Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi: Guide to Hoan Kiem Ward Celebrations & Eco Tours

A Cultural Extravaganza Under the Full Moon

Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural capital hosting over 18 million visitors annually, transforms into a vibrant festival hub during the Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Tết Trung Thu, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (typically September or October). Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter, the heart of Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage, glows with thousands of star-shaped lanterns, bustling markets, and lively dragon dances, drawing families and travelers to honor harvest, gratitude, and unity. Activities like lantern parades, mooncake tastings, and traditional performances cost $0–$5 (0–125,000 VND), making it an accessible, joyful event for all.

Rooted in ancient agricultural traditions, this “Children’s Festival” blends folklore—tales of Hằng Ng and Cuội—with modern eco-friendly practices, such as biodegradable lanterns and sustainable food stalls, aligning with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours immerse you in Hanoi’s festive spirit, ensuring a green, unforgettable experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Hoan Kiem District now Hoan Kiem Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to festival hotspots using ward-based maps.

Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share festival traditions, local insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting artisans and eco-conscious vendors, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival responsibly!

Hanoi’s Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated for over 3,000 years with Chinese origins, marks the harvest’s end and family unity under the full moon, symbolizing prosperity and hope. In Hoan Kiem Ward, streets like Hàng Mã burst with colorful lanterns, mooncake stalls, and lion dance parades, attracting 50,000–100,000 revelers nightly. Children carry star-shaped lanterns and wear masks, while families share bánh nướng (baked mooncakes) with lotus seed or salted egg yolk, priced at $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND). Sustainable practices, such as biodegradable decorations and local sourcing, preserve Hanoi’s festive charm, making it a top cultural event for visitors.

These eco-friendly activities, mostly free or low-cost ($0–$5), offer immersive festival experiences in Hoan Kiem Ward:

1. Stroll Hàng Mã Street’s Lantern Market

Explore Hàng Mã Street, best at 6:00 PM, free, where vibrant lanterns (star-shaped, carp, dragons) and toys light up the night, perfect for photos and shopping.

• Cost: Free; lanterns $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM during festival month.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Buy biodegradable lanterns; respect vendors by purchasing before photographing.

• Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Night Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Taste Traditional Mooncakes

Savor bánh nướng or bánh dẻo (sticky rice mooncakes) at stalls or bakeries like Bảo Phương (183 Thụy Khuê, Tây Hồ Ward), best at 10:00 AM, for $1–$5.

• Cost: $1–$5/cake (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with minimal packaging; share with locals to reduce waste.

• Tip: Try lotus seed or mung bean fillings; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

3. Watch Lion and Dragon Dance Parades

Enjoy lively lion dances on Tạ Hiện or Hàng Bạc, best at 7:30 PM, free (tips $0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND), warding off evil spirits with vibrant costumes.

• Cost: Free; tips appreciated.

• Hours: Evenings, 7:00–9:00 PM during festival week.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local troupes; avoid littering during parades.

• Tip: Follow drumbeats to find performances; great for kids.

4. Join Lantern Processions at Hoan Kiem Lake

Participate in children’s lantern parades around Hoan Kiem Lake, best at 8:00 PM, free, with glowing carp and star lanterns symbolizing hope.

• Cost: Free; lanterns $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Hours: Evenings, 7:00–10:00 PM during festival night.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable lanterns; walk or cycle to the lake.

• Tip: Start at Lý Thái Tổ Statue; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

5. Attend Cultural Shows at Hanoi Children’s Palace

Watch traditional music and puppet shows at 36–38 Lý Thái Tổ, best at 7:00 PM, for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND), celebrating Vietnamese folklore.

• Cost: $2–$5/ticket.

• Hours: Select evenings, 7:00–9:00 PM during festival.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Digital tickets; support local artists.

• Tip: Book tickets on-site; ideal for families.

The Mid-Autumn Festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, typically late September or early October, during Hanoi’s autumn (15–28°C or 59–82.4°F), ideal for evening strolls. Preparations start a month earlier, with Hàng Mã Street bustling by mid-August. Festival night draws 50,000–100,000 visitors to Hoan Kiem Ward, so weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) before the full moon offer quieter experiences (5,000–10,000 visitors/day) than festival night (100,000+). Evenings (6:00–10:00 PM) are prime for parades and markets, with cooler temperatures enhancing comfort. Avoid rainy season peaks (July–August) for clearer skies.

Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter is the festival epicenter, with key spots within 5–10 minutes of Hoan Kiem Lake:

• Hàng Mã Street: Lantern and toy market, best at 6:00–11:00 PM, free, vibrant with star and carp lanterns ($1–$5).

• Hoan Kiem Lake: Lantern processions and photo ops at Lý Thái Tổ Statue, best at 7:00–10:00 PM, free.

• Tạ Hiện Street: Lion dances and street food ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), best at 7:30 PM–midnight.

• Hanoi Children’s Palace (36–38 Lý Thái Tổ): Cultural shows, best at 7:00 PM, $2–$5/ticket.

• Phùng Hưng Street: Alternative lantern spot, best at 6:00 PM, free, less crowded than Hàng Mã.Cost: Activities $0–$5; food $1–$2. Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with biodegradable packaging; walk or use cyclos. Tip: Save addresses in offline maps; busy stalls ensure fresh food.

Hoan Kiem Ward, centered around Hoan Kiem Lake, is accessible in 5–60 minutes from Hanoi’s entry points:

• By Walking: 5–10 minutes within Hoan Kiem Ward (e.g., from Ngoc Son Temple to Hàng Mã). Free, eco-friendly.

• By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 5–10 minutes, $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 people.

• By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 1–5 km rides (e.g., Ba Đình to Hoan Kiem), 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 08, 09, 36 to Lý Thái Tổ stop, 5–10 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM. Use Tìm Buýt app.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Hàng Mã or Tạ Hiện, 5–10 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.

• By Bicycle: Rent from Old Quarter shops ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 5–10 minutes. Eco-friendly.

• By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people.

• By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 28 km. Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then walk; direct taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Flights: Ho Chi Minh City ($80–$150 or 2,000,000–3,750,000 VND), Da Nang ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND), Bangkok ($200–$600).

• By Train: Hanoi Railway Station (Văn Miếu Ward, 2 km), then VinBus ($0.30–$0.40) or xe ôm ($0.80–$2) to Hoan Kiem Ward, 5–10 min.

• By Bus: Mỹ Đình or Giáp Bát stations (6–10 km), then VinBus ($0.30–$0.40) or taxi ($4–$8) to Hoan Kiem Ward, 10–20 min. Navigation Tip: Save “Hàng Mã, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use St. Joseph’s Cathedral as a landmark. Pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight) restricts vehicles.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, cycling, or VinBus reduce emissions; carpool for private cars.

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Hàng Mã; secure valuables. Confirm fares via apps to avoid scams.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable celebration:

• Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for walking; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for occasional showers; festive attire for photos.

• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat for evening strolls.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/Tìm Buýt apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Festival Gear: Small lantern ($1–$3); reusable tote for mooncakes ($1–$2).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Biodegradable wipes; avoid single-use plastics.

• Extras: Notebook for festival notes; cash for small stalls.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for lanterns ($1–$5), food ($1–$2), or tips ($0.20–$1); secure valuables in crowded markets.

Costs for Enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi

Festival Activities and Food

• Hàng Mã Stroll: Free; lanterns $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Mooncakes: $1–$5/cake (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Lion/Dragon Dances: Free; tips $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).

• Lantern Processions: Free; lanterns $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Cultural Shows (Children’s Palace): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Street Food (e.g., Bánh Mì, Xôi Cốm): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Bia Hơi: $0.30 (7,000 VND)/glass.

• Egg Coffee: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).

• Tips (optional): $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)

• Walking: Free.

• Cyclo: $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND).

• Xe Ôm (Grab): $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.

• VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Airport Bus No. 86 + Walk: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).

• Train/Bus Station to Hoan Kiem: $0.80–$8 (20,000–200,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).

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

Guided Eco-Tours

• Festival Night Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• Cultural Food Tour: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $5–$15 (walking, lanterns, street food).

• Mid-range: $20–$40 (cyclo, mooncakes, guided tour).

• Luxury: $60–$100 (taxi, cultural shows, premium tour).
  Tip: Budget for activities ($0–$5), food ($1–$5), and transport ($0.60–$8); carry VND for stalls (some accept mobile payments).

• Timing: Visit Hàng Mã a month before for preparations; festival night (6:00–10:00 PM) for parades. November–April for dry weather; weekdays for fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 vs. 100,000+ on festival night).

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s festival tours 24–48 hours ahead; buy show tickets on-site or online. Walk-ins accepted at markets.

• Sustainability: Purchase biodegradable lanterns on Hàng Mã ($1–$5); bring reusable totes for mooncakes. Support artisans at Phùng Hưng Street ($1–$3).

• Navigation: Save “Hàng Mã, Hoan Kiem Ward” in offline maps; use Hoan Kiem Lake as a landmark. Avoid vehicles during pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 7:00 PM–midnight).

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets on Tạ Hiện; secure valuables. Stay alert for motorbikes; confirm fares via apps to avoid scams.

• Weather: Autumn’s mild climate is ideal; carry rain gear ($2–$5) for showers. Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; tip performers ($0.20–$1). Respect stall owners by buying before photographing; share mooncakes with locals.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer. Choose busy stalls for fresh food.

Our eco-friendly tours immerse you in Hanoi’s Mid-Autumn Festival:

• Hanoi Festival Night Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric cyclo to Hàng Mã, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Tạ Hiện at 6:00 PM, with mooncake tasting and lantern procession. Includes guide, transport.

• Hanoi Cultural & Festival Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Festival activities, Old Quarter, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Ninh Binh Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Mid-Autumn celebrations, Ninh Binh’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Hanoi’s Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu), held in Hoan Kiem Ward’s Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, captivates with glowing lanterns, savory mooncakes ($0.50–$5, 12,500–125,000 VND), and vibrant lion dances, contributing to Hanoi’s 18 million annual visitors. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (typically September, around September 17, 2025), this festival offers free or low-cost ($0–$5) experiences at Hàng Mã’s bustling markets and serene lakeside processions. Supported by eco-friendly practices like biodegradable decorations and local artisan crafts, Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Hanoi Travel experience, guiding you through festival highlights alongside visits to Ngoc Son Temple, Đồng Xuân Market, and culinary delights like phở($1–$3, 25,000–75,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly festival adventure today!
Ready to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure!

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:

• Hanoi Mid-Autumn Festival Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, hanoilocaltour.com, tripadvisor.com