Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam: Lanterns, Mooncakes, and Folklore

Every autumn, as the harvest moon reaches its fullest, Vietnam glows with a celebration that blends childhood joy, family reunion, and centuries-old folklore — the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu). For travelers, it’s one of the most enchanting times to witness the country’s traditions in full swing.

This festival isn’t just a cultural event; it’s an invitation to join locals in lantern parades, taste mooncakes sold in every bakery and market, and hear stories that have been told for generations. If you happen to be in Vietnam around this time, you’ll quickly see why it holds such a special place in the nation’s heart.

Photo Credit: Nadova Tours

A festival that belongs to children (and the child in you)

If you find yourself in Vietnam during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the first thing you’ll notice is the lanterns. In every neighborhood, children parade with glowing stars, carp, rabbits, and sometimes modern characters, chanting songs and laughing as they march.

The procession isn’t just a neighborhood playdate. It’s rooted in symbolism — lanterns are a way of bringing light, hope, and brightness into the future. The drumbeats that accompany them represent protection, warding off bad luck, and inviting prosperity.

Photo Credit: VietNam Booking

In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, certain neighborhoods transform into lantern markets weeks before the festival. The most famous is Hàng Mã Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where shops overflow with colorful paper and cellophane lanterns. Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, Lương Nhữ Học Street in District 5 becomes a dazzling showcase of lantern artistry, with entire families strolling through to shop, admire, and take photos.

Even if you’re only a passerby, there’s something disarmingly heartwarming about these parades. Adults gather to watch, cameras in hand, and even the most serious faces soften into smiles.

Mooncakes: sweet symbols of reunion

No Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without mooncakes (bánh trung thu) — round pastries that symbolize reunion and completeness. Traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, salted egg yolk, or green bean, mooncakes now come in modern flavors like chocolate, green tea, or even durian.

Photo Credit: Vietnam Times

Unlike the romantic image of baking at home, most mooncakes in Vietnam are bought from bakeries and seasonal street stalls that pop up across the cities in the weeks leading up to the festival. Families gift them to relatives, friends, and colleagues, making them both a festive treat and a token of appreciation.

For visitors, tasting mooncakes is a way to savor both tradition and modernity — from time-honored recipes to creative spins by young chefs.

Folklore: the tales of “chú Cuội” and “chị Hằng”

The festival is rooted in folklore, with two beloved figures always present:

On Mid-Autumn night, parents and grandparents tell these stories to children while pointing to the bright full moon. These tales add layers of imagination and wonder to the festival, making it as much about storytelling as it is about celebration.

Photo Credit: Luật Minh Khuê

Lion dances and neighborhood bonds

If the lantern processions feel gentle, the múa lân (lion dance) is all fire and energy. Brightly colored lions prance through streets and alleys, accompanied by thunderous drums and cymbals. They stop at houses, dance for luck, and receive small red envelopes of money in return.

Photo Credit: Helio Center

It’s part tradition, part performance, part community ritual. Neighborhood groups of kids and young adults form dance troupes, practicing weeks in advance. The dances aren’t only fun — they’re a way for communities to bond, for children to gain confidence, and for families to feel the joy of being blessed together.

Where to experience the festival in Vietnam

If you’re visiting Vietnam during Mid-Autumn, here are some of the best places to soak in the atmosphere:

Practical tips for travelers

Photo Credit: VietQ.vn

Looking ahead: your festival journey

Getting your visa and flights sorted is just the beginning. To truly feel Vietnam’s heart, timing your visit with Mid-Autumn can make your trip unforgettable. Imagine standing in a lantern-lit street, tasting your first mooncake, and hearing the beat of a lion drum echo through the night.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay close to the action, Kin Hotel offers the perfect base. Located in the city center and just minutes from the most vibrant Mid-Autumn spots, Kin is where comfort meets culture. After an evening of exploring, you can return to a warm, welcoming space designed for travelers who want more than just a room — they want connection.

Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival is waiting. Will you join the celebration this year?

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