Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam – Lanterns & Traditions

On October 6, Vietnam celebrates its Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), one of the country’s most colorful and family-centered holidays. For travelers in Vietnam at this time, it’s an opportunity to step into a living tradition of heritage, daily life and authentic local culture.

The Meaning of the Mid-Autumn Festival

Falling on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the harvest season. Historically, it was a time for farmers to give thanks for good crops and share the bounty with their families. Today, the festival still carries the symbolism of reunion, abundance and joy. The full moon is seen as a sign of completeness — a perfect moment to gather loved ones.



Lanterns That Light Up the Night

As dusk arrives, streets across Vietnam fill with glowing lanterns. Star-shaped, carp-shaped and butterfly-shaped designs sway from poles carried by children. Town squares, temple courtyards and riverside promenades become a sea of color. For visitors, simply walking among the lanterns feels like stepping into a painting — a scene of natural, peaceful, scenic adventure rooted in tradition.



Mooncakes and Tea – Sweetness of Reunion

Another hallmark of the festival is the sharing of mooncakes. These round pastries, filled with lotus seeds, mung beans or salted egg yolk, symbolize unity and gratitude. Families and friends exchange boxes of mooncakes paired with fragrant tea. Guests who join locals in this ritual taste not just dessert but the history of a custom stretching back centuries.



Lion Dances and Children’s Joy

Alongside lantern parades come lion dances — energetic performances where brightly colored lions leap and twist to the beat of drums. Streets ring with laughter as children play folk games, sing traditional songs and receive gifts from elders. Travelers can watch these scenes in city parks, village squares or even small alleys where local minorities gather to celebrate.

Experiencing the Festival as a Visitor

If you’re in Vietnam on October 6, you can experience Mid-Autumn Festival in many ways:

- Walk among lantern displays in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long’s waterfront or Ninh Binh’s temple courtyards.

- Sample mooncakes sold at bakeries or from family stalls along the streets.

- Watch lion dances and parades in town squares or markets.

- Join tea gatherings at hotels, homestays or river cruises that host small celebrations on board.

Even without planning, you’ll likely stumble upon processions, music and community activities.



Heritage That Connects Generations

What makes the Mid-Autumn Festival special is not just its beauty but its role in preserving heritage and traditions among villagers, farmers and ethnic hosts. In mountain areas like Ha Giang, Dao and Hmong children carry handmade lanterns; in coastal towns, fishermen hang lanterns on their boats. Each region adds its own style to the same celebration, showing Vietnam’s cultural diversity.

A Peaceful Yet Vibrant Evening

Whether you’re watching from a cruise deck, a temple courtyard or a street market, Mid-Autumn Festival creates a blend of calm and excitement. Lantern light reflects on rivers, music drifts from market stalls, and families pause to enjoy the full moon together. For travelers seeking authentic connection, it’s one of the most memorable nights of the year.