Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam 2025 | The Ho Chi Minh City Insider's Guide

2025-10-03

If you're reading this in Saigon this week, then you've chosen the most magical time of the year to be here. There's a palpable change in the air, far beyond the city's usual hustle and bustle. As you stroll around, you'll hear the rhythmic, lively beat of lion dance drums echoing from afar—troupes are practicing for their big night. You'll see shops, from humble neighborhood stores to the lobbies of luxurious hotels, bursting with colorful cellophane lanterns and elaborately decorated boxes of mooncakes, respectfully exchanged as a ceremonial gift.

This is Tết Trung Thu, and you've arrived at the perfect moment. As a local who has grown up with the wonders of this festival, I want to take you beyond the typical tourist guides. I want to show you the heart and soul of Tết Trung Thu—the stories we tell, the foods we share, and the places we go to feel its full spirit.

This guide will cover the beautiful traditions celebrated across the country, but it will especially focus on experiencing the incredible energy of the festival right here in Ho Chi Minh City. An important note on timing: the official Mid-Autumn Festival date in Vietnam for 2025 (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month) is on Monday, October 6th. However, the most lively and crowded night of celebration, when everyone pours onto the streets to have fun, will be the night before, on Sunday (October 5th).

Whether you're in Saigon and need a detailed plan, or are just curious about one of Vietnam's most beautiful holidays, this guide is for you.

1. Top Mid-Autumn Destinations Across Vietnam

Each city adds its own flavor to the festival.

Hanoi - The Traditional Heart: The capital offers the most traditional festival. Hàng Mã Street in the Old Quarter is the epicenter, a chaotic but dazzling river of lanterns, masks, and drums. During the festival weekend, the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are filled with local families enjoying the cool autumn air. You can even buy a lantern or mask as a special Hanoi souvenir to bring home.

Hàng Mã Street in Hanoi bustling and lively during the Mid-Autumn Festival

Hoi An - The Magical Soul: This ancient town provides the most romantic and serene festival experience. On the night of the full moon, the city turns off its electric lights, and the streets are bathed in the gentle, warm glow of thousands of silk lanterns. The most beloved activity here is releasing a paper lantern down the Hoài River, a simple, beautiful ritual to make a wish.

Glowing candles floating on the Hoai River in Hoian

Now, let's dive deep into the main event. If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, this is your detailed guide to conquering the festival this weekend.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 Date Vietnam: Saigon Highlights

Saigon celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with a unique, high-energy blend of deep-rooted tradition and dazzling modernity. The festive atmosphere has already begun to seep into every corner of the city.

The Epicenter: Cho Lon's Lantern Street (District 5)

This is the historical heart of the festival in Saigon. This area, the city's Chinatown, comes alive with a spirit you won't find anywhere else. The main street is Lương Nhữ Học, but the festive atmosphere spills over into parallel streets like Trần Hưng Đạo B and Nguyễn Án.

Just 500 meters away, you’ll also find Hải Thượng Lãn Ông Lantern Street—another vibrant spot filled with traditional lantern shops and festive stalls. It’s smaller but more local-focused, making it perfect for travelers who want to avoid the heavy crowds while still enjoying the atmosphere.

This is where people flock to take vibrant souvenir photos, enjoy street food, shop, and simply immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a bustling street late into the night. You can find all kinds of lanterns at very affordable prices, usually ranging from 25,000 to 150,000 VND each, depending on the size and craftsmanship.

Sparkling lanterns on the lantern street in District 5

Saigonese Tips:
- Transportation: The most sincere advice is to take a Grab or other ride-hailing services. The Cho Lon area has many confusing one-way streets, which will be difficult and could spoil your mood if you are not familiar with the roads.
- Exploration: Don't just stay on the main street. The real magic lies in the surrounding alleys, where you might stumble upon a local lion dance troupe practicing. Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda on Nguyen Trai Street, one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in the city.
- Weather: If you come here in the afternoon, remember to bring a raincoat, as a sudden downpour can always happen!

Modern Festival: Nguyen Hue Walking Street (District 1)

If Cho Lon is the traditional heart, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the modern soul of the festival. This place shows how a dynamic city reinterprets the Mid-Autumn Festival through a new lens.

Colorful lanterns lighting up Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Space & Decoration: The entire area is dressed in a new coat with large-scale light installations. You will see miniature landscapes and giant lanterns that reinterpret Mid-Autumn symbols like the full moon, carp, and lotus flowers in a contemporary artistic style.
Activities & Experience: People come to Nguyen Hue to gather in a classy public space, a modern version of the old village communal yard. This is a place to stroll under the moonlight, socialize, and create new Mid-Autumn memories.
Participants: The crowd here is a diverse mix, all sharing in the joy of the festival, truly embodying the "Reunion" spirit not only within families but also throughout the community.
Saigonese Tip: For the most comprehensive view, try visiting a coffee shop in the 42 Nguyen Hue Cafe Apartment building. From above, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire street, a sea of people looking up at the full moon of the eighth lunar month.

Less Crowded Spots During the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 Date Vietnam

District Children's Houses (Especially District 5) To experience the original energy of the Mid-Autumn Festival within the community, don't miss the Children's Houses.

Authentic Experience: The District 5 Children's House is famous for organizing lively lion dance competitions. This is a fervent local event where the pride of an entire neighborhood is on display.
Sounds & Images: You will be immersed in the rapid beat of the lion dance drums—an essential sound of Mid-Autumn, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The lion dance teams will compete with skillful acrobatic moves on high poles.
Saigonese Tip: These events are very crowded. Arrive early to get a good spot as it will be packed with local families cheering.

Waterbus Experience During the Mid-Autumn Festival Vietnam

If you want a unique and truly romantic "moon-gazing" experience, a trip on the Saigon Waterbus in the evening is a fantastic choice.

Enjoying the Mid-Autumn view from the middle of the river on the Saigon Waterbus

Journey & Experience: Instead of being crowded, you will glide gently on the breezy Saigon River. This is the perfect way to perform the sacred moon-gazing ritual of the festival to the fullest.
What You Will See: The most special highlight is watching the full, bright moon of the Mid-Autumn night rise above the city. Seeing the golden moonlight reflect on the rippling surface of the river is a magical sight that makes the legends of the Moon Lady (Chị Hằng) come alive.
Saigonese Tips:
- Tickets & Cost: The boat tickets are very affordable (only about 15,000 VND one way), but buy your tickets in advance as the evening trips during the festival weekend will be very crowded.
- Golden Hour: The most ideal trip is the one that departs around 5:30 - 6:00 PM so you can admire both the sunset and the moment the Mid-Autumn moon appears.
- Route: The most popular and beautiful route is from Bach Dang pier (District 1) to Binh An pier (Thu Duc City) and back.

3. Flavors of Saigon During the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 Date Vietnam

Mooncakes are the highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Vietnam, the two main types are:

Bánh Nướng – baked mooncakes
Bánh Dẻo – soft, sticky rice mooncakes

Many have a salted egg yolk in the center to represent the full moon.

In Saigon, you can enjoy the festival not only by tasting mooncakes, but also by exploring cafes, markets, and other fun spots that join in the celebration.

1. Where to Find the Authentic Taste of Traditional Mooncakes

To experience the most authentic flavor that Saigonese have loved for generations, look for traditional bakery brands.

Suggestion 1: Như Lan
- Famous address: 64-66 Ham Nghi, District 1
- Reason: A "monument" of Saigon's cuisine. Nhu Lan's mooncakes, especially the savory mixed-nut ones, have a rich, classic flavor that locals love.

Nhu Lan mooncakes

Suggestion 2: Đồng Khánh
- Reason: Often known as Brodard Bakery, this brand has a very long history, with a French-Vietnamese-Chinese fusion style. Their cakes are famous for their thin crust and high-quality fillings.

Dong Khanh mooncakes

Suggestion 3: Hy Lam Mon
- Reason: Also a very long-standing brand, Hy Lam Mon is loved for its harmonious combination of traditional flavors and a touch of modern variation, suiting many people's tastes.

Hy Lam Mon mooncakes

Reference price for traditional bakeries:
- Single cake: ~70,000 - 200,000 VND/piece
- Standard box of 4: ~400,000 - 800,000+ VND/box

2. Where to Buy Premium Tea to Go with Your Mid-Autumn Cake

The proper way to enjoy mooncakes is with hot tea. You can easily find delicious teas to give as gifts or to brew at home.

Enjoying tea with mooncakes

Suggested place: Phuc Long Coffee & Tea
Reason: This is a famous, long-standing coffee and tea brand in Vietnam with many branches throughout the city. They sell a variety of high-quality packaged teas, from jasmine tea and lotus tea to oolong tea.
Reference price: ~50,000 - 150,000 VND for a box of tea bags or ~100,000 - 300,000 VND for a box of loose-leaf tea.

3. Festive Cafes to Enjoy During the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 Date Vietnam

These Saigon coffee shops are ideal places to enjoy a drink and take sparkling check-in photos in the Mid-Autumn atmosphere.

Oromia Coffee & Lounge: Famous for its lush, elegant space and often has very sophisticated seasonal decoration corners.

Charming Mid-Autumn decor at Oromia Coffee & Lounge

Address: 85 Phan Ke Binh, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price range: 80,000 - 100,000 VND
Ấp Cafe: Has a nostalgic, intimate style like a countryside house. The cafe's decoration concept is always rustic and cozy.

Cute lanterns at Ấp Cafe

Address: 230/8 Pasteur, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3
Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price range: 40,000 - 70,000 VND
NYNA Coffee: A great choice for those who want to enjoy the festive atmosphere all night long, especially young people.

Selfies with the vibrant lanterns at Nyna Coffee

Address: 212B/D18B Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
Operating hours: 24/7
Price range: 40,000 - 70,000 VND

If you’d like to explore more about the history and culture behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, the next section will give you exactly what you’re looking for.

4. The Soul of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam: Past to Present

Before you immerse yourself in the vibrant streets, understanding why we celebrate will enrich your experience a thousandfold.

Origins and Deep Historical Meanings

Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival is not just a holiday but also a treasure trove of fairy tales passed down through generations, closely tied to the image of the full moon

Especially the legend of Chú Cuội and Chị Hằng: the most familiar and unique story in the Vietnamese psyche is the tale of Chú Cuội. The story goes that a woodcutter named Cuội found a magical banyan tree capable of healing. Due to his wife accidentally watering the tree with unclean water, causing it to uproot and fly to the sky, Chú Cuội, in his attempt to hold it down, was pulled along to the moon. It is believed that to this day, Chú Cuội still sits under the banyan tree, looking down at Earth and hoping for a day to return. That is why, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Vietnamese children have the custom of parading with lanterns to light the way for Chú Cuội to see his way back home.

Vietnamese fairy tale of Ms. Hang and Uncle Cuoi during Mid-Autumn

Besides the fairy tales, the history of the Mid-Autumn Festival is also linked to the wet rice civilization and feudal dynasties.

Imprints from the Lý Dynasty: According to historical records, the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated very grandly during the Lý Dynasty at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel. This was not just a folk festival but also a royal ceremony. The king organized the festival to thank the Dragon God, a supreme deity in agricultural beliefs, for bringing favorable rain and wind, resulting in bountiful harvests and a prosperous life for the people. The royal festivities at that time often included recreational activities such as boat racing and water puppetry on the large lakes of the capital, showcasing a rich courtly culture.

Legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnamese history

The Custom of Moon Gazing to Predict Destiny: For the ancients, the full moon of the eighth lunar month was also a sacred omen. Based on the color of the moon on the festival night, people could make predictions for the harvest and even the nation's destiny in the coming year. This custom shows the deep harmony between humans and nature in Vietnamese culture:

If the moon is golden yellow: It is a sign of a successful year for silkworm rearing and silk weaving.
If the moon is blue or green: This is an omen that natural disasters, such as storms and floods, may occur that year.
If the moon is a clear and brilliant orange: This is a good omen, signaling that the country will be peaceful and prosperous.

Another special custom is "Hát Trống Quân" (Drum Singing), which is said to have originated from the Tây Sơn Dynasty, serving as an occasion for young men and women in the village to meet and engage in courtship dialogues.

Singing “trống quân” during the Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival in the Past: The Beauty of Rustic Values

The Elaborate Reunion Tray: The traditional Mid-Autumn tray was a work of art, with fruits skillfully carved.
The Joy of Parading Lanterns Under Candlelight: Children in the past would gather in their neighborhoods, parading with handmade bamboo and cellophane lanterns, with a small, flickering candle lit inside.

Traditional Mid-Autumn scenery in Vietnam in the past

Mid-Autumn Festival Today: Cherishing Modern Moments

The New Meaning of a Gift: Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the Mid-Autumn Festival has become an occasion to slow down. Gifting boxes of mooncakes has become a profound wish for the recipient to have a year as full and sweet as the cake itself.
Simple Gatherings: Families often gather, cut a mooncake, brew a pot of hot tea, and reminisce about memories.
Parading Lanterns in Public Spaces: Children today often play with modern, battery-operated lanterns that play music in large public areas like walking streets.

Modern Mid-Autumn celebrations in Vietnam today

5.Local Tips for the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 Date Vietnam

All the experiences mentioned above will be even better when you can confidently immerse yourself in the crowd. Here is some practical experience for you to have a fun and safe Mid-Autumn season.

Transportation & "Surviving" in the Crowd

Choose the right time: The festival streets are most crowded around 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Come earlier (around 5-6 PM) to shop and sightsee before the crowds arrive, or later after 9:30 PM when the crowds have started to thin out.
Travel smart: As mentioned, use a ride-hailing service. Don't drive a motorbike here unless you're an excellent rider and know exactly where the parking lots are (they are often chaotic and overcrowded). Be prepared for surge pricing on ride-hailing apps during peak hours.
Wear comfortable shoes: Once you arrive, walking is the best way to explore. You will be walking a lot!

Cultural Etiquette & Communication

Embrace the chaos: The sound of the lion dance drums, the electronic music from modern lanterns, the laughter and chatter, and the crowds all create an atmosphere called "náo nhiệt." This is a sign of a happy and lively festival; embrace it as part of the experience.
The art of photography: Always be polite when taking pictures. Smile and make eye contact before taking a close-up portrait of someone, especially the elderly and children. A simple nod is often enough to get permission.
Respect personal space (even if it's small): Personal space in a crowd in Vietnam is often smaller than in Western cultures. Don't take a slight jostle as a rude gesture; it's simply the reality of a passionate crowd.

Safety & Preparation

Saigon weather: October is often hot and humid. Wear light, breathable clothing and drink plenty of water. Always have a small umbrella or raincoat handy for sudden downpours.
Protect your belongings: This is the most important thing. Use a bag with a zipper and always wear it in front of you. Be careful with your phone and wallet.
A power bank is your best friend: You will be taking a lot of photos and videos. a power bank will be a lifesaver.

Vietnamese Phrases to Win Hearts During the Mid-Autumn Festival

Tourists enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam

A little effort will help you connect better. Try these simple phrases:

Tết Trung Thu (pron. Tet Troong Thoo) - Mid-Autumn
Đèn lồng (pron. Den long) - Mid-Autumn lantern
Đẹp quá! (pron. Dep kwah!) - So beautiful!
Bánh ngon quá! (pron. Bahn ngon kwah!) - The cake is delicious!
Chúc mừng Trung Thu! (pron. Chook mung Troong Thoo!) - Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Final Thoughts: Experience Mid-Autumn Like a Local

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a symphony of light, flavor, and community joy. To truly immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere and discover the hidden culinary corners that only locals know, the best way to experience it is like a true Saigonese: on the back of a classic Vespa with a local friend to lead the way.

That is the journey that Vespa A Go Go offers. With food tours like Eat Saigon (a combination of sightseeing and dining) or Dining Delights (enjoying food where locals truly gather), you will be taken by local friends to celebrate Mid-Autumn. Imagine weaving through brightly lit lantern streets, feeling the cool breeze, and blending into the festive atmosphere in the most authentic way possible.

Don't just be an observer; become part of the celebration. Let Vespa A Go Go turn your Mid-Autumn night in Saigon into a vivid and unforgettable memory.

Wishing you a wonderful festival season, and from us, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Join Vespa A Go Go to enjoy Mid-Autumn like a local

Anh Pham - General Manager

After exploring Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as I love to call it) on a motorbike for over 10 years, these streets feel like my playground. I believe the best travel moments happen when you discover something unexpected. My goal is simple: to share my favorite parts of the city with you, so you can experience the real, everyday magic of my home.

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