Vietnam’s destinations come alive this Halloween season

From Hanoi’s bustling streets lit by jack-o’-lanterns to Dalat’s mist-shrouded hills steeped in mystery, Vietnam welcomes Halloween with a captivating mix of culture, creativity, and charm.

Many places across Vietnam are embracing Halloween, a centuries-old celebration that blends ancient folklore with festive imagination and takes place on October 31, providing a series of activities, including children dressing up for trick-or-treating, pumpkins glowing with candlelight and families gathering for bonfires, costume parties and ghostly tales.

Halloween has been reimagined with local twists, from bustling streets of Hanoi to the misty hills of Dalat, with creativity, color and a touch of the supernatural.

According to recent data from travel website Booking.com, 51% of Vietnamese travelers cite experiencing a different culture as a key motivation for their Halloween getaways, while 49% prioritize destinations offering a wide variety of activities.

This year, both Hanoi and Dalat are set to enchant visitors with festive atmospheres and memorable experiences.

Hanoi: A capital full of Halloween spirit

In Hanoi, the annual Halloween Festival has become a much-anticipated occasion for young people and families alike. Businesses across the city embrace the trend, offering themed decorations, special events and unique entertainment to celebrate the season.

Vietnam’s destinations come alive this Halloween season, perennial favorite is Hang Ma Street with vibrant displays of masks, costumes, lanterns and decorative trinkets. The street’s lively ambiance and kaleidoscope of colors make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the Halloween spirit.

Meanwhile, Yen So Park, one of the capital’s largest open spaces, hosts large-scale events each Halloween to become a haunting wonderland. Elaborate sets, eerie lighting, and performances by popular singers and DJs bring together crowds seeking a thrill. Visitors often describe the experience as “both spooky and spectacular.”

Whimsical Halloween-inspired cakes bring festive flair to Fortuna Hanoi Hotel’s dessert offerings. Photo courtesy of the hotel.

For those seeking indoor entertainment, AEON Mall Long Bien offers family-friendly festivities, from creative costume contests to themed decorations and light shows. West Lake Water Park also draws thousands with its haunted houses, tarot card readings and “ghost fair,” while Royal City Urban Area impresses with an annual costume parade and Halloween-inspired cuisine.

For a quieter evening, cinema chains across the city screen special Halloween movie lineups, the perfect choice for those who prefer suspense on the silver screen over the bustle of a crowd.

Dalat: A misty highland retreat with a mysterious charm

As October unfolds, Dalat - the city of flowers and fog - enters one of its most atmospheric seasons. The cool air, drifting mists and pine-scented hills give the town an ethereal quality that makes it a natural fit for Halloween.

Among Dalat’s most intriguing landmarks is the old French villa on Prenn Pass. Once the residence of a French general, the villa now stands as a quiet yet captivating site. Though it only opens to visitors during daylight hours, its weathered walls and quiet halls inspire stories of the past that linger in local lore.

The space of the Crazy House in Dalat City. Photo: Booking.com

Adding to the city’s otherworldly allure is the famous “Crazy House” (Hang Nga Guesthouse), a surreal architectural masterpiece of twisting staircases and whimsical forms. Its labyrinthine corridors make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a dream or perhaps, a fairytale with a ghostly twist.

Among those drawn to Dalat’s enchanting atmosphere this year are Nguyen Minh Anh and Tran Bao Lam, a young couple from Hanoi. Preparing for their Halloween getaway, they shared their excitement.

Lam said: “We’ve always celebrated Halloween in Hanoi, dressing up and joining the crowds on Hang Ma Street. But this year, we wanted something different, somewhere quieter, more romantic, but still with that mysterious charm.”

“Dalat feels perfect for that. The misty mornings and French villas already feel like a movie set. We’re planning to explore the Crazy House and maybe join one of the local Halloween-themed café nights. It’s not about fear, it’s about atmosphere,” he added.

Whether through bustling city festivals or tranquil mountain retreats, Vietnam’s celebration of Halloween continues to evolve, mixing local hospitality with a global festive spirit.

For travelers, it’s an opportunity not only to dress up but also to discover new places, stories and connections that bring the season truly to life.

 

Source: Hanoitimes