Top 14 Most Famous Traditional Festivals in Vietnam

The Nghinh Ong Festival in Can Gio District is primarily celebrated at the architectural site of the Thuy Tuong Temple (also known as Thanh Phuoc Lach) and several other locations, including the national historical site of Can Gio Forest Base, the historical site of Can Thanh Temple, and other places along the coast. Additionally, various temples and shrines dedicated to Ong, such as Binh Khanh Temple in Binh Khanh Commune, Dong Hoa Temple in Long Hoa Commune, An Thoi Dong Temple in An Thoi Dong Commune, and others, hold ceremonies on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. After the ceremonies, all fishermen gather in Can Thanh Town to join in the festival.

The preparations for the Nghinh Ong Festival are carried out in a joyful, excited, and unified atmosphere, with the participation of families, the Vạn Lạch Association, and local authorities. Streets, parks, markets, temples, and shrines are renovated, and flags, banners, and decorative items are put up. At the Thuy Tuong Temple, where the main ceremonies are held, fishermen help with the preparations, cleaning, and decorating the temple. Local authorities assist in setting up the festival grounds, displaying exhibits showcasing the development of the fishing industry in the area, setting up performance stages, organizing folk games, and preparing venues for children’s activities. Families, especially those of fishermen along the roads, set up altars in front of their homes with offerings such as incense, fruits, rice, salt, and tea, to worship and welcome Ong back with the hope that he will bring blessings to them and their loved ones. All boats, big and small, are decorated and prepared for the festival. The Nghinh Ong Festival in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, consists of two parts: the ceremonial part and the festive part, which take place at different times and locations.

Yen Tu is a sacred mountain chosen by King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong as his retreat after abdicating the throne. It was here that he perfected the Truc Lam Buddhist sect, which laid the philosophical and moral foundations for the glorious era of the Tran Dynasty, when Buddhism was the state religion. Embracing the concept of "Hòa quang đồng trần"—a world where Buddhism merges with daily life—King Buddha skillfully combined spiritual teachings with worldly matters, striving for the country's development and the people's happiness. Reflecting on this glorious past, Quang Ninh province has organized a series of spiritual tourism activities at Yen Tu at the end of the year, which includes: prayers for national prosperity and peace, a procession around the pagoda to honor King Buddha, the Tam Bao Vow Ceremony, the Lantern Festival, and Buddhist teachings. The aim is to establish year-round cultural activities.

The festival lasts from the first month until the end of the third lunar month. It attracts a large number of people from all walks of life, as well as tourists from both domestic and international communities, alongside representatives from the Party, State, and various provinces. Moreover, Yen Tu is known for its majestic and sacred landscapes, including murmuring streams, waterfalls, amber pine trees, and golden apricot blossoms. The dense bamboo forests, along with rich plant life, create a pristine and poetic beauty. Recently, Yen Tu has become a cultural and spiritual tourism destination, as well as an ecological site, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

During this time, the Truc Lam Yen Tu Cultural Center hosts various cultural activities such as: exhibitions of paintings, photographs, and art works about Yen Tu, ethnic music performances, and Dao Thanh Y cultural performances. Many religious activities commemorating the 712th anniversary of King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong’s Nirvana are organized by the Vietnam Buddhist Association in Quang Ninh, including: prayers for national prosperity and peace, a ceremonial procession to honor King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong, the Tam Bao Vow Ceremony, and the Lantern Festival.

Long An, a region settled early by the Vietnamese people, is rich in folk beliefs, including the worship of the Five Lords of Ngũ Hành (the Five Elements), also known as Bà Ngũ Hành. These five powerful deities—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—are revered for their protection of the agricultural community in the early days of the harsh southern frontier. The festival takes place annually from the 20th of the first lunar month, lasting for three consecutive days. The Bà Ngũ Hành Temple is located at Long Thuong Market, near the Tràm River, to the east of Tân An Town and to the northwest of Cần Giuộc Township in Long An Province. The temple honors Ngũ Hành Nương Nương, the five deities who bring favorable weather and protect traditional crafts. The festival is a major cultural event, celebrated with the Kỳ Yên ritual and vibrant folk performances, such as the invitation procession, flower offerings, prayers to Bà, blessings distribution, and especially the Địa Nàng chanting dance. This is a key attraction for tourists interested in the local culture.

The festivities begin on the 18th with the opening ceremony, where the temple gates are opened, the flag is raised, and the community comes together to clean, decorate, and prepare the venue for the grand event. This is followed by the Mộc Dục ritual, where the sacred statues of Ngũ Hành Nương Nương are bathed with fragrant water, followed by the opening of the Kỳ Yên ceremony to pray for peace. In the evening, a Buddhist monk leads a prayer for the community's well-being and prosperity. Offerings during the festival include local agricultural products and a ceremonial pig, used in the sacrifices to Bà.

On the 19th, the festival continues with folk performances such as shadow puppetry, a dance celebrating Bà’s divine power, and a variety of traditional folk dances. The shadow puppetry, performed outdoors, features dancers in colorful costumes and headdresses, presenting ceremonial songs to invite the five deities and spirits to attend the festival. The performances often include acrobatic acts, such as balancing objects on the body while performing traditional dances like the flower offering and Xây tá dance. The festival's atmosphere shifts from solemn rituals to a lively community celebration as performers showcase their artistic talents. Other events include the Đại Bội ceremony with classical opera performances, symbolizing the opening of the four gates of heaven to bring harmony to the universe. In the following days, other traditional ceremonies such as the Túc Yết, Đoàn Cả, and Tạ Thần rituals are carried out, with the folk performances continuing. The festival also features humorous folk operas, such as the Địa Nàng play, which reflects the community’s optimistic spirit while humorously critiquing human vices. The Ngũ Hành Nương Nương Festival captures the essence of the region’s spiritual life and reflects the hopes for prosperity and bountiful harvests. It preserves many folk traditions, contributing to the cultural unity of the community. The festival was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2014 by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

The Bái Đính Pagoda Festival begins on the first day of the Lunar New Year and officially opens on the 6th day, continuing until the end of March. Outside this period, visitors can still visit the pagoda, but the cultural activities of the festival are not held.

• The Religious Ceremonies: These include offerings to Buddha, paying homage to the contributions of Saint Nguyễn Minh Không, and rituals honoring the Cao Sơn deity and the Mother Goddess Thượng Ngàn. The festival starts with a procession carrying the tablets of these deities from the old pagoda to the new pagoda to begin the celebratory activities.
• The Cultural Celebrations: These include spiritual and cultural activities such as processions, calligraphy exhibitions, traditional folk games, cave exploration, sightseeing around the pagoda, enjoying performances of Cheo, Xam, and Ca trù, and hosting exhibitions showcasing the cultural heritage of Bái Đính Pagoda and the Trang An Ecological Tourist Area. Participants also engage in the ritual of releasing birds for peace, praying for the nation's prosperity, good harvests, and a harmonious world.

The Bái Đính Festival attracts a large number of visitors every year. Tourists come not only to worship and offer incense but also to enjoy the spring atmosphere, explore the stunning landscapes, and immerse themselves in the serene and vast spiritual space of the pagoda.

The Trần Temple (陳廟 - Trần Miếu) is a historic temple complex located on Trần Thừa Street in Lộc Vượng Ward, Nam Định City, near National Route 10. This temple honors the Trần dynasty kings and their loyal officials. Established in 1695, it stands on the site of the original Trần Imperial Temple, which was destroyed by the Ming army in the 15th century.

The temple complex features three main structures: Thiên Trường Temple (Upper Temple), Cố Trạch Temple (Lower Temple), and Trùng Hoa Temple. Visitors enter through a five-gate system, with inscriptions reading “Chính Nam Môn” (Main Southern Gate) and “Trần Miếu” (Trần Temple). Beyond the gate lies a rectangular pond, with Thiên Trường Temple situated behind it. To the west of Thiên Trường is Trùng Hoa Temple, while to the east stands Cố Trạch Temple. The three temples share similar architectural styles, with each consisting of a five-bay front hall, five-bay middle hall, and three-bay main sanctuary. Connecting the front and middle halls is an incense altar and two side rooms.

The Trần Temple Festival is held annually from the 15th to the 20th of the 8th lunar month in Lộc Vượng Ward, Nam Định City, to honor the 14 Trần kings. Since 2000, Nam Định has hosted the “Khai ấn” (Seal Opening) ceremony at dawn on the 15th of January. Initially a small ritual in Tức Mặc village, it has grown into a large-scale event. The seal used in the festival, the “Trần Miếu Tự Điển,” is a square wooden seal created during the Nguyễn dynasty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It features carvings of two dragons on the east and west sides, and the south side bears the inscription “Tích phúc vô cương” (Boundless Blessings).

The Ponagar Tower Festival takes place annually from the 20th to the 23rd of the 3rd lunar month. This traditional festival is one of the largest cultural events for the Cham people of Khánh Hòa, dedicated to honoring the goddess Yang Po Inu Nagar for her contributions in bringing prosperity, well-being, and happiness to the community. In addition to traditional rituals, the festival also features a variety of cultural activities, such as traditional Cham dances, an exhibition of Cham-related art and history, Cham folk songs, pottery-making, and the display of Cham weaving skills.

The Ponagar Tower Festival, also called the Thiên Y A Na Goddess Festival or the Vía Bà Festival, is held annually from the 21st to the 23rd of the 3rd lunar month to commemorate the legendary figure of Thiên Y A Na, known to the Cham people as Po Inư Nagar, the Mother of the Land. According to legend, she taught the locals how to cultivate rice, weave fabric, raise livestock, and live harmoniously. The Ponagar Tower Festival is widely known among tourists and is often included in travel itineraries to Nha Trang. It is traditionally held at the Ponagar Tower complex, a Cham architectural marvel that serves as a legacy of the ancient Champa Kingdom, with intricate carvings and statues that date back to the 13th century. These relics represent the unique artistic and architectural style of the Cham civilization.

The goddess Po Inư Nagar holds a significant place in the Cham people's culture and beliefs as the revered Mother of the Land, a powerful and creative deity. She is the only female figure worshiped independently, guiding the Cham people towards prosperity and happiness. As such, every family and community honors her with the most sacred and elaborate rituals. The Ponagar Tower itself is the largest architectural structure built solely in her honor.

The origins of Hội Lim are passed down through various stories and legends. One theory suggests the festival has roots in temple ceremonies and singing traditions, linked to the tale of Trương Chi and Mỵ Nương. The festival coincides with the 13th day of the lunar year, the same date as the Lim Temple Festival. It begins with a vibrant and elaborate procession, full of color and ceremonial beauty. Throughout the festival, there are numerous rituals and traditional games, including the 'hậu' singing ritual. Local villagers gather at the Hồng Vân tomb to honor the ancestral spirits. During these rites, the Liền Anh and Liền Chị perform 'Quan họ' songs to praise the deities. The festivities unfold across the villages of Nội Duệ, with Hồng Vân Mountain as the central hub. The event features solemn and grand processions, followed by captivating folk games like human chess, feasts, 'Quan họ' singing, card games, and weaving contests.

Hội Lim begins with a colorful procession, where participants wear traditional attire in vivid hues. On the 13th of the lunar month, the community gathers for rituals at various sacred sites, including the Cổ Lũng Temple, Hồng Vân Tomb, and the Đỗ Nguyên Thụy Tomb, offering incense and prayers to the gods. In addition to the religious ceremonies, the festival showcases various folk games like martial arts, wrestling, chess, swings, weaving, and cooking competitions. The highlight of the celebration is the 'Quan họ' singing, an ancient folk tradition unique to Bắc Ninh. 'Quan họ' singing starts on the 12th of the lunar month and continues throughout the festival, taking place in temples, pagodas, and even on boats floating in lakes. The beautiful melodies recall the ancient story of Trương Chi and Mỵ Nương, with the Liền Anh and Liền Chị singers bringing the tradition to life wherever they gather.

Hội Lim is an unmissable cultural experience for anyone who loves travel and the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture. The festival features intricate traditional clothing, such as the 'mớ bảy mớ ba' dress, 'ba tầm' hats, silk scarves, and embroidered garments, all embodying the spirit of spring and vitality. The festival’s organization reflects the unique cultural richness of the Bắc Ninh people, with each symbol and gesture carrying deep meaning. This is why 'Quan họ' has become an intangible cultural heritage and a cherished part of Vietnam’s traditional culture.

The Vu Lan Festival, also known as the Ông Bổn Festival, is an annual celebration held on the 27th and 28th of the 7th lunar month in Khóm 1, Cầu Kè town, Cầu Kè district, Trà Vinh province. This festival is a significant cultural tradition that has been practiced for hundreds of years by the Chiu Chow Chinese community in Trà Vinh. The festival honors the spirit of Ông Bổn (also known as Bổn Đầu Công), a legendary figure who was a eunuch official sent by the Ming Dynasty Emperor to Southeast Asia to establish connections that would facilitate Chinese immigration and trade. After his death, he was deified by the Emperor, and the overseas Chinese communities revered him as a guardian deity for prosperity and peaceful living. However, the Ông Bổn worshiped in Cầu Kè is believed to represent four sworn brothers who helped the first generation of Chiu Chow Chinese immigrants settle along the Hậu River. These brothers are commemorated at four main temples across the region. The Ông Bổn worship is most prominently observed during the Vu Lan season, with ceremonies spanning the entire month of July. The central festival takes place at Vạn Niên Phong Cung, which is conveniently located in the town center and is easily accessible by both water and land.

During the festival, several solemn and unique rituals take place, such as the procession of Buddhist monks and deities from surrounding temples to Vạn Niên Phong Cung, the chanting of Buddhist scriptures retelling the journey of the Tang monk Xuánzàng (Tripitaka), the opening of scriptures, and a range of rites for national peace and prosperity. The primary purpose of the festival is to express gratitude and pray for peace, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. It also reflects the harmonious blend of spiritual beliefs among the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese communities of Trà Vinh. On the 26th of July, five major rituals are conducted, including the ceremony for welcoming wandering souls, offerings to the guardian spirits, and prayers for the souls of ancestors. The morning ritual of the Vu Lan season is a significant moment, with monks performing offerings to honor the spirits of the departed. In the afternoon, the 'Giương Phan' ritual takes place, where two high fans are raised to symbolize protection for the restless spirits, guiding them toward salvation. On the 27th of July, two key rites are performed: the 'Ngọ Offering' and the 'Xà Mã Superstition' prayer. These rituals provide sustenance and comfort to the wandering souls, helping them find peace. On the 28th, the closing ceremonies take place with rites such as the 'Bái Xám', the presentation of ceremonial symbols, and the release of live fish to honor the spirits. The festival reflects the deep respect for ancestors and the spiritual unity of the community.

The worship of Ông Bổn in Cầu Kè is closely related to the worship of local deities in Vietnam. This religious practice promotes solidarity, love, and mutual support among the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese communities. The Vu Lan Festival not only fosters this unity but also showcases a blend of diverse beliefs, including Buddhism, the worship of the Mother Goddess, and other folk religions. Over the past 100 years, the Ông Bổn worship at Vạn Niên Phong Cung has become a renowned cultural and spiritual destination for visitors from all over. Besides the festival, Cầu Kè offers other attractions for tourists, including the Nguyễn Thị Út Memorial, the Tân Qui islet, ancient houses, and historical tombs. Local specialties such as sáp coconut, mangosteen, rambutan, and the famous 'bún nước lèo' (noodle soup) are also must-try delights for visitors.

The Sea Worship Festival in Mỹ Long, located in Cầu Ngang district, Trà Vinh province, was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2013. This unique festival, with a history spanning nearly 300 years, is a vivid cultural and spiritual tradition tied to the beliefs, customs, and lifestyle of the coastal residents of Mỹ Long. Every year, the festival draws thousands of visitors from across the country. In 2023, the festival was held on a provincial scale, coinciding with a week-long trade and culinary fair aimed at reviving Trà Vinh's tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also serves as an opportunity for investors to explore potential economic and tourism development, particularly focusing on the region's marine resources.

Also known as the Ông Worship Festival, the event takes place annually from the 11th to the 12th day of the 5th lunar month. The festival features a range of rituals, including the Ancestor Worship Ceremony, the Nam Hải procession, the Spirit of the Sea rites, and the offerings to warriors who died at sea. Traditionally, this festival has been a crucial event for the people of Trà Vinh, celebrated by fishermen to show gratitude for the ocean's abundance and to pray for favorable weather and peaceful seas. The festival also honors the giant sea turtle (referred to as Ông Nam Hải), a revered protector of fishermen. Local fishermen share tales of being saved by Ông Nam Hải during violent storms, where the turtle would guide them safely back to shore, preventing them from being consumed by sharks.

In its early years, the festival was held at the beach, but by 1922, a temple was built to honor Ông Chúa Xứ. The celebration is divided into six major events, such as the Nam Hải procession by sea boat, Ancestor Worship, main ceremonies for Ông Chúa Xứ, and the sending off of boats into the ocean. Over time, the festival has evolved into a lively celebration with various cultural and recreational activities for the local community. It has become not only a spiritual pillar for the residents but also an important social gathering where people come together to share stories, celebrate the bounty of the sea, and express their hopes for prosperous harvests and happiness in the coming year.

The Sea Worship Festival in Mỹ Long is a vibrant reflection of the region's deep cultural traditions and connection to the sea. It has become an integral part of the local lifestyle, offering both cultural enrichment and a strong sense of community. In addition to the traditional rituals, modern-day festivities include fun games such as stilts walking, musical performances, and sporting events, which add to the festive atmosphere and attract visitors from both near and far.

The Gióng Temple Festival is held annually from the 6th to the 8th day of the Lunar New Year, to honor the legendary Saint Gióng, who is believed to have dismounted his horse at the foot of Sóc Mountain before ascending to the heavens. The Sóc Temple complex, located in Vệ Linh village, Phù Linh commune, Sóc Sơn district, Hanoi, consists of six key sites: the Lower Temple (Trình Temple), Đại Bi Pagoda, Mẫu Temple, the Upper Temple (Sóc Temple), the statue of Saint Gióng, and the stele house. The Upper Temple is the focal point for the festival, hosting traditional rituals such as the wooden bathing ceremony, processions, incense offerings, and the symbolic burning of paper elephants and horses.

This Gióng Festival is a major cultural event, with active participation from surrounding villages, who begin preparations weeks in advance. According to the inscription on Stele No. 6, offerings during the festival are distributed among villages. Vệ Linh (Phù Linh commune) brings bamboo flower baskets, Dược Thượng (Tiên Dược commune) offers an elephant, Đan Tảo (Tân Minh commune) presents betel and areca nuts, Đức Hậu (Đức Hòa commune) brings elephant tusks, Yên Sào (Xuân Giang commune) offers elephant grass, and Yên Tàng (Bắc Phú commune) brings the general’s insignia. In recent years, Phù Mã village (Phù Linh commune) has added a procession of Gióng's horse, while Xuân Dục village (Tân Minh commune) introduced the cầu húc ritual.

The main day of the festival, the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, marks the day Saint Gióng ascended to the heavens. On this day, locals and visitors alike offer incense, and at midnight, a special ceremony is held to bathe the statue of Saint Gióng. One of the key rituals is the offering of bamboo flowers at Sóc Temple, where festival-goers collect the flowers for good luck. Another ritual reenacts the legend in which Saint Gióng defeats the enemy general Thạch Linh using a bamboo weapon. The bamboo flowers, approximately 50 cm long, are scattered before the temple, and visitors eagerly collect them to bring home for blessings.

The festival concludes with the burning of large paper models of elephants and horses, animals associated with the legend of Saint Gióng’s victory over the invading An army. Visitors participate eagerly in carrying these effigies to the riverbank for burning, as it is believed that anyone who touches these sacred offerings will receive good fortune. Saint Gióng, one of the four immortals in Vietnamese folklore, is revered as a symbol of the enduring strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people. The festival, with its lively processions, traditional music, and folk performances, serves as a vibrant reminder of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. In 2003, UNESCO officially recognized the Gióng Festival at both Phù Đổng and Sóc Temples as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In accordance with the Vietnamese saying 'When drinking water, remember its source,' after the passing of the Hai Bà Trưng, people across the country built temples to honor them. There are over 103 temples dedicated to the Hai Bà Trưng and their generals across 9 provinces, with 25 sites located in Mê Linh alone. The Hai Bà Trưng Temple in Hạ Lôi, Mê Linh, holds particular significance as it not only honors their childhood and early life but also marks the site where the sisters began their rebellion against the Han Empire at the dawn of the Common Era.

The annual festival serves as a cultural and religious celebration to honor the two heroines, Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, and to promote patriotism among the younger generation. In Đồng Nhân, the festival features a water procession and lantern dances, while in Hát Môn, 100 sticky rice cakes are offered in homage to Âu Cơ, the mother of the Lạc Hồng people. In Hạ Lôi, where the Hai Bà began their revolt, the most notable ritual is the palanquin exchange ceremony, or 'kiệu giao.' The festival spans from the 6th to the 10th day of the lunar New Year, with preparations beginning on the 4th, when villagers purify the statues of the Hai Bà.

The procession includes two elephants, two horse-drawn palanquins, women in white carrying the palanquins, and female warriors dressed in brown robes with swords, all accompanied by local musicians. Thousands of visitors gather to pay respects to the Hai Bà for their role in defending the country. The most unique part of the procession occurs when the palanquin of Trưng Trắc leads, only for Trưng Nhị's palanquin to take the lead at the village gate, symbolizing their shared leadership. The event is filled with the sounds of drums, gongs, and folk songs said to date back to the time of the Hai Bà. The ceremony culminates at the Hạ Lôi village temple, where an oath is taken to honor their contributions to the nation's freedom. From the 7th to the 10th day of the lunar New Year, there are various traditional games, such as wrestling and cockfighting, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Today, the Hai Bà Trưng Temple in Mê Linh stands as a powerful symbol of the nation's patriotism, especially the strength of Vietnamese women, and serves as a historical and cultural landmark.

The Hùng Kings' Commemoration Day, also known as the Hùng Temple Festival or the National Ancestral Festival, is a traditional Vietnamese holiday dedicated to honoring the founding kings of the nation. This significant event is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month at the Hùng Temple in Việt Trì, Phú Thọ Province, and is observed by Vietnamese people worldwide. The worship of the Hùng Kings has been recognized by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as an intangible cultural heritage, and UNESCO has also acknowledged it as a global cultural heritage. While the main festival takes place on the 10th of March, the celebrations actually begin weeks earlier, featuring traditional practices such as the Mường ethnic drum performances (đâm đuống), pilgrimages to the Hùng Kings' temples, and culminate with a palanquin procession and incense offerings at the Upper Temple. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has elevated this celebration to the level of a national commemoration, with grand ceremonies held every even-numbered year.

Two main rituals are performed on the festival's main day:

• The King’s Palanquin Procession: A colorful procession of flags, flowers, umbrellas, and palanquins, along with participants dressed in traditional attire, moves from the foot of the mountain to the Upper Temple, where the incense offering ceremony is held.
• The Incense Offering Ceremony: Pilgrims visit the Hùng Temple primarily to fulfill spiritual needs. Each visitor lights incense, offering prayers and thoughts to their ancestors through the fragrant smoke. The land, trees, and stones at the site are considered sacred, with red incense sticks placed in the rocks and tree trunks. The festival also includes various folk games, such as singing contests (xoan singing), traditional wrestling, tug-of-war, and boat races at Bạch Hạc River, where the Hùng Kings once trained their navy. The ceremonial attire for the incense offering, which has been used from 2000 to 2020, was designed by artist Ngô Thu Nga of the Fadin Fashion Institute.

The Ba Chua Xu Festival (also known as the Vía Ba Festival) is held annually from the night of April 23 to April 27 in the lunar calendar. It takes place at the Ba Chua Xu Temple, located in Núi Sam Ward (formerly Vĩnh Tế Commune), Châu Đốc Town, An Giang Province. The festival includes several rituals: the Bathing of the Statue, the procession of Thoại Ngọc Hầu's spirit tablet to the temple, the Túc Yết ceremony, the Building of the Altar, and the Main Ritual.

The Bathing of the Statue is held at midnight on April 23-24. During this ritual, the statue of Ba Chua Xu is cleaned of dust, and her robes are changed. The water used to wash the statue is scented, and pieces of the old robes are distributed to festival-goers as charms for good health and protection. This ceremony typically lasts about an hour, followed by free worship.

The Procession of Thoại Ngọc Hầu's Spirit Tablet takes place at 3:00 PM on April 24. Elders and temple officials, in full ceremonial attire, travel to Thoại Ngọc Hầu's tomb across from the temple to perform the ritual of inviting his spirit tablet to the temple. The tablet is then placed in the main hall, where incense is offered, and the ritual concludes. This tradition honors Thoại Ngọc Hầu, a key figure in the development of the region.

The Túc Yết ceremony is held at midnight on April 25-26. Local elders and temple officials, in ceremonial attire, stand in front of the statue of Ba Chua Xu. Offerings include a white pig (cleaned and unroasted), a dish of blood mixed with pig hairs called "mao huyết", sticky rice, fruit, betel leaves, and a plate of rice and salt. The chief priest conducts the ritual by offering incense, wine, tea, and performing a blessing, followed by burning some gold paper.

The Building of the Altar follows the Túc Yết ceremony. The chief priest, holding a drumstick, approaches the altar to perform a prayer while sprinkling water from a willow branch. After the prayer, the priest strikes the drum three times and announces "ca công tiếp giá", signaling the start of the traditional opera performances. Some of the common opera performances at the festival include Trần Bình Trọng, Sát Thát, Lưu Kim Đính, and Trưng Nữ Vương.

The Main Ritual, or Chánh Tế, takes place at 4:00 AM on April 26, following the same procedures as the Túc Yết ceremony. On the afternoon of April 27, the spirit tablet of Thoại Ngọc Hầu is returned to his tomb. The festival’s cultural activities are vibrant, featuring lion dances, tray dances, and plate spinning, which attract many visitors. The Ba Chua Xu Festival at Mount Sam is a distinct celebration of national identity, with strong local Southern Vietnamese influences. It is a true expression of folk culture that serves the spiritual and cultural needs of the community.

Each year, as the spring comes and the plum blossoms turn the mountains of Hương Sơn white, millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over gather to join the Perfume Pagoda Festival. The journey to this sacred Buddhist site is a spiritual pilgrimage to where the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Quan Thế Âm) is believed to have meditated, seeking divine blessings, offering prayers, and immersing in the tranquility of the surrounding nature. The festival takes place in Hương Sơn Commune, located in Mỹ Đức District, Hà Tây Province, which encompasses six villages: Tiên Mai, Phú Yên, Hội Xá, Đục Khê, Yến Vĩ, and Hạ Đoàn. The opening day of the festival is on the 6th of the first lunar month, with celebrations extending until the end of the third lunar month. The peak of the festival occurs between the 15th of the first lunar month and the 18th of the second lunar month. This period marks the traditional 'mountain-opening' ceremony, which today also signifies the opening of the pagoda.

The Perfume Pagoda is a unique site, consisting of a collection of caves and pagodas set against the stunning backdrop of rocky hills and flowing streams. The stark, weathered appearance of the stone contrasts with the lush green of the trees, creating a serene and captivating landscape. The true beauty of Hương Sơn is not just its appearance, but the deep cultural and spiritual resonance it holds. Pilgrims often take boat rides along the river, surrounded by spectacular views of the sky and mountains, feeling as if they’ve entered a realm of fantasy, where reality and dreams blend into one. The atmosphere is mystical, evoking a sense of tranquility and wonder. Historical and cultural marks are embedded throughout the site, from caves such as Sơn, Thủy, and Long Vân, to the high caves like Hồng Sự, Sũng Sàm, and Tiên Cave. Each cave and temple is named with reverence, with each structure adding to the sacredness and beauty of the site.

One of the main tourist routes is the Hương Tích route, which is the most popular and holds the most significant cultural sites. The route begins at Yến Vĩ Wharf and follows the Yến Stream, passing several temples and pagodas including the Đền Trình Ngũ Nhạc, the Thanh Sơn Pagoda, Thiên Trù Pagoda, Hinh Bồng Pagoda, and Giải Oan Pagoda, all leading to the Hương Tích Cave. This entire complex represents the harmony between nature, religion, and folk beliefs. The Perfume Pagoda Festival is a journey that symbolizes the connection between the earthly and the divine, where the real and the imagined blend seamlessly. It is a celebration of both the spiritual and the tangible world, where the simplicity and warmth of the Vietnamese people are felt, passed down through generations as an act of devotion and cultural expression.