Experience the Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival in Long An: A Sustainable Cultural Journey

Long An Province, now encompassing Tay Ninh Ward, is a cultural heartland in the Mekong Delta, renowned for its deep-rooted folk beliefs and vibrant festivals. The Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival, held annually in Tay Ninh Ward, celebrates the Mother Goddess of Five Elements (Ngũ Hành Nương Nương), drawing thousands of visitors with its spiritual rituals, traditional Bóng rỗi performances, and lively community atmosphere. This festival, rooted in southern Vietnam’s 19th-century traditions, offers a unique blend of spirituality, music, and cultural immersion. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly tours that immerse you in this cultural spectacle while supporting local communities. Start your adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

As of July 1, 2025, Tay Ninh Province has merged into Long An Province, with Long An City as the administrative center. Vietnam’s streamlined administrative structure (wards/communes and provinces/cities) enhances regional connectivity. Long An’s tourism infrastructure, bolstered by a VND700 billion eco-tourism project, includes upgraded cycling paths and electric boat networks, ensuring seamless access to the Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival and other attractions.

With over 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tour operator, dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s cultural and environmental heritage. Our Long An tours combine festival experiences with eco-friendly transport like bicycles and electric boats, guided by local experts who share insights into the region’s traditions and spirituality. Supporting Long An’s communities, we align with the Mekong Delta’s “Green Tourism” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for an authentic, eco-conscious experience!

Located 70 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City in Tay Ninh Ward, the Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival is a spiritual cornerstone of Long An Province, held at the Ba Ngu Hanh Temple. Long An enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and a rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F, with peak rainfall of 100–400 mm in August–October). The festival, typically held in the third lunar month (around April–May), honors the Five Elements Goddess through rituals, music, and community gatherings. With a population of 2.1 million, including Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa communities, Long An’s cultural vibrancy shines during this event, making it a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts.

1. Witness Bóng Rỗi Performances

Enjoy Bóng rỗi, a traditional southern Vietnamese art form featuring singing and dancing to honor the Mother Goddess, performed by local artists.

• Cost: Free entry; guided cultural tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: Performances typically 10:00 AM–8:00 PM during festival days.

• Highlights: Soulful songs, vibrant costumes, spiritual rituals.

• Tips: Arrive early for prime viewing; included in our Long An Cultural Tour ($65–$85).

2. Participate in Festival Rituals

Join locals in rituals like cleaning the goddess statues and offering incense at Ba Ngu Hanh Temple, a sacred experience.

• Cost: Free; donations $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); guided tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM during festival days.

• Highlights: Spiritual immersion, temple ceremonies, community engagement.

• Tips: Dress modestly; included in our Long An Cultural Tour ($65–$85).

3. Explore Festival Markets and Food Stalls

Savor Mekong Delta specialties like bánh tét (sticky rice cake) and hủ tiếu (rice noodle soup) at vibrant festival markets.

• Cost: Free entry; dishes $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND); guided food tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM during festival days.

• Highlights: Local crafts, street food, cultural interactions.

• Tips: Bring cash for vendors; included in our Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

4. Join Traditional Folk Games

Engage in folk games like boat racing or tug-of-war, a highlight of the festival’s lively atmosphere.

• Cost: Free; guided cultural tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: Varies by festival schedule, typically afternoon sessions.

• Highlights: Fun group activities, local camaraderie, cultural immersion.

• Tips: Wear comfortable clothing; included in our Long An Cultural Tour ($65–$85).

• Nha Hang Song Vam (Tay Ninh Ward): A riverside eatery serving lẩu mắm (fish sauce hotpot) and cá lóc nướng trui (grilled snakehead fish).

  • Address: 45 Vam Co Dong Street, Tay Ninh Ward, Long An Province.

  • Cost: $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND).

  • Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

  • Tips: Reserve for festival days; try the lotus stem salad.

• Café Vuon Co (Tay Ninh Ward): A cozy café offering Vietnamese coffee and dragon fruit smoothies near the temple.

  • Address: 20 Tay Ninh Street, Tay Ninh Ward, Long An Province.

  • Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

  • Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

  • Tips: Ideal for relaxing post-festival.

• Mekong Breeze Pub (Tan An): A lively pub 30 minutes from Tay Ninh Ward, serving Go Den Wine cocktails and local snacks.

  • Address: 89 Nguyen Hue Street, Ward 1, Tan An City, Long An Province.

  • Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

  • Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

  • Tips: Visit on weekends for live music.

• The Mira Central Park Hotel (Tan An): A 4-star hotel with eco-friendly amenities, 30 minutes from Tay Ninh Ward.

  • Cost: $50–$90/night (1,250,000–2,250,000 VND).

  • Amenities: Pool, gym, free breakfast, bicycle rentals.

  • Tips: Book early for festival season; ideal for luxury travelers.

• Mekong Riverside Homestay (Tay Ninh Ward): A sustainable homestay offering farm-to-table meals, 10 minutes from the temple.

  • Cost: $15–$35/night (375,000–875,000 VND).

  • Amenities: Home-cooked meals, bike rentals, cultural tours.

  • Tips: Perfect for immersive festival stays.

• Green Bamboo Hotel (Tan An): A budget-friendly hotel near cultural hubs, 30 minutes from Tay Ninh Ward.

  • Cost: $25–$50/night (625,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, guided tours.

  • Tips: Great for budget travelers.

The festival is held in Tay Ninh Ward, accessible via Tan An, Long An’s transport hub:

• By Bus:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to Tan An: From Mien Tay Bus Station (1–1.5 hours, 50 km).

    • Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Tan An to Tay Ninh Ward: Local bus or taxi (30 minutes, 20 km).

    • Cost: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND).

  • Providers: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Tel: (+84) 1900 6067; Kumho Samco.

  • Tips: Book online via VeXeRe or Baolau; arrive 30 minutes early.

• By Car/Taxi:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh Ward: Drive via National Highway 1A to Ben Luc, then to Tay Ninh Ward (1.5–2 hours, 70 km).

    • Cost: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).

  • Tan An to Tay Ninh Ward: 30 minutes, 20 km.

    • Cost: $8–$15 (200,000–375,000 VND).

  • Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84) 2723 838 838, Grab app.

  • Tips: Fastest option; use offline maps (Maps.me) with Ba Ngu Hanh Temple as a landmark.

• By Motorbike:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh Ward: Follow National Highway 1A to Ben Luc, then to Tay Ninh Ward (1.5–2 hours, 70 km).

    • Cost: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).

    • Rental Providers: Mekong Moto Rentals, HCMC (+84) 938 456 789.

  • Tips: Scenic but requires safe driving; wear helmets.

• Festival Season (April–May, Third Lunar Month): The Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival typically occurs in the third lunar month, aligning with the dry season (December–April), ideal for outdoor activities and cultural immersion. Expect vibrant Bóng rỗi performances and bustling markets.

• Dry Season (December–April): Comfortable weather for exploring nearby attractions like Tan Lap Floating Village.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush scenery; fewer crowds and 10–20% tour discounts, but bring waterproof gear.

• Tips: Book 4–6 weeks in advance for festival season; check AccuWeather for weather updates.

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire for dry season; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing for temple visits.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for markets; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.

• Tech Gear: Camera for festival photography, portable charger for long days.

• Tip: Carry VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for vendors; use a waterproof backpack in rainy season.

• Festival Entry: Free; donations $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Activities:

  • Guided cultural tours: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

  • Food tours: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Dining: Meals at restaurants (e.g., Nha Hang Song Vam, Mekong Breeze Pub): $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Accommodation:

  • Homestays: $15–$35/night (375,000–875,000 VND).

  • Hotels: $25–$90/night (625,000–2,250,000 VND).

• Transport to Tay Ninh Ward:

  • Bus from Ho Chi Minh City: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Taxi from Tan An: $8–$15 (200,000–375,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost:

• Budget: $25–$50 (bus, meals, homestay).

• Mid-range: $50–$100 (guided tours, dining, taxi).

• Luxury: $120–$250 (hotel, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; ATMs are available in Tan An.

• Book Early: Reserve tours and accommodations via Legend Travel Group 4–6 weeks in advance for festival season.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Ideal for outdoor festival activities; pack sunscreen and hats.

  • Rainy Season: Lush scenery; bring waterproof gear.

• Sustainability: Support local artisans; use bicycles or electric boats to reduce carbon footprint.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Ba Ngu Hanh Temple as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables; avoid crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly for temple visits; greet locals with “xin chào” (hello); tip performers/guides $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); carry hand sanitizer for street food.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase the Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival and Long An’s cultural treasures:

• Long An Cultural Tour ($65–$85/person): Experience Bóng rỗi performances, join festival rituals, and visit Ba Ngu Hanh Temple. Includes transfers, lunch, guide.

• Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Savor bánh tét and hủ tiếu at festival markets, explore Cho Dao Market. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($350–$500/person, 2–3 days): Discover Long An, My Tho, and Ben Tre with festival visits, homestays, and eco-activities. Includes meals, transfers, guide.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links around this page!

The Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival in Long An Province is a vibrant celebration of Mekong Delta spirituality, featuring Bóng rỗi performances, sacred rituals, and lively markets. With Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours, you’ll immerse in this cultural spectacle, savor local cuisine, and support communities. Plan your festival adventure with our guide and book your eco-friendly tour today!

Ready to experience the vibrant Via Ba Ngu Hanh Festival in Long An? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s cultural charm!