Festivals have always been a source of cultural pride for the Vietnamese people. Join Private Tour Asia as we explore the top 5 most iconic spiritual festivals in Northern Vietnam.
Traditional festivals represent a unique cultural form – a spiritual legacy passed down by Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups over generations. These events act like living museums, reflecting local customs, beliefs, and the cultural richness of each ethnic community and region.
Festivals are also an occasion to honor national heroes who contributed to the nation and society. Let’s take a spiritual journey to explore the Top 5 Most Famous Festivals in Northern Vietnam with Private Tour Asia.
1. Yen Tu Festival (Quang Ninh Province)
Every Tet season, thousands of locals and pilgrims flock to Yen Tu Festival to pray for health, peace, and a prosperous new year. The festival takes place at the Truc Lam Yen Tu Cultural Center in Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.
Held from the 10th day of the first lunar month until the end of March, this three-month celebration allows visitors to retreat from the mundane world and immerse themselves in a sacred Buddhist atmosphere surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Yen Tu Mountain is a spiritual complex housing 11 ancient pagodas, hundreds of hermitages, and remarkable Buddhist relics nestled in misty mountains. The natural surroundings of woodlands and streams create a serene and mystical space, which historically drew even kings and monks.
Yen Tu Pagoda holds a sacred place in Vietnamese Buddhism, especially after King Tran Nhan Tong abdicated the throne and came here to practice, founding the Truc Lam Zen sect. The spring festival pays tribute to the Buddha-King and his enduring spiritual legacy.
2. Hung Temple Festival (Phu Tho Province)
The Hung Temple Festival is a nationally significant event honoring the legendary Hung Kings, Vietnam’s founding ancestors. Taking place annually from the 1st to the 10th of the third lunar month, the festival is hosted by the People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province at Hung Temple, perched atop Nghia Linh Mountain in Viet Tri City.
This event not only commemorates the kings’ contributions but also brings families and communities together after a long year of work. During the festival, various cultural activities and traditional rituals take place, aiming to evoke patriotism and national pride.
The main purpose is to foster unity and instill the moral value of “when drinking water, remember the source.” Beyond cultural reverence, the Hung Kings’ Death Anniversary plays an important role in promoting heritage tourism and preserving the historical legacy of Phu Tho Province.
3. Huong Pagoda Festival (Hanoi)
The Huong Pagoda Festival is held in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, on the outskirts of Hanoi. Revered as a holy land dedicated to Quan Am Buddha, this festival draws both devout Buddhists and curious tourists from across the globe.
The journey to Huong Pagoda is not just a pilgrimage but a poetic spiritual voyage. Visitors travel along the gentle Yen Stream, passing mountains and caves, enveloped in scenic beauty that speaks to Vietnam’s deep-rooted spirituality.
Taking place from the 6th of the first lunar month until the end of March, the Huong Pagoda Festival is one of the largest in Vietnam. The peak period falls between the 15th of the first lunar month and the 18th of the second.
Key sites in the complex include Huong Tich Cave, Trinh Temple, Thien Tru Pagoda, and Tien Son Cave. Many visitors arrive early to avoid long queues and to pray for luck, peace, and prosperity at the start of the year.
4. Lim Festival (Bac Ninh Province)
Held in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, the Lim Festival is a celebration of Quan Ho folk singing, one of Northern Vietnam’s most treasured intangible cultural heritages.
Occurring on the 12th and 13th days of the first lunar month, the festival’s highlight falls on the 13th, with grand processions and rituals at temples honoring local guardian spirits and heroines like Co Lung and Duke Do Nguyen Thuy.
Visitors are serenaded by romantic Quan Ho duets, traditionally sung by male and female villagers. This musical exchange, full of cultural depth and flirtation, earned Quan Ho recognition by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The Lim Festival also features various folk games and competitions, including wrestling, swing riding, and rice cooking. These activities, along with the soulful melodies, immerse guests in the vibrant cultural identity of Kinh Bac land.
5. Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival (Nam Dinh Province)
The Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival is a historic and spiritual event in Nam Dinh City, taking place annually from the 13th to the 15th day of the first lunar month. The central ritual – the opening of the royal seal – occurs on the night of the 14th.
This tradition dates back to the Tran Dynasty, where emperors would issue seals as a symbol of good governance and fortune. Today, people gather at Tien Mieu Temple, the heart of the Tran dynasty, to receive symbolic seals believed to bring success and blessings for the new year.
The opening ceremony involves incense offerings, a seal procession, and lively cultural performances such as lion and dragon dances and Cheo singing. The rituals evoke a heroic period in Vietnam’s history and strengthen national pride.
Visitors not only pay homage to the Tran Kings but also engage in a deep reflection of Vietnamese resilience and determination against foreign invaders.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a land of vibrant and diverse festivals, especially in the spring season. These spiritual events go beyond entertainment – they are moments of gratitude, remembrance, and national pride. Whether it’s paying respect to ancient kings, experiencing the chants of Quan Ho, or embarking on a pilgrimage to sacred mountains, each festival tells a story.
Let Private Tour Asia be your guide to explore Vietnam’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Contact us today to plan a meaningful and unforgettable journey into the heart of Vietnamese traditions.
Last Updated on May 4, 2025 by Elena
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