Vietnam Festival Calendar 2026: Complete Guide to Best Festivals in Vietnam

Vietnam Festivals 2026: Key Dates, Locations & Duration

Vietnam’s festival culture represents the nation’s soul, when daily routines transform into centuries-old celebrations. Unlike generic tourism, witnessing Vietnam’s major festivals in 2026 offers authentic cultural immersion across temple rituals, lunar celebrations, and family reunions. This Vietnam festival Calendar 2026 guide covers timing, logistics, costs, and photography tips for travellers seeking meaningful experiences. Whether planning a short visit or an extended circuit, understanding the lunar calendar 2026 and booking windows is crucial. From Tet (Lunar New Year)  in February to the Hoi An Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn celebrations, each festival reveals different aspects of Vietnamese life and traditions.

Vietnam’s Festival Calendar 2026: Key Dates & Best Times to Visit

Festival	Date	Location	Duration
Tet (Lunar New Year)	Feb 17-21	Nationwide	5-7 days
Hung Kings Commemoration	April 18-19	Phu Tho temples	1-3 days
Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage	Feb-Mar	Hanoi outskirts	Weeks
Hoi An Lantern Festival	May 27	Hoi (An old town)	Evening
Mid-Autumn Festival	Oct 6	Nationwide	1-3 days

Top Vietnam Festivals 2026: Tet & Hoi An Lantern Festival

Tet 2026 (Lunar New Year): Vietnam’s Biggest Festival

Tet will occur on February 17, Vietnam’s most significant holiday and the country’s collective rebirth celebrated nationwide. This Lunar New Year celebration transforms cities into family-gathering hubs with fireworks, ancestor altars, pop-up markets, and multigenerational reunions. However, expect closed businesses and severe travel bottlenecks during peak weeks.

• When to book Tet 2026: Reserve accommodations and domestic flights 4-6 months in advance (August-September 2025). Last-minute bookings cost 30-50% premium.

Tet 2026 Travel Tips:

• Book train tickets immediately upon availability (September 2025)
• Prices spike 40-100% during peak week (Feb 15-22)
• Ghost-town effect: many restaurants close 3-5 days

Budget Breakdown for Tet (VND per day):

• Budget: 500,000-800,000 VND (~$20-32)
• Mid-range: 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND (~$40-80)
• Luxury: 3,000,000+ VND (~$120+)

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026: Ultimate Photography Guide

The Hoi An Lantern Festival will occur on May 27 (full moon), representing one of Vietnam’s most photogenic celebrations. This monthly lantern festival features thousands of silk lanterns illuminating the Hoai River in Hoi An’s ancient town. Plan accordingly, this is the premier destination for festival photography in Vietnam.

• Hoi An Booking: Reserve rooms 8-10 weeks prior (mid-March 2026).

Photography Tips for Hoi An 2026:

• Arrive 1-2 hours before dusk for optimal riverside positioning
• Peak light: 6:30-7:15 PM (blue hour magic)
• Avoid flash inside temple areas

Note: Narrow streets and marble steps; not wheelchair-friendly. Plan accommodation near the old town.

Major Vietnam Festivals by Region in 2026

Hung Kings Commemoration 2026: Temple Ceremonies in Phu Tho

Celebrates ancestral pride via temple processions in Phu Tho on April 18-19. Witness formal national ceremonies blended with local devotion, very crowded temple sites requiring early arrival.

Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage 2026: Spiritual Journey Near Hanoi

Near Hanoi involves boat travel and hilltop hiking through grottos, February-March. This spiritual journey attracts pilgrims seeking meditation and scenic landscapes outside the capital.

Mid-Autumn Festival 2026: Nationwide Lantern & Mooncake Celebrations

peaks on October 6, nationwide. Lantern processions, mooncakes, and paper dragons create magical nights in markets and parks, family-friendly with moderate crowds compared to Tet.

Southern Vietnam Festivals: Kate Festival & Ok Om Bok (Mekong Moon Festival)

Represents southern traditions, celebrating ancestral worship and lunar harvest in coastal and delta regions.

When to Book 2026 Vietnam Festival Trips: Optimal Planning Timeline

• Tet: 4-6 months ahead (August-September 2025)
• Hoi An Lantern: 8-10 weeks ahead (late March 2026)
• Mid-Autumn: 6-8 weeks ahead (August 2026)
• Perfume Pagoda: 6-8 weeks ahead (December 2025)

Vietnam Festival Travel Tips 2026: Transport, Dress & Safety

Transport Strategy During Festivals

• Book hotels near festival venues (reduced commute time)
• Arrive 1-2 hours before peak activity
• Assume public transport delays during major festivals

Temple & Cultural Dress Code

• Shoulders covered, knee-length minimum
• Remove shoes on marble floors
• Conservative attire shows respect

Health & Safety Guidelines

• Carry first-aid supplies and anti-diarrhoea medication
• Use small-denomination cash (1,000-5,000 VND notes)
• Agree on regroup points; phones die unexpectedly
• Travel insurance recommended

Bottom Line: How to Plan the Perfect Vietnam Festival Experience in 2026

Vietnam festival calendar 2026 offers unmatched cultural immersion beyond typical tourism. By understanding lunar dates, booking 4-6 months ahead for Tet 2026, and preparing for crowds, you’ll witness authentic celebrations. Whether photographing Hoi An Lanterns,  joining Tet family traditions, or trekking to Perfume Pagoda, each festival reveals Vietnam’s layered heritage. Start planning with Pickyourtrail’s Vietnam tour packages to experience meaningful and memorable festival celebrations. Verify 2026 festival dates with official tourism boards, secure accommodations early (August-September 2025 for Tet), and consider curated services for multi-city circuits. 

FAQ’s 

1: When should I book my 2026 Vietnam festival trip?

A: For Tet 2026 (February 17), book 4-6 months ahead (August-September 2025). Other major festivals require 8-10 weeks minimum. Festival dates follow the lunar calendar, shifting annually. 

2: What’s the best month to visit Vietnam in 2026 festivals with fewer crowds?

A: May 2026 (post-Tet) and October 2026 (post-summer) offer medium crowds. The Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6) attracts fewer international travellers than Tet 2026. March-April spring festivals balance moderate crowds with pleasant weather.

3: Can tourists participate in Vietnamese temple rituals during the 2026 festivals?

A: Most temples welcome respectful observation. Participation occurs by invitation only. Mirror movements instead of leading rituals. Always remove shoes, dress conservatively, and ask permission before photographing during celebrations.

4: How do I convert 2026 lunar dates to the Gregorian calendar?

A: Use online [lunar-to-Gregorian converters]. Cross-verify with official 2026 festival websites or provincial tourism boards.

5: What’s included in the 2026 Vietnam festival budget estimates?

A: Budget figures cover local accommodation and meals only (excludes international flights). Daily costs: 500,000-800,000 VND (budget), 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND (mid-range), 3,000,000+VND  (luxury).