12 Must-See Festivals in Mui Ne - Phan Thiet You Shouldn’t Miss

When people think of Mui Ne - Phan Thiet, they often picture endless sandy beaches, golden sunlight, and the relaxing sound of ocean waves. But behind this coastal beauty lies a rich cultural soul, preserved and celebrated through vibrant festivals held throughout the year. If you truly want to feel the heartbeat of Mui Ne, immerse yourself in its festivals.

1. Cau Yen Festival - A Fishermen’s Praying Ritual for Peace & Prosperity

The Cau Yen Festival is a traditional coastal celebration in Phan Thiet, honoring sea gods and praying for calm waters, good harvests, and community well-being, attracting both locals and travelers.

• Time: 14th day of the first lunar month (around Feb–Mar 2025)

• Location: Cau Yen Temple, near Mui Ne coastline

• Activities: Ritual ceremonies, lion dance, folk games, music performances, and the popular dragon boat race

• Highlights: Traditional dishes such as banh hoi Co Thuong and fresh seafood

• Meaning: A cultural and spiritual celebration that preserves local heritage and strengthens community ties

2. Kate Festival - The Spiritual Identity of Cham Culture

Held annually by the Cham ethnic community, the Kate Festival honors gods and ancestors while celebrating new crops and prosperity. The entire area becomes a sea of music, traditional costumes, and Cham dance.

• Time: 1–3 days of the 7th Cham lunar month (Sep-Oct 2025)

• Location: Po Sah Inu & Poshan Towers, Phan Thiet

• Activities: Ritual offerings, Cham dance, folk games, weaving & pottery exhibitions

• Must-Try Food: Cham pancakes, grilled dishes in bamboo tubes

• Meaning: A living cultural bridge between generations, attracting travelers who value heritage tourism

3. Cau Ngu (Whale Worshiping) Festival

A sacred festival for fishermen to honor the Whale God — protector of those who live by the sea.

• Time: After Lunar New Year, usually Feb–Mar 2025

• Location: Coastal temples in Phan Thiet, La Gi, Tuy Phong

• Activities: Processions, rowing rituals, dragon-boat parades, folk art & fresh seafood markets

• Meaning: A spiritual connection to the sea and a highlight for cultural tourism

4. Nghinh Ong Festival

A vibrant version of Cau Ngu Festival - famous for large-scale boat parades, folk performances, and night lantern releases.

• Time: 16–17th day of the 8th lunar month (Oct 2025)

• Location: Nghinh Ong Temple, fishing villages near Phan Thiet

• Activities: Offerings, whale procession, marine parade, folk games, lion dance

• Meaning: A heartfelt tribute to sea gods and a spectacular cultural event for travelers

5. Traditional Boat Racing Festival

The most energetic festival in Binh Thuan - filled with cheers, waves, and racing sails cutting through the sea.

• Time: Lunar New Year & National Day (Feb–Sep 2025)

• Location: Phan Thiet Beach or Nha Phu Bay

• Activities: Decorated boat parades, competitive races, folk music, seafood food-stalls

• Meaning: Promotes tourism, unity, and the traditional spirit of coastal life

6. Mid-Autumn Festival in Phan Thiet - One of Vietnam’s Largest

Famous for giant lantern parades, lion dances, and moonlit celebrations.

• Time: Mid-Autumn Full Moon - Lunar August (Sep 2025)

• Location: Parks & cultural centers in Mui Ne – Phan Thiet

• Activities: Lantern parades, lion dance, folk games, mooncakes, street food

• Meaning: Tradition, childhood memory, community bonding

7. Dinh Thay Thim Festival - Folk Belief of Gratitude

A spiritual celebration honoring the revered figures believed to protect the community.

• Time: 15–17th day of the first lunar month (Feb-Mar 2025)

• Location: Thay Thim Temple, La Gi Town

• Activities: Ritual ceremonies, horse racing, human chess, folk performances

• Meaning: Spiritual gratitude + vibrant cultural immersion

8. Boat Racing on the Ca Ty River

The iconic river of Phan Thiet comes alive with colorful boat parades and festive cheering.

• Time: Lunar New Year or major holidays (Feb-Mar 2025)

• Location: Ca Ty River, Phan Thiet

• Activities: Boat race, lion dance, street food, river-view festival nights

• Meaning: Cultural preservation and community celebration

9. Quan Thanh Nghinh Ong Festival – Chinese Cultural Heritage in Phan Thiet

A historic festival honoring Guan Yu — symbol of loyalty and righteousness.

• Time: 14–15th day of the 8th lunar month (Oct 2025)

• Location: Quan Thanh Temple – Phan Thiet, La Gi, Tuy Phong

• Activities: Offerings, boat parade, lion dance, folk music

• Meaning: A unique blend of Vietnamese & Chinese culture

10. Cau Ngu Festival in Phuoc Loc Fishing Village

More intimate and rustic - rich in faith and local emotion.

• Time: 16th day of the first lunar month (Feb–Mar 2025)

• Location: Temples of Phuoc Loc Village

• Activities: Boat procession, offerings, folk games, lion dance

• Meaning: A heartfelt seaside ritual rooted in belief & gratitude

11. Thanh Minh Ceremony in Xu Duong - Ancestral Remembrance

A meaningful day dedicated to honoring ancestors and strengthening family roots.

• Time: April 4, 2025 (or based on lunar calendar)

• Location: Xu Duong, Ham Thuan Bac District

• Activities: Tomb-cleaning, offerings, folk music, traditional meals

• Meaning: A reminder of heritage, respect, and remembrance

12. Mui Ne Street Food Festival - A Paradise for Food Lovers

If you love street food, come hungry. This festival gathers the best flavors of the south-central coast.

• Time: July-August 2025 (2-3 days)

• Location: Main streets & beachfront areas of Mui Ne

• Activities: Hundreds of food stalls, cooking contests, music, night market lights

• Must-Eat: Fresh seafood, banh xeo, goi ca, Phan Thiet fish sauce, dragon fruit gifts

• Meaning: Promoting local cuisine and boosting tourism