Blogs

Travel Reviewer

Festivals in Ninh Binh: Explore Cultural Celebrations and Local Traditions

08:01 - 03/01/2025

Vote post

Often described to as “the Ha Long Bay on land” for its breathtaking natural settings, Ninh Binh is where nature meets rich cultural legacy. The festivals of history, faith, and the local way of life define the festivals in Ninh Binh rather than only activities. These festivals offer a fantastic means for visitors to engage with the core of Vietnamese cultural legacy. Let MOTOGO Tours explore them.

Introduction to Ninh Binh’s Festival Scene

The Importance of Festivals in Ninh Binh

Festivals in Ninh Binh are crucial for maintaining and presenting the cultural and historical relevance of the area. They give residents chances to respect their ancestors, show thanks to the gods, and celebrate the abundance of nature. For everyone who visits, these celebrations provide a unique cultural experience combining spiritual rites, energetic performances, and mouthwatering cuisine.

The Unique Blend of Culture and Nature in Festivals

The festivals of Ninh Binh are special since they usually take place among its stunning surroundings—tall limestone karsts, calm waterways, and huge rice terraces. The natural beauty all around these celebrations improves the cultural experience and generates a unique environment not found in Vietnam. Whether you’re visiting historic citadels, holy temples, or drifting through caverns on a boat, Ninh Binh’s celebrations carry you to a realm where custom and environment live in perfect harmony.

Top 10 Famous Festivals in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh’s festivals provide a window into the rich past, customs, and respect of nature of the area. These are some of the most important festivals in Ninh Binh you really should take part in.

Thai Vi Temple Festival

Time: March 14-17 (Lunar calendar)
Location: Van Lam Village, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh

Held yearly at Van Lam Village, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, the Thai Vi Temple Festival runs from March 14 to 17. Included in Ninh Binh’s spiritual festivals, it pays respect to the great Tran Dynasty rulers who made major contributions to their country.

The great procession of more than thirty groups from different communes in Hoa Lu District and Ninh Binh Province distinguishes this celebration. Following the parade, the main ceremonial events take place before the Thai Vi Temple. Then, a vibrant celebration with human chess, lion dances, dragon dances, wrestling, and boat races follows.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival

Time: 15th day of the 2nd lunar month or from March 6th to 10th of the lunar calendar.
Location: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Cultural Relic Area, Truong Yen, Ninh Binh Province.

Held yearly in the center square of the Hoa Lu Cultural Relic Area in Truong Yen, the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival is among the biggest festivals in Ninh Binh. Aiming to inspire appreciation among the younger generation for national heroes who defended the country, such King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, the festival epitomizes patriotism, the essence of “drinking water, remembering its source.”

The festival usually occurs on King Dinh Tien Hoang’s birth anniversary on the 15th of the 2nd lunar month, or between March 6 and 10t. Along with many cultural and artistic events, sporting activities, and folk games like volleyball competitions, photography, calligraphy exhibits, and fruit tray gifts to the king, it incorporates several ceremonies including the opening of the temple, incense offerings, water procession.

>>> Discover Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Vietnam’s First Imperial City

Traditional Festival of Duc Thanh Minh Dai Vuong

Time: 18th day of the 3rd lunar month.
Location: Tran Temple, Minh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.

Duc Thanh Minh Dai Vuong is one of the revered deities worshipped in local folk beliefs. The god is respected in Ninh Binh at the common house of Sinh Duoc Village, Cai Diem Mountain (Ninh Binh City), Thien Duong Mountain, Ke Thuong Temple (Ninh Van), and Tran Temple in the Trang An – Bai Dinh Spiritual Tourism Area. The annual celebration in Trang An draws many of people.

The water parade, ceremonial events, and unleashing of life on the river with thousands of boats marks the climax of the celebration. Over five kilometers, the procession passes via more than eleven cavernues on the Sao Khe River. Along with enjoying Trang An’s breathtaking watercolor-like landscape, participants are fully engaged in the holy environment of the event.

The procession divides after traversing the caverns; one group stays on the river while the other lands to carry out the rites on land. To reach the Noi Lam Temple for last ceremonies, the land procession crosses three mountains over three kilometers.

Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival | One of Festivals in Ninh Binh

Time: From the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month.
Location: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh.

One notable site is the Bai Dinh Pagoda, which spans over 539 hectares and features both old and modern constructions. Among the biggest events drawing a lot of guests is the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival. It is set in honor of the heroes who helped the nation and provides pilgrims with a chance to pray for family well-being, national peace, and prosperity.

Two sections make up the celebration: the religious services and the folk festival. Offering incense, prayers for peace, and honoring Saint Nguyen Minh Khong, Cao Son God, and the Mother Goddess of the Mountain, the religious part comprises Visitors can experience traditional music genres including Cheo, Xam, and Ca Tru as the festival offers cultural events, folk games, and picturesque tours of caves.

La Temple Festival

Time: January 13-15 (Lunar calendar)
Location: La Phu Village, Yen Thanh Commune, Yen Mo District, Ninh Binh

Celebrated throughout many years, the La Temple Festival honors two kings from the later Tran Dynasty: Emperor Trung Quang and Emperor Gian Dinh. There are ceremonial as well as joyous elements to the celebration. The event consists in a procession around the La Temple, then in offerings of incense and memorial reading.

The vibrant and colorful folk games—swing riding, chess playing, singing and dancing, and a distinctive custom of presenting “Xoi Vung,” a kind of sticky rice created from the best glutinous rice—define the festival’s high point. Villages compete to ready offerings and engage in the celebrations.

Bao Ban Non Khe Festival | One of Festivals in Ninh Binh

Time: 14th of January (Lunar calendar)
Location: Non Khe Village Communal House, Yen Tu Commune, Yen Mo District, Ninh Binh

Non Khe Village in Yen Tu Commune, Yen Mo District, Ninh Binh celebrates the Bao Ban Festival every year, right in middle of January. Celebrating the founders of the community, this ancient celebration helps one to link the present with its roots. It’s also a time for descendants—including those who live far away—to visit home and participate in the festivities.

The celebration consists in ceremonies presenting incense to pay tribute to the founders and document the village’s past year’s achievements, especially the children’s scholastic achievements. Following the official ceremonies, the celebration comes alive with sporting events, chess, wrestling, and lion dances.

Ky Phuc Cam Gia Temple Festival

Time: October 12 (Lunar calendar)
Location: Cam Gia Temple, Ninh Khanh Ward, Ninh Binh City

The Ky Phuc Cam Gia Temple Festival is an essential cultural celebration that takes place on October 12 each year. Two sections make up the festival: ceremonial rites and festival activities. Four main rites comprise the ceremonial part: the offering ritual, the prayer for peace, the incense offering, and the last ritual.

The festival preserves the ancient cultural customs by being carried out with seriousness and dignity. Traditional and contemporary events abound in the celebratory section: dragon dances, lion dances, musical performances, and folk sports such human chess and tug-of- war.

>>> Explore Bich Dong Pagoda: A Beautiful Landmark in Ninh Binh

Nguyen Cong Tru Temple Festival

Time: November 14-16 (Lunar calendar)
Location: Quang Thien Commune, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh

For Kim Son, a seaside area in Ninh Binh, the Nguyen Cong Tru Temple Festival is the biggest event for the locals. This celebration celebrates the memory of Doanh Dien Nguyen Cong Tru, a major player in the founding of Tien Hai (the “silver sea”) and Kim Son (the “golden mountain”).

Two key events comprise the celebration: the festival itself and the ceremonial presents at Nguyen Cong Tru’s temple. Many of the nearby towns take part in the ceremony; the special aspect of this celebration is the involvement of both religious and non-religious groups, each with individual customs. Events of the festival include boat races on the Vac River and Ca Tru singing, a traditional art form strongly connected with Nguyen Cong Tru.

Nguyen Thanh Temple Festival | Festivals in Ninh Binh

Time: March 8-10 (Lunar calendar)
Location: Diem Village, Gia Thang Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh

Nguyen Thanh Temple was recognized as a National Monument in February 1989. The Nguyen Thanh Temple Festival falls annually in Hoa Lu’s Four Guardians, like other temples honoring Cao Son, Thien Ton, and Quy Minh. Held from March 8 to October, the celebration lets residents of Gia Vien honor hometown Saint Nguyen Minh Khong.

Depending on economic situation, the main event takes place every five or ten years; a lesser version is done yearly in January. Together with prayers and offerings, the core ceremony consists in a water procession from the Hoang Long River to the temple. Traditional sports include tug-of- war, 32-piece chess, cockfighting, volleyball, and soccer are all part of the celebration.

Dich Long Pagoda Festival

Time: March 6-7 (Lunar calendar)
Location: Dich Long Pagoda, Gia Thanh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh

Dich Long Pagoda is well-known for both its spiritual value and beautiful surrounds. One of Ninh Binh’s most beloved events, the yearly Dich Long Pagoda Festival falls on March 6–7.

Residents present incense and pray for luck during the occasion. Buddhist traditions guide the rituals; the festival is supported by folk games including calligraphy contests, lion dances, dragon dances, and chess competitions.

Ninh Binh is a treasure store of history, culture, and natural beauty; its celebrations provide the ideal portal into the core of Vietnamese customs. Ninh Binh’s festivals offer a varied and wonderful travel experience whether your interests are in old temples, seeing colorful processions, or dining locally.

Related Posts: