On the evening of June 26, the Ly Tu Trong Flower Garden area (Tay Ho, Hanoi) became bustling when a large number of people and tourists flocked to attend the opening ceremony of the Hanoi Lotus Festival 2026 with the theme "Hanoi Lotus Colors".
The festival is organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism in coordination with Tay Ho Ward People's Committee from June 26-28, to honor the value of lotus flowers in the life of Vietnamese people, and at the same time promote the image of Hanoi associated with West Lake and famous lotus growing areas.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Dang Thi Huong Giang - Director of Hanoi Department of Tourism said that lotus flowers have long become a symbol of crystallizing the good values in the character and soul of Vietnamese people. For Hanoi, lotus is not only a gift from nature but also a mark associated with the cultural and artistic life of the thousand-year-old land of culture.
According to Ms. Huong Giang, the Hanoi Lotus Festival is organized to realize the policy of developing the cultural industry, turning heritage potential into a resource to promote socio-economic development of the Capital, while preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.
The festival is not only an opportunity to promote Hanoi's image to domestic and international friends but also affirms the city's determination to build unique cultural tourism products associated with West Lake and lotus flowers, aiming to build Hanoi into a safe, attractive and experiential destination," Ms. Huong Giang emphasized.
At the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of Hanoi City People's Committee Nguyen Xuan Luu awarded the certificate of Quang An lotus tea marinating profession, Tay Ho ward, Hanoi city as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. At the same time, awarded the decision of the City People's Committee recognizing Ho Tay Tourist Area and its vicinity.
During the three days of the festival, visitors can explore the space "Lotus - Essence and Life", which displays more than 30 lotus varieties from Hanoi and many localities across the country such as Bach Diep Tay Ho lotus, Bach Diep white lotus, Quan Am lotus and lotus varieties from Ung Hoa, Gia Lam, Long Bien, Doai Phuong...
Especially, from 6 am to 9 am every day is the time when lotus flowers bloom most beautifully. Many people choose to stroll around Thanh Nien street to check-in with "Lotus Flower Road", saving moments amidst the fragrance of West Lake.
Besides admiring lotus, visitors can also visit OCOP booths, handicrafts, fashion inspired by lotus flowers; watch lotus silk weaving performances, learn about the traditional lotus tea marinating process, participate in lotus tea making workshops and enjoy many dishes made from lotus.
The space "Lotus - Art and Creativity" also attracted a large number of people with an exhibition of calligraphy and art about lotus and a drawing contest "Ho Tay Lotus Moment" with the participation of about 500 children, including nearly 100 international children.
Immediately after the parade program was the Zumba exchange "Dance your Energy" with more than 200 members of clubs in the Northern region, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to the festival.
Present from early morning to see the blooming lotus, Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha (Cau Giay, Hanoi) said that the festival space is invested methodically with more experiences than in previous years.
I like watching precious lotus varieties, drinking lotus tea and watching lotus silk weaving performances the most. Not only beautiful flowers for photos, the festival also helps people understand more about culture and traditional crafts associated with lotus," Ms. Ha shared.
For the first time coming to the Hanoi Lotus Festival with her family, Ms. Tran Thi Hoan (Ba Dinh, Hanoi) said that the program surprised her with the scale and diversity of activities.
Coming here, visitors can admire lotus flowers, enjoy tea, watch ao dai parades in the afternoon, art performances... That is a very complete experience and suitable for the whole family. There are also many beautifully decorated areas here for souvenir photos," Ms. Hoan said.
On the last day of the event, visitors will immerse themselves in the space "Lotus - Performance and Community" at Lac Long Quan Flower Garden, Tay Ho Lotus Culinary Culture Area and Tay Ho Flower Valley with folk art programs, street art, photo exchange "Lotus Colors of Tay Ho", before closing with the art program "Vietnamese Lotus" with about 300 artists participating in performances.
According to the Organizing Committee, the Hanoi Lotus Festival 2026 is expected to attract tens of thousands of people and tourists, contributing to the development of cultural, tourism, and entertainment space around West Lake, aiming to welcome about 5 million visitors per year. The city also aims to build the Hanoi Lotus Festival into an annual cultural and tourism event of national stature, contributing to promoting cultural industry, creative economy and enhancing the attractiveness of Hanoi destination.
