Celebrate the Moon Festival in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang! Discover Tay traditions, costs, tips, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your cultural adventure now!
Capture the spiritual beauty of Tuyen Quang’s cultural gemThe Moon Festival, a cherished tradition of the Tay ethnic group in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang Province, draws thousands of visitors to Ban Loan village, Yen Dinh commune, each year on the full moon of the eighth lunar month (typically September). Located 120 km northeast of Tuyen Quang City and 280 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, this free-entry festival within the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark celebrates Tay heritage with rituals, folk songs, and vibrant feasts. Set in a cool highland climate (dry season: November–April, 10–22°C or 50–71.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), it offers a cultural escape amid Ha Giang’s karst landscapes and biodiverse forests, home to orchids and black gibbons.
Rooted in Tay spirituality, the Moon Festival blends eco-friendly practices like biodegradable food stalls and solar-lit venues with Tuyen Quang’s “Green Highlands” initiative, ensuring a sustainable celebration. From moon worship to tasting five-color sticky rice, it’s a cultural gem for travelers. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours guide you through this enchanting event, ensuring an authentic, green journey. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring merged Ha Giang Province into Tuyen Quang Province, reclassifying Ha Giang and Dong Van as wards under Tuyen Quang. The Moon Festival retains its fame under “Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang,” with updated maps simplifying navigation to Ban Loan village.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering eco-friendly tours in Tuyen Quang tailored for cultural enthusiasts. Our low-impact tours use electric vans or bicycles, led by English-speaking Tay guides sharing festival traditions, local ecology, and green practices. Supporting ethnic communities, we align with Tuyen Quang’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and immerse in the Moon Festival responsibly!
Photograph the cultural allure of Tuyen Quang’s heritage (Source: Source: Internet)Held in Ban Loan village, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, the Moon Festival honors the Moon Mother and 12 fairies, praying for bountiful harvests and prosperity. On the night of the 14th day of the eighth lunar month, a ceremonial ritual at the village shrine features offerings like meat, wine, and five-color sticky rice. The next night, under the full moon, villagers gather for worship, dances, and communal feasting. Sustainable practices, including local staffing and waste recycling, preserve the festival’s cultural and environmental integrity, making it a vibrant, eco-conscious event 280 km from Hanoi.
These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$5, offer cultural immersion:
Witness the moon worship ritual, best at 7:00 PM on the 15th lunar day, free entry, with offerings and prayers for prosperity.
Cost: Free; optional donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: Evening, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Respect sacred spaces; avoid plastic offerings.
Tip: Arrive early for a good view; included in Legend Travel Group’s Moon Festival Tour ($50–$80).
Sing and dance with locals, best at 8:00 PM, free, with Tay youth in traditional attire performing “then” songs and folk dances.
Cost: Free; drinks $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Hours: Evening, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local performers; use reusable cups.
Tip: Learn a few “xin chào” greetings; included in Legend Travel Group’s Moon Festival Tour ($50–$80).
Taste traditional Tay dishes like five-color sticky rice, best at 6:00 PM, costing $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), alongside wild vegetables and fish paste.
Cost: $1–$2.
Hours: Evening, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable plates; support village vendors.
Tip: Try bamboo sticky rice; included in Legend Travel Group’s Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90).
Join Tay folk games like bamboo dancing, best at 7:00 PM, free, fostering community spirit under the moonlight.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Evening, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on designated areas; minimize waste.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Moon Festival Tour ($50–$80).
Overnight in a Tay stilt house, best booked for 5:00 PM, for $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND), enjoying “rượu cần” (rice wine) and stories.
Cost: $12–$20.
Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports Tay families; uses solar energy.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for cultural activities; included in Moon Festival Overnight Tour ($100–$150).
Experience Tuyen Quang Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Source: Internet)The Moon Festival occurs on the full moon of the eighth lunar month (typically September), with ideal weather (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F) during the rainy season’s end. Expect 500–1,000 visitors, with peak crowds (2,000+) during the main night. Arrive on the 14th for the preparatory ceremony or the 15th for the main event. Evenings (6:00–10:00 PM) are best for rituals and festivities, while early arrivals (4:00–6:00 PM) offer a quieter village experience. For Ha Giang travel outside the festival, November to April provides dry, cool conditions for exploring.
Ban Loan village, in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, is 280 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 5.5–6.5 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 5.5 hours via Highway 2, costing $75–$110 (1,875,000–2,750,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 5.5–6 hours, $65–$95 (1,625,000–2,375,000 VND) one-way; $130–$190 (3,250,000–4,750,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 2C, 6–6.5 hours, $18–$28 (450,000–700,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day (200,000–375,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from My Dinh to Tuyen Quang City (3 hours, $5 or 125,000 VND), then Ha Giang to Yen Dinh (2.5–3 hours, $6–$9 or 150,000–225,000 VND), totaling $22–$28 (550,000–700,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hanoi, 5.5 hours, $18–$28 (450,000–700,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($95–$130 or 2,375,000–3,250,000 VND, 6.5–7 hours, 300 km); Xanh SM taxi ($85–$110 or 2,125,000–2,750,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hanoi ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($75–$95 or 1,875,000–2,375,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Ban Loan, Yen Dinh, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Bac Me. Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; avoid off-road biking.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; secure valuables. Confirm fares for taxis/buses.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; scarf for cool evenings.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Cultural Gear: Small backpack, camera for festival shots, notebook for cultural notes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for food buys ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for festival evenings; cash for small vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for food ($1–$2), drinks ($0.30–$1), or crafts ($3–$5); secure valuables in crowds.
Start your Tuyen Quang Travel with serene vistas (Source: Source: Internet)Entry and Activity Fees
Festival Entry: Free; optional donations $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Food (e.g., Five-Color Sticky Rice): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Rice Wine): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Tay Textiles): $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Homestay: $12–$20/night (300,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Festival Tour: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hanoi)
Private Car: $75–$110 (1,875,000–2,750,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $130–$190 (3,250,000–4,750,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $18–$28 (450,000–700,000 VND) fuel; rental $8–$15/day.
Public Bus: $22–$28 (550,000–700,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $18–$28 (450,000–700,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Ban Loan: $95–$130 (2,375,000–3,250,000 VND).
Parking: $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, food, free entry).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (private car, food, homestay).
Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, guided tour, homestay).
Tip: Budget for food ($1–$2), transport ($18–$190), and souvenirs ($3–$10); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Arrive on the 14th lunar day for the preparatory ceremony or 15th for the main event (6:00–10:00 PM). September for mild weather; avoid Tet for fewer crowds (500–1,000 vs. 2,000+).
Booking: No festival tickets needed; reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits or homestays. Book homestays in Ban Loan.
Sustainability: Use biodegradable plates; support Tay vendors for food ($1–$2) or crafts ($3–$10). Stay on village paths to protect ecology.
Navigation: Save “Ban Loan, Yen Dinh, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang” in offline maps; ask locals in Bac Me for festival venues. Avoid night rides on rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowds; confirm fares for taxis/buses. Carry a flashlight for evening events.
Weather: September needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect rituals; avoid interrupting performances.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase the Moon Festival and Ha Giang’s cultural wonders:
Moon Festival Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Ban Loan for moon worship, folk songs, and Tay lunch ($1–$2). Includes guide, transport.
Ha Giang Cultural Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Moon Festival, Dong Van market, and Tay homestay ($12–$20/night). Includes meals, guide.
Tuyen Quang Cultural Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Moon Festival, Ma Pi Leng Pass, ethnic homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
The Moon Festival in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang Province, with free entry, captivates thousands yearly in Ban Loan village, Yen Dinh commune, Bac Me district, just 280 km from Hanoi. This vibrant Moon Worship Festival, held on the full moon of the eighth lunar month, features Tay ethnic rituals, five-color sticky rice, and sustainable practices like biodegradable stalls, offering a deep cultural experience. Legend Travel Group’s Tuyen Quang Tours guide you through this enchanting event, ensuring a sustainable Tuyen Quang Travel experience with immersive activities like singing “then” songs and staying in Tay stilt houses. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly cultural journey today!
Ready to celebrate the Moon Festival in Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang Province? 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:
Moon Festival Information: en.vietnamplus.vn, 63stravel.com, hagiang-tours.com, izitour.com, idctravel.com
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