1. Introduction to Ha Nam Festival

Ha Nam is famous for its many unique traditional festivals. (Source: Collected)

Ha Nam has long been known as a land rich in cultural identity, where traditional festivals take place throughout the four seasons. Located at the southern gateway to the Capital, this land is a convergence of many characteristic cultural values of the North, reflected in cohesive community activities and rituals honoring history and beliefs preserved through generations. Each festival in Ha Nam carries its own story, reflecting the spirit, beliefs, and lifestyle of the people here.

Not only contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage, festivals are also an occasion to connect the community and attract a large number of tourists from near and far. Through meaningful traditional activities, the younger generation has the opportunity to return to their roots, while tourists can better feel the spiritual beauty and cultural vitality of Ha Nam. In particular, most festivals are held in the sacred spaces of temples and pagodas, creating a solemn atmosphere with deep spiritual significance.

2. Highlighting Prominent Traditional Festivals in Ha Nam

2.1. Lieu Doi Wrestling Festival

Held annually on the 5th day of the first lunar month, the Lieu Doi Wrestling Festival is one of Ha Nam's most famous traditional festivals, commemorating the saint surnamed Doan – a person of extraordinary strength who contributed to repelling foreign invaders and protecting the country. The festival embodies the martial spirit, solidarity, and resilient will of the nation. In addition to fierce wrestling matches between male wrestlers, the festival also features martial arts competitions for women such as boxing, cudgel, sword, saber... creating a lively and attractive atmosphere.

The martial beauty of the Lieu Doi wrestling festival. (Source: Compilation)

In addition, visitors can also immerse themselves in many interesting folk activities such as verse-speaking contests, letter-cutting ceremonies, or cooking competitions with rustic ingredients like frogs, eels, and snails – deeply imbued with the identity of the Northern Vietnamese countryside.

2.2. Doi Son Tich Dien Festival

Go to Ha Nam to watch the "plowing king" during the Tich Dien festival. (Source: Collected)

The Tich Dien Doi Son festival is one of the oldest and most significant festivals in Ha Nam, closely linked to the agricultural traditions of the Vietnamese people. Originating from the time of King Le Dai Hanh, the festival is held to honor the farming profession and commemorate ancestors who cleared land and expanded fields.

The festival begins with the ritual of carrying the incense of King Le Dai Hanh to the pagoda, followed by the ritual of plowing the first field of spring – recreating the image of the king going down to the fields, symbolizing the start of a new crop season. Besides the solemn ceremony, the festival also features many attractive activities such as dragon dances, lion dances, palanquin processions, and folk art performances, attracting a large number of people and tourists.

2.3. Den Truc Festival

The Den Truc festival, also known as Quyển Sơn festival, is one of Ha Nam's major cultural events, held at the Den Truc – Ngu Dong Thi Son relic site, which worships the famous general Ly Thuong Kiet. Every year, the festival attracts a large number of people and tourists.

Discover the spiritual cultural space at the Truc Temple festival. (Source: Collected)

Besides the solemn ceremony commemorating the merits of the national hero, the festival takes place vibrantly with folk games such as cockfighting, tug-of-war, wrestling, pot breaking... The most prominent is the boat racing festival on the Day River and Quyển Sơn folk singing performances – a characteristic folk art form performed continuously for three days of the festival.

2.4. Long Đọi Sơn Pagoda Festival

In March of the lunar calendar every year, the Long Đọi Sơn Pagoda Festival is an occasion for the people of Hà Nam to commemorate Buddha, King Lý Nhân Tông, and Madam Nguyên Phi Ỷ Lan – who contributed to building this ancient pagoda. The festival begins with a palanquin procession from the foot of the mountain to the pagoda, combined with the Tịch điền ritual, demonstrating the spirit of labor and gratitude to ancestors. Alongside the ceremony are joyful, folk-infused activities such as folk singing, human chess, wrestling… creating a bustling atmosphere that attracts thousands of local people and visitors from near and far.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at the Long Doi Son Pagoda festival. (Source: Collected)

3. Experience attending Ha Nam festivals

Notes on timing and transportation

Ha Nam festivals are spread throughout the year, mainly concentrated in spring and autumn according to the lunar calendar. Visitors should check the exact schedule on the Ha Nam Department of Tourism website for a suitable itinerary.

Ha Nam's location is very convenient, about 55 km south of Hanoi center. Visitors can choose intercity buses from Giap Bat or My Dinh stations. If traveling by private vehicle, you can take the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, then turn onto national road 21B to reach Ha Nam, with a travel time of about 1 hour.

Attire, luggage, and notes for attending

When attending traditional Ha Nam festivals, you should choose modest, polite outfits with harmonious colors such as white, gray, or pastel. Modest attire is especially suitable when visiting temples and pagodas, showing politeness and respect for the sacred space. Avoid wearing overly short or tight clothing to festivals.

It is advisable to bring a small bag containing water, tissues, a hat, or a cap to protect yourself from the sun during outdoor festivals. Prepare some small change for convenient purchases, parking fees, and contributions at the festival. Don't forget a power bank and check your phone's battery before leaving to easily capture memorable moments.

4. Suggested 1-day itinerary combining festivals and Ha Nam attractions

Starting the journey early in the morning, around 7 AM, you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a Ha Nam festival – where solemn opening rituals kick off a colorful day. From 8 AM to 9:30 AM, the procession and incense offering ceremony takes place grandly, followed by a series of folk activities such as wrestling and boat racing, lasting until about 11:30 AM. Amidst the bustling festival atmosphere, visitors can participate in traditional games, or simply capture memorable photos and videos amidst the colorful flags and flowers.

Come to Ha Nam to immerse yourself in unique traditional festivals. (Source: Collected)

At noon, stop at a small roadside eatery to enjoy specialties of the land of Ha Nam such as Vu Dai village braised fish, Phu Ly rolled cakes, or snakehead fish soup – simple yet unforgettable flavors.

In the afternoon, around 2 PM, you can visit Tam Chuc Pagoda – a pagoda of the largest scale in Vietnam. Next, the journey takes you to Ngu Dong Son tourist area – where a complex of five caves hidden amidst rocky mountains creates a landscape that is both wild and magnificent.

As night falls, stop at a homestay by the Day River to fully experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Ha Nam countryside. Amidst the cool breeze and the chirping of insects, you will find the trip ending gently yet full of flavor.

Participating in the traditional festivals of Ha Nam (Ninh Binh province) is a special occasion to explore the depth of traditional culture and memorable experiences in the rich Northern Vietnamese land. Plan early to enjoy the bustling festival atmosphere and feel the charming, simple beauty of Ha Nam!