Experience the soul of Northern Vietnam with our 2026 Ha Giang festival guide. From the Khau Vai Love Market to fire-dancing rituals, discover the most vibrant ethnic celebrations and how to join them respectfully.
- Gầu Tào Festival (Hmong): Feb 1st – Feb 12th, 2026 (The first 12 days of the Lunar New Year). This is the biggest Hmong festival, held to pray for children and a good harvest.
- Du Stem Festival (Nung): Late January to early February. A community ritual near Quan Ba focused on family unity and ancestral gratitude.
- Lunar New Year (Tết): Jan 17th – Jan 25th, 2026.
Warning: Most tourist services close during this week. Read our January Survival Guide for tips on navigating Tet traditions.
Gau Tao festival in the mountains of Ha Giang
- Flower Festivals: Mid-March features the Peach & Plum Blossom Festival in Dong Van.
- Lô Lô Spring Festival: Celebrated by the Lô Lô people near the Lung Cu Flag Tower, featuring ancient bronze drum performances.
- National Holidays (Apr 30 – May 1): Peak domestic travel. Expect crowds but no specific local festivals.
Khâu Vai Love Market: May 13th, 2026 (27th day of the 3rd Lunar month).
The Legend: Ex-lovers who couldn't marry meet once a year to talk. It is a deeply emotional and unique event in Meo Vac.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: September 25th, 2026. Experience the lantern parade in the Dong Van Ancient Town.
- Vietnam National Day (Sept 2): Flags fly everywhere. It's a great time for photography, but expect higher demand for our Easy Rider tours.
Vibrant festival atmosphere in Ha Giang
- Buckwheat Flower Festival: Mid-October to late November 2026. This is the "signature" season of Ha Giang. The opening ceremony usually takes place in Dong Van.
- Pa Then Fire Dancing Ritual: Starts in mid-November. A mysterious and powerful ceremony where men jump into burning embers to invoke the fire god.
- Dao Cấp Sắc Ceremony: A rite of passage for Dao men. While private, you may see celebrations in villages near Du Gia.
- Christmas & New Year: Dec 25th – Jan 1st. While not local, it’s a social time for travelers. See our Why our 8-10 person small group tours are the best way to spend the holidays with a new "travel family."
The traditional umbrella dance
- Best for couples: February (Valentine's) or May (Love Market).
- Best for flowers: November Buckwheat Flowers or March Blossoms.
- Best for culture: January/February or May.
-. Crowd Alert: Avoid late January (Tet) if you want active services; avoid April 30th if you dislike crowds.
Don't just witness a festival, experience it with a team that knows the "unseen" rituals.
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