Mid-Autumn festival in Vietnam: Best local experiences
Vietnam comes alive every year with vibrant colors, joyful parades and festive treats. The mid-autumn festival is one of the country’s most cherished traditions, offering visitors the best local experiences and unforgettable cultural moments. Let’s find out!
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Vietnam is a land rich in ancient traditions and vibrant festivals, where each celebration tells a unique story of culture and community. Among these, the mid-autumn festival stands out as one of the most enchanting, uniting people of all ages in a joyful atmosphere of lanterns, music and mooncakes.
Let’s discover the origins, customs and must-try local experiences that make the mid-autumn festival in Vietnam so special. From bustling lantern parades in the Old Quarter to family gatherings and festive street food, find out how to immerse yourself in the magic of this cherished event.
Plan your unforgettable mid-autumn festival adventure with Hanoi Voyages today!
Table of Contents
History and meaning of the mid-autumn festival in Vietnam
The mid-autumn festival, known as Tết Trung Thu in Vietnam, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.
Originally, the mid-autumn festival was an occasion for farmers to give thanks for the harvest and to pray for good fortune in the coming year. Over time, it evolved into a festival especially cherished by children, who eagerly look forward to vibrant lantern processions, lion dances and enjoying delicious mooncakes.
The mid-autumn festival is a time when families come together, share stories and celebrate their bond under the radiant full moon, making it one of Vietnam’s most meaningful and joyful traditions.
When is the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated?
Mid- Autumn Festival is traditionally celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the mid-autumn festival marks the time when the moon is at its brightest and fullest
Some traditional Mid Autumn festival activities
The Mid Autumn festival in Vietnam is celebrated with a variety of joyful and meaningful traditions. Here are some of the most popular Mid Autumn festival activities that make the Mooncake festival Vietnam truly special
Lantern parade
One of the most beloved Mid Autumn festival activities in Vietnam is the lantern parade. As evening falls, children and adults alike take to the streets carrying colorful lanterns shaped like stars, fish and various animals. The sight of glowing lanterns illuminating the night creates a magical atmosphere and symbolizes hope and happiness.
Lion Dance performances
No mooncake festival in Vietnam is complete without the energetic lion dance. Performers dressed in elaborate lion costumes dance to the beat of drums, entertaining crowds and bringing good luck. This traditional dance is a highlight of Mid Autumn festival activities and draws large audiences in cities and villages alike.
“Phá Cỗ” – The festive feast
Another unique Mid Autumn festival activity is “phá cỗ” – the festive feast held under the bright full moon. Children and families gather around trays of seasonal fruits, mooncakes and other treats, joyfully sharing food and stories. This moment celebrates abundance and the spirit of togetherness at the heart of the Mooncake festival Vietnam.
Folk games and storytelling
Folk games and storytelling sessions are important Mid Autumn festival activities, especially for children. Classic games such as tug-of-war, sack races and blind man’s buff are often organized in neighborhoods, adding fun and laughter to the festivities.
Storytelling about the legend of Cuội and the Moon Lady is also a cherished tradition, sparking children’s imagination.
Family gatherings and moon gazing
Mid Autumn festival activities always emphasize family togetherness. On this special night, families gather for festive meals, enjoy mooncakes and watch the full moon together.
This moment of reunion and reflection under the bright moon is the heart of the Mooncake festival Vietnam, making it an unforgettable occasion for people of all ages.
What foods are eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The Mooncake festival in Vietnam is not only about lanterns and lion dances but also a time to enjoy a wide variety of delicious mid autumn festival food. Here are some of the most popular dishes and treats enjoyed during this special occasion
Bánh trung thu - Mooncakes
The symbol of the Mooncake festival in Vietnam, these round pastries are filled with lotus seed paste, mung bean, salted egg yolk, mixed nuts, or even modern flavors like chocolate and green tea. Mooncakes represent reunion and are often exchanged as gifts.
You can also refer: Top 6 Vietnamese traditional cakes not be missed
Mâm ngũ quả - Five-fruit tray
Families prepare a decorative tray with five different fruits such as pomelo, persimmon, banana, custard apple and longan. This tray symbolizes abundance, luck and family unity during the mooncake festival in Vietnam.
Chè trôi nước - Sticky rice dumplings in sweet soup
A traditional Vietnamese dessert often enjoyed as mid autumn festival food, these soft glutinous rice balls are filled with mung bean paste and served in a sweet ginger syrup.
Cốm - Young green rice flakes
This fragrant snack, made from immature rice, is a specialty of the northern region and is sometimes served with ripe bananas during the mid-autumn festival.
Where to experience the best mid-autumn festival in Vietnam
If you want to experience the best of this magical season, here are some of the top places to celebrate the mid-autumn festival in Vietnam
Hanoi – Old Quarter & Hang Ma Street
Hanoi is one of the most iconic places to celebrate the mid-autumn festival in Vietnam. The bustling Old Quarter, especially Hang Ma and Luong Van Can streets, comes alive with vibrant lantern displays, lion dance performances and traditional games. Visitors can soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy street food and watch children parade with handmade lanterns through the lively streets.
Hoi An – Ancient riverside town
Hoi An transforms into a magical wonderland during the mid-autumn festival. The ancient town glows with thousands of colorful lanterns hanging along the Thu Bon River.
Visitors can participate in floating lantern ceremonies, watch traditional lion dances and enjoy folk music in the peaceful, romantic setting that makes Hoi An truly unforgettable during this festival.
You can also read: Hoi An lantern making: A unique family activity
Ho Chi Minh city – Cho Lon & Luong Nhu Hoc lantern street
Cho Lon (Chinatown) in Ho Chi Minh City is another must-visit destination for the mid-autumn festival. Luong Nhu Hoc Street becomes a vibrant lantern market, filled with fish-shaped lanterns, lion dance masks and festival decorations.
Here, you can buy unique souvenirs, sample delicious street food and experience the energetic spirit of the mid-autumn festival in southern Vietnam.
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How to enjoy Mid- Autumn Festival in Vietnam
Each year, locals and visitors alike are drawn to its joyful lantern parades, vibrant street scenes and delicious treats. If you’re planning to experience this festive season, knowing the best time to visit and the top activities will help you make the most of your journey.
Choose the right time to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually falling between September and early October. Arriving a few days before the festival allows you to enjoy the full festive atmosphere, with lantern streets and lively markets already in full swing.
Top experiences for tourists during the Mid-Autumn Festival
Walk through lantern-lit streets and bustling night markets
Watch vibrant lion dance performances in city centers
Join a local “phá cỗ” feast with Vietnamese families
Taste traditional mooncakes and other mid autumn festival food
Participate in lantern-making or mooncake-making workshops
Play folk games and listen to traditional storytelling
Take photos of the festive atmosphere and cultural activities
Book guided tours in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An for a deeper insight
These experiences offer visitors an authentic look at how Vietnamese celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival and create lasting memories in Vietnam.
Experiencing the Mid-Autumn festival in Vietnam means stepping into a world of sparkling lanterns, festive street scenes and heartfelt family traditions. From enjoying mooncakes to joining lively parades, every moment captures the unique spirit of Vietnamese culture.
Let your journey be filled with the best local experiences of the Mid-Autumn festival in Vietnam with Hanoi Voyages.
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