Haiphong Travel Guide – Explore the Port City’s Secrets

Once you're done celebrating, it’s time to escape the crowds and explore a peaceful coastal city that many tourists overlook: Haiphong. Known as the "City of Flame Flowers," Haiphong offers colonial architecture, untouched beaches, fresh seafood, and a gateway to Cat Ba Island.

Getting to Haiphong

• By Flight: Direct domestic flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City

• By Train: The train ride from Hanoi to Haiphong is scenic and comfortable (~2.5 hours)

• By Bus or Car: Well-connected by national highways—expect a 2-hour journey from Hanoi

Where to Stay in Haiphong

Haiphong caters to all budgets. Here are three solid options:

• Luxury: 4-star hotels near Lach Tray or city center with rooftop restaurants and river views

• Mid-range: Boutique hotels and homestays with local charm and cozy designs

• Budget: Clean guesthouses, hostels near the bus station or market areas

Top Things to Do in Haiphong

1. Explore Do Son Beach

Just 20 km from the city center, this beach is known for its calm waves and relaxing vibe. Locals often picnic here. Great for sunrise or sunset.

2. Visit Du Hang Pagoda

Built over 300 years ago, this Buddhist temple complex offers stunning architecture, bonsai gardens, and peaceful surroundings.

3. Walk Along Tam Bac Lake

In the heart of Haiphong, this scenic lake is perfect for an evening stroll. Watch locals dance, fish, or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee at lakeside cafés.

4. Discover Colonial Architecture

Haiphong has French-built mansions, railway stations, and city halls that tell stories of Vietnam’s colonial past.

5. Cat Ba Island Excursion

Just an hour away, Cat Ba is part of the UNESCO Halong Bay Biosphere. Enjoy jungle trekking, kayaking, and boat cruises. Great for a 2-day side trip.

What to Eat in Haiphong

The city is a paradise for seafood lovers and fans of northern Vietnamese cuisine. Don’t miss:

• Bánh đa cua: Crab noodle soup with flat noodles and morning glory

• Nem cua bể: Fried crab spring rolls

• Bánh mì cay: Spicy mini baguettes with pâté and chili sauce

• Bún tôm: Shrimp noodle soup with a light, savory broth

Pair your meals with local iced tea or Vietnamese drip coffee.

Local Markets to Explore

• Cho Sat Market: Haiphong’s oldest market—perfect for souvenirs, clothes, and street snacks

• Luong Van Can Night Market: Popular with young locals; try fresh grilled seafood, rice cakes, and coconut desserts

Festivals in Haiphong

Though less touristy, Haiphong has its share of cultural celebrations:

• Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival (September): A local highlight where trained buffaloes face off in a symbolic competition

• Do Son Beach Festival (April): Cultural shows, folk dancing, and paragliding events

Travel Tips for Haiphong

• Rent a scooter for easy exploration

• Avoid peak heat (12 PM to 3 PM) and plan outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon

• Most locals don’t speak English—Google Translate is your best friend

• Haiphong is cash-friendly; keep small denominations for food and transport

Sample 7-Day Vietnam Cultural Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi → Train to Haiphong → Explore Tam Bac Lake Day 2: Do Son Beach morning + local seafood dinner Day 3: Day trip to Cat Ba Island → Return Day 4: Travel to Hoi An → Attend Lantern Festival Day 5: Explore Old Town → Try lantern-making Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh → Explore markets & cafés Day 7: Experience Tết or Mid-Autumn celebration → Depart

Final Thoughts

Vietnam is a country that celebrates life—with festivals full of music, colors, and community. By joining the Best Festivals in Vietnam, you'll step into centuries of tradition. And when you’re ready to relax and discover something new, let this Haiphong Travel Guide lead you into the peaceful charm of the coastal north. Together, they make for a trip that’s rich, balanced, and beautifully unforgettable.