1. Overview of festivals in Hai Phong
Festivals in Hai Phong are a unique feature of the port city. (Source: Collection)
Hai Phong not only attracts tourists with its vibrant phoenix flower scenery but also stands out with its diverse festival culture, reflecting the port tradition and the liberal spirit of its people. The festivals here offer unique experiences, from traditional folk activities to vibrant, modern spaces, helping tourists fully explore the city's characteristic culture.
1.1. Why are festivals in Hai Phong attractive to tourists?
Hai Phong not only stands out with the image of vibrant red phoenix flowers but also leaves its mark with maritime traditions, port culture, and the characteristic liberal spirit of its people. The festivals here are not only occasions to preserve traditional cultural values but also opportunities for tourists to experience the intermingling of past and present, exploring the city's unique characteristics. At the same time, festival activities also contribute to promoting the image of Hai Phong to a large number of domestic and international tourists.
1.2. Main types of festivals in Hai Phong
Hai Phong possesses many rich types of festivals, creating a diverse cultural tapestry:
Traditional Festivals: Including special folk activities such as buffalo fighting, temple processions, village festivals, reflecting community life associated with beliefs and agriculture.
Modern and Artistic Festivals: Typically like the Red Phoenix Flower Festival, street carnivals, bringing vibrant, colorful spaces, attracting young people and international tourists.
Spiritual and Religious Festivals: Including famous temples and shrines such as Nghe Temple, Tran Temple, Thuong Doan Shrine, where tourists come to offer prayers and seek blessings, combining unique spiritual cultural experiences.
2. Top outstanding festivals in Hai Phong in 2025
In 2025, Hai Phong continues to attract tourists with many special festivals, from traditional events imbued with local identity to vibrant, modern cultural activities. These outstanding festivals not only offer unique entertainment experiences but also help tourists deeply explore the culture, history, and dynamic people of the port city.
2.1. Red Phoenix Flower Festival
Red Flamboyant Festival with many attractive performances. (Source: Collected)
Time: Usually held annually from May 7th to May 13th
Location: At Hai Phong City Opera House
The Hai Phong Red Flamboyant Festival is one of the prominent annual cultural events, organized to honor the symbolic flower of the port city. Usually taking place in May, when flamboyant flowers bloom brilliantly along the streets, the festival offers many attractive activities such as flower exhibitions, art performances, carnival parades, dragon dances, drum festivals, and other special entertainment programs.
The main venue for the festival is usually centered at the Hai Phong City Opera House and central streets, creating a vibrant, colorful, and bustling atmosphere. As one of the most anticipated traditional festivals by domestic and international tourists, the Red Flamboyant Festival not only honors natural beauty but also serves as an occasion to promote the image of the culture, people, and the dynamic, open-minded city of Hai Phong.
2.2. Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival
Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival is famous in Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Time: Usually held from the 8th day of the 6th lunar month and the 9th day of the 8th lunar month
Location: Do Son Stadium, Hai Phong
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival in Hai Phong is one of the most famous traditional festivals of the port city, attracting a large number of tourists and locals annually. The festival is not only a cultural activity with historical value but also of national significance, demonstrating the folk identity and martial spirit of the people of Do Son. The festival's highlight is the spectacle of powerful buffaloes charging at each other, showcasing their strength and skills, creating a thrilling and captivating experience for viewers.
2.3. Hai Phong Fish Praying Festival - Golden Croaker Procession
Time: Usually held once every 3 years, typically on the first day of the new year, after the Lunar New Year (Tet)
Location: At Ngoc Tinh Cultural Village, Hai Phong City
This unique festival deeply embodies the cultural identity of Hai Phong's fishermen, serving as an occasion to pray for favorable weather, calm seas, a bountiful catch, and safe and smooth voyages for fishing boats. Additionally, the festival is associated with the worship of the golden croaker – a large, rare fish of the Sciaenidae family, highly valued for its nutritional and economic benefits, which has been revered by the locals for generations.
After experiencing the festival, visitors can enjoy additional sightseeing and recreational activities in the port city of Hai Phong, which offers many attractive entertainment spots. Furthermore, you can also explore the Hai Phong Love Festival, Nui Voi Festival, and other unique cultural events, making your trip more vibrant and complete.
2.4. Ba De Temple Festival Hai Phong
Time: Usually held annually in the early days of the new year
Location: At Ba De Temple, at the foot of Doc Mountain, Hai Phong
During the festival commemorating Ba De, local residents perform many unique spiritual rituals, while also holding regular incense offering ceremonies, creating opportunities for pilgrims from all over to come and express their reverence.
By participating in this festival, visitors can not only immerse themselves in the solemn and sacred atmosphere but also have the opportunity to admire the peaceful and poetic scenery of the temple, contributing to a complete experience of Hai Phong's traditional culture.
3. Tips for Attending Festivals in Hai Phong in 2025
Visitors choose the right time to attend festivals in Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Participating in festivals in Hai Phong offers a colorful cultural experience, but for a smooth trip, visitors should note some important tips:
Major festivals in Hai Phong such as Red Flamboyant Festival, Buffalo Fighting Festival often attract a large number of tourists and locals. Arriving early or attending during off-peak hours helps you avoid crowds, fully enjoy the festival atmosphere, and move around easily.
Attire should be modest, comfortable, and suitable for traditional or spiritual festival settings. Additionally, don't forget comfortable footwear, hats, sunscreen, water, and a small bag for easy movement, photography, or participation in games and activities during the festival.
When attending spiritual or religious festivals, visitors must respect the rituals, guidance from the organizers, and local people. This not only ensures a safe trip but also creates an authentic and meaningful cultural experience.
Festivals in Hai Phong are always accompanied by specialty cuisine, from street food like fish noodle soup, baguette sandwiches, crab spring rolls, sticky rice dumplings to refreshment stalls. Visitors should enjoy local delicacies right at the festival to experience the culture and discover local flavors.
4. Top tourist destinations to visit during festivals in Hai Phong
Experience Cat Ba Island tourism with Sun World cable car. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong is not only attractive to tourists for its traditional festivals but also possesses many famous tourist destinations, convenient for combined visits during festival occasions:
Cat Ba Island: Cat Ba is an ideal destination for tourists who want to enjoy the island sea space combined with attending festivals. You can travel from the mainland to the island by Sun World cable car, which is both fast and offers panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay. During festival occasions like the Fish Village Festival (April 1st) or the opening events of the tourist season, Cat Ba Island becomes vibrant with many attractive cultural, sports, and culinary experiences.
Do Son Tourist Area: Do Son is not only famous for its beautiful beaches but also hosts many traditional festivals. Tourists can combine visits to temples, pagodas, enjoy activities at the beach, and savor local seafood specialties, offering a complete festival experience.
Hai Phong City Center: The city center is the heart of Hai Phong's festivals, hosting modern events like the Red Flamboyant Flower Festival. Tourists can attend the festival, explore pedestrian streets, food markets, historical sites, and enjoy famous local specialties such as bun ca (fish noodle soup), banh mi que (baguette sticks), nem cua be (crab spring rolls), and xoi khuc (sticky rice dumplings).
With a vibrant atmosphere, unique rituals, and distinctive cultural characteristics, festivals in Hai Phong are a great opportunity for tourists to experience local culture. By participating in these events, you will gain a deeper understanding of traditions, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the bustling life of the port city. Add festivals in Hai Phong to your itinerary to fully enjoy the cultural experience and create memorable moments.
