How to Enjoy a Full Moon Festival: Celebrating Hanoi’s Mid-Autumn Traditions

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travelers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, hanoi-tourism.gov.vn, vietnam.travel, tasteatlas.com, and culturephamtravel.com. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s administrative reforms, with Hanoi as the capital city.

A Joyful Journey into Hanoi’s Cultural Traditions

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, comes alive during the Full Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month with lanterns, mooncakes, and family gatherings hanoi-tourism.gov.vn. Learning how to enjoy a Full Moon Festival involves immersing yourself in lantern parades, lion dances, and tasting traditional mooncakes while exploring bustling streets like Hang Ma vietnam.travel. Perfect for families and cultural enthusiasts, this experience includes joining workshops, watching performances, or guided tours to discover the festival’s legends and customs culturephamtravel.com. Guided Hanoi Tours provide insights into the festival’s role in Vietnamese culture, while self-guided explorations suit adventurous travelers tasteatlas.com.

Hanoi is accessible via Noi Bai International Airport, high-speed trains, and highways, with festival hotspots easily reachable from the city center by cyclo, taxi, or bike vietnam.travel. This guide details how to plan your Full Moon Festival experience, including cultural etiquette, costs, and sustainable Hanoi Travel options.

Administrative Note

Full Moon Festival activities are mostly free, with optional lantern or food purchases costing $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND). Guided tours cost $15–$50 (375,000–1,250,000 VND), including transport and guide. Market purchases range from $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND). Passports or e-visas (valid 6+ months) are required for checks evisa.gov.vn. Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov. Verify schedules and bookings via hanoi-tourism.gov.vn or trusted providers like Legend Travel Group.

Experience Options and Highlights

• Standard Full Moon Festival Walking Tour:

  • Details: A 2–3 hour guided walk through Hang Ma Street and Old Quarter, exploring lantern displays and performances; includes English-speaking guide; low difficulty hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

  • Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Witness lantern parades; learn about festival legends; taste mooncakes vietnam.travel.

  • Schedule: During festival evenings (6:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Hanoi Old Quarter vietnam.travel.

• Deluxe Full Moon Festival Lantern Workshop:

  • Details: A 3–4 hour hands-on session making lanterns and watching lion dances; includes materials and guide; low to moderate difficulty culturephamtravel.com.

  • Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials and guide) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Create your own lantern; interactive cultural session; photo opportunities with decorations tasteatlas.com.

  • Schedule: Festival days, afternoon (3:00 PM–7:00 PM); departs from Hanoi hotels vietnam.travel.

• Eco-Friendly Full Moon Festival Food and Market Tour:

  • Details: A 3–4 hour walking tour to markets for mooncakes and snacks; uses sustainable transport; includes guide and tastings; low to moderate difficulty hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

  • Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes snacks and guide) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Eco-conscious tasting of traditional foods; visit sustainable vendors; reduce emissions with walking vietnam.travel.

  • Schedule: Festival evenings (5:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Hanoi Old Quarter vietnam.travel.

• Private Full Moon Festival Cultural Tour:

  • Details: A customizable 3–5 hour tour combining festival visits with a lion dance show or historical site (e.g., Hoan Kiem Lake); includes private guide; low difficulty culturephamtravel.com.

  • Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes guide) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Personalized festival immersion; explore traditions; flexible pacing hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

  • Schedule: Festival days, flexible start times (e.g., 4:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Hanoi hotels vietnam.travel.

• Key Booking Information:

  • Where to Book: Agencies like Legend Travel Group (legendtravelgroup.com), Local Vietnam (localvietnam.com), or Hanoi Ethnic Travel (+84 24 382 0000) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

  • Contact: WhatsApp (+84 825862222) or email (sales@legendtravelgroup.com) for bookings.

  • Tips: Book 1–2 weeks in advance for private tours; confirm inclusions (e.g., transport, guide); check reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Respecting Hanoi’s Festival and Cultural Heritage

Cultural etiquette enhances your Hanoi Travel experience during the Full Moon Festival culturetrip.com:

• Greetings: Greet vendors, locals, or guides with “xin chào” (hello); use both hands when buying mooncakes or lanterns ($0.50–$5 or 12,500–125,000 VND) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Dress: Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for walking and festivals; cover shoulders and knees for temples; bring a lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND) for evening chill vinpearl.com.

• Behaviour: Be polite in crowded streets; ask permission before photographing children or performers; avoid littering to honor Hanoi’s traditions culturephamtravel.com.

• Customs: Tipping guides is appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect family gatherings; carry a printed e-visa or passport for checks travel.state.gov.

• Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to vendors or guides; use reusable bags ($3 or 75,000 VND) for purchases to support sustainable Hanoi Travel; avoid disrupting parades. A guest from Hanoi noted: “Respecting traditions made our Full Moon Festival experience magical.” hanoi-tourism.gov.vn

General Tips:

• Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics; English is common with guides hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Respect: Be patient in crowded areas; support local vendors with fair purchases hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Hang Ma Street or Hoan Kiem Lake; most spots within 2–3 km of Hanoi’s center travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Choose walking tours to reduce emissions; use reusable utensils for snacks to align with Hanoi’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.

Below is a curated list of options for enjoying the Full Moon Festival, based on data from hanoi-tourism.gov.vn, vietnam-visa.com, vietnam.travel, tasteatlas.com, culturephamtravel.com, and legendtravelgroup.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Full Moon Festival Walk

• Details: Stroll through Hang Ma Street and Old Quarter independently, viewing lanterns and parades; low difficulty hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Cost: Free; transport (walking or cyclo: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Festival evenings; streets lively from dusk.

• Location: Old Quarter, 1 km from Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walk to reduce emissions; avoid single-use plastics vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me); visit at dusk for lights; a guest from Ho Chi Minh City noted: “Self-guided walk was festive and vibrant.” hanoi-tourism.gov.vn

2. Legend Travel Group (Standard Full Moon Festival Walking Tour)

• Details: 2–3 hour guided walk through festival streets and markets; includes English-speaking guide; low difficulty legendtravelgroup.com.

• Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Festival evenings (6:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Hanoi Old Quarter.

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hanoi hotels or Old Quarter.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walking tours minimize impact; supports local vendors vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Da Nang noted: “Legend’s tour captured the festival’s joy.” legendtravelgroup.com

3. Local Vietnam (Deluxe Full Moon Festival Lantern Workshop)

• Details: 3–4 hour workshop making lanterns with cultural insights; includes materials and guide; low to moderate difficulty localvietnam.com.

• Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials and guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Festival afternoons (3:00 PM–7:00 PM); departs from Hanoi hotels.

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hanoi hotels or workshop sites.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses sustainable materials; supports green practices vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Hanoi noted: “The workshop was a creative highlight.” localvietnam.com

4. Hanoi Ethnic Travel (Eco-Friendly Full Moon Festival Food and Market Tour)

• Details: 3–4 hour walking tour for mooncakes and snacks; includes guide and tastings; low to moderate difficulty hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes snacks and guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Festival evenings (5:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Hanoi Old Quarter.

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hanoi hotels or market entrance.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walking reduces emissions; supports local vendors vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via hanoi-tourism.gov.vn or phone (+84 24 382 0000); a guest from Vientiane noted: “The eco-tour was delicious and sustainable.” hanoi-tourism.gov.vn

5. Private Full Moon Festival Cultural Tour (Legend Travel Group)

• Details: Customizable 3–5 hour tour with lion dances and sites (e.g., Thang Long Citadel); includes private guide; low difficulty legendtravelgroup.com.

• Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Festival days, flexible start times (e.g., 4:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Hanoi hotels.

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hanoi hotels or custom locations.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walking or cycling options; supports local communities vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Saigon noted: “The private tour was a cultural delight.” legendtravelgroup.com

• Self-Guided Walk: Flexible and budget-friendly for independent explorers.

• Standard Walking Tour: Affordable with expert cultural insights.

• Deluxe Lantern Workshop: Hands-on creation with materials included.

• Eco-Friendly Food and Market Tour: Sustainable with tasty immersions.

• Private Cultural Tour: Personalized and in-depth for festival enthusiasts.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walking and local support align with Hanoi’s green tourism goals vietnam.travel.

Key opportunities for enjoying the Full Moon Festival include:

• Festival Eve and Day: Ideal for lantern parades and lion dances; vibrant street scenes hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Tet Trung Thu: Festive with family gatherings and moon viewing hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Hanoi Festival: May overlap with cultural events; bustling markets hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Evening Hours: Offers illuminated lanterns and performances vietnam.travel.

Evening tours (5:00 PM–9:00 PM) are best for lights and cooler weather; afternoon workshops for hands-on activities. Check lunar calendar for exact dates vietnam.travel. Check forecasts via weather.com.

• Booking: Reserve through legendtravelgroup.com, localvietnam.com, or Hanoi Ethnic Travel (+84 24 382 0000); confirm inclusions (e.g., guide, transport) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Visa: Ensure a valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa if required ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND); check evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.

• Documentation: Carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm hotel residence registration travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Use reusable bags for purchases; walk to festival spots to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book early for workshops; arrive 15 minutes before start; carry small VND notes for snacks ($0.50–$5); check reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Pack for a comfortable, sustainable Hanoi Travel experience:

• Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, tour bookings, wallet ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Clothing: Comfortable attire for walking and evenings; lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($10 or 250,000 VND) for weather; comfortable shoes ($15 or 375,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 100,000 VND); reusable bag ($3 or 75,000 VND) for purchases; small backpack ($5 or 125,000 VND); hand sanitizer ($2 or 50,000 VND); napkins ($1 or 25,000 VND) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND); local SIM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); camera ($50 or 1,250,000 VND) for photos (with permission) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 75,000 VND) for market buys; phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Extras: Small VND notes for food or tips; small first aid kit ($5 or 125,000 VND); umbrella ($5 or 125,000 VND) for rain; money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND) for valuables hanoi-tourism.gov.vn. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.

Costs for a Full Moon Festival Experience

Tour Costs

• Standard Walking Tour: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Deluxe Lantern Workshop: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials and guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Eco-Friendly Food and Market Tour: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes snacks and guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Private Cultural Tour: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes guide) vietnam-visa.com.

• Self-Guided Walk: Free; transport (walking or cyclo: $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• E-Visa Costs (if required): Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited processing: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn. Safety-Related Costs

• Money Belt: $5 (125,000 VND).

• Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).

• Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs

• Mooncakes and Snacks: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Lanterns or Souvenirs: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Tips for Guides or Vendors: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $5–$15 (self-guided, transport, snacks).

• Mid-range: $15–$35 (standard or eco-friendly tour, purchases).

• Luxury: $35–$50 (private or deluxe tour, premium extras). Tip: Budget $5–$50 for tours, transport, and snacks; $0.50–$5 for purchases or tips; book group tours to save costs.

• Booking: Reserve through legendtravelgroup.com, localvietnam.com, or Hanoi Ethnic Travel (+84 24 382 0000); confirm inclusions (e.g., guide, transport) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Visa: Ensure a valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa if required; check evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.

• Etiquette: Use “xin chào” and “cảm ơn”; be patient in crowds; ask permission before photographing; avoid littering hanoi-tourism.gov.vn culturetrip.com.

• Access: Group tours suit first-time visitors; self-guided for adventurous explorers; private tours for personalized experiences hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Schedules: Streets lively from dusk; workshops in afternoons; check lunar dates hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Sustainability: Use reusable bags; walk to spots; support local vendors with fair purchases vietnam.travel.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Hang Ma and markets; within 2–3 km of center hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Weather: Autumn ideal for evenings; bring light layers; events rain or shine vietnam.travel.

• Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in crowds; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115) travel.state.gov.

• How to enjoy a Full Moon Festival? Join lantern parades, eat mooncakes, watch lion dances in Old Quarter vietnam.travel.

• How much does a Full Moon Festival experience cost? Free for self-guided; $15–$50 (375,000–1,250,000 VND) for tours vietnam-visa.com.

• Where to experience Full Moon Festival? Hang Ma Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, 1–2 km from Old Quarter hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Where to book a tour? Via legendtravelgroup.com, localvietnam.com, or Hanoi Ethnic Travel (+84 24 382 0000) hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Are experiences available in rainy weather? Yes, many indoor options; bring rain gear for streets vietnam.travel.

• What should I bring? Passport, e-visa copy, reusable bag, comfortable clothing, camera travel.state.gov.

Enhance your Hanoi Travel with eco-conscious Hanoi Tours from Legend Travel Group:

• Full Moon Festival Eco-Food Tour ($15–$25/person, 3–4 hours): Guided walking tour with sustainable practices.

• Hanoi Cultural and Festival Trail ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Combines festival with sites using eco-friendly transport.

• Northern Vietnam Festival Explorer ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-conscious practices. Prices include guides, transport, and snacks; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84 825862222).

Learning how to enjoy a Full Moon Festival in Hanoi offers a magical journey through traditions like lantern parades and mooncake sharing. With costs from free to $50, eco-friendly options like walking tours, and sustainable Hanoi Tours, this adventure is perfect for families and cultural travelers. Book through trusted providers like Legend Travel Group or Local Vietnam, respect customs with polite greetings like “xin chào” and sustainable practices, and use reusable bags for an eco-friendly Hanoi Travel adventure. Ensure a valid passport and e-visa via evisa.gov.vn, and embark on an unforgettable festival celebration. Safe travels!

Sources:

• vietnam-visa.com

• travel.state.gov

• evisa.gov.vn

• hanoi-tourism.gov.vn

• vietnam.travel

• tasteatlas.com

• culturephamtravel.com

• tripadvisor.com