Traveling in Vietnam is not just about exploring beautiful landscapes; it's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant and colorful cultural flow during significant festivities.
Experience:
- Tet Nguyen Dan: The grandest holiday, also known as "Tet Cả", akin to the head of a family. The Tet atmosphere is warm, cozy, with delicious traditional dishes, and lively spring welcoming activities.
- Giong Festival: Recreating the legendary battle of Saint Giong, symbolizing the courageous spirit and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
- Kate Festival: The festival of the Cham people, rich in unique cultural identity with traditional rituals and vibrant costumes.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: A family reunion festival with sweet mooncakes made from glutinous rice, a day of love for children, accompanied by enchanting lantern procession activities.
These are the four national holidays of Vietnam. As you know, travel and culture are inseparable concepts. Vietnam is a country rich in traditions with diverse and abundant culture. By combining travel and experiencing Vietnamese culture during major holidays, you will have the opportunity to discover the unique beauty of this rustic country."
Have you ever combined cultural travel to Vietnam during holidays?
- Vietnam is a popular tourist destination not only in the region but also worldwide. With its stunning natural beauty, ancient architecture, and unique cuisine, Vietnam attracts millions of tourists every year. But have you ever combined cultural travel to Vietnam during holidays?
- Vietnam is a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors from all over the world. My country is not only famous for its pristine natural beauty with conservative development but also for its unique and diverse cultures. If you want to experience an interesting travel journey and have a better understanding of Vietnamese culture, seek out destinations that embody these distinct cultural values.
- One such example is the ancient city of Hoi An. Located in Quang Nam province, Hoi An has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. This city boasts a very unique traditional architecture, blending Eastern culture with gentle people. When you visit Hoi An, you can explore historical sites such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, or the Sa Huynh Cultural Museum to learn about the history and culture of this city. Additionally, Hoi An is famous for traditional festivals like the Hoi An Lantern Festival and the "Bai Choi" singing culture. By participating in these activities, you can directly experience the beauty of Vietnamese culture.
Which festival is a great destination to explore Vietnamese culture?
Vietnam boasts a plethora of unique and rich festivals, such as Tet Nguyen Dan, the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival, the Hue Festival, and the Go Cong Festival. These are significant events throughout the year and offer a fantastic opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. Tet Nguyen Dan, in particular, stands out as the grandest traditional festival of the Vietnamese people, occurring in the lunar January annually. During this time, you'll partake in traditional activities like making square glutinous rice cakes, setting off fireworks, and watching lion dances.
- Tet Nguyen Dan
Tet Nguyen Dan is one of the most important festivals in Vietnam. It's a time for families to reunite, wishing for a year full of joy and luck. Throughout this period, you'll experience various traditional activities such as making square glutinous rice cakes, seeking calligraphy, attending the first temple visit of the year, and indulging in signature dishes like square glutinous rice cakes, ball soup, and fried spring rolls.
- Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival is one of the renowned traditional festivals in Vietnam. Held on the 9th day of the 8th lunar month in Do Son village, Hai Phong, this festival attracts numerous young men and women as well as tourists from both within and outside the country. You'll witness thrilling and captivating buffalo fights, along with cultural and entertainment activities on the sidelines.
5 tourist and cultural destinations in Vietnam during major holidays
Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam is a marvelous destination to explore Vietnamese culture. You can visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Hoan Kiem Lake, and indulge in street food in Hanoi. This is always a stopover that most tourists want to make when they come to Vietnam. But let's explore 4 more tourist destinations together:
Hue: With its royal architecture and unique cultural heritage, Hue is an unmissable tourist and cultural destination. You can visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and savor the royal cuisine of Hue.
Sapa: Nestled in Northern Vietnam, Sapa boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and a rich ethnic culture. You can climb Fansipan - the "Roof of Indochina", visit ethnic minority villages, and experience the local way of life here. Grilled skewers are also a delightful experience for travelers amidst the chilly atmosphere every night.
Da Nang: With its cool blue beaches and famous attractions like Dragon Bridge and Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang is an exciting tourist and cultural destination with the pork belly wrapped in rice paper being a must-try delicacy here.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang: With majestic caves and stunning natural landscapes, Phong Nha - Ke Bang is a captivating tourist and cultural destination. However, this spot is usually reserved for adventurous travelers.
Exciting tourist destinations during major holidays in Vietnam
- Vietnam not only boasts fantastic tourist destinations but also offers exciting events and activities during major holidays. For instance, you can join Home Dining parties like Bui Dish to experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the homes of talented home chefs, taking you on an authentic flavor journey. You can also organize cooking sessions at home with the help of home chefs. If you're keen on exploring Vietnamese street food, you can join food tours to savor Vietnam's signature dishes.
- Below are some culturally-rich holiday occasions throughout the 12 months of the year, handpicked and highlighted in Hanoi for you to pocket:
- Why did I choose these special days (according to the lunar calendar) in Hanoi and throughout Vietnam, brimming with the spirit and vibrancy of the 12 months of the year, to share with you? Because Hanoi's holidays encompass most of the nation's holidays. This means that when you visit Hanoi, if you're a culture enthusiast and love experiencing new things, you'll never run out of places to explore during the meticulously selected occasions. Let's carry these memories together in your pocket and cherish them forever in your heart.
January Lunar Calendar:
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
- Co Loa Festival (January 6th) - Location: Co Loa Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
- Giong Temple Festival (January 6th-8th) - Location: Phu Linh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi
- Perfume Pagoda Festival (January 6th to the end of the 3rd lunar month) - Location: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi
- Kim Ma Ha Temple Festival (January 10th) - Location: No. 6, Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Lantern Festival (January 15th) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
- Ben Sua Festival (January 19th) - Location: Ngoc Ha Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
February Lunar Calendar:
- Groom Choosing Festival (February 2nd) - Location: Duong Yen Village, Xuan Non Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
- Nan Temple Festival (February 4th) - Location: Nan Village, Ninh Hiep Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
- Elephant Procession Temple Festival (February 12th-13th) - Location: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hanoi
- Bach Ma Temple Festival (February 4th) - Location: Nanh Village, Ninh Hiep Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
- Bat Trang Village Festival (February 14th-16th) - Location: Bat Trang Village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
March Lunar Calendar:
- Binh Da Festival (March 2nd-6th) - Location: Binh Minh Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi
- Cold Food Festival (March 3rd) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
- Lang Pagoda Festival (March 5th) - Location: Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival (March 6th) - Location: Thach Xa Commune, Thach That District, Hanoi
- Thay Pagoda Festival (March 7th) - Location: Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi
- Dai Yen Temple Festival (March 14th) - Location: Dai Yen Temple, Ngoc Ha Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Kim Lien Temple Festival (March 16th) - Location: Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Tran Dong Festival (March 19th-20th) - Location: 76 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Le Mat Village Festival (March 23rd) - Location: Le Mat Village, Viet Hung Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi
April Lunar Calendar:
- Giong Festival (April 6th-9th) - Location: Phu Dong Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
- Trem/Chem Temple Festival (April 14th) - Location: Thuy Phuong Commune, Tu Liem District, Hanoi
May Lunar Calendar:
- Duan Wu Festival (May 5th) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
- Vinh Ninh Temple Festival (May 13th) - Location: Vinh Quynh Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi
- Chem/Long Jaw Temple Festival (May 15th) - Location: Thuy Phuong Commune, Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- Van Khe Temple Festival (May 17th) - Location: Nghia Huong Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi
June Lunar Calendar:
- Ba Ba Xa Temple Festival (June 12th) - Location: Minh Duc Commune, Ung Hoa District, Hanoi
July Lunar Calendar:
- Trung Nguyen/Vu Lan Festival (July 15th) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
- Vong La Village Swimming Festival (July 20th) - Location: Vong La Village, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
August Lunar Calendar:
- Co Trai Festival (August 10th-15th) - Location: Dai Xuyen Commune, Phu Xuyen District, Hanoi
- Bich Cau Dao Quan Temple Festival (August 12th) - Location: 14 Cat Linh Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Giap Luc Village Festival (August 14th) - Location: Giap Luc Village, Thinh Liet Commune, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi
- Yen Duyen Boat Racing Festival (August 15th) - Location: Yen Duyen Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi
- Genh Temple Festival (August 20th) - Location: Ai Mo Hamlet, Bo De Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi
September Lunar Calendar:
- Van Phuc Village Temple Festival (September 12th) - Location: Kim Ma Ward, Doi Can District, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Da Ngu Festival (September 15th) - Location: Non Tan Area, Ba Vi District, Hanoi
- Vong Thi Village Festival (September 30th) - Location: Vong Thi Village, Buoi Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
October Lunar Calendar:
- Trung Thu Festival (October 10th) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
- Tu Lien Village Festival (October 12th) - Location: Tu Lien Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Lai Tao Village Festival (October 12th) - Location: Bot Xuyen Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi
- Ha Nguyen Festival (October 15th) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
November Lunar Calendar:
- Ha Thai Festival (November 9th-11th) - Location: Ha Thai Village, Duyen Thai Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi
- Manh Tan Village Festival (November 10th) - Location: Manh Tan Hamlet, Thuy Lam Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
- Lo Khe Village Festival (April 5th-7th and November 13th-15th) - Location: Lien Ha Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
December Lunar Calendar:
- Mai Temple Festival (December 20th) - Location: Thanh Mai Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi
- Ong Tao Worshiping Ceremony (December 23rd) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
- Farewell to the Kitchen God and New Year's Eve (December 29th or 30th) - Location: Nationwide in Vietnam
To understand the meaning of each festival day in the year that I have listed above, I will dedicate a separate article for them for your reference. Please click on the link below to find them.
Detailed article link about the meanings of holidays in Hanoi: ĐƯA LINK VÀO ĐÂY
What is special about cultural tourism in Vietnam during major festivals?
When combining travel with experiencing Vietnamese culture during major festivals, you'll have the opportunity to participate in special events and discover the beauty of Vietnamese culture. You can join traditional festivals, watch traditional art performances, and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Cultural tourism in Vietnam during major festivals also offers you a different experience compared to regular travel.
+ For instance, the bustling atmosphere in Hanoi during the Cold Food Festival (Tet Han Thuc) on the 3rd day of the third lunar month is unforgettable. On this day, all local markets are filled with glutinous rice flour and ingredients for making traditional rice dumplings and vegetarian cakes. People also offer these cakes as offerings to their ancestors.
- The Cold Food Festival holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing gratitude and reverence for deities and ancestors. A notable tradition of this day is offering and enjoying special chilled foods. One indispensable delicacy on this occasion is the rice dumplings and vegetarian cakes, made from pure glutinous rice flour and green beans. These treats not only taste delicious but also carry auspicious meanings of blessings and good fortune. Enjoying these foods on the Cold Food Festival is a symbol of honoring and showing gratitude to the ancestors.
+ Aside from the Cold Food Festival, there are many other festivals throughout the year in Vietnam that people celebrate by organizing various traditional activities and festivals. For example, the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu) is a day for children to indulge in fun and receive gifts from family members. On this day, various mooncakes such as baked cakes, sticky rice cakes, and ice cream cakes become popular gifts exchanged among people.
However, what makes both festivals special is that only locals know where to find the best ingredients, the best shops to buy them from, and the most authentic way to prepare them. A piece of advice for you is to seek out home chefs, request to join their family meals, and you'll surely experience a completely different flavor compared to dining at street-side restaurants.
Cultural tourism in Vietnam during major festivals is special because:
- Cultural tourism in Vietnam during major festivals is special because it offers travelers a unique and enriching experience of the country's culture. Travelers can explore the distinctive features of Vietnamese culture such as the áo dài (traditional dress), conical hat, traditional cuisine, local markets, and festivals. When traveling during major holidays like Tet Nguyen Dan or the Mid-Autumn Festival, tourists also have the opportunity to participate in traditional cultural activities such as dragon and lion dances performed by local communities, events organized by local authorities, or witnessing fireworks displays and indulging in local delicacies. This not only helps tourists gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture but also creates memorable experiences and fosters profound memories with the country.
- Joining in the festivities of Tet Nguyen Dan, travelers can experience the jubilant atmosphere of this traditional holiday. They can partake in activities such as calligraphy writing (Thư Pháp), playing traditional card games with family and friends, and enjoying traditional Tet treats like banh chung, banh day, and Tet preserves. Traveling during this time, tourists can marvel at the splendid lion and dragon dances on the streets, listen to the beats of traditional drums and musical instruments, and admire the beautifully decorated apricot and peach blossom trees.
- What about the rural villagers? Their strong sense of community and family bonds are evident in the countryside. People in rural areas often cherish and hold dear their homeland, and when they travel far from home, they always want to return to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones. This highlights the importance of family in the lives of rural residents. Additionally, rural villagers often enjoy socializing and playing cards and drinking together. This is a common form of entertainment in rural communities, helping them relax and find joy after days of hard work in the fields.
All these experiences will help travelers gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's rich and unique cultural heritage.
The secret to combining tourism and cultural experiences in Vietnam during holidays.
To combine tourism and experiencing Vietnamese culture during holidays, you should delve into the events and activities happening during this time. Prepare yourself mentally to immerse in the festive atmosphere and be ready to embrace new experiences. Additionally, familiarize yourself with Vietnamese cuisine and traditional customs for the best travel experience.
Some examples of combining tourism and experiencing Vietnamese culture during holidays:
1. Tet Nguyen Dan:
- Hanoi tourism: Visiting the Old Quarter, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, enjoying Tet cuisine.
- Hue tourism: Enjoying the Royal Court Music program, visiting the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Ho Chi Minh City tourism: Visiting Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, Giac Lam Pagoda, enjoying banh tet, banh chung.
2. The Gióng Festival:
- Participating in the Gióng Festival in Soc Son, Hanoi: Watching the procession, ceremonies, and traditional folk games.
- Experiencing making banh chung, banh giay, cooking com lam.
- Joining traditional cultural activities like Quan Ho singing, lion dance.
3. The Kate Festival:
- Participating in the Kate Festival in Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan: Watching elephant processions, Apsara dancing, worshiping deities.
- Enjoying traditional Cham cuisine such as banh xeo, banh canh cha ca.
- Learning about the culture and customs of the Cham people.
4. Mid-Autumn Festival:
- Joining a lantern procession in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An.
- Enjoying mooncakes, lotus tea.
- Participating in entertaining activities like lion dance, folk singing.
In addition, tourists can combine tourism and experiencing Vietnamese culture during holidays by:
- Participating in cooking classes, learning handicrafts.
- Visiting traditional craft villages.
- Joining community cultural activities.
Combining tourism and cultural experiences is a wonderful way for tourists to learn more about Vietnam's land and people.
What is the expenditure associated with cultural tourism in Vietnam cost during holidays?
The cost for cultural tourism in Vietnam during holidays may vary depending on the destination and the type of services you choose. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City boast many luxurious hotels and restaurants, thus prices tend to be higher compared to other areas. However, you can also explore budget-friendly options such as homestays or guesthouses to save costs.
Cultural tourism in Vietnam during holidays typically comes with higher prices compared to regular days. The price increase can range from 30% to 100%, depending on various factors and specific locations. Travelers should carefully consider their budget and timing to ensure a cost-effective and enjoyable trip.
Additionally, travelers can consider some tips to save costs during holiday travels:
- Book flights, accommodations, and other services early: Booking services in advance will provide more options and possibly discounted rates.
- Choose less touristy destinations: Famous tourist spots usually have higher prices during holidays. Travelers should opt for less crowded destinations to save costs.
- Cook your own meals: Instead of dining out, travelers can cook their own meals to save money.
- Use public transportation: Public transportation is often cheaper than taxis or motorbike taxis.
Refer to some detailed prices below:
Destination - Urban:
Entertainment service prices:
Regular days: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/person (admission tickets, art performance tickets)
Holidays: 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person (increase of 50%-100%)
Food prices:
Regular days: 30,000 - 50,000 VND/person/meal
Holidays: 50,000 - 70,000 VND/person/meal (increase of 66%-40%)
Transportation fees:
Regular days: 7,000 - 10,000 VND/km (taxi)
Holidays: 10,000 - 15,000 VND/km (increase of 42%-50%)
Increased demand for entertainment:
Regular days: Moderate
Holidays: High (increase of 50%-100%)
Destination - Rural:
Entertainment service prices:
Regular days: 50,000 - 100,000 VND/person
Holidays: 70,000 - 150,000 VND/person (increase of 40%-50%)
Food prices:
Regular days: 20,000 - 30,000 VND/person/meal
Holidays: 30,000 - 40,000 VND/person/meal (increase of 50%-33%)
Transportation fees:
Regular days: 5,000 - 7,000 VND/km (motorbike taxi)
Holidays: 7,000 - 10,000 VND/km (increase of 40%-42%)
Increased demand for entertainment:
Regular days: Low
Holidays: Moderate (increase of 30%-50%)
3 ways to save money when traveling Vietnam's culture during major holidays.
1. Book hotel rooms early: If you plan to travel during holidays, book hotel rooms early to get discounts. If you want to save costs, you can also look for cheap homestays or guesthouses.
2. Explore street food: Enjoying street food is a fantastic way to experience Vietnamese culture without spending too much money. Learn about popular street foods and find inexpensive eateries to enjoy them.
3. Use public services: To save on transportation costs, you can use public services such as buses or ride-sharing taxis. This will help you save some money compared to renting a private vehicle.
These are some travel destinations and experiences of Vietnamese culture during major holidays. Enjoy your trip and discover the beauty of Vietnamese culture.