The Ultimate Guide to Vietnamese Lunar Holidays in 2023

For more information: Please refer to the original source for the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of Vietnam’s lunar holidays.

2. Lunar Holidays in Vietnam – January

Tet Nguyen Dan – 1st day of the 1st month

Tet Nguyen Dan – 1st day of the 1st month

Tet Nguyen Dan, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the longest and most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a time for family reunions and celebrations, deeply rooted in the country’s traditions and cultural history.

Tet Nguyen Dan falls on the first day of the first lunar month each year. In 2023, Vietnamese people enjoyed a 7-day holiday, from the 29th day of the last lunar month of the Tiger year to the 5th day of the first lunar month of the Rabbit year (Friday, January 20, 2023, to Thursday, January 26, 2023)

For more information: What is Tet Nguyen Dan? Discover the meaning and origin of this significant holiday.

Via Than Tai – 10th day of the 1st month

Via Than Tai – 10th day of the 1st month

According to legend, the 10th day of the first lunar month is when the God of Wealth returns to heaven after a period of time on earth, during which he lost his memory. It is believed that during this time, he blessed those who treated him well with good fortune and prosperity in their businesses and endeavors.

As a result, people on earth chose this day to worship the God of Wealth. On this day, people often buy gold, jewelry, and other valuable items to worship and pray for luck and success in their financial endeavors. Via Than Tai falls on the 10th day of the first lunar month of the Rabbit year, which is January 31, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar.

For more information: When is Via Than Tai in 2023, and what should you buy on this day?

Tet Nguyen Tieu – 15th day of the 1st month

Tet Nguyen Tieu – 15th day of the 1st month

Tet Nguyen Tieu, or the First Full Moon Festival, is a significant celebration for Buddhists, marking the first full moon of the new year. Buddhists often offer a special feast on this day to pray for peace and pay homage to the Buddha.

Tet Nguyen Tieu falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the Rabbit year, which is February 5, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar.

For more information: Discover the meaning and significance of Tet Nguyen Tieu, also known as the First Full Moon Festival.

3. Lunar Holidays in Vietnam – March

Tet Han Thuc – 3rd day of the 3rd month

Tet Han Thuc – 3rd day of the 3rd month

Tet Han Thuc, or the Cold Food Festival, is a day for families to express their respect and remembrance for their ancestors by offering cold foods such as fruits and chilled dishes. The term “Han Thuc” literally translates to “cold food.”

Tet Han Thuc falls on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month of the Rabbit year, which is April 22, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar.

For more information: Explore the meaning and significance of Tet Han Thuc in Vietnamese culture.

Gio To Hung Vuong – 10th day of the 3rd month

Gio To Hung Vuong – 10th day of the 3rd month

One of the most important lunar holidays in Vietnam is the Gio To Hung Vuong, or Hung Kings’ Temple Festival, which takes place on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month every year. In 2023, it falls on April 29.

This holiday serves as a reminder for Vietnamese people to honor their country’s rich history and heritage and to cherish and promote the sacred values passed down by their ancestors through the ages.

For more information: Learn about the origin and significance of the National Temple Festival dedicated to the Hung Kings.

4. Lunar Holidays in Vietnam – April

Le Phat Dan – 15th day of the 4th month

Le Phat Dan – 15th day of the 4th month

Le Phat Dan, or Buddha’s Birthday, commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha. As a predominantly Buddhist country, this lunar holiday holds great cultural significance for the Vietnamese people, especially those who follow the Buddhist faith.

Le Phat Dan is celebrated on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month every year, which falls on June 2, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar. During this holiday, Buddhist temples and monasteries across the country hold flower offering ceremonies, bathing ceremonies for the Buddha statue, and dharma talks for devotees to commemorate the Buddha and spread his teachings.

For more information: When is Le Thanh Minh in 2023? Learn about the significance of this day.

5. Lunar Holidays in Vietnam – May

Tet Doan Ngo – 5th day of the 5th month

Tet Doan Ngo – 5th day of the 5th month

Tet Doan Ngo, also known as Double Fifth Festival, falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month every year. In 2023, it will be celebrated on June 22. Another name for this holiday is “Tet Diet Sau Bo” (Insecticidal Festival), during which people offer dishes such as fruit, cakes, and wine, believing that consuming these foods will bring a bountiful harvest and eliminate insects and pests.

For more information: Discover the origin and significance of Tet Doan Ngo, also known as the Double Fifth Festival.

6. Lunar Holidays in Vietnam – July

Le That Tich – 7th day of the 7th month

Le That Tich – 7th day of the 7th month

Le That Tich, or Qixi Festival, is often referred to as the Valentine’s Day of the East. It is associated with the romantic tale of Ngau Lang and Chuiec Nu, or the “Cowherd and Weaver Girl,” as they are known in Vietnamese folklore. Le That Tich is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month every year, falling on August 22, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar.

For more information: Indulge in che dau do (red bean pudding) on Le That Tich to find your soulmate or strengthen your existing relationship.

Le Vu Lan – 15th day of the 7th month