Outlook Traveler suggests local festivals for Vietnam trip
VOV.VN - As Vietnam is a land steeped in tradition and history, it typically hosts an array of unique celebrations throughout the year which offer a captivating glimpse into the country's rich heritage, blending vibrant rituals, music, and community celebrations, according to an article recently published by India's leading travel magazine Outlook Traveler.
Comprising various landscapes from the hills of Bac Ninh to the Mekong Delta, Vietnamese festivals tend to reflect the country's diverse culture and heritage. Guests should therefore plan trips around these unique festivals and embrace the colours, traditions, and heartwarming experiences they offer, the author Antaraa Chatterjee wrote.
The Indian media outlet introduced Lim Festival in Bac Ninh province in February as the first experience for visitors to enjoy in Vietnam as it commences the Vietnamese festival calendar with a vibrant celebration of spring.
Highlighting the unique culture of the Red River Delta, this three-day festival commemorates the founder with a remarkable ritual called Quan họ (duet singing). Here, traditionally-dressed men and women serenade each other from dragon boats, singing Quan họ folk songs that evoke themes of love, longing, and the beauty of nature.
Between April and May, tourists can spend time discovering the Xến Xó Phốn festival of the White Thai ethnic people which unfolds in the beautiful Mai Chau valley, Hoa Binh province. This ritual aims to summon rain, which is believed to bring prosperity to the harvest.
If travelers are in Vietnam around late August, then the Ghost Festival of Wandering Souls Day should be on their list of experiences to indulge in. It’s a significant event where Vietnamese families come together to welcome the spirits of their ancestors back home.
The article also shared that enjoying Mid-Autumn Festival in the country is also a great experience. The festival centres around children and is adorned with toys, paper lanterns, and masks. Joyful festivities feature lion dances, lantern processions, and moon gazing as families gather to watch the harvest moon and enjoy some sweet treats.
UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a magical venue for this celebration, with lanterns adorning the Thu Bon River during the festival.
In early December, the Oóc Om Bóc festival in Soc Trang province offers an extraordinary glimpse into the Khmer culture in the Mekong Delta. Tourists are therefore urged not to miss out on the vibrant activities that showcase the rich culture of the locals.
Festivities include rituals to thank the moon god, vibrant feasting, singing, and the thrilling 'Ngo' boat race which draws thousands of travelers to come and witness this spirited celebration.
Each festival unfolds a unique story, offering an unforgettable experience and a deeper understanding of the country's rich cultural traditions, the author concluded.
