Vietnam is doubling down on event-driven tourism, and the Mekong Delta is at the heart of the strategy. Provincial authorities are launching a packed calendar of festivals to showcase the region’s river culture, food, crafts and landscapes — all part of a wider push to welcome 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic tourists by 2025.
Following recent administrative changes, local governments reassessed their strengths and cultural identity, then designed festivals that combine authentic heritage with visitor-friendly experiences.
Ca Mau Crab Festival: seafood, culture and deals
Ca Mau province will host the Ca Mau Crab Festival from 16 to 22 November, with events spread across multiple venues. Travellers can expect:
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tastings of local seafood, especially the famous Ca Mau crab
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cultural performances and street fairs
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business forums and trade agreements focused on seafood and regional specialties
Can Tho River Culture Festival 2025
From 27 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, Can Tho River Culture Festival will take over the city of Can Tho. The programme highlights:
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the lifestyle of river and garden communities
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eco-tourism experiences along canals and orchards
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live music, cultural shows and food stalls
The festival aims to strengthen river-based tourism links between Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and other Mekong provinces, while also promoting cross-border routes along the Mekong.
Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village & the Flower Capital of Sa Dec
From 3 to 7 December, the commune of Cai Be in Dong Thap province will host the Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village Culture and Tourism Festival, focused on:
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traditional crafts
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rural heritage and architecture
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farm-based eco-tourism
Later, from 27 December to 4 January, Sa Dec Flower and Ornamental Plant Festival 2025 will celebrate the area known as the “flower capital” of the Mekong Delta, with:
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elaborate floral displays
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photography spots and parades
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markets featuring plants and garden decor
New routes linking Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism department has launched a new tour starting in the southern metropolis and travelling through Dong Thap and An Giang provinces, including:
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historical and cultural sites
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border landmarks
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a look at trade activity along the Vietnam–Cambodia frontier
Meanwhile, Vinh Long is promoting an “One route, three destinations” concept, tying together the tourism resources of three former provinces before their merger.
Vietnam’s headline festivals: beyond the Mekong
Tết (Tết Nguyên Đán) – Vietnamese Lunar New Year
The country’s most important celebration, held between late January and mid-February. It’s all about family reunions, ancestor worship, temple visits, festive food and firework displays — a perfect time for visitors who want to feel Vietnam at its most vibrant.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
A lantern-lit celebration in September, sometimes called the “children’s festival”. Expect lion and dragon dances, night parades and plenty of mooncakes.
Huế Festival
Held every two years in the former imperial capital of Huế, this event features imperial ceremony re-enactments, traditional theatre, music performances, craft exhibitions and royal-style cuisine.
Boat Races and Elephant Festivals
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boat racing festivals across the country bring colour and competition to rivers and lakes
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the Elephant Festival in Đắk Lắk showcases races, rituals and the culture of ethnic communities in the Central Highlands
Ancestor and remembrance festivals
Tết Thanh Minh focuses on honouring ancestors and visiting family graves, while Reunification Day on 30 April is marked by parades, concerts and fireworks nationwide.
For travellers, Vietnam’s growing calendar of festivals turns a simple trip into a layered cultural journey — especially if вы time your visit with the Mekong Delta’s new wave of events.