Top 10 Most Loved Spring Festivals in Vietnam

The Hung Kings Commemoration Day or Hung Temple Festival is a significant Vietnamese holiday. This event honors the founding kings of Vietnam, the Hung Kings, who are believed to have laid the foundation for the nation. The festival is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month at the Hung Temple in Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province, and is observed by Vietnamese communities worldwide.

According to ancient records, the first king of Vietnam, Kinh Duong Vuong, passed the throne to his son, Lac Long Quan. Lac Long Quan married Au Co, and together they had 100 sons. Fifty of the sons followed their mother to the mountains, while the other fifty followed their father to the sea, symbolizing the establishment of two realms for their descendants. The eldest son was crowned King of Vietnam with the title Hung Vuong. The capital was established in Phong Chau (modern-day Phu Tho), and the dynasty lasted for 88 generations, with the Hung Kings reigning for over 2,000 years.

From the Dynastic era, including the Dinh, Le, Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, the tradition of paying respects to the founders has continued. This festival has evolved into a national holiday in Vietnam, with the 10th of the 3rd lunar month officially recognized as a day of remembrance. Since 2007, the Vietnamese government has made it an official public holiday, and UNESCO has recognized the worship of the Hung Kings as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

During this period, government officials, including the leaders of the Party, State, Government, and National Assembly, gather at the Hung Temple to participate in incense offerings along with representatives from various government agencies and localities. The festival also features cultural and sports activities, showcasing traditional Vietnamese heritage. These include cooking traditional rice cakes, making sticky rice cakes, and performances such as Xoan singing, alongside traditional sports events like volleyball and boat races on the Lo River, all contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

The 10th of the 3rd lunar month has become a National Day of Remembrance, with celebrations held across Vietnam, even in remote villages. The festival serves to honor the ancestors who contributed to building and protecting the country. It strengthens cultural ties, promotes unity among ethnic groups, and fosters friendship among Vietnamese people. The tradition of honoring the Hung Kings is an important part of the nation's history, ensuring that future generations understand their heritage and the sacrifices made by their forefathers.

The history of the Lim Festival is passed down through various versions. One belief suggests that the festival originated from temple festivals and singing events, linked to the legendary voice of the singer Truong Chi, whose legacy is evident in the clear traces of the Tieu Tuong River in the Lim region. This theory is based on the myth of Truong Chi and My Nuong. The Lim Festival has ancient roots and developed into a large community festival of the Noi Due region.

The festival was initially rooted in local village traditions within the Noi Due region, which consists of six villages: Noi Due (Dinh Ca and Lo Bao), Noi Due Khanh, Noi Due Nam, Lung Giang, Xuan O, and the Tien Du Temple singing village (later known as Due Dong). The festival featured various rituals, sacrifices, and vibrant folk performances such as drum singing, cheo opera, ca tru, tuong, and quan ho singing. It was further promoted by Quyen Quan Cong Do Nguyen Thuy, a local leader from Dinh Ca, who donated land and resources to preserve local customs and fund the restoration of temples and shrines. He is credited with establishing a spring festival tradition in the region, which gradually evolved into a significant event for the entire Noi Due district.

The Lim Festival takes place in a picturesque setting, with Lim Hill at the center, where the Lim Pagoda, dedicated to the founder of Quan Ho singing, Hieu Trung Hau, stands. It is celebrated across three localities: Noi Due, Lien Bao, and Lim Town. The festival typically lasts for three days (from the 12th to the 14th of the first lunar month), with the main day being the 13th, attracting a large number of visitors to Bac Ninh. The event begins with a procession where participants wear colorful traditional costumes. On the main festival day (13th of the first lunar month), ceremonies are held to honor the tutelary gods and local heroes at the Co Lung Temple, Hong Van Tomb, and the tomb of Quyen Quan Cong Do Nguyen Thuy, followed by incense offerings at the Hong An Pagoda. In addition to the religious rites, the festival features folk games such as martial arts competitions, wrestling, chess, swinging, traditional weaving, and cooking, with the highlight being the vibrant Quan Ho singing.

The Lim Festival is a must-experience for those who appreciate cultural tourism or the beauty of Vietnam’s traditional customs. The intricate attire, including colorful silk scarves, intricate hats, and embroidered costumes, reflects the vitality of the spring season and the region's cultural heritage. The unique way in which the Lim Festival is organized, with its intricate gestures and rituals, embodies the distinctive spirit of Kinh Bac. It is no surprise that Quan Ho singing has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, representing the traditional culture of Vietnam.

Located in Ninh Son commune, about 11 kilometers northwest of Tay Ninh City, Ba Den Mountain is a sacred site with deep cultural significance and numerous legends and folk beliefs. Known as one of the most spiritual areas in Southern Vietnam, the mountain is home to caves, shrines, temples, and altars dedicated to a variety of deities, saints, and Buddhas, with the central figure being Ba Den, the goddess Linh Son Thanh Mau. Every year, two major festivals take place at Ba Den Mountain: the Spring Festival of Ba Den Mountain on the 18th and 19th of the first lunar month, and the Via Ba Festival, held over three days from the 4th to the 6th of the fifth lunar month.

During the Lunar New Year, with the cool weather and the landscape taking on a fresh, vibrant look, people flock to Ba Den Mountain for the festival. While the Via Ba Festival officially starts on the 18th and 19th of the first lunar month, the area becomes bustling with visitors throughout the first and second lunar months. Many come for religious purposes, while others visit for the festive atmosphere and scenic beauty, blending spirituality with the joy of spring.

To reach the top, visitors must hike up the mountain, where they can stop to pray at the Linh Son Thanh Mau Temple halfway up, before continuing their ascent to the pagoda. Near the summit, there is a shrine to the Mountain God, and visitors often feel as though they are stepping into a mystical world, with clouds floating just below them. From this vantage point, the breathtaking view of the Dau Tieng Reservoir unfolds—a vast and beautiful water project in Vietnam. Many pilgrims seek blessings by receiving red paper packets containing rice or small coins, hoping for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.

Whether held in the spring or summer, the Ba Den Mountain Festival attracts visitors from all over, both within Tay Ninh and from other regions. The festival combines the solemn rituals of Buddhism with the lively, festive energy of folk beliefs, reflecting the hopes of the people for a prosperous, happy life. It beautifully showcases the distinctive cultural features of Southern Vietnam.

The Ba Chua Xu Festival (also known as the Via Ba Festival) is an annual event held from the evening of April 23rd to April 27th in the lunar calendar, at the Ba Chua Xu Temple in Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc, An Giang. The festival includes five major ceremonies: The Bathing Ceremony for Ba, The Procession of Thoai Ngoc Hau’s Tablet, The Tuc Yet Ceremony, The Offering Ceremony, and The Main Offering Ceremony.

• The Bathing Ceremony for Ba: This ritual is held at midnight between April 23rd and 24th. Although it's called the “bathing” ceremony, the statue of Ba is simply cleaned and dressed in new clothes. The water used for the cleansing is aromatic, and Ba’s old clothes are cut into pieces and distributed to the festival attendees as protective amulets. The ceremony typically lasts about an hour, after which people are free to pray.
• The Procession of Thoai Ngoc Hau’s Tablet: Held at 3 PM on April 24th, village elders and temple officials proceed to the tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, a historical figure honored for his role in founding the region. The procession returns his tablet to the temple, where it is placed in the main hall and offered incense. This ritual honors Thoai Ngoc Hau’s legacy.
• The Tuc Yet Ceremony: This ceremony takes place at midnight on April 25th to 26th, with the village elders and temple officials performing rituals before Ba’s statue. Offerings include a white pig, blood sausage, sticky rice, fruit, betel leaves, and salt. The chief priest leads the rituals, including offering incense, wine, tea, and paper money.
• The Offering Ceremony: Following the Tuc Yet ceremony, the chief priest performs another ritual with a willow branch and a bowl of water, sprinkling the water around while reciting prayers. This marks the beginning of traditional folk opera performances, including plays like “Tran Binh Trong” and “Trung Nu Vuong” at the temple.
• The Main Offering Ceremony: Taking place at 4 AM on April 26th, this ceremony follows the same format as the Tuc Yet ritual. Afterward, on April 27th, the procession returns Thoai Ngoc Hau’s tablet to its original resting place.

The festival is a lively blend of religious rituals and cultural performances such as lion dances, tray dances, and plate dances, attracting many visitors. The Ba Chua Xu Festival is a celebration deeply rooted in local culture, reflecting both national heritage and Southern Vietnamese influences. It offers a meaningful cultural experience that fulfills the spiritual and cultural needs of the people.

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is located at 04 Nguyen Du Street, Thu Dau Mot City, and at Phu Chanh Ward, Tan Uyen Town (Binh Duong New City). The pagoda was established by four Chinese communities to honor the goddess, Thien Hau Thanh Mau. Although Binh Duong may not have as many festivals as other regions, it is well known for unique cultural events like the Ong Bon Pagoda Festival, Ky Yen Festival at local temples, and traditional boat races. However, the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda Festival, held annually on the 15th day of the first lunar month at the Ba Thien Hau Temple (commonly called Chua Ba), is the most significant. It is an important folk belief center for the Vietnamese Chinese community in Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong.

Every year, the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda holds a grand procession on the 15th day of the first lunar month, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from both Binh Duong and neighboring provinces. The ritual for the goddess is performed at midnight on the 14th, continuing until the morning of the 15th. The majority of the pilgrims are Vietnamese Chinese from various regions.

The pagoda is beautifully decorated with flags and lanterns from the main gate to the shrine. Twelve large lanterns, representing the twelve months of the year, are hung in a long row in the temple courtyard, adding to the festive atmosphere. On the 15th, the traditional procession of the goddess is held, with the palanquin carrying the statue of Ba around the city center of Thu Dau Mot, accompanied by a lion dance. Devotees participate in prayers, seeking blessings and good fortune for the new year at the temple and in their homes along the procession route.

The Viêng Market in Nam Dinh is a unique annual market, held only once each year. It takes place on the night of the 7th and 8th day of the first lunar month in Nam Giang city, Nam Truc district, Vu Ban district, and Nam Dinh province. Nam Dinh boasts four Viêng markets, but the most popular among tourists are those in Nam Truc and Vu Ban. Since the market is only open for one day, by the night of the 7th, it is packed with visitors from all over. The tradition of ‘buying luck and selling misfortune’ means there’s no bargaining in the market. This is based on the belief that by not haggling, both buyers and sellers bring joy and prosperity to each other, ensuring a prosperous start to the year.

According to legend, two generals who were advancing to Nam Giang had their horses' hooves broken, forcing them to stop. The people of Van Trang, known for their traditional blacksmithing skills, helped by forging new horseshoes and weapons. While waiting, the generals ordered their troops to form a victory procession.

Upon hearing the news of the victory, the villagers from nearby regions brought their cattle and oxen to Van Trang to celebrate. The people of Nam Truc took this event as a reason to hold a meeting on the 7th and 8th of the first lunar month every year to honor these generals. The market also serves as an opportunity for exchanging knowledge and products from traditional craft villages.

The term ‘Viêng’ in Viêng Market refers to ‘coming together,’ ‘gathering,’ and ‘reunion,’ symbolizing the coming together of people from all places to celebrate and share joy.

General Tran Quoc Tuan, also known as Hung Dao Dai Vuong, was an exceptional military leader and politician in Vietnamese history. During all three Mongol invasions, he was appointed by King Tran to command the Vietnamese forces. Notably, during the second and third Mongol invasions, King Tran Nhan Tong made him the supreme commander of both land and naval forces. Under his leadership, the Vietnamese army achieved major victories at the battles of Chuong Duong, Ham Tu, Van Kiep, and Bach Dang, driving the Mongols out of Vietnam.

Due to his tremendous contributions to the country and the people, Tran Quoc Tuan is revered as a saint and is honored at many temples, including the Xuan Dai Temple in Nga Thuy commune. Annually, locals organize festivals on the anniversary of his birth and death to pay tribute to this national hero.

Tran Quoc Tuan, also known as Duc Thanh Tran, represents a unique figure in Vietnamese spiritual and cultural life. He exemplifies the close connection between historical figures and folk traditions in Vietnam's cultural phenomena. The Vietnamese people venerate him not only for his military prowess but also because he has become a saint in their collective consciousness.

The memorial service follows traditional rites, with worshippers and visitors coming together to honor the life and achievements of this great general. Offerings of incense, flowers, and other gifts are made in remembrance, and these offerings are shared as blessings among the community. The Duc Thanh Tran Festival is a spiritual gathering that serves the cultural and spiritual needs of visitors, commemorating the contributions of ancestors, and praying for peace, prosperity, and good health for all.

This festival is one of the largest spiritual events in Ho Chi Minh City, taking place annually from the 8th to the 10th day of the first lunar month. It provides an opportunity to express gratitude to General Tran Quoc Tuan and serves as a platform for educating the younger generation about the nation's history and traditions, ensuring that his legacy continues.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival, also known as the Trẩy hội chùa Hương, takes place in Mỹ Đức, Hanoi. Nestled in the scenic Hương Sơn region, it is regarded as a pilgrimage to a sacred Buddhist site, where the Goddess Avalokitesvara (Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát) is said to have meditated. This is one of the largest festivals in northern Vietnam, alongside the Yên Tử Pagoda festival, drawing millions of pilgrims each year. The festival marks a spiritual journey through Hương Sơn, where visitors come to offer incense, pray for blessings, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Located in Hương Sơn commune, Mỹ Đức district, Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda has been recognized as a National Cultural Heritage site since April 8, 1962. Locals and pilgrims commonly refer to it simply as “going to Chùa Hương” because, according to the legend, it is the place where the Goddess Avalokitesvara meditated. The name “Chùa Hương” translates to “Fragrant Pagoda,” symbolizing the spiritual essence of the site.

The festival begins on the 6th day of the first lunar month, which was originally a day to open the forests for local communities, and continues until the end of the 3rd lunar month. The Perfume Pagoda is renowned not only for its stunning beauty but also for its deep-rooted cultural and spiritual significance in Vietnamese Buddhist traditions. It is a unique combination of temples, pagodas, caves, and natural landscapes, forming a harmonious spiritual sanctuary.

The beauty of the land, with its serene mountains and rivers, is further enriched by the spiritual energy that humans have cultivated over the centuries. This blend of nature and culture has become an iconic aspect of Vietnamese spiritual life. For generations, the Perfume Pagoda has inspired countless visitors to seek blessings, peace, and fulfillment through prayer. Over the years, poets and emperors have also praised the site, with notable figures such as Lord Trịnh Sâm in 1770, who inscribed the phrase “Nam Thiên Đệ Nhất Động” (The Most Beautiful Cave in the South) on the entrance to the Hương Tích cave.

The Perfume Pagoda is not just a local landmark but a national treasure that represents the enduring cultural and spiritual values of Vietnam’s Buddhist heritage, continuing to attract pilgrims seeking enlightenment and harmony with nature.

The Yen Tu Festival begins on the 9th of the first lunar month and lasts for three months during the spring. After the solemn rituals held at the foot of Yen Tu Mountain, a pilgrimage of thousands of people ascends to the Dong Pagoda at the summit. Visitors come to the Yen Tu festival to disconnect from the mundane world, seeking a spiritual journey to the land of Buddha amidst breathtaking natural surroundings. Every year, not only Buddhists but also thousands of tourists make their way here to offer incense and admire the scenic beauty. Along the way, visitors have the chance to witness ancient pagodas and towers nestled along streams and forests. At the peak of the mountain, it's like reaching the gateway to the heavens. On clear days, one can gaze out and see the entire northeast coastal region of Vietnam.

The Yen Tu mountain range, located in Thuong Yen Cong commune, about 14 km from the center of Uong Bi town (Quang Ninh), was once known as the Elephant Mountain due to its shape resembling a giant elephant. Historically, Yen Tu was also referred to as Bach Van Mountain because it is often shrouded in a blanket of white mist.

Throughout the reigns of various kings, Yen Tu was ranked as one of the country’s most famous mountains. It served as the center of Buddhism in ancient Dai Viet, being the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen sect. The Yen Tu heritage site comprises 11 pagodas and hundreds of shrines and towers. The Dong Pagoda, perched at an elevation of 1,068 meters above sea level, is the highest point. Visitors often feel as though they are walking through the clouds when reaching the top. Yen Tu is home to a three-story stone tower, the oldest dating back to 1758, and it also boasts the only forest of pagodas, the Thap To area, which is deeply intertwined with the legends of the Tran dynasty and the Truc Lam Zen school.

Nearly a thousand years ago, historical records referred to Yen Tu as the 'fourth blessed land of Giao Chau'. Several ancient texts consistently document that during the third year of Emperor Tu Duc's reign, Yen Tu was officially listed among the most renowned mountains of the region.

The Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival takes place between the night of the 14th and the early hours of the 15th of the first lunar month at the Tran Temple Complex in Loc Vuong Ward, Nam Dinh City. This ritual is a revival of an ancient custom, marking the return to normal governance after the Lunar New Year holiday. The Seal Opening Ceremony dates back to the 13th century, specifically in 1239, during the reign of the Tran dynasty, when the royal court held a grand feast to honor officials and military leaders for their contributions. However, the ritual was interrupted during the wars against the Mongols but was revived in 1262 by Emperor Tran Thanh Tong.

The ceremonial box containing the seals is placed with great reverence on the altar. Inside the box are two seals: a small one inscribed with the words “Tran Mieu,” and a larger one bearing the inscription “Tran Chieu Tu Dien, Tu Phuc Vo Cuong” in seal script. At midnight, the ceremony begins with the oldest elder performing the rites on behalf of the local villagers. Following this, the ceremonial box is carried in procession to the Thien Truong Temple accompanied by drums, gongs, and lantern light. At the temple, a final ritual takes place, stamping the red wax seals on sheets of gold paper, which are then distributed to attendees as blessings for good fortune and protection from misfortune throughout the year.

The Seal Opening Ceremony at both the Co Trach and Thien Truong temples continues to be held annually by the local villagers of Tuc Mac, albeit in a simpler form than in the past. After the opening ceremony, a larger festival is held from the 15th to the 20th of the eighth lunar month. Similar to other traditional festivals, it includes processions and folk cultural activities such as the transport of sacred offerings to the Thien Truong Temple, which enshrines 14 Tran emperors, and the Co Trach Temple, dedicated to Tran Hung Dao. The procession features flags, ceremonial sedan chairs, drum and music bands, and villagers from nearby areas. Upon arrival at the temple, the rites are conducted. In recent years, with greater recognition of the importance of these historical sites, cultural organizations, and local authorities have collaborated to organize a grander festival.

The incense offering ceremony features 14 virginal girls carrying floral offerings, entering the temple to present them before the altars of the 14 Tran emperors. Afterward, the elders conduct a large-scale ritual to reenact the court ceremonies of the feudal era. Following the rites at Thien Truong Temple, another set of rituals takes place at Co Trach Temple. After the formal rites, the festival includes cultural activities such as martial arts performances, wrestling, dragon and lion dances, cockfighting, ring toss, swing games, and traditional chess. A special highlight is the Bông dance, a victory dance originated during the Tran dynasty. Legend has it that it was created by Grand Tutor Tran Quang Khai and taught to court dancers. Today, the village of Phuong Bong (My Trung), once a royal service center, continues to perform these dances during the festival. In addition to the large festival held in the eighth lunar month, there are also commemorative ceremonies at the Co Trach Temple on significant dates, including the death anniversary of Tran Hung Dao and the memorials for his family and generals.

All the rituals at the Tran Temple Complex have preserved ancient customs, vividly reflecting a glorious period of Vietnamese history. They serve to strengthen patriotism, resilience against foreign invasions, and the deeply rooted Vietnamese value of remembering one’s ancestors.