Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, known as "Tet Trung Thu", is a vibrant and cherished cultural event that holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.  It is observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which normally falls in September or October.

Legend of Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

While the Mid-Autumn Festival began in China and is observed in many Asian nations, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam has its traditions and tales. Our most famous story is about a man named Cui who clung to a mystical banyan tree as it floated up to the moon. We believe that if you look closely at the full moon, you may see the shadow of a guy sitting under a tree. Children parade lights through the streets on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival to assist Cui from the moon to find his way to Earth.

Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam has its traditions and tales

Signature activities at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Below are the 5 signature activities of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam.

Make eye-catching lanterns

Even though the main event is held on the 15th night of the lunar month, the celebratory atmosphere can be felt weeks earlier. During the preparation stage, lanterns are one of the features. Although there are colorful ready-made lanterns for sale on the streets, children are more interested in making their lanterns. Traditionally, the lanterns are shaped like stars. They are simple to make with bamboo sticks and colored paper.  A candle is placed inside the lantern.

During the preparation stage, lanterns are one of the features

Worship the God of Earth and commemorate the ancestors

Not only a joyful occasion for children but, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is also the time for local people to worship the God of Earth, as well as make offerings to their ancestors. The offerings often include mooncakes, fruits, food, and joss paper. All family members will gather, and once the incense is burnt out, they can enjoy these offerings while admiring the bright moon.

Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is also the time to worship the God of Earth

Enjoy mooncakes - The best food in Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam would be incomplete without mooncakes, a traditional food. There are two kinds of mooncakes: “banh nuong” (toasted mooncake) and “banh deo” (sticky mooncake). 

Traditional "banh nuong" is a golden toasted mooncake made with a variety of ingredients such as pig fat, lemon leaves, sausage, lotus seeds, and wine. In the meantime, "banh deo" is a sticky rice mooncake stuffed with mung beans, lotus seeds, and pumpkin seeds. The mooncakes are round, which symbolizes luck, happiness, good health, and prosperity.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam would be incomplete without mooncakes

Carry lanterns, walk under the moonlight, and sing Mid Autumn Festival songs

The light parade on the 15th night of the lunar month is one of the most spectacular things to do in the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam that travelers should not miss. When the moon rises, Vietnamese people light their lanterns and begin to parade around the streets, singing traditional Mid Autumn Festival songs. This is a fun activity, particularly in major cities such as Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Travelers should not miss Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Enjoy lion dancing at the Mid Autumn Festival in Vietnam

The Lion Dance, or "mua lan," is an essential component of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. A group of dancers don gigantic lion costumes and execute an enthralling lion dance accompanied by drums. Aside from the standard lion dance, some performers can also undertake complex techniques like fire blowing and gymnastics.

The Lion Dance is an essential component of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Where is the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam celebrated the most merrily?

If you want to experience the true vibe of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, the three locations listed below are ideal to visit. 

Hoi An Ancient Town

When it comes to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, Hoi An Ancient Town should be the first place that comes to mind. In contrast to other areas, the Mid Autumn Festival in Hoi An takes place from the 14th to the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which names Hoi An Lantern Festival.

People would assemble along the riverbank at night, light the lanterns, and then toss them into the river with good luck and fortune request. As a result, the river appears incredibly glittering, creating a hypnotic and unique spectacle for tourists.

The Mid Autumn Festival in Hoi An takes place from the 14th to the 15th day of the 8th lunar month

Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is another must-see during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. You can participate in a variety of appealing engaging activities while taking in the festive atmosphere of this traditional Vietnamese holiday.

To celebrate the Full Moon Festival, the streets of the Old Quarter, particularly Walking Street, Hang Ma Street, Phung Hung Street, and Dong Xuan Market, are attractively decorated. Walking around these streets, passing by toy stalls, watching traditional art performances, and playing folk games is a lot of fun.

Hanoi Old Quarter is another must-see during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

The modern Ho Chi Minh City has no shortage of culture, as demonstrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam when you get the opportunity to enjoy the charming cultural beauties of this city. 

Many streets, like Luong Nhu Hoc, Nguyen Trai, Tran Hung Dao, and Nguyen An, are filled with attractive carp-shaped lanterns and decorative goods at this time of year. On these streets, you may also eat traditional delicacies at local food carts and participate in folk games.

Many streets in Ho Chi Minh City are filled with attractive carp-shaped lanterns and decorative goods

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a captivating celebration that encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese culture and tradition. With its colorful lanterns, mouth-watering mooncakes, and enchanting folklore, this festival continues to bring joy and create cherished memories for generations to come.