Hanoi has always been well-known for its rich culture and history. With over a thousand years of history, Hanoians have several traditional festivals to pay respect to their deities and ancestors. If you have a chance to spend your holiday in Hanoi, why don’t you try partaking in one of these interesting festivals? In this article, IDC Travel has listed 15 traditional festivals that are most popular among the locals.
Perfume Pagoda Festival
- Location: Perfume Pagoda, Huong Son Ward, My Duc District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 1st to the 3rd lunar month
Perfume Pagoda Festival
Perfume Pagoda is one of the most well-known festivals in Hanoi. Not only known as a typical spring festival, the Perfume Pagoda Festival also carries a strong cultural and religious significance for the people of the Northern region. Coming to the festival, you can not only admire the natural beauty but also experience the unity and solidarity of the Vietnamese people from all regions.
>>> Visit the Perfume Pagoda, join its captivating festivities, and discover other cultural destinations with our Highlights of the North Vietnam Tour in 10 Days.
Co Loa Citadel Festival
- Location: Co Loa Citadel, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 6th to the 18th day of the first lunar month
Co Loa Temple Festival in February
Co Loa Citadel Festival is one of the festivals in Hanoi that attracts several people. During the Co Loa Citadel festival days, people from the region and tourists gather to create a lively spring atmosphere full of meaning. The Co Loa Citadel Festival includes two parts: the ceremony and the festival. The ceremony takes place in the early morning on the 6th day of the lunar month. Those chosen to carry palanquins must be selected in advance and go through a ritual purification. Meanwhile, the festival part includes many traditional games in various fields, attracting a large number of tourists to participate.
West Lake Temple Festival
- Location: West Lake Temple, no. 52, Dang Thai Mai Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 3rd to the 7th day of the 3rd lunar month
West Lake Temple Festival
On the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month every year, the local people organize a procession of the Mother Goddess from Tay Ho Temple through Yen Phu, Co Ngu, Quan Thanh, and Nghia Lap streets, and then return. Among all festivals in Hanoi, the West Lake Temple Festival includes various cultural and artistic activities such as literary competitions, Chau Van singing, and traditional music performances. These are enthusiastically participated in by local residents and tourists alike. Visiting the Tay Ho Temple during this festival not only allows you to pray for good luck and peace but also lets you enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Lake.
Thay Pagoda Festival
- Location: Thay Pagoda, Sai Son Ward, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 3rd to the 7th day of the 3rd lunar month
Thay Pagoda Festival
Thay Pagoda is dedicated to the monk Tu Dao Hanh and his three incarnations. The people in the Doai Hamlet, from the old to the young, are well aware of the legendary story of the monk Tu Dao Hanh. He is known for healing illnesses and teaching in the village. The Thay Pagoda Festival is an occasion for the local people to show their gratitude and admiration for the monk’s talents and virtues. People visit the Thay Pagoda for various purposes, including seeking love, luck, wealth, or simply enjoying the local scenery. This festival attracts the participation of many local residents who come to explore the cultural heritage of the region.
Dong Da Festival
- Location: Go Dong Da, Quang Trung Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Time: On the 5th day of the 1st lunar month
Dong Da Festival
The Dong Da festival commemorates the Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da Victory. This event not only honors the contributions of King Quang Trung but also upholds the spirit of national resilience. The festival takes place annually to educate future generations about the spiritual values of Vietnamese ancestors, the art of rapid troop movement, and the swift and decisive military strategy of the Tay Son army. This is a significant festival in Hanoi that you should experience during your visit.
Festival of Quan Thanh Temple
- Location: Quan Thanh Temple on Thanh Nien Street, Quan Thanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Time: On the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month
Quan Thanh Temple
Quan Thanh Temple, the North Guardian Temple, is a famous historical and architectural site associated with the formation of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. According to ancient legends, Huyen Thien Tran Vu is the deity responsible for the Northern region and has helped the people drive away evil spirits and demons multiple times. Over the dynasties, the Deity Huyen Thien Tran Vu received royal honors. Every year, on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month and the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, the former Yen Quang village (now Quan Thanh ward) organizes a festival to commemorate the contributions of Deity Huyen Thien Tran Vu. Many people from Hanoi gather here to participate in this traditional festival.
Kim Lien Temple Festival in Hanoi
- Location: Kim Lien Temple, no. 148 Kim Hoa Street, Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Time: On the 15th and 16th day of the 3rd lunar month
Kim Lien Temple Festival
In addition to Quan Thanh Temple, Kim Lien Temple is also one of the 4 Guardian Temples in Hanoi. This is the southern defense of the ancient Thang Long capital. Every year, the Kim Lien Temple festival is held to commemorate and express gratitude to the deity who contributed to the country and is worshipped by the people. After the ritual part, a procession, and palanquin bearing, the Kim Lien Temple festival features various traditional folk games, showcasing the beauty of community cultural activities. This is the most attractive part of the festival, attracting many local residents.
Traditional Festival in Bat Trang Pottery Village
- Location: Bat Trang Pottery Village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi
- Time:On the 14th and 15th day of the 2nd lunar month
Bat Trang Pottery Village
Through the ups and downs of history, Bat Trang Pottery Village is now a famous tourist destination and an attraction for those interested in ceramics and traditional crafts. The Bat Trang Village Festival, one of the most famous festivals in Hanoi, is organized to honor the traditional craft and express the desires of the local people for a prosperous and happy life. When you visit this festival, you will find many souvenir stalls, allowing you to freely choose unique and affordable gifts for your loved ones for the New Year
Giong Festival
- Location: Giong Temple, Phu Linh Ward, Soc Son District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 6th to the 8th day of the 1st lunar month
Giong Temple Festival
Giong Festival is another one that we want to introduce to you. Saint Giong, one of the four “Immortals” in Vietnamese folklore, is closely associated with the legend of the boy from Phu Dong who defeated the An invaders, bringing peace to the nation. To commemorate his contributions, a temple was built at the foot of Soc Mountain, where Saint Giong rested before ascending to the heavens. The local people in the area established this temple and held an annual festival. Alongside religious ceremonies, the festival also features various lively folk games that attract many tourists to participate.
Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival
- Location: Hai Ba Trung Temple, Me Linh Ward, Me Linh District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 4th to the 10th day of the 1st lunar month
Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival
Hai Ba Trung Temple worships the two heroic sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, who played a significant role in Vietnamese history. To honor their contributions, a temple was built in Me Linh District. Every year, the Hai Ba Trung Temple holds a festival to commemorate the heroism of the Trung Sisters and other generals. The festival consists of two parts: the ceremony takes place on the 4th and 5th days of the lunar month, and the festival runs from the 6th to the 8th day of the first lunar month. It includes cultural and artistic activities, traditional folk games, and sports competitions.
Le Mat Village Traditional Festival
- Location: Le Mat Village, Viet Hung Ward, Long Bien District
- Time: From the 20th to the 24th day of the 3rd lunar month
Le Mat Village Festival
Le Mat Village once had two temples: the Upper Temple (which no longer exists) dedicated to Trang Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem and the Lower Temple dedicated to the valiant Hoang family members. The Le Mat Village Festival is an opportunity for descendants in the village to reunite, remember the challenging history of building the village, and share joy and gratitude for their ancestors. It is also a chance for tourists from far and wide to learn about the spiritual and cultural space of a land with a long history and enjoy the local specialties.
Vong La Festival
- Location: Dai Do Temple, Dai Do Village, Vong La Ward, Dong Anh District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 13th to the 15th day of the 1st lunar month
Vong La Festival
Every New Year’s Day, people from near and far, as well as tourists, enthusiastically come to Dai Do Temple to participate in and enjoy the Vong La Festival, one of the famous festivals in Hanoi. The festival is held annually to commemorate the five deities of Thanh Hoang. This is also a time for the local area to attract tourists to learn more about the cultural and spiritual space of the region.
Tan Vien Son Thanh Festival
- Location: Various locations in the area of Ba Vi
- Time: On the 14th day of the 1st lunar month
Tan Vien Son Thanh Festival
The Tan Vien Son Thanh Festival is usually held on the 14th day of the first lunar month, which is also the birthday of Son Tinh, a familiar character in the Legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh. During the Tan Vien Son Thanh Festival, many traditional folk games and cultural exchange activities are organized for visitors to participate in. These games include pole pushing, mountain climbing, chess, tug of war, stilts, archery, cockfighting, volleyball, and football, all of which are conducted enthusiastically with the participation of many people.
Festival in Trieu Khuc Village
- Location: Trieu Khuc Village, Tan Trieu Ward, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 9th to the 12th day of the 1st lunar month
Festival in Trieu Khuc Village
Every year, the people of Trieu Khuc Village respectfully and proudly organize a traditional festival to remember the national hero, Bo Cai Dai Vuong Phung Hung, who brought prosperity and peace to the village. The festival features many unique traditional cultural values that are preserved. Notable among them is the drum dance, a traditional dance performed by young men in the village who impersonate women. Besides, the village festival also includes many outstanding traditional folk games such as ceremonies, processions, flag running, and traditional sports, attracting many participants from the local community.
Dau Pagoda Festival in Hanoi
- Location: Gia Phuc Village, Nguyen Trai Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi
- Time: From the 8th to the 10th day of the 1st lunar month
Dau Pagoda in Hanoi
From ancient times, Dau Pagoda has been a spiritual place where kings and lords often came to pray for the country’s prosperity and the people’s well-being. It is known as the “foremost famous temple.” If you attend the Dau Pagoda festival for the first time, you will be surprised to learn that incense is not lit, gold is not burned, and formal clothing is not required here. However, festival participants, including the elderly, young, men, women, and children, are all excitedly engaged in the event, creating an enthusiastic spring atmosphere and conveying a message of a peaceful New Year.
In short, festivals in Hanoi will definitely bring you a unique experience during your trip to Hanoi. Therefore, participating in a festival is a perfect chance for you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the local traditions and culture of this city. Plan your journey today and don’t forget to check if there is any festival occurring in your visit time. If yes, don’t hesitate to join one. You will never be disappointed. Moreover, in case you require more information about festivals or need some help with preparing for your vacation, feel free to contact us.
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I’m going to visit Hanoi, Vietnam in March 2024. Is there any festival to join at this time?
Hi Nadia,
Visiting Hanoi in March, you can join the traditional festival of Bat Trang pottery village, which happens on March 23-24, 2024.
Thank you so much!
Best regards,
IDC Travel Team.