Vietnam Mid-Autumn Festival 2026: Where to Go, What to See & Visa Guide

Last Updated: Thursday, August 27, 2026

If you happen to be in Vietnam in September, there is a good chance you will notice something different in the streets. Colorful lanterns start appearing in shops, children carry star-shaped lanterns, mooncakes fill bakery windows, and the sound of lion dance drums can be heard in neighborhoods across the country.

This is Tết Trung Thu, or the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival.

In 2026, the festival falls on September 25, and it can be a lovely time to visit Vietnam if you want to experience something more local and traditional. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit corners of Hoi An and the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, each destination has its own way of celebrating.

Planning a trip around the festival? Here is what to expect, where to go, and what to know about your Vietnam visa before you fly.

When Is the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam in 2026?

Mark September 25 on your calendar

The Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival follows the lunar calendar, so its date changes every year. In 2026, Tết Trung Thu will be celebrated on Friday, September 25.

Traditionally, the festival is a time for families to get together, enjoy the full moon, share mooncakes, and give children lanterns and traditional toys. For children especially, it is an exciting evening filled with performances, sweets, games, and lion dances.

You do not necessarily have to visit Vietnam exactly on September 25 to enjoy the atmosphere. In many places, decorations and activities can be seen in the days leading up to the festival as well.

Where Should You Go for Mid-Autumn Festival 2026?

Hanoi: Traditional streets and colorful lanterns

If this is your first time experiencing Tết Trung Thu, Hanoi is a great place to start.

Take a walk around the Old Quarter and you will likely see plenty of festive decorations. Hang Ma Street is particularly famous for its colorful lanterns, masks, toys, and other traditional decorations. It can get crowded, but that is also part of the fun.

You can then continue towards Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the surrounding streets. Grab some Vietnamese street food, take a few photos, and simply enjoy watching local families get ready for the festival.

If you prefer a more traditional Vietnamese atmosphere rather than a large commercial event, Hanoi is worth considering.

Hoi An: Lanterns everywhere

Vietnam Mid-Autumn Festival 2026: Where to Go, What to See & Visa Guide

Source: Internet

There is something especially magical about Hoi An during a lantern festival.

The Ancient Town is already famous for its colorful lanterns, but during the Mid-Autumn period, the atmosphere becomes even more festive. As evening arrives, the streets glow with lantern light, traditional performances take place, and the area around the Hoai River becomes a popular spot for visitors.

It is also a great destination if photography is part of your travel plans. The combination of old yellow buildings, colorful lanterns, and the evening atmosphere makes Hoi An particularly photogenic.

One thing to keep in mind: it can get very busy. If you are planning to stay overnight, booking your hotel and transportation ahead of time is a smart idea.

Ho Chi Minh City: A lively urban celebration

Want something more energetic? Head to Ho Chi Minh City.

The city's Chinatown area, Cho Lon, is particularly interesting around Tết Trung Thu. You may see lion dances, colorful decorations, lanterns, and plenty of shops preparing special mooncakes and festive products.

It is easy to combine the festival with the rest of your trip too. Spend the day exploring the city, try some local food, and then head to Cho Lon in the evening to experience the festive atmosphere.

What Can Travelers Do During Tết Trung Thu?

Watch a lion dance

The sound of drums is one of the easiest ways to know that a Mid-Autumn celebration is happening nearby.

Lion dances are a major part of the festival, especially for children. Performances can take place in streets, shopping areas, schools, restaurants, and local neighborhoods.

If you hear drums while walking around a festival area, follow the sound. You might just find a performance happening around the corner.

Try a Vietnamese mooncake

You cannot really experience Mid-Autumn Festival without trying bánh trung thu, the Vietnamese mooncake.

Traditional mooncakes come in many varieties. Some have lotus seed or mung bean fillings, while others contain salted egg yolks, nuts, or mixed fillings. These days, bakeries also offer modern versions with flavors such as green tea, chocolate, or other creative combinations.

Even if you are not a big fan of sweets, trying one is part of the experience.

Buy a traditional lantern

Look out for the colorful star-shaped lanterns that children carry during the festival. They make a fun and inexpensive souvenir from Vietnam.

If you are traveling with children, buying a lantern and joining the evening festivities can be one of the simplest ways to make the festival memorable.

What About the Vietnam Visa?

Check your visa requirements before your trip

Before getting too excited about mooncakes and lanterns, there is one practical thing you should sort out first: your Vietnam visa.

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the current visa-exemption rules. If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you may need to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa before your trip.

Vietnam's official e-Visa system currently allows eligible travelers to apply for an e-Visa for stays of up to 90 days, with single-entry and multiple-entry options available.

Apply early, especially if your trip is close to the festival

Although applying for a Vietnam visa can be straightforward, it is better not to leave it until the day before your flight.

Festival travel can mean busy airports, full hotels, and changes to your itinerary. Having your visa sorted out in advance means one less thing to worry about.

If you would rather have someone help with the application process, Vietnam-Immi.org provides Vietnam visa assistance with different processing options, including expedited services for travelers with tighter schedules.

Just make sure your passport details, entry date, and intended entry port are correct before submitting your application. A small mistake in your visa information can cause unnecessary trouble later.

Book your Vietnam eVisa

Vietnam Mid-Autumn Festival 2026: Where to Go, What to See & Visa Guide

Source: Internet

Tips for Visiting Vietnam During Mid-Autumn Festival

Expect crowds in popular areas

Festival streets can become surprisingly busy, particularly in Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Cho Lon.

If you want to take photos or explore at a more relaxed pace, consider arriving before the evening crowds build up.

Keep some cash with you

Small vendors selling snacks, lanterns, toys, or souvenirs may not always accept cards. Having some Vietnamese dong with you can make small purchases much easier.

Be respectful when taking photos

The festival is a real part of local life, not just a tourist attraction. If you want to photograph children, families, or private celebrations, it is always better to ask first.

Give yourself extra time at the airport

If your trip falls around a busy travel period, allow plenty of time for check-in, immigration, and security procedures. Having your passport and visa documents ready can also make the airport experience smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival in 2026?

The main day of Tết Trung Thu will be September 25, 2026, which is the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.

Is Mid-Autumn Festival a public holiday in Vietnam?

No. Tết Trung Thu is an important traditional celebration but is not a national public holiday in Vietnam. Most businesses, shops, and tourist attractions continue to operate.

Which city is best for Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam?

It depends on the experience you want. Hanoi is a good choice for traditional festival activities, Hoi An is ideal for beautiful lantern scenery, while Ho Chi Minh City offers a livelier urban celebration, especially around Cho Lon.

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam for Mid-Autumn Festival?

It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Vietnam visa-free, while others need a Vietnam e-Visa or another type of visa. Check the current requirements for your passport before booking your trip.

Key Takeaways

Mid-Autumn Festival 2026: September 25, 2026
Best places to visit: Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City
Things to experience: Lion dances, lanterns, mooncakes, traditional performances, and local celebrations
Best for traditional atmosphere: Hanoi
Best for lantern scenery: Hoi An
Best for a lively city experience: Ho Chi Minh City
Visa tip: Check your visa requirements early and apply before your trip if necessary
Travel tip: Popular festival areas can become crowded, so arrive early and plan your transportation in advance

Ready to Experience Tết Trung Thu in Vietnam?

Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival is not the kind of event you need to experience from a distance. Walk through a lantern-filled street, listen to the drums of a lion dance, try your first Vietnamese mooncake, or simply sit back and watch local families enjoy the evening.

If you are planning to visit Vietnam for Tết Trung Thu 2026, take care of the practical details first — including your visa if you need one — and then leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the festival.

Whether you need a fast visa, airport fast track, private car, or eSIM, Vietnam-Immi.org is here 24/7 to support your trip.