Vi Khe Bonsai Flower Festival 2026

Vi Khe Bonsai Flower Festival is one of the most unique cultural events in Vietnam. It deeply reflects the traditions of Vietnam’s oldest ornamental plant village. Held annually in the first lunar month, the festival attracts thousands of local and international visitors. They are eager to admire stunning flowers and bonsai trees during the early spring days.

A glimpse of Vi Khe Village

Vi Khe Ornamental Plant Village lies along the banks of the Red River, in Dien Xa Commune, Nam Truc District, Nam Dinh (now Vi Khe Ward, Ninh Binh). With a history of over 800 years, it is considered the cradle of Vietnam’s bonsai and ornamental plant craft. The village is famous for its elaborately shaped bonsai and ornamental trees, each carefully pruned into artistic and eye-catching forms.
Legend has it that the craft of ornamental plant cultivation began in 1211. It was introduced by Ly dynasty mandarin To Trung Tu, who taught the villagers how to grow and shape plants. In gratitude, the people built a communal house to worship him and honor him as the "ancestor of the craft". Over eight centuries, despite many ups and downs, Vi Khe villagers have preserved and continued to develop this precious traditional craft.
Today, visitors entering the village are greeted by lush green gardens on both sides of the road. These gardens are filled with bonsai and ornamental plants of various shapes and styles, reflecting each gardener’s creativity. At Vi Khe, visitors marvel at masterpieces shaped like animals, One Pillar Pagoda, Khue Van Pavilion, Pho Minh Tower, and many more. The village also supplies beautiful flowers and ornamental plants across Vietnam every Tet holiday.

When visiting Vi Khe, you will be amazed by the impressively shaped bonsai creations

The ancestral tribute festival of Vi Khe bonsai craft

According to tradition, from the 12th to the 16th day of the first lunar month, Vi Khe Village joyously celebrates its Bonsai Flower Festival.

The meaning of the festival

Originally held on the 12th day of the first lunar month, the festival was a small local celebration. Over the past 15 years, however, it has expanded to a regional scale, extending through to the 16th day. Today, the festival has become a highlight in early spring eco-tourism itineraries in Nam Dinh (now Ninh Binh).
The festival is a meaningful occasion for locals to express gratitude to To Trung Tu, who introduced the bonsai craft to the village. It also serves as an opportunity for artisans and residents to showcase their most exquisite plant creations, attracting thousands of visitors nationwide. More than just a cultural and spiritual space, the festival supports trade promotion and helps boost tourism to the craft village.

During the festival, visitors can admire countless beautifully crafted plants on display

Rituals at Vi Khe Bonsai Flower Festival

The festival is a spiritual and cultural open space, with solemn rituals expressing deep respect for ancestors. Key rituals include offerings to male and female deities, and the symbolic procession of bonsai trees to the communal house. This ceremonial procession represents the villagers’ gratitude for a year of hard work and their offerings of the best bonsai trees to the craft’s founder.
From early morning on the 12th day of the first lunar month, villagers and visitors gather at Vi Khe Pagoda to prepare for the procession. The 500-meter-long procession, featuring thousands of participants in traditional costumes, colorful flags, parasols, drum and gong performances, and lively music, parades along the Red River dike.

The bonsai selected for offerings are carefully chosen

After arriving at Vi Khe communal house, offerings are presented to village guardian deity Nguyen Cong Thanh and craft ancestor To Trung Tu. From the 12th to the 16th lunar day, locals and guests participate in worship ceremonies, offering incense, flowers, and other items.

The lively festivities and folk games

Like other Vietnamese spring festivals, Vi Khe’s celebration features captivating cultural performances such as cheo (traditional opera), hat van (spiritual singing), and folk games including Chinese chess, human chess, card games, swing competitions, cockfighting,... Uniquely, a highlight unique to Vi Khe is the bonsai shaping contest. Artisans compete to create the most beautiful, artistically shaped bonsai trees, with prizes awarded to outstanding works.
Visitors also get to explore the large-scale flower and bonsai exhibition. They can watch live demonstrations of bonsai styling techniques and admire hundreds of high-value bonsai artworks brought in by gardeners from across Northern Vietnam.

At the festival, visitors are immersed in exhibitions showcasing extraordinary flowers and bonsai creations

With its unique cultural value and profound significance, the Vi Khe Bonsai Flower Festival is a source of pride for the local community. It is a must-see event for those eager to explore Vietnam’s rich heritage in the spring. Visit Vietnam during the first lunar month to experience this vibrant, colorful festival and discover many other fascinating springtime traditions!