Discover the vibrant festivals in Vietnam and Cambodia with our guide! Explore cultural celebrations, etiquette, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours, and book with Vietnam Travel or Cambodia Travel for a seamless experience. Reserve now with just 10% deposit!
Immerse in Cambodia’s playful purification rituals (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.
Vietnam and Cambodia, two jewels of Southeast Asia, come alive with colorful festivals that showcase their rich traditions, spiritual depth, and community spirit. From Vietnam’s Tet (Lunar New Year) with its family reunions and lion dances to Cambodia’s Khmer New Year with water blessings and temple ceremonies, these celebrations offer an authentic glimpse into local life. Joining Vietnam Tours or Cambodia Tours during festival seasons immerses you in the heart of these cultures, blending ancient rituals with joyful festivities. Ideal for culture enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers, Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel with Legend Travel Group ensure a respectful and sustainable experience. Book your festival adventure today with just a 10% deposit—keep peace of mind until 30 days before departure!
This guide blends festival highlights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours ideas for a memorable celebration.
Festival participation requires modest attire for temples and respect for local customs. Guided tours cost $20–$80 (500,000–2,000,000 VND or 700–2,800 THB), with market purchases from $0.50–$20 (12,000–500,000 VND or 15–700 THB). Key sites are accessible by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or tour transport. Book with Legend Travel Group for hassle-free Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel—only 10% deposit required, full payment 30 days before departure.
Photograph Vietnam’s glowing cultural heritage (Source: Internet)Tet (Vietnam Lunar New Year): Vietnam’s most important festival, typically late January to February, features family reunions, peach blossoms, lion dances, and temple visits. Celebrated nationwide, with vibrant street decorations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Khmer New Year (Chol Chnam Thmey): Cambodia’s major celebration, typically April, includes water splashing for purification, temple offerings, and traditional games. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap host grand parades.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Vietnam): Typically September, known for mooncakes, lantern parades, and lion dances, especially lively in Hoi An’s ancient town.
Pchum Ben (Cambodia): Typically September–October, a spiritual festival honoring ancestors with temple offerings and family gatherings, prominent in Phnom Penh and rural areas.
Hung Kings Temple Festival (Vietnam): Typically March–April, commemorates Vietnam’s founders with processions and offerings at Hung Temple in Phu Tho.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk, Cambodia): Typically November, features boat races on the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh, with fireworks and cultural performances.
Hanoi Old Quarter (Vietnam): Tet celebrations with flower markets and lion dances (entry: free, open 24/7 during festival).
Hoi An Ancient Town (Vietnam): Mid-Autumn Festival with colorful lanterns (entry: $5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND).
Phnom Penh Riverside (Cambodia): Water Festival boat races and Khmer New Year parades (entry: free).
Angkor Wat (Cambodia): Khmer New Year temple ceremonies (entry: Angkor Pass $37–$72).
Hung Temple (Vietnam): Hung Kings Festival with traditional rituals (entry: free, donations appreciated).
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful festival experience during Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours. Here’s your guide:
Greetings: Offer “xin chào” (Vietnam) or “sua sdei” (Cambodia) with a slight bow or sampeah; use both hands when offering festival gifts or donations.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits during Tet or Pchum Ben; a lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND / 100 THB) is essential for sacred spaces.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor during rituals; avoid touching offerings or statues; ask permission before photographing monks or dancers; participate respectfully in water splashing (Khmer New Year) or lion dances (Tet). A guest shared: “Respecting local customs made our festival experience unforgettable.”
Customs: Donations ($0.30–$1 or 7,500–25,000 VND / 10–30 THB) appreciated at temples; avoid littering during street celebrations; tipping guides ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND / 15–70 THB) is appreciated but not mandatory.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (Vietnam) or “arkun” (Cambodia) to locals; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($4 or 100,000 VND / 120 THB) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel; stay mindful during crowded events. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travelers thrive in Vietnam and Cambodia’s festival spirit.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND / 60 THB) for basics; English is common in festival areas.
Respect: Follow temple rules (remove shoes); support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for festival sites like Hoi An or Phnom Penh Riverside.
Eco-Tip: Use bicycles or tuk-tuks to reduce emissions during celebrations.
Start your spiritual journey in Cambodia’s serene glow (Source: Internet)Below is a curated list of tour options for experiencing festivals, designed by Legend Travel Group. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Experience Tet in Hanoi or Khmer New Year in Siem Reap independently; suitable for cultural enthusiasts; low difficulty.
Schedule: Daily during festival seasons; Hanoi Old Quarter open 24/7; Angkor Wat open 5:00 AM–5:30 PM.
Cost: Temple entry: free–$37 (Angkor Pass); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND / 30–100 THB/day; tuk-tuk: $1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND / 30–150 THB); market purchases: $0.50–$20 (12,000–500,000 VND / 15–700 THB).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours or Cambodia Tours for guided support; 10% deposit only.
Details: 1-day group tour celebrating Tet in Hanoi or Khmer New Year in Phnom Penh; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and festival activities; low difficulty.
Schedule: Daily during festival seasons; departs 7:00 AM from city hotels; returns by 5:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND / 1,000–1,750 THB).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi or Phnom Penh.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; 10% deposit, full payment 30 days before.
Details: 1-day guided tour combining Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An and Pchum Ben in Siem Reap; includes guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Schedule: Daily during festival seasons; departs 6:00 AM from Hoi An or Siem Reap hotels; returns by 6:00 PM.
Cost: $40–$60/person (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND / 1,400–2,100 THB).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An or Siem Reap.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce impact; supports local artisans.
Tip: Book Vietnam Travel or Cambodia Travel; peace of mind with flexible payments.
Details: 3-day tour combining Tet in Hanoi, Khmer New Year in Siem Reap, and Water Festival in Phnom Penh; includes guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entries; moderate difficulty.
Schedule: During peak festival seasons; departs from Hanoi or Phnom Penh; returns after 3 days.
Cost: $150–$300/person (3,750,000–7,500,000 VND / 5,250–10,500 THB).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and sustainable transport.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours; only 10% deposit required.
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and authentic, ideal for independent festival-goers.
Group Festival Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for immersive celebrations.
Combo Festival Tours: Blend Vietnam and Cambodia’s top events for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Festival Tours: Offer in-depth cultural immersion across both countries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Tours use fuel-efficient transport, supporting green tourism goals.
Learn Vietnam’s festival customs with expert guidance (Source: Internet)Key festival opportunities include:
Tet & Khmer New Year: Typically late January–April, vibrant with family traditions.
Mid-Autumn & Pchum Ben: Typically September–October, spiritual and festive.
Water Festival: Typically November, energetic with boat races.
Cool season (November–February) is ideal for mild weather. Hot season (March–May) suits early morning celebrations. Wet season (June–October) brings rain; focus on indoor or covered events. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid crowds. Check festival dates via Legend Travel Group.
Online Booking: Reserve Vietnam Tours or Cambodia Tours via legendtravelgroup.com; 10% deposit, full payment 30 days before departure.
Tour Operators: Contact Legend Travel Group for bundled festival experiences.
Direct: Book via WhatsApp (+84825862222) or email sales@legendtravelgroup.com; confirm schedules.
Eco-Tip: Use digital confirmations to reduce paper waste.
Tip: Book early for peak festivals; carry small local currency for donations.
Seize the energetic essence of Vietnam’s celebrations (Source: Internet)Pack for a comfortable, sustainable experience:
Documents: Passport, wallet ($5 or 125,000 VND / 150 THB), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest attire; scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND / 100 THB); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($5 or 125,000 VND / 150 THB) for wet season; comfortable shoes ($15 or 375,000 VND / 450 THB).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 100,000 VND / 120 THB); snacks ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND / 15–70 THB); small backpack ($5 or 125,000 VND / 150 THB); sunscreen ($3 or 75,000 VND / 100 THB).
Tech: Phone with translation apps; charger ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND / 300–450 THB); local SIM ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND / 100–150 THB).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 75,000 VND / 100 THB); phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND / 60 THB).
Extras: Small local notes for donations; first aid kit ($5 or 125,000 VND / 150 THB); umbrella ($5 or 125,000 VND / 150 THB). Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free–$37; transport: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND / 30–150 THB).
Group Festival Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND / 1,000–1,750 THB).
Combo Festival Tours: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND / 1,400–2,100 THB).
Multi-Day Festival Tours: $150–$300 (3,750,000–7,500,000 VND / 5,250–10,500 THB). Other Costs
Snacks: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND / 15–70 THB).
Souvenirs: $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND / 30–700 THB). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $20–$50.
Mid-range: $50–$100.
Luxury: $100–$200. Tip: Book with Legend Travel Group—10% deposit, peace of mind guaranteed.
Festival Tips: Arrive early for Tet flower markets or Water Festival boat races; join lion dances or water splashing respectfully; book Vietnam Travel or Cambodia Travel for guided access.
Etiquette: Dress modestly; stay quiet during rituals; participate with locals.
Access: Choose self-guided for flexibility, group tours for insights, or multi-day for immersion.
Schedules: Festivals peak in cool/hot seasons; book early via Legend Travel Group.
Sustainability: Use reusable items; support local vendors.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for festival sites.
Safety Note: Secure valuables; carry emergency contacts.
When is Tet celebrated? Typically late January–February; check with Legend Travel Group.
What is Khmer New Year? April festival with water blessings; book Cambodia Tours.
Are festivals free to attend? Most are free; temple entries apply.
How do I book festival tours? Via legendtravelgroup.com; 10% deposit.
Can I join multiple festivals? Yes, with multi-day Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours.
Enhance your festival journey with eco-conscious tours:
Vietnam & Cambodia Festival Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Guided celebrations with sustainable practices.
Southeast Asia Festival Trail ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-country festival adventure.
Legend Explorer ($300–$500/person, 5 days): In-depth cultural immersion with eco-lodges. Prices include guides, transport, and fees; 10% deposit, full payment 30 days before. Book at legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel and Cambodia Travel plans.
Experiencing Festivals in Vietnam and Cambodia with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings, and respectful participation—unlocks a vibrant, spiritual journey. With tour costs from $20–$300, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours and Cambodia Tours, and celebrations like Tet and Khmer New Year, this adventure offers immersion and sustainability. Book with Legend Travel Group—only 10% deposit, full payment 30 days before departure for peace of mind. Reserve your Vietnam Travel or Cambodia Travel today at legendtravelgroup.com. Safe travels! By Legend Travel Group.
