Every year, when the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (6th of October, 2025) lights up the sky, Vietnam celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu). In Hanoi, the Old Quarter becomes especially vibrant with lanterns, mooncakes, and festive activities. If you’re visiting during this time, it’s the perfect chance to experience one of Vietnam’s most colorful traditions.

 

 

The Legend of Chú Cuội and Chị Hằng

Vietnamese Mid-Autumn traditions are deeply tied to legends. The most famous is the story of Chú Cuội (the Moon Man), a man who discovered a magical banyan tree that could heal any illness. One day, while tending the tree, he was pulled into the sky, carrying the tree with him. He became forever stuck on the moon. Beside him is chị Hằng (the Moon Lady), a symbol of beauty and grace. During the festival, children and adults alike look up at the moon, imagining Cuội sitting under his banyan tree with Hằng Nga.

 

 

How Vietnamese Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival

Mooncakes (Bánh Trung Thu) – Families exchange and enjoy mooncakes, filled with lotus seeds, mung beans, or salted egg yolks. Today, you’ll also find modern flavors like matcha or chocolate

 

 

Lion and Dragon Dances – In many neighborhoods, especially in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, lion dance troupes perform in the evenings. These dances are believed to bring good luck and happiness.

 

 

Lantern Displays – Streets like Hàng Mã in Hanoi or Lương Nhữ Học in Ho Chi Minh City glow with lanterns of every shape and size.

 

 

• Family Gatherings – Traditionally, families set up trays of fruit and mooncakes to share under the bright full moon.

 

Mid-Autumn Festival Events in Hanoi (2025)

 

If you’re staying at Nexy Hostel, you’re right in the middle of the action:

 

• 🎉 Hàng Mã Street – Just 10 minutes from Nexy Hostel, this street comes alive every year with lanterns, toys, and festive decorations. Perfect for night photography and soaking in the festival vibe.

 

• 🥮 Mooncake Shops & Pop-ups – Famous bakeries like Bảo Phương and luxury brands like Kinh Đô open pop-up stalls around Hoàn Kiếm, offering traditional and modern mooncakes.

 

• 🐉 Lion Dance Performances – Look out for lion and dragon dances around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Old Quarter in the evenings. These performances often happen in front of shops and temples.

 

• 🌕 Community Events at Hoàn Kiếm Lake – Each year, Hanoi organizes cultural activities, including music, art displays, and children’s games near the lake.

 

Traditional Toys of the Mid-Autumn Festival

 

 

Alongside mooncakes and lanterns, toys are an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival—especially in Hanoi’s Hàng Mã Street, where toy stalls fill the sidewalks. These aren’t just souvenirs for kids; they’re symbols of Vietnamese tradition and creativity.

 

• 🌟 Star Lanterns (Đèn ông sao) – Made of bamboo and colorful paper, these are the most iconic toys of the festival.
• 🐟 Carp Lanterns (Đèn cá chép) – Shaped like fish, symbolizing prosperity.
• 🐇 Rabbit Lanterns (Đèn thỏ) – Inspired by the moon rabbit in folklore.
• 🎬 Shadow Lanterns (Đèn kéo quân) – Cylindrical lanterns that spin and project moving shadows when lit.
• 😺 Paper Masks (Mặt nạ giấy bồi) – Hand-painted masks of lions, rabbits, or folk characters.
• 🥁 Toy Drums (Trống tầm) – Small drums kids beat along with lion dances.
• 🐉 Unicorn Heads (Đầu lân) – Mini lion/unicorn heads for children to play their own lion dance.
• 🔥 Cellophane Lanterns (Đèn lồng giấy bóng kiếng) – Modern colorful lanterns that glow beautifully under candlelight.

 

Tips for Guests at Nexy Hostel

 

 

• Go in the early evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
• Try at least one traditional and one modern mooncake flavor.
• Bring cash—street vendors may not accept cards.
• Take a lantern-lit walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake for the most magical atmosphere.

 

Experience the Festival with Nexy Hostel

At Nexy Hostel, we believe travel is about more than just sightseeing—it’s about living the culture. The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi is your chance to taste, see, and feel Vietnam’s traditions in the most authentic way.

 

Let’s discover what Mid-Autumn Festival truly means with Nexy Hostel.