The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, or “Tết Trung Thu,” is one of Vietnam’s most cherished traditional celebrations, held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. It marks the end of the harvest season and celebrates family unity. Children take center stage, enjoying colorful lantern parades, lion dances, and mooncakes. The festival symbolizes the moon’s fullness, happiness, and prosperity. In rural areas, it traditionally honors the harvest and expresses gratitude to the moon for abundance. The event is filled with joy, music, and stories about the legendary Moon Lady and Moon Boy.

I. Places to go in the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

1. Sai Gon

• Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street

A vibrant street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5, known for its dazzling display of lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Located in the heart of the city’s Chinatown (Chợ Lớn), the street comes alive with colorful traditional and modern lanterns, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. Visitors flock to this street to buy lanterns, take photos, and immerse themselves in the celebration’s vibrant spirit. The area is also rich in Chinese culture, offering an authentic experience of the festival.

• Takashimaya

Takashimaya is a bustling shopping center in the heart of Saigon. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, it dons a new look with creative and unique lantern displays. The mall also hosts meaningful activities such as lion dances, lantern parades, and musical performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.

• Đầm Sen and Suối Tiên

The Đầm Sen Cultural Park and Suối Tiên are certainly familiar to those living in Ho Chi Minh City. These are ideal spots for families with young children to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Saigon. Besides enjoying fun activities and taking photos at the beautifully decorated lantern areas, visitors can also enjoy spectacular lion dance performances and entertainment programs tailored for kids.

2. Hanoi

• Hang Ma Street

Known for its traditional decorations, the street is filled with lanterns, toys, and other festive items. Visitors come to admire and purchase beautifully handcrafted lanterns, masks, and traditional toys. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by street performances, lion dances, and crowds enjoying the festive spirit. Phố Hàng Mã is a must-visit for those looking to experience the charm and cultural significance of Mid-Autumn celebrations in Hanoi.

• Phung Hung “mural” street

Phố “bích họa” Phùng Hưng in Hanoi offers a unique and artistic experience during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. The street, known for its colorful murals that depict Hanoi’s heritage and daily life, becomes even more festive with lantern displays, traditional decorations, and cultural activities. Visitors can enjoy interactive events, lantern-making workshops, and performances like lion dances.

• Ho Guom Walking Street

The Mid-Autumn Festival at Phố đi bộ Hồ Gươm (Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street) in Hanoi is a magical experience! The whole area transforms into a lively celebration filled with beautiful lanterns, cultural performances, and traditional music. Families, friends, and tourists gather to enjoy the festive atmosphere, with lion dances, lantern parades, and various games for children.

3. Hoi An

Where to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam? Of course, Hoi An is a must-visit. Along with the festive atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the ancient town of Hoi An is beautifully adorned with glowing lanterns and bustling Mid-Autumn activities. Notably, the release of floating lanterns on the river is a significant tradition, symbolizing prayers for family safety and wishes for a year filled with good fortune and happiness.

II. What to eat in the mid-autumn festival in Vietnam

1. Moon Cake-the symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese pastry enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round cakes are often filled with sweet or savory fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks. The outer crust is typically thin and tender, and mooncakes are often beautifully decorated with intricate patterns or inscriptions.

In Vietnam, mooncakes (known as “bánh trung thu”) come in various flavors and styles, including traditional options like lotus seed and modern variations like chocolate or durian. They are commonly shared among family and friends as a symbol of unity and prosperity during the festival.

In Vietnam, mooncakes can be purchased from various places, including:

• Supermarkets and Department Stores: Large chains like WinMart, Lotte Mart, and Big C often have a wide range of mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam.
• Specialty Bakeries: Renowned bakeries such as ABC Bakery, Tous Les Jours, and Kinh Do offer a variety of mooncakes, from traditional to modern flavors.
• Local Markets: Markets like Chợ Hàng Mã in Hanoi and Chợ Bình Tây in Ho Chi Minh City feature many stalls selling mooncakes during the festival.
• Hotels and Restaurants: High-end hotels and restaurants, such as The Reverie Saigon and Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi, also offer premium mooncakes with unique flavors and packaging.

Price: Mooncake prices vary widely depending on the quality and brand. Generally, prices can range from about $4 to $40 per box. Premium or specialty mooncakes can be more expensive.

2. Glutinous rice balls in sweet ginger syrup

The chewy and fragrant rice balls filled with smooth mung bean paste, served in warm ginger syrup, offer a delicate and satisfying flavor. This dessert symbolizes unity, happiness, and the wish for a fulfilling and prosperous life.

Price: $0.40-$2.6

3. Grapefruit salad

Grapefruit salad is a popular dish in the Mid-Autumn Festival feast in Southern Vietnam. This salad is made from grapefruit, shrimp, boiled pork, crispy fried onions, roasted peanuts, and other ingredients, offering a refreshing, tangy flavor with a crunchy texture that stimulates the taste buds.

Price:  $0.85-$4.4

Experience the vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam with colorful lantern displays, traditional mooncakes, lion dances, and festive parades. Embrace cultural activities and joyful gatherings for a memorable celebration.

Visa FOPA Company

📞+84 906 044 975 (Mr. Do)