When most travelers think of Vietnam, they picture bustling street food stalls, scenic rice paddies, and the hum of motorbikes weaving through vibrant cities. But beyond the sights and sounds lies a quieter, more spiritual heartbeat—one that pulses strongest during Vu Lan Festival, Vietnam’s sacred day of remembrance and gratitude.
Falling in August 2025, this annual Buddhist celebration offers a rare window into the emotional and cultural depth of Vietnamese society. From lantern-lit canals in the Mekong Delta to solemn rose ceremonies in ancient temples, Vu Lan invites you to not just visit Vietnam—but to feel it. Whether you're a curious traveler, a photographer, or a seeker of meaning, this is one journey you won't want to miss.
Vu Lan Festival in Vietnam - A Sacred Cultural Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
What is Vu Lan Festival?
Vu Lan Festival, also known as Ghost Festival or Ullambana, is one of the most spiritual and emotional Buddhist festivals in Vietnam. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month—this year on August 10, 2025—it is a time when Vietnamese people express deep gratitude to their ancestors, especially their mothers, both living and deceased. The festival is rooted in a story from Buddhist scriptures about a devoted monk who rescued his mother from suffering in the afterlife, leading to the tradition of offering prayers and food for wandering souls.
Devotees lighting incense and praying at a Buddhist temple during Vu Lan Festival in Vietnam.
Photo: Pinterest
1. The Rose Ceremony – A Touching Symbol of Love and Loss
The Rose Offering Ceremony is perhaps the most emotional ritual of Vu Lan. Participants wear a red rose if their mother is alive, or a white rose if their mother has passed away. It’s a symbolic way of recognizing the presence or absence of maternal love, and it brings entire communities together in reflection.
Temples across Ho Chi Minh City, such as Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda, host large-scale rose ceremonies where even foreign visitors are welcome to join in this moment of remembrance and gratitude.
People wearing red and white roses during Vu Lan Rose Ceremony at a temple in Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo: Pinterest
2. Releasing Lanterns – Lighting the Path for Wandering Souls
At night, hundreds of colorful floating lanterns are released onto rivers and lakes. These gentle lights represent prayers for ancestors and a symbolic guide for wandering souls to find peace. The scene is both visually stunning and spiritually calming.
In the Mekong Delta, lantern ceremonies take place along small canals, where the silence of the countryside amplifies the magic of this ritual. It’s a must-see experience for travelers seeking an authentic spiritual connection.
Floating lanterns on a river during Vu Lan Festival in the Mekong Delta at night.
Photo: Pinterest
Explore more: Your Perfect Vietnam Trip: The Best Destinations to Visit Each Month
3. Temple Visits and Almsgiving – Feeding the Body and Soul
During Vu Lan, families and communities visit Buddhist temples to offer prayers and donations. Monks lead chanting sessions, and locals bring offerings such as fruits, incense, and symbolic paper items. These acts are meant to create merit and provide for both ancestors and wandering spirits in the afterlife.
Temples such as Giac Lam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City provide a welcoming atmosphere for international guests who wish to observe or even take part in these ancient customs.
Local people offering food and incense at Pagoda during Vu Lan Festival.
Photo: Pinterest
4. Vu Lan Vegetarian Cuisine – A Feast of Compassion
Vu Lan is closely tied to Buddhist vegetarianism, which emphasizes kindness and mindfulness. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes such as:
- Sticky rice with mung beans (xôi đậu xanh)
- Tofu with lemongrass and chili
- Mushroom hotpot
- Sweet lotus seed soup (chè hạt sen)
These dishes are often served for free at temples, creating a shared culinary experience that reflects the spirit of giving and harmony.
Traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes served during Vu Lan Festival at a local temple.
Photo: Pinterest
Why Travelers Should Experience Vu Lan in Vietnam
If you’re seeking more than sightseeing, Vu Lan offers a deeply immersive cultural and emotional experience. It’s not just about watching from afar—you are invited to participate, reflect, and connect. Unlike other festivals filled with loud celebrations, Vu Lan is gentle, sacred, and introspective.
With fewer tourists in August and plenty of authentic local engagement, it’s the perfect time to visit Vietnam and witness its soul.
Foreign travelers participating in a rose ceremony and lantern release during Vu Lan Festival in Vietnam.
Photo: Pinterest
Suggested Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Photo: Pinterest
- Morning: Visit Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda
- Afternoon: Join the Rose Ceremony
- Evening: Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at a Buddhist-inspired restaurant
Day 2: Mekong Delta
Photo: Pinterest
- Early morning: Depart for a 1-day Mekong Delta tour
- Visit floating markets, local temples, and rural communities
- Evening: Join a lantern-floating ceremony along the canals
Experience the peace, compassion, and community spirit of Vu Lan Festival firsthand!
Explore our Vu Lan Festival Tour – Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (August 2025)
From temple rituals to lantern-lit rivers, this is your chance to go beyond the usual tourist trail and connect with the cultural soul of Vietnam.
Spots are limited during Vu Lan season – Book now to secure your place!
Quick Tips
| Info Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Date | August 10, 2025 (15th day of the lunar 7th month) |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing for temple visits |
| Best Experiences | Rose Ceremony, Lantern Release, Temple Rituals |
| Must-Try Food | Buddhist vegetarian meals at temples |
| Photography Tip | Evening ceremonies offer the best light & mood |
The Vu Lan Festival is a one-of-a-kind spiritual celebration that invites you into Vietnam’s deepest values: respect, remembrance, and compassion. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a curious traveler, Vu Lan in August is an unforgettable cultural journey—and the perfect reason to explore Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
Get in touch now to receive a free travel guide or start planning your unique adventure.
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We hope that your experience will be nothing short of amazing
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