From October 1 to 12, 2025, the city of Hai Phong will host the grand Con Son-Kiep Bac Autumn Festival, one of Vietnam's largest spiritual and cultural festivals. This special event honors national heroes and celebrates the city's new UNESCO World Heritage status.
Where and what is happening?
The festival takes place at the Con Son-Kiep Bac complex in Tran Hung Dao District, Hai Phong, located approximately 80 kilometers east of Hanoi . The main events take place at two historic sites.
Kiep Bac Temple is the site of major ceremonies. It is the final resting place of the general Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300), a hero of the struggle against the Mongol invaders. The ceremonial space extends from the temple gate to the Luk Dau River.
Con Son Pagoda is an ancient monastery at the foot of Mount Con Son, associated with Nguyen Chai (1380-1442), a distinguished poet and military leader. It contains 83 halls containing 385 statues.
What to do at the festival?
The 2025 programme is particularly rich thanks to the complex's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ceremonies : On October 7, the main events will be held - the commemoration of the 725th anniversary of the death of Tran Hung Dao and the 583rd anniversary of Nguyen Chai, the official opening of the festival and the ceremony of opening the seal of Saint Tran.
Luk Dau River Water Show : A spectacular re-enactment of historical naval battles featuring 50 boats, using 3D projections and modern lighting technology.
Cultural Performances : The "Hai Phong - The Quintessence of Heritage Land" arts program combines traditional dance, circus performances, and modern visual effects.
practical information
Dates : The festival lasts 12 days, from October 1st to 12th, 2025 (the 10th to 20th day of the 8th lunar month). The peak of activity occurs on October 7th.
Cost : Entrance to Kiep Bac Temple and Con Son Pagoda is 5,000 VND per person, parking is 15,000 VND.
Logistics : About 80 km from Hanoi, it's convenient to combine it with a trip to Ha Long Bay or Hai Phong. A large influx of visitors is expected—already on September 28, the complex has already seen nearly 50,000 visitors in one day.
The special significance of 2025
The 2025 festival marks the first time since the unification of Hai Duong and Hai Phong provinces into a single city, giving it special administrative and political significance. It is also the first major celebration since the recognition of the Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son-Kiep Bac Complex as Vietnam's ninth UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Culture, Tourism, and Trade Week, from October 7 to 15, will offer guests tastings of regional cuisine, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and an introduction to three new tourist routes: "One Journey - Five World Heritage Sites," "In the Footsteps of the Truc Lam Patriarchs," and "Discovering the Heritage of Con Son-Kiep Bac."
Letfind.me will help you organize your visit to the festival: we'll find accommodation in Haiphong or Hanoi, arrange transfers, and provide a Russian-speaking guide to fully understand the historical significance of this unique event.
