Vietnamese Moon Festival Hanoi Guide: What is the Vietnamese Moon Festival?

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 Festive Journey into Hanoi’s Cultural Heritage

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, is celebrated for its blend of ancient traditions and modern energy, with the Vietnamese Moon Festival, known as Tết Trung Thu or Mid-Autumn Festival, standing as a joyful symbol of harvest, family, and childhood wonder hanoi-tourism.gov.vn. What is the Vietnamese Moon Festival? It is a harvest celebration held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, featuring lantern parades, mooncakes, lion dances, and family gatherings, originally a time for parents to bond with children after the harvest vietnam.travel. Perfect for families and cultural enthusiasts, this experience includes joining lantern processions in the Old Quarter, tasting traditional mooncakes, or participating in guided tours to uncover its legends and customs culturephamtravel.com. Guided Hanoi Tours provide insights into the festival’s role in Vietnamese culture, while self-guided explorations suit adventurous festival-goers tasteatlas.com.

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

Administrative Note

Vietnamese Moon Festival participation is free in public areas, 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. Street food ranges 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 Vietnamese Moon Festival Walking Tour:

  • Details: A 2–3 hour guided walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter during the festival, exploring lantern displays and street 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 Tết Trung Thu legends; taste mooncakes vietnam.travel.

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

• Deluxe Vietnamese Moon Festival Cycling Tour:

  • Details: A 3–4 hour cycling tour through festival-lit streets, with a workshop on Vietnamese customs; includes bike rental and guide; low to moderate difficulty culturephamtravel.com.

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

  • Highlights: Cycle amid colorful lanterns; interactive session on moon festival history; photo stops at key spots tasteatlas.com.

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

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

  • Details: A 3–4 hour walking tour to festival markets and street food stalls; uses sustainable transport; includes guide and snacks; 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 exploration of festival treats; visit sustainable vendors; reduce emissions with walking vietnam.travel.

  • Schedule: Festival mornings or evenings (8:00 AM–12:00 PM or 4:00 PM–8:00 PM); departs from Hanoi Old Quarter vietnam.travel.

• Private Vietnamese Moon Festival Cultural Tour:

  • Details: A customizable 3–5 hour tour combining festival activities with a cooking class or historical site visit; includes private guide; low difficulty culturephamtravel.com.

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

  • Highlights: Personalized lantern-making; explore festival heritage; flexible pacing hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

  • Schedule: Flexible during festival period; 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 festival tours; confirm inclusions (e.g., transport, guide); check reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Respecting Hanoi’s Festive and Cultural Traditions

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

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

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

• Behaviour: Be polite in crowded festival areas; 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; join in lantern parades respectfully. A guest from Hanoi noted: “Respecting festival customs made our Tết Trung Thu 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 streets; support local artisans with fair purchases hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Old Quarter festival spots; most are within 2–3 km of Hanoi’s center travel.state.gov.

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

Below is a curated list of options for experiencing the Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese Moon Festival Exploration

• Details: Wander through Hanoi’s Old Quarter independently, joining public lantern 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: During festival evenings.

• Location: Hanoi Old Quarter.

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

• Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me); visit at night for lantern displays; a guest from Ho Chi Minh City noted: “Self-guided festival exploration was enchanting.” hanoi-tourism.gov.vn

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

• Details: 2–3 hour guided walk through festival streets and performances; 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 artisans vietnam.travel.

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

3. Local Vietnam (Deluxe Vietnamese Moon Festival Cycling Tour)

• Details: 3–4 hour cycling tour through lit streets, with customs workshop; includes bike rental and guide; low to moderate difficulty localvietnam.com.

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

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

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Hanoi hotels or cycling shops.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses sustainable bikes; supports green transport vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Hanoi noted: “Cycling during the festival was unforgettable.” localvietnam.com

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

• Details: 3–4 hour walking tour to festival markets and food stalls; includes guide and snacks; 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 mornings or evenings (8:00 AM–12:00 PM or 4:00 PM–8:00 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 a festive delight.” hanoi-tourism.gov.vn

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

• Details: Customizable 3–5 hour tour with festival activities and cultural sites; includes private guide; low difficulty legendtravelgroup.com.

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

• Schedule: Flexible during festival; 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 highlight.” legendtravelgroup.com

• Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and budget-friendly for independent festival-goers.

• Standard Walking Tour: Affordable with expert insights into Tết Trung Thu.

• Deluxe Cycling Tour: Active exploration with bike rental.

• Eco-Friendly Food and Market Tour: Sustainable with festival immersion.

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

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

The Vietnamese Moon Festival occurs annually on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (typically September or October). Key highlights include:

• Festival Night: Ideal for lantern parades and lion dances; vibrant atmosphere hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Pre-Festival Days: Markets bustling with preparations; lantern-making workshops hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Full Moon Evening: Features moon-gazing and family events vietnam.travel.

Evening activities (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) are best for the festive lights; daytime for markets. Check lunar calendar for exact dates via vietnam.travel. Weather is usually mild, but prepare for crowds.

• 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 areas to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book early for festival tours; 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 ($10 or 250,000 VND); 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 festival items; 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); flashlight ($5 or 125,000 VND) for evenings; 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 Vietnamese Moon Festival Experience

Tour Costs

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

• Deluxe Cycling Tour: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes bike 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 Exploration: 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

• Festival Snacks (e.g., mooncakes, street food): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., lanterns): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Tips for Guides or Performers: $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: Festival peaks in evenings; markets open daytime; check lunar dates hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

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

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Old Quarter spots; within 2–3 km of center hanoi-tourism.gov.vn.

• Weather: Mild evenings; prepare for rain if needed; festival proceeds regardless vietnam.travel.

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

• What is the Vietnamese Moon Festival? It is Tết Trung Thu, a harvest festival celebrated with lanterns, mooncakes, and lion dances on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month vietnam.travel.

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

• Where to experience the Vietnamese Moon Festival in Hanoi? Hanoi Old Quarter and nearby markets 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.

• Is the festival available year-round? No, only during the lunar date; plan accordingly 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:

• Vietnamese Moon Festival Eco-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-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).

Understanding what the Vietnamese Moon Festival is—Tết Trung Thu, a cherished harvest celebration—offers a festive journey through Hanoi’s cultural heritage, with lantern parades, mooncakes, and joyful gatherings. With costs from free to $50, eco-friendly options like walking tours, and sustainable Hanoi Tours, this adventure is perfect for families and culture lovers. Book through trusted providers like Legend Travel Group or Local Vietnam, respect local customs with polite greetings like “xin chào” and sustainable practices, and use reusable bags for an eco-friendly Hanoi Traveladventure. Ensure a valid passport and e-visa via evisa.gov.vn, and embark on an unforgettable festival experience. Safe travels!

Sources:

• vietnam-visa.com

• travel.state.gov

• evisa.gov.vn

• hanoi-tourism.gov.vn

• vietnam.travel

• tasteatlas.com

• culturephamtravel.com

• tripadvisor.com