Immerse in Vietnamese Culture: 7 Must-Try Mid-Autumn Activities

When autumn arrives in Vietnam, the air turns gentle, the nights grow brighter, and streets begin to sparkle with lanterns and Mid-Autumn displays, filled with the joyous laughter of children. The Mid-Autumn Festival, or tết Trung thu, is more than just a date on the lunar calendar — it is a season of joy, family, and togetherness. Children parade with star-shaped lanterns, families share mooncakes as gifts, and the full moon becomes a symbol of reunion.

At its heart, the festival is a window into Vietnamese culture. Ancient legends are retold under the moonlight, traditional arts and crafts are showcased in both cities and villages, and communities gather to celebrate heritage and harmony. For visitors, this is not simply a holiday to observe but a story to step into — one that reveals Vietnam’s artistry, values, and spirit in its most luminous form, through its cherished Vietnamese Mid-Autumn traditions.

Understanding the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival has roots stretching back over a thousand years. Traditionally, it began as a harvest celebration, marking the end of agricultural labor and giving thanks to the moon for good crops. But in Vietnam, the festival took on a distinctive character: it gradually became known as “the festival of children”. Much of the joy is centered on children, who are seen as the heart of the family and the promise of future generations. Lantern parades, lion dances, and gift-giving are designed primarily for them, making Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival more child-focused than in many other Asian cultures.

What truly sets the Vietnamese celebration apart is the folklore woven into it. Children grow up hearing tales of Chú Cuội, the man who clings to a magical banyan tree and ends up stranded on the moon, and Hằng Nga, the graceful Moon Lady. These stories are retold year after year under the bright moonlight, passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, igniting children’s imaginations and connecting them to their heritage. 

At the same time, the festival carries deep meaning for adults. It is a cherished moment to gather with loved ones, to pause from the busyness of daily life, and to reflect on the bonds that hold families together. Sharing mooncakes and gathering under the full moon are ways to honor previous generations and to appreciate cultural traditions that have been passed down for centuries. At the community level, the festival also carries a spirit of generosity. Many people take this chance to give back by offering gifts, supporting charities, and organizing activities for underprivileged children, so the joy of Tết Trung Thu reaches everyone.

This blend of joy, gratitude, and generosity is what makes the Mid-Autumn Festival such a meaningful expression of Vietnamese culture. For travelers and expats, joining in these traditions is a way to experience Vietnamese values in action — not just as an observer, but as part of the celebration itself.

Lanterns and the joy of the lantern parade

Nothing captures the magic of Tết Trung Thu quite like lanterns. Known as “lồng đèn,” these colorful creations transform streets, parks, and homes into glowing scenes of joy. The traditional star-shaped lantern (đèn ông sao) remains a beloved classic, while modern designs now range from playful animals to whimsical cartoon characters, each reflecting creativity and cultural charm.

Lanterns symbolize hope, guidance, and brightness. Children craft them at school or with family, then proudly join lantern parade (rước đèn), where drumbeats, songs, and hundreds of twinkling lights fill the evening sky – turning the night into a moving river of illumination.

At VLS, our Lantern-Making Workshop invites you to bring your own magical light to life. Here, you don’t just make a lantern — you immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, connect with fellow participants, and experience the joy of a shared tradition. As part of our Moon of Compassion 2025 charity campaign, your lantern can also symbolically shine for underprivileged children, spreading warmth, hope, and community spirit beyond the workshop.

Vietnamese Mooncakes: Sweet symbols of unity

Mooncakes, or bánh Trung thu, are more than just a dessert – they are a symbol of unity and completeness. Their round shape reflects the gathering of family under the full moon, while the act of sharing mooncakes conveys blessings and togetherness across generations.

In Vietnam, two varieties are especially beloved. 

• Bánh nướng, with its golden-brown crust and rich fillings of lotus seed, mung bean, or salted egg yolk, offers indulgent, deep flavors. 
• Bánh dẻo, made from soft glutinous rice flour, carries sweetness and a delicate, chewy texture. 

Today, bakers add modern twists with creative designs and flavors, but the essence remains unchanged: mooncakes embody warmth, connection, and the timeless joy of Vietnamese culture.

At VLS, our Mooncake-Making Workshop gives you the chance to go beyond tasting – you’ll craft these iconic cakes yourself. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll knead, mold, and decorate mooncakes while uncovering the stories behind their symbolism. More than a cooking class, it’s a cultural journey where you connect with Vietnamese traditions, share laughter with fellow participants, and carry home not only the cakes you’ve made but also memories of a truly meaningful experience.

Folk arts: A cultural deep dive

Beyond lanterns and mooncakes, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also a time to reconnect with Vietnam’s artistic roots. The season invites people to pause, look back, and appreciate the traditional heritage that has shaped cultural identity for centuries. Across the country, you might catch a water puppet show, enjoy a night of folk music, or even marvel at traditional circus theater – each opens a window into the imagination and wisdom of earlier generations.

And if you’re someone who loves DIY and hands-on creativity, VLS offers a unique way to experience traditional heritage: our Đông Hồ Folk Painting Workshop. This traditional woodblock printing craft from Bắc Ninh province uses natural pigments on handmade paper to depict scenes of rural life, playful children, and folk tales. In the workshop, you’ll explore its history, see demonstrations by skilled artists, and then create your own print – a personal keepsake that lets you carry a piece of Vietnamese culture home with you.

Lion Dances and Festival Performances

No Mid-Autumn Festival would be complete without the lion dance (múa lân). Dancers, hidden inside elaborately decorated lion costumes, leap, twist, and mimic the playful movements of lions to the pounding rhythm of drums, cymbals, and gongs. The performance is both athletic and theatrical, as lions “play” with balls, chase imaginary enemies, and even interact with the audience. Children squeal with delight, running alongside, clapping, and trying to catch the lion’s attention – their laughter blending with the booming drums to create a truly festive atmosphere.

Adding to the fun are lively festival characters such as Ông Địa (the Earth God), Chú Cuội (the Moon Boy), and Chị Hằng (the Moon Lady), who mingle with the crowd, joke with children, and lead playful antics that make the celebration even more magical.

Moon-Gazing and Mid-Autumn Feast Tray: A Night of Family Joy

Admiring the full moon lies at the very heart of Tết Trung Thu. Families set up small altars adorned with fresh fruit, tea, and mooncakes, then gather outside to sit together beneath the glowing sky. It’s a moment of intimacy and warmth, where generations come together to share stories, laughter, and quiet reflection. The soft moonlight illuminates more than just the night – it highlights the bonds that tie families and communities together, reminding everyone of harmony, gratitude, and togetherness.

For children, the evening is a time of magic and celebration. They sing folk songs, act out mini-plays, and listen wide-eyed to tales of Chú Cuội and Hằng Nga. One of the most cherished customs is “phá cỗ”, when children gather around a colorful spread of mooncakes, fruits, and traditional treats. Everyone rushes in, laughing, grabbing, and even playfully snatching their favorite goodies. It’s noisy, exciting, full of joyful chaos… and absolutely unforgettable — a memory of pure childhood joy under the full moon, capturing the playful spirit and togetherness that define Tết Trung Thu.

For adults, it is both a gentle return to childhood memories and a chance to slow down, savoring the simple joys of being with loved ones in today’s fast-paced world. This shared experience, whether on a bustling city rooftop or in a quiet village courtyard, is a living expression of Vietnamese culture, where the glow of the full moon mirrors the warmth and closeness of family.

Giving Back: Charity and Community Spirit

Beyond food, lanterns, and festive fun, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also a celebration of generosity and community spirit. Across Vietnam, families, schools, and local organizations take the opportunity to give back – donating mooncakes, lanterns, and school supplies to underprivileged children. Pagodas and NGOs often host special events, arranging games, performances, and small parties so that every child can feel the joy and inclusion of the festival. This spirit of giving is a profound part of Vietnamese culture, especially during times of celebration.

Building on this tradition of giving, each year, VLS organizes charity trips during the Mid-Autumn Festival, where learners, teachers, and staff come together to deliver gifts, provide support, and share festive treats with children in need. Participants may help distribute mooncakes, assist in crafting lanterns, or simply join in playful activities, creating joyful moments that leave a lasting impact. By joining these trips, you don’t just observe Vietnamese culture – you live it, embodying its values of empathy, kindness, and communal celebration.

Modern Twists in Urban Celebrations

While rural areas keep traditional practices alive, Vietnam’s big cities have adapted the festival to modern lifestyles. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, shopping malls and parks host massive lantern exhibitions. Cafés serve mooncake-inspired desserts, while restaurants create fusion menus for the season. Social media has amplified the festival’s visibility, with families sharing photos of lanterns and moonlit gatherings.

Yet despite modernization, the festival’s essence remains unchanged: family, togetherness, and cultural pride.

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with VLS

At VLS, we believe language and culture are inseparable and the best way to understand Vietnam is by participating, not just observing. Our Mid-Autumn Festival workshops invite you to step into the heart of Vietnamese traditions: folding paper to craft your own lantern, kneading dough for mooncakes, painting your own folk print, or sharing gifts with children in need. Each activity connects you directly to the artistry, folklore, and community spirit that make Tết Trung Thu truly special. For expats, travelers, and learners, joining the celebration with VLS is a chance to go beyond sightseeing and experience the values, warmth, and rhythm of Vietnamese life firsthand.

This Mid-Autumn, don’t just watch the lanterns from afar. Join us at VLS, craft, bake, paint, and give back – and under the glow of the full moon, you’ll discover not just a festival, but the living heartbeat of Vietnamese culture, rich, interactive, and unforgettable.