Hau Giang Festivals & Traditional Villages: Immerse in Mekong Delta Culture

Hau Giang, a cultural cornerstone of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta now integrated into Can Tho City, captivates with its vibrant festivals and thriving traditional craft villages, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. From the lively Khmer Ok Om Bok Festival to the intricate artistry of weaving and pottery villages, Hau Giang offers an authentic glimpse into its Khmer-Vietnamese heritage. Committed to sustainable tourism through Can Tho City’s “Green Delta” initiative, the region provides eco-conscious travelers with immersive experiences that support local communities. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates eco-friendly tours to connect you with Hau Giang’s cultural treasures. Dive into this cultural odyssey—book a tour via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Legend Travel Group is dedicated to sustainable tourism, offering authentic Mekong Delta experiences with a focus on cultural preservation and environmental care. Our Hau Giang tours use eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—guided by local experts who share the stories behind festivals and crafts. Supporting artisans in Vi Thanh and Long My wards, we ensure responsible travel with transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page to celebrate Hau Giang’s culture sustainably!

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces have merged into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative center. District-level units are now wards or communes, enhancing access to Hau Giang’s festivals and villages through sustainable infrastructure like cycling paths and a VND500 billion flood control project. This ensures seamless cultural exploration.

Located 240 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Hau Giang spans 1,609 km² of wetlands and 2,300 km of canals. Bordered by Vinh Long, Bac Lieu, and Kien Giang, it features 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 in August–October (100–400 mm). Hau Giang’s cultural tapestry, woven from its Khmer and Vietnamese communities, shines through its festivals, craft villages, and riverine lifestyle, making it a vibrant destination for cultural immersion.

The rainy season (May–November) is prime for festivals, with the Khmer Ok Om Bok Festival (October–November) offering vibrant boat races and cultural performances. The dry season (December–April) is ideal for village visits, with sunny weather perfect for cycling and hands-on craft workshops. Tet Kho (January–February) adds festive energy but draws crowds. Book 3–5 weeks in advance for festivals to secure eco-friendly tours and accommodations, which offer 20–30% discounts in the rainy season. Check AccuWeather for May–October updates.

Tip: October–November balances festival vibrancy with mild weather; March–April is best for village exploration with fewer tourists.

Hau Giang’s festivals celebrate its Khmer-Vietnamese heritage with music, dance, and communal joy. Below are the must-experience events, with updated details:

1. Ok Om Bok Festival (October–November, Vi Thanh & Long My Wards)

This Khmer moon-worship festival honors agricultural prosperity with boat races, lantern releases, and traditional dances like Rô băm. Food stalls offer Bún Nước Lèo and Cá Lóc Nướng Trui.

• Cost: Free entry; food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); guided tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Highlights: Ngo boat races, moon offerings, folk music performances.

• Tip: Arrive early for boat race views; book tours for cultural insights. Included in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

2. Tet Kho (January–February, Region-Wide)

Hau Giang’s Vietnamese Lunar New Year features vibrant markets, dragon dances, and family feasts with bánh tét(sticky rice cakes). Communal celebrations welcome visitors.

• Cost: Free; street food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); festival tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Highlights: Flower markets, traditional music, communal prayers.

• Tip: Book accommodations early; respect temple etiquette. Included in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

3. Quan Cong Festival (Lunar June, Vi Thanh Ward)

Held at Quan Cong Pagoda, this festival honors the Chinese deity Quan Cong with incense offerings, lion dances, and communal feasts, reflecting Hau Giang’s multicultural roots.

• Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND); guided tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Highlights: Lion dances, traditional rituals, local snacks.

• Tip: Dress modestly; visit in the morning for quieter ceremonies. Included in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

Hau Giang’s seven craft villages preserve centuries-old techniques, offering hands-on experiences. Below are the must-visit villages, with updated activities and costs:

1. Tan Hoa Weaving Village (Nga Bay Ward)

Known for its colorful Khmer-style scarves and mats, this village near Nga Bay Floating Market invites visitors to watch weavers at work and try looms.

• Cost: Free entry; workshops $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); scarves $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).

• Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Buy directly from artisans to support the community; morning visits are less crowded. Included in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

2. Phuoc Loi Pottery Village (Long My Ward)

This village crafts traditional clay pots and decorative ceramics using time-honored methods. Visitors can try shaping clay and tour kilns.

• Cost: Free entry; pottery workshops $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); pots $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND).

• Hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Combine with a Long My historical tour; wear sturdy shoes for clay work. Included in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

3. Tan Phuoc Boat-Making Village (Vi Thanh Ward)

Located along Xa No Canal, this village builds wooden boats used in Mekong trade and festivals. Watch craftsmen carve hulls and try basic woodworking.

• Cost: Free entry; guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); small crafts $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).

• Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Visit during dry season for canal-side tours; support artisans with purchases. Included in our Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75).

4. Vinh Thuan Bamboo Weaving Village (Vi Thuy Ward)

Artisans here create intricate bamboo baskets and mats, offering workshops to learn weaving techniques passed down for generations.

• Cost: Free entry; workshops $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); baskets $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).

• Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Pair with a Vi Thuy Cajuput Forest visit; buy crafts as souvenirs. Included in our Hau Giang Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

Festival Costs

• Entry: Free for all festivals.

• Food: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

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

Village Costs

• Entry: Free for all villages.

• Workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Crafts: $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

Dining

• Street food (Bún Nước Lèo, Soi Mam): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Restaurants: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).

• Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

Accommodation (Vi Thanh or Long My)

• Homestays: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Hotels: $30–$80/night (750,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Resorts: $100–$250/night (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost

• Budget: $15–$40 (homestay, street food, village visits).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (hotel, guided tours, dining).

• Luxury: $70–$100 (resort, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Carry VND for vendors; use ATMs in Vi Thanh. Book festival tours early for October–November savings.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group 3–5 weeks in advance for Ok Om Bok or Tet Kho to secure eco-friendly transport and guides.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for rural villages like Phuoc Loi. Confirm boat or bike prices ($1–$20 or 25,000–500,000 VND) upfront.

• Stay Safe: Secure valuables at crowded festivals; wear sturdy shoes for village paths, especially in rainy season.

• Sustainability: Support artisans by buying crafts; use reusable bags to align with Can Tho’s green initiatives. Choose electric boats for canal access to villages.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees) at festivals and pagodas; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip artisans/guides $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). Ask permission before photographing locals.

• Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent at festivals; stay hydrated during outdoor village tours.

Our sustainable tours highlight Hau Giang’s festivals and villages:

• Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Ok Om Bok Festival, Tan Hoa Weaving Village, Khmer Pagoda. Includes bike rentals, lunch, artisan workshops.

• Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75/person): Nga Bay Floating Market, Tan Phuoc Boat-Making Village. Includes electric boat, snacks, cultural insights.

• Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Bún Nước Lèo tasting, cooking class, festival food stalls. Includes eco-transfers, meals.

• Hau Giang Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Vi Thuy Cajuput Forest, Vinh Thuan Bamboo Village. Includes bike rentals, eco-transfers.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): All festivals, villages, homestays. Includes activities, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+. Book now via links around this page!

Hau Giang’s vibrant festivals, like the Ok Om Bok Moon Worship Festival, and its traditional craft villages, offering intricate weaving and pottery, provide an authentic immersion into Mekong Delta culture in Hau Giang Province. Celebrated by the Khmer-Vietnamese community, Ok Om Bok features lantern ceremonies and Ngo boat races, while local crafts reflect centuries-old artistry. These experiences are enriched by Hau Giang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, with eco-friendly markets and community-led conservation. Legend Travel Group’s Hau Giang Tours guide you through this cultural heartbeat, ensuring a sustainable Hau Giang Travel experience that supports artisans and communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly cultural adventure today!
Ready to join Hau Giang’s cultural heartbeat? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embrace the Mekong Delta’s vibrant traditions!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Hau Giang Festival and Craft Information: vietnamtravel.com, vietnam.vn, innoviet.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn