Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) in Vietnam is a time of magic—streets lined with glowing lanterns, lion dances echoing through the night, and mooncakes shared among families and friends. If you’re traveling to Vietnam in September 2025, here are the top cities and their can’t-miss highlights for an unforgettable experience.

Travel Through Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival 2025: From Bustling Streets to Lantern-Lit Rivers

Imagine wandering through Vietnam during the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025: the night sky lit with colorful lanterns, the laughter of children carrying star-shaped lights, and the sweet aroma of mooncakes filling the air. In Saigon, the streets come alive with lion dances and coffee gatherings under glowing lanterns. In Hội An, the Hoài River sparkles with floating lights, while Huế invites you to drift along the Perfume River on a dragon boat, soaking in imperial traditions. Each city has its own way of telling the Mid-Autumn story, offering travelers not just a festival, but a journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture.

Hanoi – Lantern Streets and Cultural Performances

Hàng Mã Street

Hanoi’s Old Quarter becomes the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hàng Mã Street is especially famous for its dazzling lantern markets and festive energy.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, you can enjoy lion dances, puppet shows, and traditional music, all set against the backdrop of the capital’s historic charm.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – A Blend of Tradition and Modern Life

Lion dance performances on Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Saigon lights up with both tradition and modern celebration. Nguyen Hue Walking Street turns into a festival stage with parades, live performances, and lantern displays. One of the most exciting highlights of Saigon during Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 is the lion dance performances on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. As night falls, the wide pedestrian boulevard turns into a vibrant stage where brightly costumed lion dance troupes perform to the beat of drums and cymbals. Crowds of locals and travelers gather to cheer, take photos, and feel the contagious energy of this traditional art form. Combined with lantern displays, street food stalls, and lively parades, Nguyen Hue Street becomes the perfect place to experience the festive spirit of Vietnam like a true local.

Chợ Lớn (Chinatown)

In Chợ Lớn (Chinatown), the atmosphere is rich with mooncake stalls and heritage lantern shops.

For a local twist, try café bệt at 30/4 Park, where people sit on the ground with takeaway coffee while enjoying the city buzz.

Explore more: Saigon Delights: Top Ideal Mid-Autumn Festival Playgrounds for Travelers in Vietnam

The Lantern Wonderland On Thu Bồn River - Hội An

Hội An is the ultimate lantern paradise during Mid-Autumn. The Ancient Town glows under thousands of lanterns, while the Thu Bồn River comes alive with floating candles and flower garlands. Wandering the alleys, you’ll find traditional games, local treats, and an atmosphere so enchanting it feels timeless.

Hội An – Lantern Magic on the Hoài River

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Hoài River in Hội An turns into a glowing wonderland. Hundreds of paper lanterns float across the water, creating a dreamy reflection of the moon and symbolizing luck and happiness.

You can join a boat ride to release lanterns, explore the night market, and enjoy traditional music and performances along the riverbanks.

Huế – Imperial Traditions by the Perfume River

Huế offers a royal touch to the festival. The Imperial Citadel often hosts folk performances, dragon dances, and cultural displays. Along the Perfume River, lanterns and festive decorations create a serene yet majestic scene. This is also the place to try royal-style mooncakes, once prepared for emperors.

For a truly immersive experience, join a Hue Dragon Boat Tour on the Perfume River, where you can admire the shimmering lanterns on the water while enjoying traditional music and local stories about the former imperial capital.

Đà Nẵng – Festivities by the River and the Sea

Đà Nẵng is known for its vibrant family-friendly celebrations. The Han River waterfront features lantern parades, outdoor concerts, and interactive events for children. After joining the festivities, visitors can relax on My Khe Beach, making Da Nang a destination that blends culture with seaside leisure.

Sapa – Mid-Autumn in the Highlands

For a truly unique experience, head to Sapa. Ethnic minority villages celebrate with handmade lanterns, traditional songs, and local-style mooncakes. Trekking through the Muong Hoa Valley or exploring hill tribe markets during Mid-Autumn offers an authentic look at how the festival is celebrated in Vietnam’s northern highlands.

Embrace Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Spirit

Each city in Vietnam offers its own highlight—from Hanoi’s lantern streets to Saigon’s lively parades, Hội An’s glowing rivers, Huế’s royal traditions, Đà Nẵng’s family vibe, and Sapa’s mountain culture. Together, they create a tapestry of unforgettable Mid-Autumn experiences.

Start planning your Mid-Autumn 2025 journey in Vietnam and discover the cities that bring the festival to life.

Connect with us today to access a free travel guide or craft your one-of-a-kind journey.

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We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing

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