This November, visitors to Hanoi will have the chance to experience 30 unique events across iconic historical sites, uniting past, present, and future in a spectacular showcase of Hanoi’s living heritage.
Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta during the 11th-century Ly Dynasty. Photo: KLook Travel
The Thang Long-Hanoi Festival 2025 invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultural activities spanning 16 days, from November 1 to 16.
Under the inspiring theme “Heritage, Connection and Time,” the festival unfolds across Hanoi’s most treasured cultural landmarks, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ngoc Son Temple, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Museum, and the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake.
The festival officially opens on the evening of November 7 at the historic Thang Long Imperial Citadel, with a closing ceremony set for November 16 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, bookending a vibrant program of cultural, artistic, and tourism experiences designed to highlight Hanoi’s unique identity.
Vibrant scenes from the 2024 Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival. Photo: Le Nam/ The Hanoi Times
Dao Xuan Dung, Deputy Head of the Hanoi Party Committee’s Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, the city is committed to placing culture and its people at the core of sustainable urban development.
“Hanoi is not only the political capital but also a cultural center, where the diverse cultures of Vietnam converge and flourish. The festival aims to showcase Hanoi as a cultural beacon that promotes Vietnamese traditions and values to both domestic and international audiences,” said Dung.
The festival’s activities are crafted to embody the essence of Hanoi’s spirit, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese culture. Through heritage, art and performance, the event seeks to foster a sense of patriotism and pride in the nation’s rich traditions.
Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, said that the festival represents Hanoi’s drive for innovation and cultural preservation.
The “Ngoc Son Mysterious Night” program will take place on November 8 and 16 at Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. Photo: Minh An/ The Hanoi Times
“By turning traditional values into contemporary inspiration, the festival demonstrates the city’s creative integration of heritage, art, tourism and modern living,” she noted.
The festival will open with a grand ceremony on the evening of November 7 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and conclude with a festive closing event on November 16 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
Among the highlights are the “Heritage Convergence” activities at the Temple of Literature from November 2 to 16, featuring exquisite craft village products from the three ancient capitals of Thang Long, Hue, and Hoa Lu, as well as cultural offerings from the Central Highlands. Visitors can savor Hanoi’s culinary delights and enjoy craft-design workshops in the picturesque Ho Van area.
A rich lineup of events includes the “Ao Dai on the Heritage Road” fashion show (7.30 PM, November 2), celebrating Vietnam’s iconic traditional dress; the “Thanh Tan Hanoi” painting exhibition (November 3- 9); the immersive folk performance “Forever Thang Long Melodies” (3- 5 PM, November 10, 13, and 14); and water puppetry shows (November 8- 9).
Thang Long- Hanoi Festival aims to turn traditional values into new inspiration for art, tourism and modern life. Photo: Le Nam/ The Hanoi Times
Art performances such as “Red River Calls the Great Forest”, which is scheduled to take place on November 8, further enrich the festival experience.
Festival-goers to the Thang Long- Hanoi Festival 2025 will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of cultural events, including the Expanded Hanoi Puppetry Festival on November 15 at the Ba Kieu Temple Flower Garden, the play “Thang Long Capital” on November 10 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the program “Ngoc Son Mysterious Night” on November 8 and 16) at Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake.
Among the festival’s highlights is the Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2025, marking its fourth edition this year. Taking place from November 7 to 9 at the Hanoi Museum and around Hoan Kiem Lake, the event will feature a variety of activities celebrating the elegance of the traditional Ao Dai and its connection to the cultural and tourism values of the capital.
Tug-of-war is played all over the world, but sitting tug-of-war is its funkier version that can only be found at the Tran Vu Temple Festival in Long Bien Ward on the outskirts of Hanoi. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
A special highlight is the 10th anniversary celebration of the UNESCO-recognized Tug-of-War Ritual and Game. The festival hosts an international workshop titled “A Decade of Protecting and Promoting Tug-of-War Ritual and Game,” accompanied by spirited tug-of-war matches involving international delegations from Korea and other countries, alongside ten heritage communities from across Vietnam.
Festival Director Pham Hoang Giang expressed confidence that the diverse program will captivate both domestic and international tourists. “Our goal is to position Hanoi as a city of festivals- one that continuously inspires creativity and offers vibrant cultural experiences that cater to all interests.”
Through this festival, Hanoi proudly honors its cultural roots while embracing a future rich with artistic expression and tourism potential, inviting everyone to experience the timeless soul of Vietnam’s capital city.
By Jenna Duong
