Ba Thu Bon Festival – A Heritage Beauty of the Quang People

In the second month of the Lunar calendar, when spring rains give way to warm sunshine over the river, the people of Quang Nam eagerly gather for a special celebration. The Ba Thu Bon Festival is not merely a spiritual event; it is a profound connection between the heroic past and the peaceful present. As your local companion, Hoi An Memories Land invites you to journey upstream and immerse yourself in this captivating cultural heritage.

1. What Is the Ba Thu Bon Festival?

This traditional event honors "Lady Thu Bon" (also known as Madame Bo Bo), a legendary figure revered as the Mother of the Region. Whether legends describe her as a Champa princess or a talented female general, she symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, and protection against natural disasters.

For travelers seeking to understand the soul of the land, the Ba Thu Bon Festival is an essential experience. Held annually from the 10th to the 12th day of the second Lunar month, the festival takes place at the Lady’s Temple in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province. 

Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival represents the harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Champa cultures, carrying the locals' prayers for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and peace.

2. Exploring the Rituals of the Ba Thu Bon Festival

The ceremonial part of the festival is conducted with utmost solemnity and respect. Visiting on the main festival day (12th Lunar day), you will witness rituals that have been preserved for centuries:

• The Water Procession: In the early morning mist, a colorful fleet of boats travels upstream to fetch sacred water from the Thu Bon River. This water is then brought back to the temple to ritually bathe the Lady’s statue, symbolizing purification and vitality.
• The Royal Decree Procession: The parade features palanquins, flags, and traditional costumes, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of drums and gongs, recreating the grandeur of ancient times.
• The Grand Sacrifice: Local elders present offerings such as sticky rice, fruits, and a buffalo to show gratitude to the Lady, asking for her continued protection over the village.

3. Exciting Activities at the Festival

Once the solemn rituals conclude, the atmosphere transforms into a vibrant celebration full of energy and joy.

• Traditional Boat Racing: This is the highlight of the festival. The river comes alive with the cheers of thousands of spectators as muscular rowers compete, showcasing the strength and solidarity of the river people.
• Folk Games & Arts: Visitors can participate in or watch tug-of-war, wrestling, and human chess. The air is filled with the melodies of Bai Choi (a UNESCO-recognized art form) and folk singing, telling stories of the land and its people.
• Culinary Delights: No festival is complete without food. Be sure to taste the authentic Mi Quang (Quang noodles) and sesame rice crackers sold at the countryside market stalls nearby.

4. Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

To make the most of your visit to the Ba Thu Bon Festival, here are a few tips from Hoi An Memories Land:

• Dress Modestly: As this is a spiritual event, please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when entering the temple area.
• Plan Your Timing: Arrive early on the morning of the 12th Lunar day to catch the spectacular Water Procession on the river.
• Stay Hydrated: The weather can get warm, so bring water and sun protection.

After a day of immersing yourself in the rustic charm and bustling energy of the festival, you deserve a place to relax that continues the story of heritage. 

We warmly welcome you to Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa, an architectural gem located within Hoi An Memories Land. Positioned on a peaceful islet in the Hoai River, our resort captures the nostalgia of the ancient trading port with its signature yellow walls and red-tiled roofs.

Here, you can unwind in our infinity pool overlooking the river, enjoy a spa treatment to soothe your muscles, or savor exquisite dining options. Best of all, staying with us places you just steps away from the world-class Hoi An Memories show—a visual masterpiece that perfectly complements the cultural insights you gained at the Ba Thu Bon Festival. It is the ideal sanctuary for you and your family to rest and reflect on the beauty of Vietnam.

5. FAQ

5.1 How many days does the Ba Thu Bon Festival last? 

The festival is solemnly held over 3 days, from the 10th to the 12th day of the 2nd Lunar month annually. According to tradition, the Water Procession takes place on the 10th. At 2:30 PM on the 11th, the Procession of the Royal Decree from the Lady's Temple is performed. Most notably, the Grand Sacrifice (the main ritual) begins at 11:00 PM on the 11th and lasts until noon on the 12th of the Lunar month.

5.2 What official title was conferred upon Lady Thu Bon? 

To commemorate her merit in protecting the people and the land, the Nguyen Dynasty kings conferred upon Lady Thu Bon the title "Mặc Phù Hiển Tướng Thượng Đẳng Thần" (meaning: The Supreme Deity who manifests power to aid the country and support the people).

5.3 How do I get to the festival from Hoi An Ancient Town? 

The Lady Thu Bon Temple (located in Duy Tan Commune, Duy Xuyen District) is approximately 25km west of Hoi An Ancient Town. The route is quite convenient, and you can choose between two popular options:

• Transportation: A motorbike (taking about 45–60 minutes) is an ideal choice if you wish to admire the peaceful countryside scenery along the way. If you are traveling with your family or a large group, a taxi or rental car (taking about 40 minutes) will be more comfortable and cooler.
• The Route: From Hoi An Ancient Town, cross the Cam Kim Bridge (the new bridge), drive straight through Duy Phuoc and Duy Chau communes to join Provincial Road DT610 (in the direction of My Son Sanctuary). Once you reach the area of Duy Tan Commune, you can ask locals for the turn into the Lady Thu Bon Temple, which is located right by the river and easy to find. 

The Ba Thu Bon Festival is more than just an event; it is a vivid tapestry of history, belief, and community spirit woven into the lives of the Quang people. It offers a rare glimpse into the authentic cultural heart of Central Vietnam that few tourists get to see.

We hope this guide inspires you to explore beyond the Ancient Town and discover the rich traditions that make this land so special. Hoi An Memories Land is honored to be part of your journey, blending the magic of the past with the comfort of the present. Pack your bags, and let us create unforgettable memories together in Hoi An!

See more: Top 10 unique festivals in Hoi An tourists shouldn’t miss