The Mid-Autumn Festival has long been an important celebration in Vietnamese culture, associated with the legend of Cuoi and the Moon Lady, the bright harvest moon, and the joy of children. Not only in Vietnam, the festival is also widely celebrated across Asia in countries like China, Korea, Japan, and Singapore, each with its own unique traditions.
So, what makes Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival truly special? And if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, where are the best places to celebrate? Let’s find out below.
Vietnamese people have preserved many beautiful traditions for generations:
Lantern processions: Colorful star-shaped and creative lanterns light up the streets, carried by excited children.
Lion and dragon dances: The beat of the drums and energetic dance performances bring joy and symbolize good luck and prosperity.
The Mid-Autumn feast: Mooncakes, pomelos, persimmons, green rice flakes, bananas, and other fruits are beautifully arranged to honor the moon before being shared together.
Moon-gazing and feasting: Families gather under the moonlight while children enjoy storytelling about Cuoi and the Moon Lady.
Today, the festival is not only about traditional customs but also modern experiences such as check-in photo spots, creative workshops, dining, and entertainment at shopping malls.
Beyond Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival takes on different forms across Asia:
China: Known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, people eat mooncakes, admire the full moon, and release lanterns. The legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, is central to the celebration.
Korea (Chuseok): The largest Thanksgiving festival of the year, when families return to their hometowns, honor ancestors, wear traditional Hanbok, and eat Songpyeon rice cakes.
Japan (Tsukimi): The “moon-viewing” festival where families decorate with pampas grass, eat Dango rice dumplings and taro, and pray for a bountiful harvest.
Singapore: Chinatown glows with vibrant lantern displays, lion dances, and lively street performances.
While each country has unique customs, they all share the same spirit: moon gazing, family reunion, and joyful celebration.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Mid-Autumn Festival is always vibrant and full of life. Here are some must-visit destinations:
Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street (District 5): Famous for its thousands of colorful lanterns, attracting crowds of visitors for shopping and photo-taking.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street (District 1): A lively hub with cultural performances, outdoor shows, and festive activities for all ages.
AEON MALL Tan Phu Celadon:
Stunning Mid-Autumn decorations with lanterns, photo zones, and festive displays.
Exciting activities such as lion dances, creative workshops for kids, and traditional games.
Popular kids’ entertainment zones like Fanpekka, Molly Fantasy, and Dream Kids.
A wide range of dining options and fashion brands offering special promotions.
This is the perfect place where you can shop, have fun, and fully enjoy the Mid-Autumn atmosphere with family and friends.
Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival is a cultural treasure, uniquely blending traditional values with modern celebrations. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are many festive spots to visit, but AEON MALL Tan Phu Celadon stands out as the ultimate destination to shop, dine, check-in, and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival to the fullest. This Mid-Autumn, don’t miss the chance to create unforgettable family memories at AEON MALL Tan Phu Celadon.