Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam: A Celebration of Moonlight and Lanterns

Every autumn, when the moon shines brightest, Vietnam lights up with one of its most beautiful traditions: the Mid-Autumn Festival, known locally as Tết Trung Thu. This festival is a magical time of lantern parades, mooncakes, and joyful family gatherings — and for travelers, it offers a unique window into Vietnamese culture.

Tết Trung Thu Celebration

What Is the Mid-Autumn Festival? 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September or early October. Traditionally, it’s a time to:

• Give thanks for the harvest.

• Celebrate the beauty of the full moon.

• Spend time with children, who are considered the “center” of the festival in Vietnam.

Unlike in some other Asian countries where the festival feels more adult-oriented, in Vietnam, it’s often called the “Children’s Festival” (Tết Thiếu Nhi).

Traditions and Celebrations 

1. Lantern Processions - Children carry colorful lanterns shaped like stars, carp fish, or butterflies, lighting up the streets with glowing parades. Some towns even host lion dances and drum performances.

2. Mooncakes - Just like in China, mooncakes are central to the celebration. In Vietnam, they come in two styles:

   • Bánh nướng (baked mooncakes, with golden crusts)

   • Bánh dẻo (soft, sticky rice mooncakes, often white in color)Fillings range from lotus seeds and mung beans to salted egg yolks and even modern flavors like chocolate or green tea.

3. Lion Dances - Young performers wear colorful lion costumes, dancing through the streets to the beat of drums. These dances symbolize good luck and drive away evil spirits.

4. Family Gatherings - Families gather under the bright moonlight to eat mooncakes, drink tea, and share stories. It’s a time for bonding, appreciation, and joy.

Best Places to Experience the Festival in Vietnam

• Hanoi’s Old Quarter – Streets filled with lanterns, mooncake stalls, and lion dances.

• Hoi An – Famous for its lanterns year-round, but even more magical during Mid-Autumn.

• Ho Chi Minh City (District 5) – Known for its bustling lantern street, with vibrant night markets.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is more than just a holiday — it’s a celebration of community, family, and joy. Whether you’re enjoying a sweet bite of mooncake, watching a lion dance, or joining children under the lantern-lit sky, you’ll feel the warmth of Vietnamese culture.

So if your travels bring you to Vietnam in autumn, make sure to join the festivities — and let the full moon guide your night.

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