The Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025 (Lễ hội Lồng Tồng Ba Bể), also known as the Harvest Prayer Festival, is one of the most important cultural events in northern Vietnam. Taking place from February 6–8, 2025, at Bo Lu village, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, this traditional Tay ethnic festival blends spiritual rituals, folk games, cultural performances, and breathtaking natural scenery around Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake.
🌿 What Is the Long Tong Festival?
The word “Long Tong” means “going down to the fields”. The festival symbolizes gratitude to nature and ancestors, while praying for good harvests, peace, and prosperity. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Long Tong Festival in Ba Be is a vibrant gathering that unites local ethnic groups such as the Tay, Dao, and H’mong, while attracting travelers from across the world.
📅 Long Tong Festival 2025 Dates and Location
- Dates: February 6–8, 2025 (Gregorian calendar) / January 9–11 (Lunar calendar).
- Location: Bo Lu village, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province.
- Setting: The majestic Ba Be National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere with crystal-clear waters, limestone mountains, caves, and lush forests.
🎉 Highlights of Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025
🔔 1. Grand Opening Ceremony
The festival begins with a solemn procession and offerings at An Ma Temple on Ba Be Lake. Locals pray for good weather, prosperity, and happiness.
🏹 2. Traditional Rituals and Folk Games
- Nem Con (cloth ball throwing): symbolizing luck and love.
- Stilt-walking, tug-of-war, archery & shot-put: showcasing community strength and joy.
🎶 3. Cultural Performances
Experience Then singing, Sli singing, Dan Tinh music, and the famous Traditional Bowl Dance, all reflecting Tay ethnic heritage.
🛶 4. Pirogue Racing on Ba Be Lake
Hand-carved wooden boats compete in thrilling races on the emerald waters of Ba Be Lake, the centerpiece of the festival.
🎆 5. Fireworks & Floating Lanterns
For the first time in 2025, the night sky and lake will be illuminated with fireworks and floating lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
🍲 6. Local Cuisine & Handicrafts
Taste grilled Ba Be fish, five-colored sticky rice, bamboo shoot dishes, and corn wine while exploring handcrafted ethnic products.
🌍 Why You Should Attend Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025
The Ba Be Long Tong Festival is not just a cultural celebration – it’s an immersive journey into Vietnam’s living traditions. You’ll:
- Discover the deep spiritual connection between people and nature.
- Participate in unique ethnic rituals and games.
- Explore Ba Be Lake, a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance.
- Support community-based tourism that preserves heritage and empowers local people.
Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, the Long Tong Festival in Ba Be 2025 promises an unforgettable travel experience.
🧭 Travel Tips for Visitors
- Bring: comfortable shoes, warm clothes (February is cool), and a camera.
- Stay: Ba Be Legend Hotel or local homestays for authentic Tay hospitality.
- How to Get There: Daily buses and private cars from Hanoi to Ba Be National Park (5–6 hours).
✅ Conclusion
The Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025 is a once-a-year cultural highlight that combines spirituality, tradition, and natural beauty in the heart of northern Vietnam. Don’t miss this chance to witness authentic ethnic rituals, enjoy folk games, taste local cuisine, and celebrate life with the Tay people.
👉 Mark your calendar: February 6–8, 2025. Plan your trip now and experience one of Vietnam’s most vibrant festivals at Ba Be Lake!
❓ FAQ về Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025
1. What is the Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025?
The Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025 is a traditional harvest celebration held by the Tay ethnic group in Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan province, Vietnam.
2. When will the Long Tong Festival in Ba Be take place in 2025?
The Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025 will be celebrated from February 6–8, 2025 at Bo Lu village, Ba Be district.
3. Where is the Long Tong Festival celebrated?
The festival is mainly celebrated in Ba Be Lake, Bac Kan province, within the Ba Be National Park, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful eco-tourism destinations.
4. Who organizes the Long Tong Festival in Ba Be?
The festival is organized by the Tay ethnic group, with participation from other communities like the Dao and H’mong, supported by local authorities.
5. Why is the Long Tong Festival important?
The Ba Be Harvest Festival expresses gratitude to nature and ancestors, praying for favorable weather, good harvests, and community prosperity.
6. What are the main activities of Ba Be Long Tong Festival?
Highlights include religious rituals, folk games (nem con, tug-of-war), cultural performances, pirogue races on Ba Be Lake, fireworks, and ethnic cuisine.
7. What is special about Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025?
In 2025, the festival will feature fireworks, floating lanterns, new eco-tours, and a photo exhibition, offering visitors fresh experiences.
8. What rituals are performed at the Ba Be Long Tong Festival?
Locals perform ceremonies at An Ma Temple, offering rice, chicken, fish, and symbolic items to honor the mountain and river gods.
9. What folk games can visitors enjoy at the Long Tong Festival?
Popular games include nem con (cloth ball throwing), stilt-walking, tug-of-war, and pole-pushing, symbolizing strength, luck, and unity.
10. Is there boat racing at the Ba Be Long Tong Festival?
Yes! The pirogue race on Ba Be Lake is one of the festival’s highlights, showcasing Tay craftsmanship and teamwork.
11. What music and dances are performed at the festival?
Visitors can enjoy Then singing, Sli singing, Dan Tinh performances, and the famous Traditional Bowl Dance, recognized as intangible cultural heritage.
12. What food is served at the Long Tong Festival in Ba Be?
Festival specialties include grilled fish from Ba Be Lake, five-colored sticky rice, bamboo shoots, and corn wine (ruou ngo).
13. How to get to the Ba Be Long Tong Festival from Hanoi?
Travelers can take a 5–6 hour bus, private car, or motorbike from Hanoi to Ba Be National Park. Tours are also available via local operators.
14. Where can visitors stay during the Long Tong Festival?
Accommodation options include Ba Be Legend Hotel, local homestays in Pac Ngoi and Bo Lu villages, offering authentic Tay hospitality.
15. Why should tourists attend the Ba Be Long Tong Festival 2025?
Because it’s a unique chance to experience Vietnam’s ethnic heritage, stunning landscapes of Ba Be Lake, and unforgettable cultural celebrations.
