The Thuong Temple Festival was usually held on January 13-15 every year in Lao Cai city (Photo: Duong Toan)

Lao Cai is not only a majestic land with majestic mountains and poetic villages, but also an ideal destination for those who love to explore culture through colorful traditional festivals. Each festival is not only an opportunity for ethnic people to express their beliefs and aspirations, but also an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the jubilant atmosphere and experience the beauty of the multi-colored ethnic culture.

Lao Cai province has more than 300 festivals associated with historical relics, scenic spots and related to beliefs and religions. In recent years, Lao Cai has innovated and created in organizing festivals, increasing the experience and interaction for tourists. The Bell dance at Co Tan An Temple Festival and the Senh Tien dance at Gau Tao with hundreds of artists participating not only promote traditional cultural values but also leave a strong impression on tourists.

Thuong Temple Festival – Immerse yourself in the sacred space. Thuong Temple Festival is an important spiritual and cultural event taking place on January 13-15 in Lao Cai city. This is an opportunity for people to express their gratitude to General Tran Hung Dao – an outstanding general in the history of the nation. In addition to the incense offering and solemn palanquin procession, visitors can also participate in exciting folk games such as tug of war, cockfighting, human chess, etc.

Gau Tao Festival – Dance of the Northwest Mountains, is a unique festival of the H'Mong people, Gau Tao Festival has the meaning of praying for blessings and fate, taking place from the 3rd to the 5th of January. Visitors coming here will witness the enchanting Khen dances, the exciting crossbow shooting competitions and especially the martial arts performances typical of the highlands.

Roong Pooc Festival – Brilliant colors of spring. On the Dragon day of January, the Giay people in Ta Van, Sa Pa hold the Roong Pooc festival to pray for favorable weather and bountiful crops. Coming here, visitors will be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere with unique plowing competitions, throwing con games, tug of war and enchanting love songs.

Bac Ha White Plateau Festival – A gathering place for brave horses. Held every June, Bac Ha White Plateau Festival is a prominent tourist event with the highlight being the “Highland Horse Hoof” horse racing festival. The unbridled horses and the brave ethnic horsemen create an exciting race in the midst of majestic nature.

Exciting activities within the framework of Sa Pa summer festival (Photo: Duong Toan)

Sa Pa Summer Festival – Land of love and flowers. Taking place from the end of April until the end of summer, Sa Pa Summer Festival brings visitors into a space filled with flowers and the sounds of Northwest culture. Special activities such as the flower flute festival, the spring festival opening the gate to heaven at Fansipan cable car tourist area promise to bring unforgettable experiences.

Red Dao Dance Festival – A sacred dance to welcome the new year. Not only a traditional ceremony, Red Dao Dance Festival in Sa Pa is also a symbolic art performance. In the sound of drums and gongs, the dances simulate hunting and martial arts practice, making visitors fascinated by the sophistication of Dao culture.

An experience not to be missed when coming to Lao Cai festival. Besides participating in the festival, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the specialties of the highlands such as thang co, Bac Ha corn wine or enjoy shopping at the colorful ethnic markets. Experiential activities such as tea picking, trying to be a blacksmith, and indigo dyeing will also bring memorable memories.

In the first three months of 2025, Lao Cai organized about 65 festivals, attracting over 370,800 visitors, with total tourism revenue estimated at VND 1,342 billion. Special festivals and many events associated with historical relics have become unique tourism products, taking visitors on an emotional journey of discovery, providing an experience rich in national identity when coming to Lao Cai.