As the vibrant colours of autumn paint the landscape, Vietnam comes alive with the spirit of its annual Autumn Festival. Autumn Festival in Vietnam offers Indian tourists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of this Southeast Asian gem.
In this article, Vietnamtour.in will explore the essence of Vietnam’s Autumn Festival, providing insights into its traditions, activities, and the warm hospitality that awaits visitors from India.
Overview of the Autumn Festival in Vietnam
The Autumn Festival, or “Tet Trung Thu” or “Full Moon Festival”, in Vietnam, is a vibrant celebration occurring in September or October. Rooted in the harvest season, families come together for reunions, feasting on mooncakes and traditional dishes. Children carry lanterns, participating in lively processions and cultural performances. The full moon symbolizes completeness and reunion, adding a spiritual touch. In modern times, urban areas host large-scale events, making it a festive and joyous national holiday. The festival beautifully weaves together tradition, family, and cultural richness in the heart of Vietnam.
When is the Autumn Festival in Vietnam?
The Autumn Festival in Vietnam usually falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which is around late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. The festival lasts for three days, from the 14th to the 16th of the lunar month, with the main celebration on the night of the full moon.
How is the Autumn Festival celebrated?
The Mid-autumn festival in Vietnam is celebrated in different ways across the country, but some common features are the preparation of mooncakes, lanterns, fruits, and flowers; the offering of food and incense to ancestors and deities; the parading of lion dances and dragon dances on the streets; and the gathering of family and friends to enjoy the moonlight and share stories and wishes.
Mooncakes
Mooncakes are the most iconic food of the festival. They are round pastries filled with various ingredients such as lotus seeds, mung beans, eggs, nuts, or meat. They symbolize reunion, harmony, and gratitude. There are many types of mooncakes in Vietnam, such as banh nuong (baked mooncakes), banh deo (sticky rice mooncakes), or banh trung thu nhan thap cam (mixed filling mooncakes). You can buy them from bakeries, supermarkets, or street vendors, or you can make them yourself at home. These days, moon cakes are prepared and kept in opulent, high-class packaging. For marketing and customer attraction, large shopping centers and hotels often host mooncake festivals.
Lanterns
Lanterns are another essential element of the Autumn Festival in Vietnam. They represent hope, joy, and enlightenment. Children love to make or buy colourful lanterns in various shapes and sizes, such as stars, fish, butterflies, or animals. They also enjoy playing with toys such as masks, drums, whistles, or paper fans. On the night of the full moon, they will carry their lanterns and join their friends for a lantern parade around their neighbourhood or village. Some places also organize lantern festivals or competitions to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.
Lion Dance
Lion Dance takes centre stage during Vietnam’s Autumn Festival, embodying cultural richness and symbolism. This energetic and acrobatic performance, featuring vibrant lion costumes, is believed to bring good luck and prosperity while warding off evil spirits. Accompanied by rhythmic drumming and cymbals, the dance engages the community, especially children who eagerly participate. With colourful costumes and an interactive element, the Lion Dance not only adds a visual spectacle to the festival but also preserves and passes down cultural traditions through generations.
Best destinations for the Autumn Festival in Vietnam
Hanoi
In Hanoi, you can see thousands of lanterns lighting up the streets of the Old Quarter, where people gather to watch lion and dragon dances, play folk games and taste delicious mooncakes. Mooncakes are a traditional pastry filled with nuts, seeds, egg yolk or lotus paste, and they symbolize reunion and harmony. You can also visit Hang Ma Street which is considered the most attractive place as well as the busiest lantern trading place in Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh City
The largest city in Vietnam is also a hub of culture and entertainment. You can explore some of the most popular attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, and Nguyen Hue Street where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts and lanterns of various shapes and sizes. For the festival, you can head to District 5 or District 11 to see the spectacular lion dances and dragon dances performed by skilled teams to enjoy the authentic Autumn Festivals in Vietnam. You can also visit some of the oldest and most revered temples in the city such as Thien Hau Temple, Nghia An Hoi Quan Temple, or Quan Am Pagoda.
Hoi An
This charming ancient town in central Vietnam is famous for its lantern festival that takes place every month on the full moon night. However, during the Autumn Festival, the town becomes even more magical and enchanting. You can admire thousands of lanterns hanging along the streets, bridges, and riverbanks. You can also join a boat ride on Thu Bon River to release your lanterns into the water and make a wish. Hoi An is also a great place to taste some of the best mooncakes in Vietnam, especially those made by local artisans.
Tips for foreigners
- Try different types of mooncakes and find your favourite flavour. You can buy them from bakeries, supermarkets or street vendors.
- Join in the festive spirit and buy yourself a lantern or a mask. You can also make your lantern with paper or bamboo.
- Respect the customs and traditions of the places you visit. For example, do not touch or disturb the lion or dragon dancers.
- Refer to our tour packages to enjoy the Autumn Festival in Vietnam
For Indian tourists seeking a cultural escape, Vietnam’s Autumn Festival offers a perfect blend of tradition, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Embracing the spirit of gratitude and celebration, this festival provides a gateway to the heart of Vietnam. Indian visitors, don’t hesitate to book your tour package now and get ready to celebrate the Autumn Festival in Vietnam like never before.
