Spring Festival Season In Vietnam

The Spring festival season in Vietnam is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant times of the year. Beginning right after Lunar New Year (Tet) and lasting through the third lunar month (roughly January to April), this period is filled with traditional festivals, temple pilgrimages, and community celebrations across the country.

A Time Of Pilgrimage And Celebration

During spring, Vietnamese people visit pagodas and temples to pray for health, prosperity, and good fortune in the new year. It is believed that starting the year with sincere offerings and blessings will bring harmony and success to families and businesses.

Many major cultural and spiritual events take place during this season, attracting both local pilgrims and international visitors. The atmosphere blends solemn rituals with festive activities such as folk games, traditional music performances, and local food fairs.

Famous Spring Destinations

Across Vietnam, several destinations become especially lively during the spring festival season:

Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is the heart of traditional spring pilgrimage culture, where ancient temples and folk festivals come alive after Lunar New Year.

• Hương Pagoda – A massive pilgrimage complex set among limestone mountains, attracting thousands of visitors each spring.
• Yên Tử – A sacred Buddhist mountain associated with the Trúc Lâm Zen lineage.
• Bái Đính Pagoda – One of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia.
• Hùng Temple – A significant ancestral worship site drawing large crowds during spring commemorations.
• Dâu Pagoda – Among the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam, with traditional early-year festivals.
• Bút Tháp pagoda – Famous for its intricate wooden architecture and historic Buddhist statues.
• Đô  temple– A revered temple dedicated to the Ly Dynasty emperors.
• Lim Festival– A vibrant spring festival celebrated with traditional Quan họ folk singing.

Central Vietnam

Spring in Central Vietnam blends spiritual pilgrimage with coastal and heritage tourism.

• Thiên Mụ Pagoda – An iconic riverside pagoda where visitors pray for peace and prosperity.
• Linh Ứng Pagoda – Known for its towering Lady Buddha statue overlooking the sea.

Southern Vietnam

In the south, spring festivals combine spiritual rituals with lively cultural gatherings.

• Bà Đen Moutain – A major pilgrimage mountain attracting visitors seeking blessings for the new year.
• Bà Thiên Hậu Pagoda– A popular temple where locals pray for luck in business and family life.
• Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda– A well-known urban pagoda bustling with early-year visitors.

Travel Experience

For travelers, spring is a fascinating time to explore Vietnam’s spiritual life and cultural heritage. The weather is generally mild, flowers are in bloom, and many heritage sites are lively with color and activity.

However, visitors should expect crowds at popular temples and festival sites, especially on weekends and major ceremony days. Dressing modestly and arriving early are recommended when attending temple festivals.

The Spring festival season offers a unique opportunity to witness Vietnam’s deep respect for tradition, ancestors, and community — all expressed in the hopeful spirit of a new year.