Every autumn, as the harvest moon glows over the red-tiled rooftops of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the city transforms into a dreamy blend of color, lanterns, laughter, and mooncakes. Known as the Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, this centuries-old celebration is one of Vietnam’s most joyful and photogenic traditions - and if you’re visiting Hanoi around late September to early October, you’re in for something truly magical.
In this guide, we’ll explore where the Moon Festival came from, how Hanoians celebrate it, and the three best places to experience the Moon Festival in Hanoi this year - plus how the capital’s celebrations compare to those in other Vietnamese cities.
A Brief Origin of Vietnam’s Moon Festival
The Moon Festival, called Tết Trung Thu in Vietnamese, has been celebrated for over a thousand years. Its origins trace back to both Vietnamese agricultural life and ancient Chinese influence, when people worshipped the moon as a symbol of prosperity and harmony. Traditionally, it marks the end of the harvest season - a time for families to reunite, give thanks for abundance, and celebrate children’s happiness.
But unlike China’s more formal moon-worship rituals, Vietnam’s version is deeply family-oriented and child-focused. Streets fill with laughter, lion dances, and colorful lantern processions. Parents buy toys, mooncakes, and fruits to prepare elaborate offerings for the Moon Lady (Chị Hằng) and the Jade Rabbit (Thỏ Ngọc).
What makes it special is the cultural blend - part folklore, part festival, and part modern-day carnival. You’ll find age-old traditions like mâm cỗ Trung Thu (the moon feast) happening right next to K-pop-style performances, local pop-ups, and photo backdrops that light up Instagram.
Top 3 Places to Experience the Moon Festival in Hanoi (2025)
If you’re planning to be in Vietnam during this festive time, here are the three must-visit spots in Hanoi where the spirit of Tết Trung Thu comes alive.
1. Hang Ma Street and the Old Quarter – Where the Magic Glows Brightest
There’s no place that captures the festival’s electric vibe quite like Hang Ma Street - the heart of Hanoi’s Moon Festival celebrations. By early September, the street turns into a glowing corridor of color, stacked with stalls selling lanterns, masks, drums, and paper toys.
This year, the neighborhood has gone extra festive with giant displays like moon crescents, rabbits, and carp-shaped lanterns, turning every corner into a selfie paradise. Nearby, at Dinh Kim Ngan on Hang Bac Street, visitors can explore the exhibition “Trăng Ta” (Our Moon), showcasing handmade traditional toys, masks, and moon-feast displays crafted by local artisans.
Throughout the week leading up to the full moon (October 6, 2025), the Old Quarter hosts evening performances, toy-making workshops, and a vibrant “Night of the Full Moon” parade. It’s chaotic, colorful, and charmingly Vietnamese - the kind of joyful chaos that defines Hanoi.
Pro tip: Visit around sunset to see the lights come alive and capture the best golden-hour photos.
Plan your visit with one of our curated Hanoi tours to combine the festival experience with hidden cultural gems around the city.
2. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Where History Meets Festivity
For something more historical and immersive, head to the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site that brings ancient royal traditions back to life.
This year’s theme, “Moon Festival of the Lý Dynasty”, offers a fascinating glimpse into how the imperial court once celebrated. Visitors can explore heritage displays, art installations, and re-enactments inspired by royal festivities - from dragon dances and boat races to court music performances under shimmering lantern tunnels.
What sets Thăng Long apart is its balance between cultural education and modern aesthetics. You’ll find everything from handicraft workshops (lantern-making, mask painting, kite crafting) to Instagram-worthy photo corners featuring flower arches, lantern walls, and lotus ponds dotted with floating moonlight.
Pro tip: It’s less crowded than the Old Quarter, ideal for travelers who want a calmer, more scenic experience.
3. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – A Family-Friendly Celebration
If you’re traveling with kids or love hands-on experiences, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology hosts one of Hanoi’s most creative Moon Festival programs. This year’s theme, “Vui cùng trẻ thơ” (“Fun with Children”), combines traditional craft-making with modern interactive workshops - from making to he (toy figurines), paper masks, and lanterns, to STEM and VR games that bring folklore stories to life.
Expect lion dances, puppet shows, and cultural performances by the Dong Ngu puppet troupe from Bac Ninh - plus an outdoor art space called “Sắc Thu” (Autumn Colors) running until November 4, displaying handmade traditional toys and folk art.
Pro tip: Arrive early to join the craft sessions, usually free with entrance tickets. Great for families and culture lovers who want more than just photos.
How Hanoi’s Moon Festival Differs from Other Cities
While the Moon Festival is celebrated across Vietnam, Hanoi’s version has a unique personality - a mix of nostalgia and youthful energy. Here’s how it compares:
Hoi An: Famous for its monthly lantern festival, Hoi An’s Moon Festival is more romantic and serene, with floating candles on the river. Hanoi, on the other hand, is louder, busier, and more community-driven.
Hue: The imperial city’s festival leans toward tradition, emphasizing royal rituals, dragon dances, and formal performances. Hanoi’s celebrations feel more spontaneous and local.
Ho Chi Minh City: The southern metropolis goes big with shopping mall displays, parades, and commercial events. Hanoi stays closer to the authentic, street-level atmosphere that travelers love.
If you want to witness a real Vietnamese festival - lively, chaotic, heartwarming, and steeped in tradition, Hanoi is where you should be during the full moon season.
What to Expect When You Go
Timing: The Moon Festival in 2025 falls on October 6, but activities typically start a week earlier.
Must-try foods: Mooncakes (bánh trung thu), green rice (cốm), and fruit trays with pomelo, bananas, and dragon fruit.
Best time to visit: Early evening, when lanterns light up and performances begin.
What to bring: A camera, comfortable shoes, and patience - crowds are part of the fun.
If you’re in Hanoi this season, immerse yourself in the city’s moonlit joy - from the ancient walls of Thang Long to the playful energy of Hang Ma Street. It’s more than a festival; it’s a window into Vietnam’s cultural heartbeat.
Final Thoughts
The Moon Festival in Hanoi is a rare blend of tradition, artistry, and genuine human warmth. It’s the kind of cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing - where you don’t just watch the celebration, you feel it.
Whether you join the lantern-lit crowds of the Old Quarter, stroll through royal courtyards at Thang Long, or create handmade crafts at the Ethnology Museum, you’ll carry home not just photos, but stories - stories of how light, community, and folklore continue to shape Vietnam’s soul.
If you’re planning your Vietnam journey this fall, check out our curated Hanoi tours for local experiences that connect you deeper to the city’s culture and spirit.
