Spring, a time of harmony between heaven and earth, when a hundred flowers bloom, is also when Vietnam is bustling with vibrant festivals. From North to South, across villages and cities, unique spring festivals take place, carrying profound traditional cultural values, reflecting the distinctive identity of each region. More than just occasions for fun and entertainment, spring festivals are also opportunities for people to express their respect to deities, praying for a new year of peace, favorable weather, and bountiful harvests. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover the most famous spring festivals in Vietnam, where you can immerse yourself in a rich cultural space with national identity and experience memorable moments at the beginning of the year.
Perfume Pagoda Festival – Hanoi
When mentioning spring festivals in Northern Vietnam, one cannot overlook the Perfume Pagoda Festival, one of the largest and longest festivals in the country. Held at the Huong Son scenic area, My Duc, Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda Festival starts from the 6th day of the first lunar month and lasts until the end of the 3rd lunar month. This is not only a religious festival attracting crowds of Buddhist pilgrims, but also a journey to discover the majestic natural beauty of the Buddhist land.
Coming to the Perfume Pagoda Festival, visitors will experience a boat trip on the poetic Yen stream, admiring the majestic mountains, and ancient pagodas nestled in caves. The Perfume Pagoda Festival is not only famous for its solemn Buddhist rituals, but also attracts visitors with its lively festival atmosphere and unique folk cultural activities such as Cheo singing, Van singing, lion dances, and traditional games.
Pilgrims flock to the Perfume Pagoda Festival in Hanoi, Vietnam
Dong Da Mound Festival – Hanoi
If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi on the 5th day of Tet, don’t miss the Dong Da Mound Festival, a festival imbued with historical significance and the martial spirit of the nation. Held in Dong Da district, Hanoi, the Dong Da Mound Festival is an occasion to commemorate the glorious Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory of King Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue, defeating the Qing invaders in the spring of Ky Dau 1789.
The Dong Da Mound Festival reenacts the heroic atmosphere of the battle of yesteryear through solemn rituals such as processions, palanquin processions, and especially the performance reenacting the historical battle. Visitors will immerse themselves in the heroic atmosphere of the festival, feel the ardent patriotism, and deep gratitude for the merits of national heroes. Besides the ceremony part, the festival part is also vibrant with traditional cultural and sports activities such as lion dances, wrestling, human chess, attracting a large number of people and tourists to participate.
Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival – Nam Dinh
The Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival is one of the most famous spring festivals in the Northern region, taking place at the Tran Temple historical site, Nam Dinh. The festival is held on the night of the 14th and the dawn of the 15th day of the first lunar month, with the meaning of honoring the merits of the Tran kings, who contributed to building and defending the country.
The highlight of the festival is the Seal Opening ceremony, performed at the hour of Ty (midnight) on the 14th day of the first lunar month. Seals are distributed at three locations: the Trung Hoa Temple display house, the Giai Vu house, and the garden area of Tran Temple. People and pilgrims from all over believe that possessing a Tran Temple seal will bring luck, fortune, and success in the new year. The Tran Temple Festival is not only an important spiritual cultural event, but also an opportunity for visitors to explore the unique architecture of Tran Temple and learn about the heroic history of the Tran dynasty.
Yen Tu Festival – Quang Ninh
Yen Tu, a sacred land where Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong founded the Truc Lam Zen sect, is a famous spiritual destination in Vietnam. The Yen Tu Festival takes place from the 10th day of the first lunar month and lasts until the end of the 3rd lunar month, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists to pilgrimage, worship, and sightsee.
The Yen Tu Festival is a journey to discover the majestic beauty of Yen Tu mountain, home to the famous Dong Pagoda located on the mountaintop. Visitors can choose to hike or take a cable car to the Yen Tu peak. In the sacred atmosphere of the festival, visitors not only pray for peace and luck for their families and loved ones, but also find tranquility in their souls, immersing themselves in the beautiful nature. Coming to the Yen Tu Festival, you will feel the intersection of culture, history, religion, and nature.
Vieng Market – Nam Dinh
Vieng Market, a special market that only meets once a year on the night of the 7th and the dawn of the 8th day of the first lunar month in Nam Dinh, is one of the most unique and famous spring festivals in the North. Vieng Market is not heavily commercial but mainly carries spiritual meaning, “buying luck, selling misfortune”.
Coming to Vieng Market, visitors will immerse themselves in the bustling and unique atmosphere of a rural market with items imbued with rural culture such as ornamental plants, antiques, handicrafts, and especially agricultural tools such as baskets, trays, hoes, shovels… People come to Vieng Market not only to shop but also to pray for luck and fortune at the beginning of the year. The concept of “buying luck at the beginning of the year, selling misfortune at the end of the year” has become a unique cultural feature of Vieng Market, attracting a large number of pilgrims from all over to experience.
Hung Temple Festival – Hung Kings Commemoration Day – Phu Tho
Hung Temple Festival, also known as Hung Kings Commemoration Day, is the most important national festival of Vietnam, expressing the nation’s deep gratitude for the merits of the Hung Kings in building the country. The festival takes place at the Hung Temple historical site, Phu Tho, from the 5th to the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, of which the 10th day of the 3rd month is the main festival day.
The Hung Temple Festival is a complex of rich cultural activities, including palanquin processions, incense offering ceremonies, folk cultural activities such as Xoan singing, water puppetry, and traditional games such as wrestling, tug of war, and boat racing. Coming to the Hung Temple Festival, visitors will immerse themselves in a sacred, solemn space, feel the roots of the nation and the spirit of community solidarity. Hung Kings Commemoration Day is not only a festival day but also a cultural, historical symbol, and the pride of the Vietnamese nation.
Mai King Temple Festival – Nghe An
The Mai King Temple Festival takes place from the 3rd to the 5th day of Tet in Nam Thai commune, Nam Dan district, Nghe An province, as an occasion to commemorate the merits of King Mai Hac De (Mai Thuc Loan), a heroic king who led the uprising against the domination of the Tang dynasty in the 8th century.
The Mai King Temple Festival is imbued with the traditional culture of Nghe An land, with solemn rituals such as processions, offerings, and folk cultural activities such as Cheo singing, dancing, and folk games. Coming to the festival, visitors will learn about the life and career of King Mai Hac De, a national hero who made great contributions to Vietnamese history. The Mai King Temple Festival is not only an important spiritual cultural event but also an opportunity to educate the tradition of patriotism and national pride for the younger generation.
Sinh Village Wrestling Festival – Hue
Sinh Village Wrestling Festival, a unique cultural feature of the ancient capital of Hue, takes place on the 10th day of the first lunar month every year in Lai An village (Sinh village), Phu Mau commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province. The Sinh Village Wrestling Festival is not only a traditional sports activity but also imbued with spiritual and cultural elements of the local people.
The Sinh Village Wrestling Festival attracts many wrestlers from all over to participate in competitions, contributing exciting and dramatic matches. Besides professional matches, the festival also has giao luu matches, performances, creating a joyful and bustling atmosphere. The Sinh Village Wrestling Festival is not only a place to practice health and flexibility, but also an opportunity to show martial spirit, courage, and confidence. Coming to the festival, visitors will experience the unique traditional festival atmosphere of Hue and enjoy the special martial arts performances.
Cau Ngu Festival – South Central Coastal Provinces
Cau Ngu Festival, also known as Whale Worshiping Festival, is one of the unique cultural festivals of fishermen in the coastal villages of South Central Vietnam. The festival is usually held in the first lunar month every year, with the wish to pray for a year of favorable weather, abundant seafood, and peaceful seas.
The Cau Ngu Festival is an opportunity for fishermen to express their gratitude to the sea and Ca Ong (whale), their guardian deity. The festival includes solemn rituals such as Ong welcoming ceremony, sea worshiping ceremony, and unique folk cultural activities such as Ba Trao singing, lion dances, and boat racing. Coming to the Cau Ngu Festival, visitors will learn about the unique belief of worshiping Ca Ong of coastal fishermen, immerse themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Ba Den Mountain Festival – Tay Ninh
Ba Den Mountain Festival, one of the largest festivals in the South, takes place in Tay Ninh, starting from the 4th day of Tet and lasting throughout the first lunar month. However, the festival atmosphere has already begun from the afternoon of the 30th of Tet, when thousands of pilgrims flock to Ba Den Mountain to offer incense and pray for peace and luck for the new year.
Ba Den Mountain is not only a famous spiritual destination but also a scenic spot with majestic natural scenery. Coming to the Ba Den Mountain Festival, visitors can visit Ba Pagoda, worship the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue, and admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh from the mountaintop. The Ba Den Mountain Festival not only attracts visitors with its sacred atmosphere but also with vibrant cultural and entertainment activities, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Thien Hau Pagoda Festival – Binh Duong
Thien Hau Pagoda Festival, also known as Binh Duong Ba Pagoda Festival, is a festival imbued with the unique culture of the Southeast region. The festival takes place from the 13th to the 15th day of the first lunar month at Thien Hau Pagoda, Binh Duong.
The highlight of the Thien Hau Pagoda Festival is the palanquin procession of Ba on the night of the 13th day of the first lunar month. Local people and pilgrims from all over come to Ba Pagoda to burn incense, pray for blessings and peace, and admire the unique architecture of the ancient pagoda. The Thien Hau Pagoda Festival is not only an important spiritual cultural event but also an opportunity for visitors to discover the cultural and architectural beauty of Binh Duong land.
Duc Thanh Tran Temple Festival – Ho Chi Minh City
Duc Thanh Tran Temple Festival is one of the largest spiritual festivals in Ho Chi Minh City, taking place from the 8th to the 10th day of the first lunar month every year at Duc Thanh Tran Temple (District 1). The festival is held to honor the merits of Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, a national hero who made great contributions in the resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol invaders.
The Duc Thanh Tran Temple Festival includes solemn rituals such as processions, offerings, and folk cultural activities such as Cheo singing, lion dances, and traditional games. Coming to the festival, visitors will learn about the heroic history of the nation, express their respect to Duc Thanh Tran, and pray for a new year of peace and happiness. The Duc Thanh Tran Temple Festival is not only a spiritual cultural event but also an opportunity to educate the tradition of patriotism and national pride for the younger generation.
In addition to the famous spring festivals mentioned above, Vietnam has countless other unique traditional festivals taking place throughout the country. Each festival has its own beauty, reflecting the unique cultural values of each region. Spring is an ideal time for you to explore and experience these unique festivals, immerse yourself in the joyful and bustling atmosphere, and learn about the traditional culture of Vietnam.
Labor rights to holidays during traditional festivals
Many people wonder if employees are entitled to days off during traditional festivals. According to Article 112 of the 2019 Labor Code, employees are entitled to days off work with full pay during the following holidays and Tet:
- New Year’s Day: 1 day (January 1st of the Gregorian calendar).
- Lunar New Year (Tet): 5 days.
- Victory Day: 1 day (April 30th of the Gregorian calendar).
- International Labor Day: 1 day (May 1st of the Gregorian calendar).
- National Day: 2 days (September 2nd of the Gregorian calendar and 1 adjacent day before or after).
- Hung Kings Commemoration Day: 1 day (March 10th of the lunar calendar).
Thus, during spring festivals, employees will be entitled to days off with full pay on Hung Kings Commemoration Day (March 10th of the lunar calendar). For other festivals, taking days off will depend on the regulations of each company and the agreement between employees and employers.
Salary levels for working on holidays and Tet
If employees work on holidays and Tet, they will be entitled to overtime pay according to Article 98 of the 2019 Labor Code:
- Working on a normal day: at least 150% of salary.
- Working on weekly days off: at least 200% of salary.
- Working on holidays, Tet, paid leave days: at least 300% excluding the salary for holidays, Tet, paid leave days for daily wage earners.
- Working at night: paid at least an additional 30% of the salary calculated according to the unit price of salary or the actual salary paid according to the work of the normal working day.
- Overtime work at night: in addition to being paid according to the above regulations, employees are also paid an additional 20% of the salary calculated according to the unit price of salary or salary according to the work done during the daytime of the normal working day or of the weekly day off or of the holiday, Tet.
Thus, if employees work during the daytime of holidays and Tet, the minimum salary they receive is 400% of the normal daily salary. If working at night on holidays and Tet, the minimum salary is 490% of the normal daily salary.
Conclusion
Spring in Vietnam is not only a season of beautiful nature but also a season of unique cultural festivals. Hopefully, through this article, you have gained more useful information about famous spring festivals in Vietnam and labor rights related to holidays. Plan to explore these festivals to experience the beauty of traditional culture and enjoy the joyful spring atmosphere across the country.