Do Son builds brand through traditional festivals
Do Son is home to a rich array of distinctive festivals rooted in coastal beliefs and life. By preserving and enhancing these festivals, the locality is strengthening its cultural identity and boosting its appeal as a tourist destination.
Vibrant festival landscape
Festivals have long been an integral part of life in Do Son, passed down through generations. As a coastal community where fishing has traditionally been the main livelihood, local residents developed spiritual rituals to pray for favorable weather, calm seas, safe and prosperous life.
Over time, these rituals have been preserved and transformed into festivals that embody the unique identity of this coastal area of Hai Phong.
Among them, the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival is widely regarded as the heart of the region's festival culture. With a history spanning nearly 1,000 years, the festival is closely associated with the worship of Diem Tuoc Dai Vuong, the guardian deity of coastal communities. More than a series of fierce buffalo contests, it represents a gathering of cultural, spiritual, and martial traditions, reflecting the determination and seafaring spirit of the local people. In 2012, the festival was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming its significance as one of Vietnam's outstanding folk festivals.
While the Buffalo Fighting Festival highlights the courage and martial spirit of coastal residents, the Dau Island Festival offers a distinctive spiritual experience amid the sea.
Held at Nam Hai Than Vuong Temple on Dau Island in early spring, the festival honors the deity believed to protect fishermen. Participants pray for national prosperity, favorable weather, safe voyages, and abundant catches.
Preserving heritage, strengthening identity
If the Buffalo Fighting Festival symbolizes strength, courage, and the aspiration to conquer the sea, and the Dau Island Festival reflects the area's rich spiritual traditions, the Cau Co Festival highlights Do Son's long-standing respect for learning and education.
Revived in 2008, the annual Cau Co Festival at Van Ngang temple commemorates the ascension of Saint Hoang Bo Thoai while praying for peace and prosperity. Beyond meeting the community's spiritual needs, the festival celebrates the local tradition of valuing education and pursuing knowledge.
Although each festival has its own distinctive character, together they form a diverse cultural landscape that reflects the history, beliefs, and identity of Do Son across generations.
The growing popularity of these festivals is reflected in rising visitor numbers. On July 21, the qualifying round of the traditional Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival attracted large crowds of residents and tourists to the central Do Son Stadium.
Earlier, the Dau Island Festival welcomed around 30,000 visitors and pilgrims, including nearly 5,000 participants on its main festival night.
Do Son received approximately 4.7 million visitors in 2025, while more than 690,000 tourists visited the area during the Reunification Day and International Workers' Day holiday from April 30 to May 1, 2026.
These figures demonstrate that traditional festivals have become an important driver for promoting Do Son's image and supporting the growth of local tourism and services.
MOC MIEN