The second edition of the Thăng Long–Hanoi Festival opens on 11 September 2026 at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, one of the most historically significant sites in the Vietnamese capital. The festival runs through the autumn and connects Hanoi’s deep historical heritage with contemporary art, creative culture, and live performance.
What the Festival Covers
The Thăng Long–Hanoi Festival emerged in 2025 as a response to growing interest in Hanoi’s cultural identity beyond its street food and café scene. The 2026 edition expands on that foundation with programming across three areas:
- Heritage spaces: guided experiences inside the Citadel’s archaeological zones, including areas not normally open to general visitors during non-event periods
- Artistic performances: traditional Vietnamese music, water puppetry, and contemporary art installations within the UNESCO World Heritage Site grounds
- Cultural and creative markets: artisan stalls, craft workshops, and culinary stations drawing on Hanoi’s regional cuisines
The opening ceremony on 11 September takes place at the Citadel’s main ceremonial area. Entry during the festival typically includes access to both the performance programme and the permanent archaeological exhibition.
Getting to the Imperial Citadel
The Thăng Long Imperial Citadel (Hoàng thành Thăng Long) is in the Ba Đình district of central Hanoi, a short taxi or motorbike ride from Hoan Kiem Lake. The main gate is on Hoang Dieu Street. Admission to the Citadel is normally around 30,000 VND per person; festival pricing may differ and is announced closer to opening day.
Timing Your Visit
September is one of Hanoi’s wetter months, with afternoon rain showers common. Morning and evening sessions at the Citadel tend to be more comfortable, and performances are largely staged in covered or partially sheltered venues within the grounds. The city is cooler and less crowded than the summer peak, making September an appealing time to visit.
September also brings the wider Hanoi Autumn Festival 2026, which runs throughout the month across heritage spaces and cultural venues citywide.
For more on making the most of your time in the capital, see our Hanoi city guide and our roundup of the best things to do in Hanoi.