Co Loa Festival

Lễ hội Cổ Loa

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MusicDong Anh
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsThe festival's signature event is the
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: VND
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Co Loa Festival in Dong Anh

Co Loa Festival takes place on the sixth day of the first lunar month at the Co Loa citadel site in Dong Anh, Hanoi, commemorating King An Duong Vuong, founder of the ancient Au Lac kingdom and builder of Vietnam's oldest citadel, whose earthen ramparts still stand on the festival grounds today.

Roughly six kilometers from central Hanoi, the earthen ramparts of Co Loa still trace the outline of what is considered Vietnam's oldest citadel, built more than two thousand years ago by King An Duong Vuong, founder of the Au Lac kingdom.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's signature event is the procession of palanquins representing eight villages, known as Bat Xa, that historically formed the citadel community

02

The mystery stays covered

the procession route runs from the Upper Temple, circles the Jade Well, and follows the Inner Citadel wall to the Royal Court Pavilion, tracing the physical geography of the 2,000-plus-year-old site itself

03

The city starts moving

Folk games including crossbow shooting reference the Co Loa legend of the magic crossbow said to have protected the kingdom

04

The water draws everyone in

The festival was named National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021, and its 2026 edition introduced a digital exhibition space alongside the traditional rites, a first for the event

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Bat Xa palanquin procession honors the eight founding villages of the Co Loa community

Water and renewal

Living ritual

reenacting communal ties that predate the modern administrative boundaries

The sacred route

Living ritual

Crossbow shooting games recall the legend of Kim Quy

The local code

Living ritual

the golden turtle said to have given An Duong Vuong a magic crossbow trigger capable of firing many arrows at once

Tradition 5

Living ritual

a story central to Co Loa's founding myth

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

For Co Loa Festival, plan transport around the exact Dong Anh venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Modest clothing suitable for a temple and historical site visit, plus warm layers, since the festival falls in mid-February when northern Vietnam mornings are cold.

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For Co Loa Festival, stay near the part of Dong Anh you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

VND

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map21.14 N, 105.85 EOpen in Google Maps

Dong Anh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Nearest airportHAN — Noi Bai
TransportFor Co Loa Festival, plan transport around the exact Dong Anh venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Co Loa Festival, stay near the part of Dong Anh you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Dong Anh via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Dong Anh, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearModest clothing suitable for a temple and historical site visit, plus warm layers, since the festival falls in mid-February when northern Vietnam mornings are cold.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Vietnam and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Co Loa Festival?

Co Loa Festival is listed for January. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Co Loa Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Dong Anh, Vietnam. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Dong Anh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLhanoi.gov.vn
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusOfficial source linked
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