Nha Trang, a seaside city in south-central Vietnam, is rolling out a string of major events in summer 2026. At the Po Nagar Tower Festival in May, 10,000 lanterns light up the Cai River; in late May, a superbike festival gathers more than 2,000 riders from eight Asian countries; and in July, a sea festival featuring AR fireworks awaits.
The Po Nagar Tower Festival — a night when 10,000 lanterns float across ancient Cham ruins
From May 5 to 11, 2026 (the 19th to 25th of the third lunar month), the customary festival was held at the Po Nagar towers, which stand on the Cu Lao hill overlooking the Cai River. Thousands of local residents, pilgrims from various provinces, and tourists gathered for the opening ceremony held on the night of May 6.
The Po Nagar towers are a complex of tower-temples built by the Cham people between the 8th and 13th centuries, with the main tower standing about 23 meters tall. Dedicated to the sea goddess Po Nagar, it is worshipped as the guardian deity of fishermen and sailors. In 2025 it was designated a special national heritage site.
The festival features 12 events, including water blessing rites, Cham dance, folk music performances, and incense offerings, with the release of lanterns down the Cai River as the highlight. Participants said the sound of drums and gongs lighting the towers at night "created a mystical atmosphere."
Nha Trang's event calendar, May to July
| Itinerary | Event name | Location / details |
|---|---|---|
| May 5–11 | Po Nagar Tower Festival | Po Nagar towers / Cham dance, lantern release, blessing rites |
| May 29–31 | Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 | Central Nha Trang / over 2,000 riders from 8 Asian countries, more than 100 bike clubs |
| June 26–28 | Cham Culture Festival (6th National Convention) | Phan Rang City, 16 Thang 4 Square / demonstrations of traditional weaving, pottery, and basketry by Cham people from 7 provinces |
| July 20–26 (main festival 24–26) | Sea Festival Nha Trang–Khanh Hoa 2026 | Tran Phu seaside boulevard / AR fireworks plus high-altitude fireworks, the "Sea Flower Nha Trang" float parade, and the Miss & Mister Vietnam finals |
AR fireworks and a float parade — the highlights of the Sea Festival
The July Sea Festival is a major biennial event, and in 2026 the main program runs July 24–26. The opening ceremony will feature a display combining augmented reality (AR) technology with high-altitude fireworks along the coast.
A parade of decorated floats themed "Sea Flower Nha Trang" will make its way along the Tran Phu seaside boulevard, with related events including an international cruise tourism seminar, a marine photography exhibition, a kite festival, and a water sports competition.
Superbike Fest — one of Asia's largest motorcycle festivals
The Castrol Superbike Fest 2026 on May 29–31 is expected to draw more than 2,000 official riders and over 100 bike clubs from eight Asian countries and regions. A touring rally and custom bike exhibition set against Nha Trang's coastline are planned, aiming to attract both motorsports fans and tourists.
The tourism strategy behind the "event blitz"
Behind Khanh Hoa Province's concentrated summer events lies Vietnam's overall tourism policy. 2026 has been designated National Tourism Year, with 244 events planned nationwide. Nha Trang aims to differentiate itself from Da Nang and Phu Quoc through the three pillars of "beach, culture, and sports," and to win repeat visitors.
From January to April 2026, Vietnam's total international visitor count reached 8.8 million (up 14.6% year on year), the fastest pace ever, and Nha Trang's summer events are positioned as a spark to accelerate this momentum further.
Practical information for travelers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | About 40 minutes by car from Cam Ranh International Airport to the city. There are no direct flights from Tokyo or Osaka; travel via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City |
| Climate | May–July is the dry season with plenty of clear skies. Average temperature 28–32°C, sea temperature 27–29°C |
| Lodging | Three- to five-star hotels are concentrated along Tran Phu Street. The Hyatt Regency Nha Trang opens in 2026 |
| Po Nagar towers | Admission 22,000 VND (about 130 yen). 8:00–17:30. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is required |
Related reading
- Hyatt Regency Nha Trang opens — a new landmark for Nha Trang
- Vietnam National Tourism Year 2026 opens in Quy Nhon — 244 events
- Ho Chi Minh City's Reunification Day fireworks — simultaneous launches at 8 locations
- Hoi An and Da Nang rank high on the Travel+Leisure list
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is the Po Nagar Tower Festival held every year?
A. It is held every year in the third lunar month. In 2026 it ran May 5–11. The nighttime lantern release is the biggest highlight.
Q. What are the Sea Festival's AR fireworks?
A. At the 2026 Sea Festival opening ceremony, a new display combining augmented reality (AR) technology with actual high-altitude fireworks will be introduced. Hold up your smartphone and digital effects overlay on top of the fireworks.
Q. What's the weather like in Nha Trang from May to July?
A. It falls in the dry season, with many clear days and ideal conditions for swimming. The average temperature is 28–32°C and sea temperature 27–29°C, with almost no rain.
Source:
Tuoi Tre – Night report from the Po Nagar Tower Festival
Tuoi Tre – Nha Trang's summer 2026 event blitz
Visit Indochina – Vietnam’s Summer 2026 Tourism Season
