Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi 2025: Must-Visit Attractions

by Oanh Phạm

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches in 2025, the question “Where to go for Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi?” has become a hot topic among young people, families, and tourists. During this time, the capital city of Hanoi is not only adorned with colorful lanterns but also offers unique cultural experiences and exciting activities. Let’s explore in detail the appealing destinations to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi!

Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival

Experience the Vibrant Festival Atmosphere

The Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025 falls on September 29, coinciding with the beautiful autumn season in Hanoi. The streets, especially areas like Hang Ma, Phung Hung, and Hoan Kiem Lake, will be beautifully decorated with colorful lanterns, creating a lively festival ambiance. This is the perfect time for you to immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere, participate in activities such as lantern parades, lion dances, and enjoy traditional delicacies.

A Colorful Environment

Hanoi during the Mid-Autumn Festival is adorned with thousands of lanterns in various shapes and colors. Notably, the Hang Ma area stands out with its stalls selling lanterns, traditional toys, and handicrafts. This lively scene attracts not only children but also adults, evoking nostalgic feelings of childhood.

A Colorful Environment
A Colorful Environment

Traditional Cultural Experiences

The Mid-Autumn Festival is not just a time for fun; it’s also an opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Activities such as lion dances, lantern parades, and traditional games offer memorable experiences. You can also participate in festivals, watch street performances, and savor local specialties like mooncakes, green sticky rice, sweet soups, and many other delicious dishes.

Savoring the Flavors of the Mid-Autumn Festival

No celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without indulging in delicious mooncakes. The flavors of mooncakes filled with lotus seeds, mung beans, and salted egg yolks provide a delightful culinary experience. Sharing mooncakes with friends and family is a beautiful tradition symbolizing unity and togetherness. Besides mooncakes, you can also enjoy a variety of local street foods such as pho, bun cha, fried spring rolls, and sweet soups.

Traditional Mooncake Varieties

Hanoi is famous for its diverse range of mooncakes, from traditional baked varieties to modern soft ones. These cakes are made with fresh ingredients, capturing the essence of the autumn season. You can visit well-known mooncake shops like Hang Bong Mooncake, Kinh Do Mooncake, or charming little bakeries to choose the best treats for yourself.

Traditional Mooncake Varieties
Traditional Mooncake Varieties

Enjoying Street Food

In addition to mooncakes, Hanoi is renowned for its rich street food culture. You can find enticing street stalls serving dishes like beef pho, bun cha, fried spring rolls, and sweet soups. Take the time to enjoy these delicious offerings in the festive atmosphere, ensuring a delightful and unforgettable experience.

Capturing Beautiful Memories

Hanoi during the Mid-Autumn Festival is the perfect place to capture beautiful moments with colorful lanterns and festive activities. Photographs taken at iconic locations will serve as cherished memories for years to come. Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to preserve these wonderful moments with family and friends.

Capturing Beautiful Memories
Capturing Beautiful Memories

Stunning Photo Spots

At attractions like Hang Ma Street, Hoan Kiem Walking Street, or Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you’ll discover numerous picturesque spots. Utilize natural lighting and the vibrant surroundings to create stunning photos. You can also join in activities like lion dances or lantern-making for more dynamic and interesting shots.

Creating Memorable Experiences

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to create lasting memories with loved ones. Engage in traditional activities, enjoy mooncakes, and share joyful stories. These moments will become precious memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.

Top Attractions to Celebrate the Festival

Hang Ma Lantern Street

Address: Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

 

Hang Ma Street is a must-visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The street is filled with colorful lanterns, star-shaped lanterns, and traditional toys that make you feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale world. In addition to lanterns, you’ll find various traditional toys like masks, drums, and small gifts. The festive atmosphere here is palpable, with laughter from children and cheerful music all around.

Top Attractions to Celebrate the Festival
Top Attractions to Celebrate the Festival

Hoan Kiem Walking Street

Address: 16 streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

 

The walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake transforms into a picturesque setting during the Mid-Autumn Festival, adorned with beautiful lanterns and engaging entertainment activities like street dancing and lion dances. The expansive space around the lake will be decorated with vibrant lanterns, creating a stunning backdrop for leisurely strolls and memorable photos.

Hoan Kiem Walking Street
Hoan Kiem Walking Street

Phung Hung Street

Address: Phung Hung Street, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

 

Phung Hung Street is famous for its artistic murals, and during the Mid-Autumn Festival, it will be decorated with hundreds of lanterns, providing a perfect setting for photography. The lively murals depict the cultural essence of the capital, making it feel like an artistic haven. This is an ideal location for capturing beautiful “Instagram-worthy” photos.

Phung Hung Street
Phung Hung Street

Van Phuc Silk Village

Address: Van Phuc Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi

 

If you’re looking for a perfect place to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival away from the city center, Van Phuc Silk Village is a delightful choice. Every year during the festival, the village is beautifully decorated, with streets lined with colorful silk products. Although it’s a bit far from the city center, you can fully enjoy the tranquil and picturesque beauty of Van Phuc while purchasing high-quality silk products.

Van Phuc Silk Village
Van Phuc Silk Village

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Address: 19C Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

 

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a historical site that offers exciting activities like lion dances, lantern-making, and viewing traditional Mid-Autumn toys. Visiting here allows you to experience the festive atmosphere steeped in cultural significance. Local artisans will guide you in making star lanterns and traditional toys, providing a unique and enriching experience.

"Decoding Thang Long Imperial Citadel" Tour
Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

 

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a popular choice for young people celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi. Here, you can engage in traditional festival activities, watch artisans make lanterns, and even try your hand at making mooncakes and traditional sweet treats.

Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace

Address: 91 Tran Hung Dao Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

 

This cultural palace frequently hosts exhibitions and artistic activities showcasing traditional Vietnamese games and images. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can learn how to make lanterns or create fun clay figurines.

Lotte Observation Deck

Address: 54 Lieu Giai, Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

 

If you’re wondering where to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi, the Lotte Observation Deck offers a fantastic solution. Many cafes and restaurants here are decorated with colorful lanterns and festive decorations. You can choose from various picturesque spots and enjoy panoramic views of the capital from this observation deck.

Lotte Observation Deck
Lotte Observation Deck

West Lake Water Park

Address: 614 Lac Long Quan, Nhat Tan, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

 

Join in the festive spirit at West Lake Water Park, where you can participate in fun activities like traditional games, clay figurine making, and lantern crafting, as well as enjoy artistic performances celebrating the “Children’s Festival.”

Aeon Mall Long Bien

Address: 17 Co Linh Street, Long Bien District, Hanoi

 

Aeon Mall Long Bien is an exciting option for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi. During this festive season, the mall will host various engaging activities and be beautifully decorated with vibrant Mid-Autumn themes, allowing you to shop, stroll, and enjoy the lively festival atmosphere.

Aeon Mall Long Bien
Aeon Mall Long Bien

Grand World Entertainment Complex

Address: Vinhomes Ocean Park 3, Van Giang District, Hung Yen Province

 

Although this Mid-Autumn Festival destination is located on the outskirts of Hanoi, about 20 km from the city center, it is a favorite spot for many young people and families. During this time, Grand World is expected to host numerous special events and activities, promising unforgettable experiences. Grand World is divided into two areas featuring the architectural essence of both Asia and Europe, including The Venice in Italian style and K-Town with vibrant Korean influences.

Grand World Entertainment Complex
Grand World Entertainment Complex

Conclusion

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi in 2025 promises to be a wonderful experience filled with exciting activities and a lively festive atmosphere. From the brightly decorated streets to traditional cultural experiences, Hanoi will offer you unforgettable moments during this Children’s Festival. Gather your friends and family to explore these attractive destinations and enjoy a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival!

 

Oanh Phạm

Written by Oanh Phạm