Vietnam Vacations - Footprints Indochina., Co Ltd

It is often overlooked in Vietnam, particularly from a tourism perspective, that the country has a wealth of colourful, traditional festivals. Many of these fall during the Vietnam spring time in the north, in particular the immediate months following the Lunar New Year (Tet).

After decades of war and isolation celebrations and festivals of any kind in Vietnam were not deemed appropriate and were discouraged. In the more affluent economic times of today, together with a strong national desire to awaken lost cultural ties and traditions, many original festivals have re-emerged across the country. Barely a month goes by that there is not festival or traditional ceremony being held somewhere in Vietnam. For the casual observer this opens up numerous opportunities to witness such activities.

The festivals range in size and activity from the largest, such as the Hung King Festival in Phu Tho province west of Hanoi in March that attracts up to a million worshippers, to the smaller local village festivals that provide the visitor with a more intimate look at traditional life.

Whilst some of the provincial festivals can be hard to get to due to distance and lack of quality accommodation nearby they are nearly all worth making the effort to see. Many of the more colourful and authentic activities and ceremonies begin early in the morning and often consist of parades and worshipping ceremonies accompanied by music and dance. Foreigners are often rare and considered as distinguished guests at these events.

For a complete list of festivals in Vietnam and how to incorporate a visit in one of your guests itineraries please contact us for further information.