Wandering Souls Day in Vietnam 2025: Honoring Ancestors and ‘Homeless’ Spirits
- Faye Hilling
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
If you're traveling through Vietnam in the seventh lunar month and start noticing a sudden surge in incense smoke, elaborate food offerings, and a quiet reverence in the air, congratulations—you've stumbled upon Wandering Souls Day, known locally as Vu Lan or Trung Nguyen Festival.
It might not have the fireworks of Tet or the splashy antics of Songkran but make no mistake: this is one of the most heartfelt, soul-soaked (literally) festivals in all of Vietnam.
In this blog, we're diving deep into Vietnam's second-biggest spiritual holiday to detail everything you need to know about Wandering Souls Day 2025.
What Is Wandering Souls Day?
Think of it as Vietnam's version of All Souls' Day, but with more incense and fewer tombstones.
It is a Buddhist-Taoist influenced celebration concerned with honoring the departed, feeding the spirits, and—crucially—making sure you don’t accidentally offend the spirits.
Also called Vu Lan or Trung Nguyen, this isn’t just a Buddhist celebration. It’s honored by practically every Vietnamese person, regardless of religious leaning.
You’ll see offerings not just in temples and homes, but in businesses, schools, and government offices too.
When Is Vietnam’s Wandering Souls Day in 2025?
Mark your lunar calendars, ghost-lovers: Wandering Souls Day lands on September 6th, 2025, which is the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
While that’s the official date, the entire month (known as Ghost Month) is basically open season for spirits. It’s not just a day—it’s a whole season of soulfulness.
Families across the country take part in daily prayers, vegetarian eating streaks, and generous acts like giving rice, noodles, and soy sauce to the less fortunate.
Some even go full Dr. Dolittle and release fish and birds back into the wild. All of this is to rack up good karma and send warm wishes to their ancestors—living or otherwise.
What is Ghost Month in Vietnamese Culture?
Ghost Month is basically the spiritual equivalent of a massive family reunion, except half the guests are invisible.
According to ancient belief, the seventh lunar month is when the gates of hell crack open, and souls are released back into the earthly realm.
Some stay to visit family. Others… well, they wander.
These "wandering souls" (known as linh hồn lang thang) are often those who have no descendants left to honor them or were forgotten in life.
During this month, families offer food, prayers, and even paper-made luxuries (like money, clothes, and sometimes iPhones) to give these ghosts a comfortable afterlife.
Related article: When is Ghost Month in Vietnam 2025? A Traveler's Guide to Spirits, Superstitions, and Celebrations.
The Legend Behind the Vu Lan Celebration
The origin story of Vu Lan or Wandering Souls Day begins with Muc Kien Lien, one of Buddha’s top disciples.
Muc Kien Lien had a problem: his mum was stuck in hell, suffering big-time because of her earthly misdeeds.
Like any good son, he asked the Buddha for help. The Buddha advised him to gather monks and perform prayers on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month.
Long story short, the ceremony worked. His mother was released, and Vu Lan was born.
Now, the festival has become a day not just for honoring parents but also for freeing the souls of all those stuck in the spirit world.
Hon and Via Context: Vietnam’s Two Soul Theory
To provide some contextual background; in Vietnam, it’s believed that every person has not one, but two souls:
Hon: The spiritual soul, representing intellect and emotions.
Via: The physical soul, tied to the body.
When someone dies, their souls go through a trial in hell, judged by ten celestial magistrates. If found virtuous, they're sent to heaven. If not? Cue the eternal wandering.
Luckily, souls can earn a second shot through the prayers of the living, especially on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month.
But Wandering Souls Day? That’s prime time.
Festival Traditions: Soul Food and Spirit Swag
1. Food Offerings
Tables across the country groan under the weight of delicious offerings. There will be:
Boiled chicken.
Roasted pork.
Sticky rice cakes.
Five types of fruit.
Vermicelli soup.
Sweet potatoes.
There are also vegetarian dishes (especially at temples) and special treats like Chè Đậu Trắng (white bean dessert) and Xôi Gắc (red sticky rice).
Don’t forget: Every dish is served not for human tummies, but for spiritual ones.
Related article: 31 Local Dishes to Try in North Vietnam.
2. Votive Offerings
You’ll also spot:
Paper money (aka “ghost money”).
Paper clothes.
Paper houses, cars, and even motorbikes.
All of these offerings are later burned, of course.
3. River Lanterns
Some communities float lanterns down rivers to help guide lost souls home—or up to heaven. It’s equal parts haunting and beautiful.
4. Family Gatherings
Like the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday), Vu Lan is a big family moment.
People return to their ancestral homes, light incense, share meals, and listen to monks preach on filial piety.
5. Temple Visits
Families visit pagodas to pray and release animals (more on that in a second). You might even notice people wearing flowers on their chest:
Red flower = parents are alive.
White flower = parents have passed.
How Families Prepare for Wandering Souls Day in 2025
Before the Festival:
Clean the house (spirits don’t like mess).
Set up the ancestral altar with fresh flowers, fruit, and incense.
Buy all the votive goodies to burn.
On the Day:
Prepare a feast for both ancestors and wandering souls.
Burn incense throughout the day.
Light candles and chant prayers.
Burn votive items in the evening.
Release birds or fish as a meritorious act.
Communal Offerings:
In some neighborhoods, everyone chips in to set up an outdoor altar to cover wandering souls who have no family left.
It’s all about generosity, compassion, and good karma.
Why Butchers Pause on Wandering Souls Day
Yes, this is a real thing. Because many Vietnamese believe in reincarnation, some butchers close shop during Vu Lan out of fear they might accidentally kill a reincarnated soul.
The same goes for bus drivers and transport workers who’ve had passenger fatalities. You don’t want to disrespect a spirit by being cavalier about their earthly departure.
Animals on Vu Lan Day: Why Animals Get Set Free
One of the most photogenic traditions of Vu Lan is the release of animals. Birds, fish, and sometimes turtles are purchased and set free near pagodas and rivers.
Why?
Compassion: Freeing a creature is seen as a noble, merciful act.
Merit-making: Builds up good karma.
Symbolic liberation: Helps purify the soul and release negative energy.
That said, not all releases are equal. Choose temples or vendors who practice ethical releases to avoid unintentional harm.
Where to Celebrate Wandering Souls Day in Vietnam
Spoiler: you can celebrate this festival just about anywhere in Vietnam—from remote villages to buzzing city centers, even military bases and government offices get in the ghostly groove.
But if you want to go where the spirits truly soar, here are some hot spots:
1. Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is buzzing with spiritual activity. Top spots include Trấn Quốc Pagoda and Quán Sứ Temple, where you can catch large-scale ceremonies and community gatherings.
Expect incense. Lots of incense.
2. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
The southern hub has its own style. From temples tucked in hidden alleys to offerings outside homes and businesses, it’s a feast for all the senses.
Don’t miss Vinh Nghiem Pagoda if you want to see spiritual energy in full swing.
3. Hue
Looking for peak spiritual vibes? Head to Hue, the land of temples, tombs, and monks.
This central city is known for its tranquil pagodas and historic feel—ideal for a reflective Vu Lan experience.
4. Hoi An
Hoi An turns up the lantern magic with special night-time ceremonies where you can float a candle-lit lantern down the Hoai River.
While you can do this activity all-year around, it holds greater significance during Wandering Souls Day in September.
Related article: Why You Should Experience the Ha Giang Loop in September.
How to Respectfully Participate in Vu Lan Festival 2025
Joining in on the ghostly goodness? Here are your golden rules for not being that tourist:
✅ Do:
Dress modestly at temples. Think "respectful traveler," not beach bum.
Take off your shoes before entering sacred spaces.
Be quiet and respectful during prayers and rituals.
Ask before snapping photos, especially of monks or ceremonies.
Make a small donation to temples—karma points + cultural respect.
Follow locals' lead if you’re unsure what to do.
❌ Don’t:
Interrupt ceremonies with loud chatter or camera flashes.
Touch religious objects unless invited.
Mock or question beliefs—everyone’s entitled to their spiritual jam.
Wear heavy perfume—incense does enough scent work already.
Ignore superstitions: More on this below!
Wanna Go Deeper?
Chat with locals. They’re often more than happy to share stories and superstitions.
Hire a guide who can explain the why behind every ritual.
Attend a cultural show or pagoda ceremony.
If you're lighting incense in a temple, admiring river lanterns at dusk, or just tucking into a plate of sticky rice with spiritual overtones, know that you're part of something much bigger.
Something ancient. Something deeply, beautifully Vietnamese.
Related article: Cultural Etiquette in Vietnam: 20 Dos and Don'ts for Respectful Travel.
Superstitions and Taboos on Wandering Souls Day
Don’t get spooked, but there are a few dos and don’ts you might want to observe during Ghost Month:
Avoid:
Whistling at night (it invites ghosts).
Swimming (spirits love to pull you under).
Picking up money in the street (it might be an offering).
Hanging clothes outside overnight.
Making major life decisions (like marriage or job changes).
Starting businesses or moving house.
Causing conflict or doing anything shady (karma is watching).
Basically, if it could attract or offend a spirit, maybe save it for next month.
Final Thoughts on Vietnam’s Wandering Soul’s Day
Wandering Souls Day might not come with neon lights or loud music, but it’s a celebration that runs deep—into the past, into the heart, and yes, even into the afterlife.
If you're in Vietnam this September, take a moment to observe the rituals, appreciate the atmosphere, and maybe even send a kind thought to a wandering soul.
Because who knows? Maybe someone out there is finally getting the peace they deserve, thanks to a stranger's simple prayer.
And if you're staying at Bong Hostel? Don’t be surprised if we invite you to join us for a feast, light a few candles, or take part in our lantern ritual.
After all, travel isn't just about the places you go—it's also about the stories, souls, and moments you get to share along the way.