Hung Kings Festival in Vietnam in 2026: The Legend, Meaning & Activities

Hung Kings Festival takes place every year on the 10th day of the third lunar month. In 2026, the main festival day falls on April 18, 2026. For many Vietnamese families, this day is more than a holiday. It is a moment to slow down, look back at the country’s origins, and pay tribute to the earliest rulers of Vietnam. The tradition has been passed on for generations, and even today it holds a special place in national identity.

You’ll often hear the saying “Wherever you go, remember the 10th day of the third lunar month.” That alone shows how deeply rooted this festival is in Vietnamese culture. The worship of the Hung Kings was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the festival remains one of the most meaningful cultural events in Vietnam. Many travelers include it when planning cultural routes across the north, especially those booking tailor-made Vietnam tours that focus on heritage experiences. Each year, thousands make their way to Nghia Linh Mountain in Phu Tho Province to join ceremonies, traditional performances, and community rituals. The atmosphere feels both festive and deeply emotional… something you can only understand by being there.

The sacred Hung Kings Festival often takes place annually on Lunar March 10 in Phu Tho Province, Vietnam

1. The Founding Legend of Vietnam

Vietnamese history begins with a well-known origin story: the union between Au Co, a mountain fairy, and Lac Long Quan, a dragon lord of the sea. Their hundred children became the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. When the couple eventually parted ways, each took fifty children. The eldest son remained in what is now Phu Tho Province and founded the first Vietnamese kingdom, Van Lang, taking the title Hung Vuong.

Successive rulers held the same title and are known collectively as the Hung Kings. They are considered Vietnam’s earliest founders, and their story forms an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage. For travelers interested in history, this legend offers valuable context to understand Vietnam beyond its landscapes.

2. What the Hung Kings Festival Represents

For Vietnamese people, this festival goes far beyond ceremonies. It represents a shared philosophy: remember your roots. The phrase “When you drink water, think of the source” is often mentioned during this time. It is a reminder to honor the contributions of past generations and the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

While Hung Kings temples can be found throughout the country, the main celebration takes place at Hung Temple in Phu Tho. Pilgrims and visitors climb Nghia Linh Mountain to offer incense, join local rituals, and take part in community activities that reflect Vietnam’s cultural diversity.

3. Festival Activities and Traditions

The Hung Kings Festival is divided into two main parts: the official ceremony and cultural activities. The days leading up to the festival are filled with folk performances, traditional games, and preparation of offerings in nearby villages. It’s a lively period, and for many visitors this is when they get a closer look at local life.

Hung Kings Temple, Phu Tho

The Ceremony

At Den Thuong (Upper Temple), the ceremony begins with a solemn procession carrying offerings such as sticky rice, fruits, and “Le tam sinh” (a pig, a goat, and a cow). Two traditional dishes, Banh Chung and Banh Day, play a central role. Their shapes symbolize the earth and the sky, reflecting the importance of nature in an agricultural society.

Visitors light incense, offer prayers, and take part in rituals that express gratitude for peace and good harvests. The atmosphere at the top of the mountain often feels calm and reflective — a striking contrast to the busy celebrations below.

Cultural Activities

Once the ceremony concludes, the celebration becomes more energetic. At the foot of the mountain, you can watch or join traditional games, Xoan singing performances, boat races, and cooking contests featuring regional specialties. These activities create an engaging cultural experience and give travelers a chance to connect with local traditions in a meaningful way.

The participants in traditional feast customs offering Banh Chung in front of Hung Kings Temple

Festival Celebrations Abroad

Vietnamese communities around the world also celebrate this day. Since 2015, events have taken place in countries such as Japan, Canada, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Thailand. These gatherings help preserve cultural identity for overseas Vietnamese and introduce the story of Vietnam’s origins to international friends.