Festivals

The Lim Festival in Bac Ninh is a rich Vietnamese cultural festival taking place on the 13th day of the first lunar month. Just outside Hanoi, Lim Village welcomes many visitors, most of whom are coming to see (and hear) the famous Quan Ho show. This ancient ritual involves a ‘dialogue’ sung in a unique Vietnamese style.

One of the most spectacular Buddhist festivals in northern Vietnam, this epic three-month event in My Duc District is split into two parts: ceremonial rituals and entertaining activities. Expect monks giving blessings, alongside beautiful dances and flower shows. Pilgrims also take boat trips and go mountain climbing.

The three-month Yen Tu Festival, held within a majestic mountain range in northeastern Vietnam, starts on the 10th day of the first lunar month. After holding a small ritual at the base of Yen Tu Mountain, tens of thousands of pilgrims journey to a shrine at the summit in an effort to realize personal dreams or get rid of sorrow.

Set on the top of the spectacular Nghia Linh Mountain, Hung King Temple Festival is an ancient and sacred event marking Hung King’s death. Celebrations start the night before, with 100 flying lights being released into the night sky. The main day features elaborate ceremonies worshipping Hung King, big feasts, elephant marches and songs.