Vieng Market Festival: Embrace Luck and Tradition in Ninh Binh Province’s Nam Dinh Region

The Vieng Market Festival, held annually on the 7th night and 8th day of the first lunar month in the Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province, is a cultural and spiritual highlight of Vietnam’s Red River Delta. This unique market, steeped in centuries-old traditions, attracts thousands to Vu Ban and Nam Truc for its symbolic exchange of luck and prosperity. Unlike typical markets, Vieng is a place where people “buy good luck and sell bad luck,” trading goods like copper items, ornamental plants, and barbecued veal to usher in a fortunate year. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers immersive tours to experience this vibrant festival—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into the heart of Ninh Binh’s cultural heritage with our comprehensive guide to Vieng Market Festival, including activities, costs, and eco-friendly travel tips.

Vieng Market Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that blends spirituality, tradition, and community:

• Unique Tradition: Shop for luck with symbolic items like copper tools, believed to bring prosperity, rooted in the legend of copper casting pioneer Nguyễn Minh Không.

• Cultural Immersion: Enjoy traditional hát chèo (opera) and hát văn (spiritual singing), showcasing Nam Dinh’s intangible cultural heritage.

• Festive Atmosphere: Experience a vibrant night market from 2:00 AM, lit by candles and flashlights, with 40,000–50,000 attendees.

• Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours support local artisans and minimize environmental impact, aligning with Ninh Binh’s cultural preservation goals.

• Culinary Delights: Savor local specialties like barbecued beef and bánh dày (sticky rice cake).

Our sustainable tours, displayed around this article, ensure a meaningful festival experience. Book now to join the celebration responsibly

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, the former Nam Dinh Province is now a ward within Ninh Binh Province, with Ninh Binh City as the provincial hub. The district level has been abolished, enhancing infrastructure and access to cultural events like Vieng Market Festival. This guide refers to the Nam Dinh region, ensuring seamless travel planning within Ninh Binh’s tourism landscape.

• Date: Annually on the 7th night (midnight) to the 8th day of the first lunar month (typically February). The peak spiritual moment occurs from midnight to dawn on the 8th, known as “Cho Am Phu” (Hades Market), symbolizing the heavenly-earthly exchange.

• Locations:

  • Vu Ban: Kim Thái commune, near Phu Day Temple, dedicated to Goddess Lieu Hanh, a UNESCO-recognized Mother Goddess site.

  • Nam Truc: Chợ Ương Market, a hub for agricultural tools and plants.

• Duration: The main market runs from midnight to noon on the 8th, with pre-festival activities on the 7th evening.

• Tip: Arrive by 11:00 PM on the 7th to experience the midnight opening; book tours 2–3 weeks in advance for peak crowds.

1. Shop for Luck and Prosperity

Purchase symbolic items believed to bring good fortune, such as copper tools, ornamental plants, and barbecued veal, a cultural “gift” for prosperity.

• Cost: Free entry; items range from ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD) for flowers to ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD) for copper crafts or veal.

• Highlights: “A spiritual shopping experience” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Avoid bargaining, as quick deals are believed to retain luck; shop at 2:00–6:00 AM for the mystical atmosphere.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Vieng Market Cultural Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes guided shopping and local insights.

2. Enjoy Traditional Performances

Immerse yourself in Nam Dinh’s intangible cultural heritage with live hát chèo (traditional opera) and hát văn (spiritual chanting) performances.

• Cost: Free; donations appreciated (~10,000–25,000 VND, ~$0.40–$1 USD).

• Highlights: “A cultural feast” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Arrive by midnight for front-row views; respect performers by maintaining silence.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Festival Night Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD) includes performance access and eco-transport.

3. Explore Agricultural and Craft Stalls

Browse stalls offering farm tools (hoes, sickles), handicrafts, and ornamental plants like orchids and bonsai, reflecting Nam Dinh’s agrarian roots.

• Cost: Tools/plants: ~50,000–200,000 VND (~$2–$8 USD); handicrafts: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).

• Highlights: “A vibrant open-air fair” (Nhan Dân Online, 4.2/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit from 6:00 AM for agricultural goods; bring cash for small vendors.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Artisan Market Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes craft stall visits.

4. Savor Local Delicacies

Taste festival specialties like barbecued beef, bánh dày (sticky rice cake), and grilled meats, showcasing Nam Dinh’s culinary heritage.

• Cost: ~20,000–100,000 VND (~$0.80–$4 USD/dish).

• Highlights: “Authentic and delicious” (Foody.vn, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Try bánh dày with sesame salt; eat at stalls near Vu Ban Market for freshness.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Festival Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes culinary samplings.

5. Witness the Tree and Plant Competition

Admire a showcase of ornamental plants and bonsai, featuring artisans from across Vietnam, a highlight of Vu Ban’s festival.

• Cost: Free; plants purchase: ~100,000–500,000 VND (~$4–$20 USD).

• Highlights: “A botanical delight” (Nhan Dân Online, 4.3/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit by 8:00 AM to meet artisans; ideal for plant enthusiasts.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Eco-Cultural Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD) includes competition access.

Vieng Market Festival, held in Vu Ban and Nam Truc, is deeply tied to the legend of Nguyễn Minh Không, a monk credited with introducing copper casting to Nam Dinh. Locals believe purchasing copper items at the market brings luck, a tradition rooted in spiritual beliefs about the heavenly-earthly exchange at midnight on the 8th lunar day. The market, known as “Cho Am Phu” (Hades Market), symbolizes trading bad luck for good fortune, with no bargaining to preserve luck. Its folk song, cherished by Vu Ban residents, underscores its annual significance: “Packing and traveling to Vieng market on 8th / Because it just takes place once a year.” The festival also reflects Nam Dinh’s agricultural heritage, with tools and plants central to the market’s offerings.

From Hanoi (90–100 km, ~1.5–2 hours)

• Bus: From Giap Bat Station to Ninh Binh City, then taxi to Vu Ban/Nam Truc.

  • Cost: Bus: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD); taxi: ~200,000 VND (~$8 USD).

  • Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.

• Train: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh Station, then taxi.

  • Cost: Train: ~75,000–150,000 VND (~$3–$6 USD); taxi: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).

  • Duration: ~2 hours.

• Private Car: ~1,000,000 VND (~$40 USD) one-way.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Festival Transport Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes eco-transfers.

From Ho Chi Minh City (1,300 km, ~2 hours flight + 2 hours road)

• Flight + Road: Fly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, then bus/taxi to Vu Ban.

  • Cost: Flight: ~750,000–1,750,000 VND (~$30–$70 USD); bus: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD); taxi: ~600,000 VND (~$24 USD).

  • Duration: ~2 hours flight + ~1.5–2 hours road.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Flight & Festival Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes flights and transfers.

From Ninh Binh City Center (15–20 km, ~20–30 minutes)

• Motorbike: Via Highway 38B to Vu Ban or Nam Truc.

  • Cost: Rental: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day); fuel: ~20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD).

  • Duration: ~20–30 minutes.

• Taxi/Grab: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/trip); ~20 minutes.

• Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day); ~45–60 minutes.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Local Festival Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes transfers.

Within the Nam Dinh Region (5–10 km, ~10–20 minutes)

• Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day); ~10–20 minutes.

• Motorbike: Rental: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day); fuel: ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD); ~5–10 minutes.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Market Shuttle Tour (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) includes eco-transfers.

Route Tip: From Ninh Binh City, take Highway 38B to Vu Ban (Kim Thái) or Nam Truc (Chợ Ương); use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).

• Festival Entry: Free; purchases: ~10,000–200,000 VND (~$0.40–$8 USD).

• Dining: Barbecued beef, bánh dày: ~20,000–100,000 VND (~$0.80–$4 USD/dish); drinks: ~10,000–30,000 VND (~$0.40–$1.20 USD).

• Activities: Performances free; plant competition viewing free; guided tours: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).

• Transport:

  • From Hanoi: Bus + taxi: ~300,000 VND (~$12 USD); train + taxi: ~175,000–250,000 VND (~$7–$10 USD); private car: ~1,000,000 VND (~$40 USD).

  • From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight + road: ~1,450,000–2,950,000 VND (~$58–$118 USD).

  • From Ninh Binh City: Motorbike: ~140,000–220,000 VND (~$5–$9 USD); taxi: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD); bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD).

  • Within Nam Dinh: Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD); motorbike: ~130,000–210,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD).

• Accommodation: Budget guesthouses: ~300,000–600,000 VND (~$12–$24 USD/night); mid-range hotels: ~800,000–1,500,000 VND (~$32–$60 USD); luxury resorts: ~3,000,000 VND (~$120 USD) and up.

• Total Daily Cost: ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD) (budget: ~$20–$35 USD; mid-range: ~$35–$50 USD; luxury: ~$50–$70 USD).

• Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Ninh Binh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for cost savings and eco-transfers.

• Plan Ahead: Book tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456) due to festival crowds; market active midnight to noon.

• Pack Smart: Bring small cash (VND) for vendors, reusable water bottle, flashlight (for midnight shopping), and comfortable shoes for walking.

• Budget Wisely: Expect ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD/day); confirm item prices to avoid overcharging.

• Stay Safe: Secure valuables in crowded markets; stay with guides; avoid late-night rural travel.

• Sustainability: Support local artisans (e.g., copper crafts, plants); use reusable items; choose eco-tours to preserve festival traditions.

• Cultural Respect: Avoid bargaining to honor luck traditions; thank vendors (“cảm ơn”); tip ~5,000–25,000 VND (~$0.20–$1 USD) for great service; dress modestly at Phu Day Temple.

• Navigation: Allow 3–5 hours for the festival; combine with Phu Day Temple (~5 km) for a full-day itinerary. Use offline maps for rural routes.

Our sustainable tours offer an immersive festival experience:

• Vieng Market Cultural Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Midnight market visit, copper shopping, Phu Day Temple. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.

• Festival Night Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD/person): Hát chèo performances, barbecued beef tasting, Nam Truc market. Includes transfers and snacks.

• Artisan Market Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Plant competition, craft stalls, Vi Khe Bonsai Village. Includes bike rentals and lunch.

• Ninh Binh Festival Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Vieng Market, Tran Temple, homestays (~300,000–600,000 VND, ~$12–$24 USD/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) available. Book now via links around this page!

Vieng Market Festival in Ninh Binh Province’s Nam Dinh region is a vibrant celebration of luck, tradition, and community, held once a year on the 7th night to 8th day of the first lunar month. From shopping for copper crafts to enjoying hát văn performances and tasting barbecued veal, this event offers a unique cultural immersion. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours provide a sustainable way to experience the festival, supporting local artisans and preserving Nam Dinh’s heritage. Don’t miss this spiritual and lively market—browse our featured tours and book your Vieng Market adventure today!
Ready to experience Vieng Market Festival’s cultural vibrancy? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Author Bio: 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.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group