Vietnam Festivals

Most all Vietnamese men and women have a vast amount of spiritual beliefs they hold close to their hearts. This spirituality has blossomed into a reverent way of life in which is quite apparent through everything they do. Peace is abundant in this little country, in spite of the tumultuous history they have gone through. Despite hard times, the Vietnam culture still understands the benefits of a good festival to celebrate, learn, and reflect.

If you’re interested at all in Buddhism or simply wanting to learn a little more about it, you’ve come to the right place. Large portions of the Vietnamese people are devout Buddhists. Every year, throngs of people travel great distances to attend the Yen Tu Festival. Lasting for approximately 3 months, you would call this great journey to Yen Tu a renewing of faith for the Buddhists in Vietnam. At the hillsides of Yen Tu, they are able to renew their faith as they witness firsthand the roots of their religion. The land of Yen Tu has been a gathering spot for century’s religious events, and spiritual growth. It’s truly a marvelous sight to feat your eyes upon if you happen to plan to see the Vietnam culture at the right time.

You can’t speak the word festival in Vietnam without mentioning Tet in the same sentence. Known as the Vietnam New Year holiday, Tet is one heck of a family reunion. You won’t find baked beans or potato salad at these gatherings though, they serve more traditional dishes that have been around for centuries. Tet is an opportunity to not only give thanks, but to celebrate the arrival of spring time. Fruit trees and bouquets of vibrantly colored flowers are littered on the paths of every street as Vietnamese citizens rush to purchase these symbols of hope. Tet is not a celebration to be taken lightly. Only the most immense of preparations will be enough to prepare for such a grand festival. Families rush to spring-clean their homes, stock up on the finest foods, and prepare themselves mentally for this rich outpouring of family togetherness.

In the midst of Chinese New Year lies a refreshing little festival that would be quite interesting to the average traveler. Vieng Market Festival is said to bring its visitors the best of luck and happiness for the year to come. A substantial undertaking, this market is perfectly perched on the coast and run by local farmers and merchants. In part for its setting, thousands of people travel to Vieng Market Festival each January to acquire produce, wood carvings, farming tools, and any other hand made work imaginable. All 3 festivals aren’t just for enjoying ones self, but more for bettering ones self. If witnessing these tremendous festivals is something that peaks your interest, make sure to plan your trip accordingly!