Blog Vietnam Travel Guide
Vietnam is an amazing puzzle, we are happy to assist you to puzzle
your amazing trip for Vietnam
Friends Travel Vietnam the Travel Company Turning Travellers Into
Friends Since 2013
Search & Read more...
Travel packages, private tours, group tours
24/7 Support
The best Price - the best products
Local Experiences
Exploring Spring Festivals in Northern Vietnam: A Cultural Adventure
Spring in Northern Vietnam is a season of joy, celebration, and deeply rooted cultural traditions. It marks the beginning of a new year and brings communities together to honor their heritage. From vibrant processions to sacred rituals, the region is alive with energy and charm. In this blog, we’ll dive into the most captivating spring festivals in Northern Vietnam, their unique activities, and their cultural significance.
1. Tet Nguyen Đan (Lunar New Year)
Tet Nguyen Đan, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most anticipated celebration of the year. It marks the beginning of the Lunar calendar and is celebrated with immense enthusiasm.
- When: First day of the Lunar New Year
- Activities:
Families gather to honor ancestors, share festive meals, and exchange lì xì (red envelopes) as tokens of luck and prosperity. Traditional dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and pickled onions take center stage. - Cultural Highlights:
Homes are adorned with peach blossoms and kumquat trees, symbolizing prosperity and happiness. However, specific taboos, such as avoiding arguments or breaking dishes, are strictly observed to ensure good fortune.
Related Reading:How to Celebrate Tết Like a Local in Vietnam
2. Hoi Chua Huong (Perfume Pagoda Festival)
The Perfume Pagoda Festival is a spiritual journey and a breathtaking experience of Vietnam’s natural beauty.
- When: 6th day of the Lunar New Year to the 3rd month
- Where: Mỹ Đức District, Hanoi
- Activities:
Pilgrims travel by boat along the scenic Yến River to reach the Perfume Pagoda. Along the way, they participate in rituals, prayers, and ceremonies at Hương Tích Cave, believed to bring blessings for the year ahead.
Why Visit: This festival perfectly blends spiritual devotion and a chance to immerse yourself in Northern Vietnam's picturesque landscapes.
Related Reading: Top Religious Sites to Visit in Vietnam
3. Hoi Lim Festival
Known for its quan ho folk singing, Hoi Lim is a celebration of traditional art and culture.
- When: 13th day of the first Lunar month
- Where: Bac Ninh Province
- Activities:
Visitors are treated to melodious performances of quan họ, a UNESCO-recognized art form. Other attractions include traditional games like human chess and swinging (đánh đu), along with colorful processions through the village.
Don’t Miss: The intimate atmosphere of quan họ performances, where singers exchange poetic verses while sitting on boats or in village courtyards.
Related Reading: Discovering Vietnam's UNESCO Cultural Heritage
4. Hoi Đen Giong (Saint Giong Festival)
This festival honors Saint Giong, a legendary hero in Vietnamese history.
- When: 6th to 12th day of the 4th Lunar month
- Where: Soc Son District, Hanoi
- Activities:
The highlight is a dramatic reenactment of Saint Gióng’s battle against invaders. The festival also features processions and rituals, including offerings of bamboo flowers, symbolizing peace and victory.
Cultural Insight: Saint Giong is a symbol of Vietnamese resilience and pride, making this festival a deeply patriotic event.
Related Reading: Vietnam's Legends and Myths: A Journey Through History
5. Hoi Đen Hung (Hung Kings’ Temple Festival)
Dedicated to Vietnam’s founding fathers, the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival is a celebration of national unity.
- When: 10th day of the 3rd Lunar month
- Where: Phu Tho Province
- Activities:
Processions, traditional games, and ceremonial offerings honor the Hùng Kings. This festival is a heartfelt tribute to Vietnam’s origins and its enduring legacy.
Tip for Visitors: Join the vibrant celebrations at the Hùng Temple to feel the spirit of Vietnam's history.
Related Reading: A Guide to Vietnam's Historical Sites
6. Traditional Games and Activities
Spring festivals in Northern Vietnam are incomplete without traditional games. Popular activities include tug-of-war, wrestling matches, kite flying, and human chess (cờ người). These games bring communities together and showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Related Reading: Traditional Games in Vietnam: A Cultural Perspective
7. Culinary Highlights
No festival is complete without delicious food. Spring festivals feature iconic dishes such as:
- Banh chung and banh day (symbolic cakes for Tet)
- Boiled chicken and sticky rice (xôi)
- Spring rolls (nem rán)
Regional specialties also add variety to the culinary experience, offering a taste of Northern Vietnam’s traditions.
Related Reading: Must-Try Dishes During Vietnam’s Festivals
Spring festivals in Northern Vietnam offer a unique blend of history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the melodious quan họ songs, spiritual pilgrimages, or the vibrant celebrations of Tết, these festivals are a must-see for anyone visiting Vietnam.
Explore More: Plan your trip to Northern Vietnam and experience the magic of spring festivals firsthand.
Related Reading:
Ready to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s festive spirit? Start planning your journey today!
We Love to Hear your comment ;-)
Keep Up To Date And Be Entertained With Our Blog!
Increase Your Savvy With Our Favourite Blog Articles
Thanks for reading & supporting our blog, we really hope you enjoyed it! At "Friends Travel Vietnam" it is our mission to make your stay in our beautiful country as unforgettable as possible. One of the ways we do that is by providing high quality and informative blogs, like the one you just read!
Please support us by sharing this blog, liking our Facebook page, or signing up for our mailing list, keep yourself updated! Your support means the world to us!
Enjoy your holiday preparation for Vietnam & we do hope you fail in Love of Vietnam as we do?
Thanks & Greetings,
Sidney
and
Thao
Van Meenen
Owners & Founders
Friends Travel Vietnam
Pssst.... We are looking for Guest Bloggers here in Vietnam, contact us
Subscribe Newsletter
Newsletter subscription Blog Friends Travel Vietnam
Latest Blog Articles in Vietnam
Đọc và xem thêm các bài viết trên blog về Việt Nam
Travel Advice
North Vietnam
Central Vietnam
South Vietnam
Our Stories & Travel Adventures
To complement our stories & travel adventures we also publish Friends Travel Vietnam favourite urban hotspots in Vietnam, perfect for planning your holiday in Vietnam. You can easily browse in our menu on our Vietnam
Destinations in the Northern, Central, Southern & the Islands of Vietnam, which we update frequently.
If you want to stay informed about Vietnam, as well as entertained, don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list!
Index Travel Blog
Read & view more blog articles about Vietnam
All Blog Travel Guides Regions In Vietnam
Read & view more blog articles about Travel Guides Regions In Vietnam
-
![]()
Central Vietnam Guide
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Southern Vietnam Guide
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Northern Vietnam Guide
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
Index Northern Vietnam Travel Guide
Read & view more blog articles Central Vietnam in our Travel Guide for Vietnam
-
![]()
Lan Ha Bay
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Halong Bay
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Bai Tu Long Bay
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Hanoi
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
Index Central Vietnam Travel Guide
Read & view more blog articles Central Vietnam in our Travel Guide for Vietnam
-
![]()
Phong Nha Ke Bang
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Hue
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Danang
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Hoi An
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
Index Southern Vietnam Travel Guide
Read & view more blog articles Southern Vietnam in our Travel Guide for Vietnam
-
![]()
Mui Ne
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Buon Ma Thuot
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Phan Rang
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
Nha Trang
Read More...Friends Travel Vietnam Blog
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
Index Islands of Vietnam Travel Guide
Read more blog articles Islands of Vietnam in our Travel Guide for Vietnam
All Regions as Destinations In Vietnam
Read & view more information about Regions as Destinations In Vietnam
Though Vietnam looks small on the map, you could easily spend weeks exploring this fascinating country. From the jagged mountains in the north to the tropical beaches in the south & central Vietnam – and all of the history and culture in between. The country is developed enough to offer most comforts but still wild enough to provide off-the-beaten-path adventure for travellers who love trekking into the Northern mountains, Vietnam will not let you down in anyway. Welcome to Vietnam, a land of staggering natural beauty & cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities & hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.
Moreover, as Vietnam is safe, welcoming solo travellers & all other travelers from walks of life!
Index Northern Destinations Vietnam
Index Central Destinations Vietnam
Index Island Destinations in Vietnam
We do More Crazy Stuff...
We don't believe in going the extra mile at Friends Travel Vietnam, we believe in completing the entire journey. That’s why we offer our guests an entire host of extra services, ensuring their stay is as hassle free experience. We take pride in the wide variety of destinations in Vietnam that we offer. Each and every destination in Vietnam on offer is carefully selected, sourcing and visiting personally by our team of destination specialist as service providers and accommodation that meets our exceptional standards, it's all about the details!
Experience an unforgettable escape and discover more what to do & how to get around in Vietnam, with our special "Destinations" section, or wonder around great detailed articles on our "Travel Blog", or you are more interested to find the right "Travel Package" for your group or family, perhaps you like Lego and would like to build your own holiday with our "Holiday Travel Building Blocks" yourself, you like to know what great "Excursions & Tours" you can do together, or you sitting with your hands in your hair to find your way to your next destination but not sure which "Transportation" for sure jump on the backseat of the motorbike with our
Easy Riders for the adventures travellers. From
amazing hotels selections to stay, romantic
day or overnight cruises and last and no least
train tickets or bus ticket to get around Vietnam, you see it's enough to choose from for a successful Vietnam Holidays with us.
No worries, we got you!
In short, there isn’t a destination in Vietnam, sight or experience out of reach for our team of travel experts . Whether you are traveling solo, with friends or with your family; whether you are young or old; whether you want adventure and excitement or rest and relaxation, we’ll have single tour options or complete tailored travel package for you!.
FAQ's
Got Questions? Great, cause we’ve got the answers for you! We’ve put together commonly asked questions to give you more information about “traveling in Vietnam" and the cover we offer. Follow the link below and we bring to FriendsTravelVietnam.com our booking website. Feel free to contact us if any question that you can’t find the answer to.
Planning on Booking Your Trip To Vietnam?
Friends Travel Vietnam got you, ashas been inspiring travellers with curious-minded love & passion for Vietnam since 2013. With our on-the-ground-secret destinations & our netwerk of human-human partners and our passionate knowledge team of our "Real Local Travel Experts" on the office and in the field you can book unique, authentic experiences with ease. We’ll take you off the beaten path in no time as all you wish! Let us us help you? We've done tons of homework & experiences just create the ultimate trip for you! Just simple, all as you wish!“
This is what we do! Making your holiday dreams in Vietnam coming true with us! Is the excursion, tour or trip of your choice not listed? No worries, our Team of local destination experts will be happy to assist you.
Sidney
and
Thao
Van Meenen
Owners & Founders
Friends Travel Vietnam
Dreaming of your very own adventure in Vietnam?
We don’t blame you! Just don't follow the crowd - find your own path in with us in Vietnam for your next holiday.
Vietnam Accommodations, Excursions, Tours & Holiday Packages