Hanoi Pho Festival
Northern Vietnam · November
An annual autumn celebration of Vietnam's national noodle soup, with tasting bowls from the city's best pho shops.
About this event
What happens
The Hanoi Pho Festival is a lively celebration of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, held in central Hanoi, often around Hoan Kiem Lake or at the Ly Thai To Square. Local chefs and vendors set up stalls offering a wide variety of pho styles, from traditional beef to chicken and even vegetarian options. Live cooking demonstrations and cultural performances add to the festive atmosphere.
What people do
Visitors sample different pho recipes, watch skilled chefs prepare the dish, and take part in interactive workshops. Many people join guided tastings or vote for their favorite pho at the festival. There are also opportunities to enjoy live music and traditional dance performances throughout the day.
Practical tips
Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and to get the freshest bowls of pho. The festival area is walkable, but public transport or a taxi is recommended due to limited parking near Hoan Kiem Lake. Bring cash for food purchases, and expect some lines at popular stalls, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
Photos
Related guides
Hanoi to Da Nang in 2026: Vietnam trains vs flights, sleeper buses, and private cars
A like-for-like 2026 benchmark of Hanoi to Da Nang transport: flights, Vietnam trains, sleeper buses, and private cars. It compares door-to-door time, one-way VND fares, comfort, reliability, and booking channels from January to December 2026, so international visitors can choose the fastest, cheapest, or most comfortable option.
Vietnam Travel Cost 2026: Noi Bai vs Tan Son Nhat Airport Transfers Ranked
This benchmark compares Vietnam travel cost for airport transfers in 2026: Noi Bai to Hanoi's Old Quarter and Tan Son Nhat to District 1, ranked on fare, time to the city centre, comfort, and reliability across bus, ride-hailing, taxi, and private transfer. All fares come from 2026 price checks refreshed on 2026-10-02, converted at 1 USD to 26,300 VND.
Photographing Vietnam Festivals in 2026: Etiquette, Temple Rules, and Consent
This guide explains how to photograph Vietnam festivals in 2026 without causing offence. It covers dress, greetings, consent, temple and photo rules, regional differences, dates for Tết Nguyên Đán, Hùng Kings Commemoration, and Mid-Autumn Festival, plus practical transport and drone advice. Use it to plan respectful, useful images.