Have you ever wanted a journey that goes beyond sightseeing—one that allows you to truly feel a place through its most authentic cultural and everyday values? If so, the Ba Thu Bon Festival in Nong Son Commune is a destination worth experiencing—where every moment opens up a unique connection with the riverside landscape of the Thu Bon.
Along the gentle flow of the Thu Bon River, the festival unfolds as a culturally rich gathering, where folk beliefs are preserved and brought to life through rituals and shared community moments.
More than just a festival, this is a journey into a distinctive cultural space—where people, nature, and spiritual beliefs intertwine, creating an experience unique to this riverside land.
Festival setting – Where belief lives within everyday life
Taking place from March 28 to 30, 2026 at Ba Thu Bon Temple (Trung An Hamlet, Nong Son Commune, Da Nang City), the festival is an occasion for local communities to express their reverence for Ba Thu Bon—a revered goddess deeply connected to local legends, history, and the lives of riverside residents. In this space, each ritual is not only a spiritual act but also a way of preserving cultural memory across generations.
Ritual space – Where the flow of belief continues through every moment
On March 28, 2026, rituals begin at Ba Thu Bon Temple with the Soul Offering Ceremony from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, followed by the Ancestral Ceremony for forebears and pioneers from 10:45 to 11:30 AM. At 7:30 PM, the official opening ceremony marks the beginning of the three-day festival. In these early rituals, visitors can feel the solemnity of the sacred space, listening to the rhythmic drums and ceremonial chants echoing through the temple grounds—an immersive way to connect with the cultural depth of the region.
On March 29, 2026, key rituals continue with the Royal Decree Procession at 2:00 PM, followed by the Water Procession at 3:30 PM. As night falls, the festival becomes more mystical and atmospheric with the Lantern Releasing Ceremony at 6:30 PM, the Sacred Fire Procession at 7:30 PM, and the Offering Ceremony at 10:00 PM. This is also when visitors can fully immerse themselves in the flow of the festival—following vibrant processions, releasing lanterns onto the Thu Bon River, and sensing the deep connection between people, nature, and enduring beliefs.
On March 30, 2026, the ritual segment concludes with meaningful community ceremonies: the Main Offering to Ba Thu Bon at 9:00 AM, the Grand Ritual Ceremony from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, and the Return of the Royal Decree at 2:30 PM. In this setting, visitors not only witness traditional rituals but also feel the strong communal bond—where each ceremony carries devotion, belief, and a deeper cultural connection.
Festival activities – The vibrant rhythm of riverside culture
Alongside the rituals, the festival’s vibrant activities invite visitors to actively engage with local life and culture.
Early in the morning on March 28, the Traditional Boat Race takes place at 7:00 AM at the Trung An Wharf near Ba Temple, bringing the lively spirit of a riverine community to life. Visitors can stand along the riverbank, join the cheering crowds, and feel the powerful rhythm of the rowing teams. At 7:30 AM, the festival grounds come alive with Bai Choi folk games, where visitors can participate, enjoy witty singing performances, and experience one of Central Vietnam’s unique traditional art forms. In the evening, the art performance “Thu Bon – Where Beliefs Converge” at 7:45 PM offers an emotional journey through music, storytelling, and cultural imagery.
On March 29, the festive atmosphere continues from early morning with the culinary contest “Flavours of Thu Bon” at 7:00 AM, where visitors can taste local specialties and discover the richness of regional cuisine. At 7:30 AM, a women’s volleyball tournament between Nong Son, Que Phuoc, Xuan Phu, and Que Son Trung communes brings a lively and community-driven spirit to the festival. In the evening, the performance “Thu Bon – Aspiration to Rise” by the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre becomes a highlight, guiding visitors through a spectrum of emotions—from tradition to contemporary expression.
On March 30, the festival concludes with folk games such as sack jumping and water pouring challenges at 7:30 AM. These simple yet joyful activities invite visitors to join in, share laughter, and experience the warmth and friendliness of the local community. In these moments, the festival becomes more than an event—it transforms into a meaningful connection with the rhythm of life along the Thu Bon River.
A journey of experience – Where every moment becomes a connection
At the festival, visitors are not just observers but participants in a living cultural space. From solemn rituals at Ba Temple and spiritually rich processions to the shimmering lanterns drifting along the river, each moment creates a deeply emotional journey.
Here, visitors can listen to the stories of the land, feel the beliefs preserved across generations, and connect with the authentic cultural essence of the region. In this space, every step is more than exploration—it is a connection: with people, with memory, and with the personal emotions that make each journey truly meaningful.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
