Events & Festivals in Hanoi

Vietnam's most important festival. The city decorates with peach blossoms and kumquat trees. Expect family gatherings, traditional foods like banh chung, and visits to pagodas. Many shops close as people return to their hometowns, leaving Hanoi unusually quiet but beautifully adorned.

A biennial event showcasing international and Vietnamese cinema. Features film screenings, competitions, workshops, and meetings with directors and actors. Screenings are held in multiple cinemas across the city, often with subtitles.

A major Buddhist pilgrimage to the Huong Tich complex, about 60km southwest of Hanoi. Pilgrims travel by boat and foot to pray for luck and prosperity at the series of mountain pagodas and caves. The peak period is from the 15th day of the 1st lunar month.

A celebration of literature and reading held at Thong Nhat Park (Lenin Park). Features hundreds of publishing stalls, book launches, author signing sessions, and cultural exchanges. Includes sections for children, rare books, and international publishers.

A lively celebration of movement featuring both local and international dance troupes. Performances range from traditional Vietnamese dance to contemporary, hip-hop, and ballet. Includes street performances, workshops, and main stage shows.

A national holiday commemorating the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of Vietnam. While the main ceremony is in Phu Tho province, in Hanoi, people visit temples, especially the Hung Kings Temple on Nui Nghia Linh (Soc Son district), to make offerings.

Marks the fall of Saigon and the reunification of Vietnam in 1975. The city is decorated with national flags and banners. There are cultural performances, fireworks (usually at Hoan Kiem Lake or My Dinh Stadium), and a patriotic atmosphere.

A national holiday often combined with Reunification Day for a long weekend. Parks and recreational areas are packed with families. Concerts and public events are held, and it's a popular time for domestic tourism.

Celebrates the lotus, Vietnam's national flower. The festival features photography exhibitions, art installations, lotus-themed cuisine showcases, and cultural talks. The main displays are often around West Lake and Tay Ho district, where lotuses are in bloom.

Showcases the traditional craft villages of the Red River Delta. Artisans from Bat Trang (ceramics), Van Phuc (silk), Chuon Ngo (mother-of-pearl) and others demonstrate their skills and sell products. Includes hands-on workshops for visitors.

A multi-day event celebrating Hanoi's UNESCO-recognized heritage and intangible cultural heritage from across Vietnam. Features parades, traditional music performances (Ca Tru, Xam), water puppet shows, and heritage walks through the Old Quarter.

A lively outdoor festival celebrating local and international beers. Held at a large venue like the My Dinh Stadium grounds, it features live music, food stalls serving pub grub, games, and of course, extensive beer tasting from many breweries.

The second major lunar festival, a Buddhist day for honoring the dead. Families make offerings of food, votive paper goods, and burn incense to appease wandering souls. Streets are lined with vendors selling ritual items, especially in the Old Quarter.

Commemorates the Declaration of Independence from France in 1945. The main flag-raising ceremony is at Ba Dinh Square (by Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum). The city is draped in red flags, and a large fireworks display illuminates Hoan Kiem Lake in the evening.

A series of cultural events celebrating Hanoi's romantic autumn. Includes street fairs, traditional 'com' (young rice) cooking competitions, ao dai fashion shows, poetry readings, and special performances of 'ao dai' dances around Hoan Kiem Lake.

A modern festival bringing diverse international and Vietnamese artists to stages across the city. Genres span indie rock, electronic, jazz, and folk fusion. Past editions have featured both big-name international acts and rising local talent.

A paradise for noodle soup lovers. Dozens of Hanoi's best pho restaurants set up stalls to serve their signature bowls. Includes demonstrations from master chefs, competitions, and the chance to try rare regional variations beyond the classic beef pho.

An annual marathon that takes runners past Hanoi's major heritage sites. Routes typically pass Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Opera House, and along the Red River dykes. Offers full marathon, half, 10K, and 5K fun run categories.

Showcases the cutting edge of Vietnamese design in fashion, graphics, architecture, and product design. Features exhibitions, pop-up markets selling designer goods, workshops, and talks held in repurposed industrial spaces and art galleries.

While not a traditional Vietnamese holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated in Hanoi. St. Joseph's Cathedral area becomes a major hub with giant lights, festive decorations, street food stalls, and crowds gathering on Christmas Eve. Many hotels and restaurants host special events.

A colorful pre-Tet event showcasing elaborate floral displays and themed sculptures from across Vietnam. The festival park along West Lake is transformed into a wonderland of flowers, ornamental plants, and artistic installations, often with cultural performances.

Major countdown celebrations with music stages, light shows, and fireworks to welcome the Western New Year. The main public gathering is typically around Hoan Kiem Lake, which is closed to traffic. Hotels and rooftop bars host exclusive parties.