Vietnam in September 2025: All the main events and festivals of the month
September in Vietnam is a special month , combining important public holidays, traditional lunar festivals, and modern cultural events. In 2025, September will be even more significant, as it marks the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's Independence Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025). This month offers a unique opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture at all levels, from state celebrations to family traditions.
Events in Vietnam today can be viewed here
📅 Main events of September 2025 by dates
September 2 - Vietnam Independence Day (80th anniversary)
Meaning: National holiday commemorating the declaration of independence from French colonial rule
Feature 2025: Large-scale celebrations across the country in honor of the 80th anniversary
Locations: Main events in Hanoi at Ba Dinh Square, celebrations in all major cities
Program: Military parades, official ceremonies, fireworks, concerts
September 6-8 - Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Tu)
Traditional name: Full Moon Festival
Lunar calendar date: 15rd day of the 8th lunar month
Who is it for: Especially loved by children, it is considered a “Vietnamese children’s holiday”
Attributes: Colourful lanterns, mooncakes (bánh trung thu), lion dances
Where to celebrate: All over the country, especially colorful in Hanoi and Hoi An
September 6-7 - Salt Festival in Bac Lieu Province
Title: "The 100-Year Path of Salt Production - A Human Life"
Theme 2025: "Increasing the Value of Vietnamese Salt"
Features: Demonstration of traditional salt production methods, recognized as national intangible cultural heritage
Location: Bac Lieu Province (Mekong Delta)
Mid-September - Hai Phong Firecracker Festival
Lunar calendar date: 3rd day of the 8th lunar month
Location: Haiphong City
Features: Traditional competitions with firecrackers and fireworks
September-October - Festival of the Holy Whale
Period: From the 14th to the 17th day of the 8th lunar month
Meaning: The main holiday of Vietnamese fishermen
Locations: All maritime provinces of Vietnam
Traditions: Worship of the holy whale, prayers for safety at sea
🏙️ Events in major cities
🌟 Da Nang is the cultural capital of the center
Mid-Autumn Festival at the Children's Palace
Dates: September 6-8, 2025
Locations: Da Nang Children's Palace, Bach Dang Walking Street
Program:
Giant lantern parade through the city centre
Tasting traditional mooncakes
Lion and Dragon Dances
Master classes on making masks for children
Family Evening Shows
Da Nang City Bike Day
Date: September 21, 2025 (as part of World Car-Free Day)
Routes: Along My Khe Beach and Vo Van Kiet Street
Participation: Free registration for everyone
Target audience: Eco-tourists, families with children, digital nomads
Additional features: Bike rental, refreshment stations, photo zones
4th Hoi An Mastery 2025
Period: September 2025
Location: Hoi An Ancient Town (30 km from Da Nang)
Subject: Demonstration of traditional crafts of the region
Program: Master classes in pottery, weaving, wood carving
🏛️ Hanoi - Capital Celebrations
The main celebrations of Independence Day
Date: September 2, 2025
Central location: Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Program:
Flag raising ceremony at 6:00 am
Military parade with participation of all branches of the armed forces
Air show over the city center
Evening festive fireworks over Hoan Kiem Lake
Expected number of participants: Over 500,000 people
Mid-Autumn Festival in the Old Quarter
Dates: September 6-8
Locations: Hang Ma Street (Lantern Street), Hoan Kiem Lake
Features:
The country's largest traditional lantern market
Theatrical performances on water
Concerts of folk music ca trù and quan họ
Exhibition and sale of mooncakes from the best confectioners of the city
🍜 Ho Chi Minh City - Southern Traditions
Independence Day celebration
Main venue: City Hall Square (Nguyen Hue Walking Street)
Program:
Parade of city services and student organizations
Exhibition of the city's achievements over 80 years of independence
Concert of contemporary Vietnamese music
Festive food court with dishes from all regions of the country
Mid-Autumn Festival in District 1
Locations: Tao Dan Park, Nguyen Hue Street
Features of the southern style:
Lanterns in the shape of tropical fruits
Southern Variations of Durian Mooncakes
Children's open-air water puppet theatres
🏖️ Nha Trang - Sea Traditions
Saint Whale Festival 2025
Period: Mid-September (lunar calendar)
Locations: Temples on Hon Chong Island, Nha Trang beaches
Program:
Solemn ceremonies of worship of the holy whale
Parade of traditional fishing boats
Seafood Cooking Competitions
Exhibition of traditional fishing gear
🌅 Phu Quoc - island atmosphere
Mid-Autumn Festival on the Island
Features: Mixture of northern and southern traditions thanks to settlers
Locations: Duong Dong City Center, Long Beach
Program:
Lantern processions along the beaches at sunset
Tasting of island specialties: pepper mooncakes
Children's competitions on the beach by lantern light
📊 Practical information for tourists
💰 Impact on prices and bookings:
September 2 (Independence Day): Hotel prices in major cities increase by 30-50%
September 6-8 (Mid-Autumn Festival): Family holiday, high demand for accommodation
Recommendation: Book your accommodation at least a month before the holidays.
🚗 Transportation during holidays:
September 2: Traffic restrictions in city centers from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Alternatives: Use the metro in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, bike, walk
Taxi: Increased rates on holidays (+20-30%)
🎭 Where is the best place to watch the events:
| City | Best Locations for Tourists | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Ba Dinh Square, Hoan Kiem Lake | Main state celebrations |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Nguyen Hue Street, District 1 | Modern interpretation of traditions |
| Da Nang | Bach Dang Walking Street, My Khe Beach | A combination of city and beach celebrations |
| Hoi an | Ancient city, Japanese bridge | The most photogenic lantern processions |
| Nha Trang | Central Embankment, Hon Chong Island | Maritime traditions and fishing rituals |
🍽️ What you must try in September:
Bánh trung thu — traditional mooncakes (more than 20 types of fillings)
Chè trôi nước — sweet soup with glutinous rice balls
Tôm nướng muối ớt — Grilled shrimp with salt and chili pepper (Phu Quoc)
Chả cá Lã Vọng – Hanoi-style turmeric fish (in honor of Independence Day)
🎊 Cultural etiquette:
Respect national symbols during the September 2 celebrations
Participate in family traditions - local families often invite tourists to taste mooncakes
Take photos with lanterns , but ask permission from families with children.
Dress modestly when visiting temples and formal events.
September 2025 in Vietnam is a unique opportunity to witness the historic 80th anniversary of the country's independence and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the most family-friendly and heartfelt holidays - the Mid-Autumn Festival. Plan your trip in advance, book accommodation and get ready for an unforgettable cultural journey!



