If Part 1 of our Vietnam Festivals 2026 guide gave you the keys to Tet, spring pilgrimages, and early summer beach season, Part 2 takes you into the busiest and most colorful half of the year – July through December.
This is when domestic tourism hits its peak, Vietnam celebrates its National Day, lantern festivals light up ancient towns, and year-end festivities bring everyone together. It’s also the period that can make or break your operations if you don’t plan ahead – flights sell out, hotels book up, and festival crowds can overwhelm unprepared groups.
That’s where we come in. As your Vietnam local tour operator & trusted DMC, we’ve spent years running programs during this high-demand season. We know which best beaches to enjoy in July, where to get VIP seating for Mid-Autumn lantern processions, and so more!
Use this guide as your second-half playbook to design programs that are not only logistically smooth but also rich in cultural moments your clients will remember long after they get home.
July – Highland Escapes & Beating the Summer Heat
July marks the peak of summer in Vietnam and while the lowlands get hot and busy with domestic holidaymakers, this is our go-to month for shifting programs to cooler highlands and quieter coastal gems. Done right, July departures can be some of the most photogenic and crowd-pleasing in your lineup.
Here’s how we’d suggest you build a July program for your clients:
- Go Highland for Cool Weather: Sapa and Ha Giang in the north are at their greenest. We time visits to coincide with weekly ethnic minority markets (like Bac Ha Market), so your travelers can experience local life in full swing. For softer programs, Da Lat is perfect – pine forests, flower gardens, and mild weather make it a favorite for families and senior groups.
- Pick the Right Beaches: Instead of crowded Nha Trang or Da Nang, we suggest Quy Nhon or Phu Yen. These destinations offer pristine beaches, boutique resorts, and excellent seafood, without the peak-season chaos.
- Add Cultural Touchpoints: July is when many rural villages hold summer fairs or small-scale festivals. We can arrange farm visits, weaving workshops, or countryside cycling tours to give your travelers an immersive experience.
Pro Tips from Our Operations Team:
- Domestic tourism is at its peak due to school holidays. We pre-block hotel allocations months in advance and schedule early-morning or late-evening transfers to avoid heavy traffic.
- Encourage your clients to travel mid-week rather than weekends, it makes a huge difference for crowd levels at attractions.
- Mix active mornings (trekking, cycling) with relaxing afternoons at the pool or beach to keep itineraries balanced and enjoyable.
When you use our Vietnam Festivals 2026 calendar strategically, July becomes a chance to sell “cool escape” programs that blend nature, culture, and just enough downtime to keep travelers happy and we’ll make sure the logistics stay seamless even in peak season.
August – Vu Lan Festival & Quiet Cultural Moments
August slows down a bit after the July school holiday rush, which makes it an excellent month for culture-focused itineraries. The standout event is Vu Lan Festival – Vietnam’s day to honor parents and ancestors – giving travelers a rare window into spiritual life.
Here’s how we’d suggest you build an August program for your clients:
- Temple Visits on Vu Lan Day: We take groups to key pagodas in Hanoi, Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City where they can watch offerings, listen to chanting, and even join in symbolic flower pinning rituals (red for living parents, white for deceased). This creates a meaningful cultural connection.
- Combine with Food & Market Tours: August weather is humid but not as hot as July, so it’s great for evening walking tours. In Hue, we often add a royal cuisine dinner; in Hanoi, a guided street food crawl is a hit with FIT travelers and small groups.
- Pair with Nature: For travelers looking to escape the heat, we like to include Ba Na Hills outside Da Nang or a day trip to Tam Coc for boat rides through lush rice paddies.
Pro Tips from Our Operations Team:
- Vu Lan typically falls on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month (Aug 30, 2026). We recommend morning temple visits to avoid the heaviest crowds.
- Domestic travel eases up this month, so it’s a great window for securing better hotel rates and guides.
- Mix in light, air-conditioned activities (museums, workshops) during the mid-day heat, then schedule outdoor programs in early morning or evening.
When planned well, August departures can feel intimate and insightful, a perfect fit for culture seekers, alumni groups, and even faith-based tours. Our on-the-ground team will make sure your travelers have a smooth, meaningful experience.
September – Vietnam National Day & Mid-Autumn Magic
September is one of the most colorful months in the Vietnam Festivals 2026 calendar. It’s packed with celebrations that are perfect for groups and families: Vietnam’s National Day (Sep 2) and the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu). These holidays bring out parades, lanterns, and mooncakes – and with the right planning, you can turn them into unforgettable experiences for your travelers.
Here’s how we’d suggest you build a September program for your clients:
- Plan Around National Day (Sep 2):
We recommend Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for groups during this time, both host parades, fireworks, and public concerts. We arrange priority viewing spots, handle road-closure logistics, and build in extra transfer time to keep everything smooth. - Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival:
This is one of the most photogenic festivals of the year, especially in Hoi An and Hanoi’s Old Quarter. We include lantern-making workshops, mooncake tastings, and evening lantern processions. Families love this – kids get to carry lanterns and join local children in games. - Balance Festivities with Sightseeing:
We pair festival activities with cultural tours (Temple of Literature, Imperial Citadel, boat rides on the Thu Bon River) so your clients don’t feel rushed and still get the “must-see” experiences.
Pro Tips from Our Operations Team:
- Domestic flights and trains sell out fast around National Day. We block seats months in advance and recommend early booking for groups.
- Schedule lantern-making or mooncake workshops during the day, then let travelers enjoy the evening street processions without a packed agenda.
- Encourage groups to stay two nights in Hoi An or Hanoi during Mid-Autumn, this allows one night for the festival and one night for sightseeing.
With the right planning, September departures give you a strong marketing hook: “Lanterns & National Pride.” These programs work beautifully for families, cultural travelers, and small groups – and we’ll make sure every logistical detail is taken care of.
October – Golden Rice Terraces & Cultural Festivals
October is one of the best-kept secrets in the Vietnam Festivals 2026 calendar – the weather is crisp and clear, the rice terraces in the north turn a golden yellow, and cultural events pop up across the country. This month is ideal for active travelers, photography lovers, and groups that want to explore beyond the usual city stops.
Here’s how we’d suggest you build an October program for your clients:
- Head North for Harvest Season:
This is peak time to visit Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang. We often design 3- to 5-day programs that mix soft trekking with market visits so travelers can photograph the golden fields and meet local ethnic communities. - Cultural Add-Ons in the Cities:
In Hanoi, we combine city tours with seasonal events like the Hanoi International Film Festival or local craft fairs. In Hue, we may include royal cuisine dinners or traditional music performances by the Perfume River. - Perfect Weather for Soft Adventure:
October is excellent for cycling tours in Ninh Binh, boat rides in Tam Coc, or hiking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. For agencies serving active or experiential travelers, this is an easy month to sell.
Pro Tips from Our Operations Team:
- October is shoulder season, so hotel availability is good but we still pre-book guides and transfers early for harvest regions as they get busy with domestic photographers.
- We recommend early-morning starts for trekking and photography tours to catch the best light and avoid afternoon showers.
- Include at least one free afternoon or evening so groups can explore local cafés or enjoy leisure time after active mornings.
When marketed well, October programs can be positioned as “Golden Season Journeys” – an experience that’s equal parts scenic and cultural. We’ll make sure your travelers hit the right spots at the right time for stunning photos and smooth operations.
November – Hidden Festivals & Countryside Journeys
November is a sweet spot in the Vietnam Festivals 2026 calendar, the rains have eased, the countryside is lush, and there are fascinating festivals that most international travelers never get to see. This is the perfect month to position programs as “authentic Vietnam,” especially for small groups and repeat visitors.
Here’s how we’d suggest you build a November program for your clients:
- Celebrate Ok Om Bok (Khmer Moon Offering Festival):
Head to Tra Vinh or Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta, where the Khmer community celebrates with boat races, lantern releases, and cultural performances. We arrange private seating at the boat race finish line and visits to local pagodas so your travelers understand the meaning behind the rituals. - Add a Countryside Experience:
November is excellent for Mekong homestays, rice field walks, and boat trips through shaded canals. For groups looking for something different, we recommend overnight cruises with cooking classes and farm-to-table dinners. - Combine with Southern Highlights:
Pair the Mekong program with a few days in Ho Chi Minh City or a beach break in Phu Quoc – the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for outdoor dining and sunset cocktails.
Pro Tips from Our Operations Team:
- Festival dates can shift slightly by lunar calendar, so we double-check timing each year and adjust itineraries accordingly.
- Local accommodations in Tra Vinh and Soc Trang are limited but we make sure to secure the best allocations early or base groups in Can Tho and do day trips.
- Include bilingual local guides who can interpret ceremonies and share stories, it turns the festival into a much richer experience.
November is your chance to sell programs that feel off-the-beaten-path but are still comfortable and well-organized. With our local expertise, your travelers get an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
December – Festive Vibes & Cool-Season Adventures
December closes out the Vietnam Festivals 2026 calendar with cool northern weather, sparkling Christmas décor, and lively New Year countdowns. It’s one of the easiest months to sell to your clients – the combination of holiday spirit and perfect conditions for outdoor touring makes it a win for both families and groups.
Here’s how we’d suggest you build a December program for your travelers:
- Celebrate Christmas, Vietnam-Style:
Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 come alive with lights and nativity displays. We arrange guided evening walks, Christmas Eve dinners, and even choir performances at St. Joseph’s Cathedral for groups that want a festive touch. - Plan a Memorable New Year Countdown:
Major cities host countdown concerts and fireworks on Dec 31. We can secure VIP seating or rooftop venues for travelers to celebrate in style. - Leverage the Cool Weather:
December is prime time for trekking in Sapa, Ha Giang, and Pu Luong, or cruising in Halong Bay with crystal-clear skies. For a warm-weather option, add Phu Quoc or Con Dao – both offer sunny beaches and fresh seafood.
Pro Tips from Our Operations Team:
- Hotels and flights over Christmas and New Year sell out quickly, we lock inventory well in advance and recommend early confirmation from agencies.
- Mix city and countryside: two nights in Hanoi or HCMC for the festive vibe + 2–3 nights in a nature destination creates a perfect balance.
- Offer optional gala dinners or cocktail parties as upsell opportunities for groups traveling over New Year’s Eve.
December departures give you a powerful marketing angle: “Celebrate the Holidays in Vietnam”. We’ll make sure your clients have a smooth, well-paced itinerary that ends the year on a high note.
Wrapping Up: July–December Done Right
The second half of the Vietnam Festivals 2026 calendar is busy, colorful, and full of opportunities to create programs that stand out. From highland escapes in July, to lantern-filled September nights, to Christmas dinners and New Year’s fireworks in December, this is your chance to deliver itineraries that feel fresh and meaningful.
But timing and operations matter more than ever. Flights and hotels book up months ahead, festival crowds can overwhelm, and some dates bring road closures or limited availability. That’s why having an experienced local partner is key.
Let’s Build Your Second-Half 2026 Programs
We’re Venus Travel – a Vietnam local tour operator & trusted DMC with years of experience running smooth, profitable programs during festival seasons. When you work with us, you get:
- Ready-to-sell itineraries built around July–December festival highlights.
- Pre-secured allocations for peak periods like National Day, Mid-Autumn, and Christmas.
- Local expertise to avoid bottlenecks, keep timing smooth, and ensure your travelers get front-row access to the best events.
Contact us today to start planning your late-2026 departures. Let’s turn Vietnam’s festivals into a unique selling point for your agency and create trips your clients will rave about long after they return home:
- Office 1: 14 An Nhon 10, Da Nang City, Vietnam
- Office 2: 429A Cua Dai St, Hoi An City, Viet Nam
- Email: [email protected]
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- Website: www.venusvietnamtravel.com
- Travelers’ Choice in 2024 on Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.vn/Attraction_Review-g298082-d12261731-Reviews-Venus_Travel-Hoi_An_Quang_Nam_Province.html
- Top Rated on GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=supplier:87597
- Whatsapp/Zalo/Viber: (+84) 905 775 088 (English)/ (+84) 964 056 190 (Chinese)
