Discover what to do during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam in 2025. From lantern parades to mooncake tasting, explore top activities in Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An.
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, known as Tết Trung Thu, is a vibrant celebration of family, moonlight, and cultural traditions, held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (September 17, 2025). Rooted in ancient harvest rituals, this festival transforms Vietnam’s streets into a colorful spectacle of glowing lanterns, lion dances, and mooncake feasts. From Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter to Hoi An’s lantern-lit riverbanks, the Mid-Autumn Festival offers a magical blend of joy and heritage.
Immerse in the Festival’s Cultural Magic
Immerse in the Festival’s Cultural Magic
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a celebration of unity, gratitude, and the full moon’s beauty, drawing over 2 million participants across cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City, per 2025 tourism estimates. Traditionally a time for families to gather, it’s also a public spectacle with activities that welcome visitors. Here are must-do cultural experiences:
Join Lantern Parades: In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, children and families parade with star-shaped and fish-shaped lanterns (20,000–50,000 VND, $0.80–2 USD) along Hang Ma Street, lit up with colorful lights. Join the procession or buy a lantern to carry, a tradition symbolizing good fortune.
Watch Lion Dances: Vibrant lion dance performances, accompanied by drums and cymbals, animate streets in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 (Nguyen Hue Walking Street) and Hue’s Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street. These free shows, peaking at 7–9 PM, ward off evil spirits and bring luck.
Float Lanterns on the River: In Hoi An, visit the Thu Bon River during the festival’s full moon night (September 17, 2025) to release candlelit paper lanterns (10,000 VND, $0.40 USD), a serene ritual for wishes. Boats (100,000 VND, $4 USD) enhance the experience, offering river views of the glowing Ancient Town.
These activities, especially in Hanoi and Hoi An, capture the festival’s festive spirit, with over 50,000 lanterns sold during the event, according to local vendors. Arrive early (6–7 PM) to beat crowds and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Savor Mooncakes and Festival Treats
Savor Mooncakes and Festival Treats
Food is central to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, with mooncakes (bánh trung thu) stealing the show. These round pastries symbolize the full moon and are shared among families and friends. Here’s how to enjoy the festival’s culinary delights:
Taste Traditional Mooncakes: Sample classic mooncakes filled with mung bean, lotus seed paste, or salted egg yolk (50,000–150,000 VND, $2–6 USD) at Dong Ba Market in Hue or Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Modern versions with green tea or durian are popular at bakeries like Givral (Hanoi, 25 Tran Phu Street).
Try Street Food Pairings: Pair mooncakes with festival snacks like banh deo (sticky rice cakes, 20,000 VND, $0.80 USD) or keo dua (peanut candy, 30,000 VND, $1.20 USD) from stalls in Hanoi’s Hang Bong Street or Hoi An’s Night Market. Sip nuoc mia (sugarcane juice, 15,000 VND, $0.60 USD) for a refreshing complement.
Dine at Festival Hotspots: In Hue, visit Les Jardins de la Carambole (8 Pham Ngu Lao Street) for a festival-themed dinner with bun bo Hue (50,000 VND, $2 USD) and mooncake desserts. In Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Hang Ngon (160 Pasteur Street) offers pho (80,000 VND, $3.20 USD) in a festive setting.
These culinary experiences highlight the festival’s communal joy. Buy mooncakes early, as premium brands like Kinh Do sell out fast during the festival week.
Explore Festival Events Across Vietnam
Explore Festival Events Across Vietnam
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam shines brightest in key cities, each offering unique events. Here’s where to go and what to do in 2025:
Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Head to Hang Ma and Hang Luoc streets, where lantern markets and children’s performances create a festive buzz. Join free cultural shows at Hoan Kiem Lake, featuring ca tru music and dragon dances, from 7–10 PM. Grab a banh mi (25,000 VND, $1 USD) at Banh Mi 25 (34 Lo Su Street) nearby.
Hoi An’s Ancient Town: The festival coincides with the Full Moon Festival (September 17, 2025), turning the Thu Bon River into a lantern-lit wonderland. Stroll Nguyen Hoang Street’s Night Market for crafts (50,000 VND, $2 USD) and cao lau (40,000 VND, $1.60 USD). Visit Faifo Coffee (130 Tran Phu Street) for a festival view with cà phê sữa đá (35,000 VND, $1.40 USD).
Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1: Nguyen Hue Walking Street hosts lion dances and mooncake stalls, with skyscrapers like Bitexco Tower as a backdrop. Try bun cha (60,000 VND, $2.40 USD) at Bun Cha 145 (145 Bui Vien Street) after exploring.
These cities offer distinct festival vibes, with Hanoi’s traditional charm, Hoi An’s romantic glow, and Ho Chi Minh City’s urban energy. Combine your festival visit with nearby attractions like Hue’s Citadel (150,000 VND, $6 USD) or Hanoi’s Temple of Literature (30,000 VND, $1.20 USD) for a cultural day trip.
Tips for Enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam in 2025
To make the most of your Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam experience in 2025, follow these practical tips:
Plan for September 17, 2025: The festival peaks on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Book accommodations in Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City 2–3 months early, as hotels like Moonlight Hue or Vinpearl Hanoi fill up fast (from 1,000,000 VND, $40 USD/night).
Dress for the Festivities: Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing for warm evenings (25–30°C) and sturdy shoes for crowded streets. Bright colors or traditional ao dai add to the festive spirit.
Arrive Early: Festival hotspots get busy from 7–9 PM. Reach Hang Ma Street or Hoi An’s riverfront by 6 PM for better photo ops and fewer crowds.
Carry Cash: Stalls and small eateries rarely accept cards. Bring small denominations (10,000–50,000 VND) for lanterns, snacks, and boat rides.
Stay Safe: Watch for pickpockets in busy areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Stick to well-lit zones and keep valuables secure.
For a tailored festival experience with insider tips, book a Local Buddy with Tubudd to guide you through the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam’s best events and hidden gems.
Final Thoughts on the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a magical celebration that lights up the country with lanterns, music, and shared traditions. From joining lantern parades in Hanoi to tasting mooncakes in Hue or floating candles in Hoi An, the festival offers a vibrant blend of culture and community. Affordable, accessible, and brimming with joy, it’s a must-experience event in 2025 for travelers seeking Vietnam’s heart. Pair your festival adventures with local eats or historic sites, and you’ll create memories under the full moon that last a lifetime. Dive into the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, and let its glow captivate your senses.
Ready to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam like a local? Book a Local Buddy with Tubudd to navigate lantern-lit streets and uncover the festival’s best moments with a guide who knows it best.
