When is the Gong Festival in Buon Ma Thuot?
Published · 4 min read
Quick Answer
Gong Festival is biennial (even years), typically March, rotating among 5 Central Highlands provinces. Buon Ma Thuot hosted 2024. Next: 2026 (mid-March, dates TBA). Features: gong competitions, cultural performances, traditional sports, trade fair. Book accommodation 3-6 months early. Alternative: Dak Lak Museum has weekly gong performances year-round.
VERIFIED · MAY 2026 Read below ↓
The Gong Festival is the Central Highlands’ largest cultural event — a celebration of the UNESCO-recognized Space of Gong Culture that brings together ethnic groups from across the region.
Festival basics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Biennial (every 2 years, even-numbered years) |
| Timing | Typically mid-March, 3-5 days |
| Rotation | 5 provinces: Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Dak Nong, Lam Dong |
| 2024 host | Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak |
| 2026 host | Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak (confirmed) |
| Main venue | Provincial Cultural Center (city center) |
| Attendance | 50,000-100,000 visitors over festival period |
What happens at the festival
Gong ensemble competitions:
- 12-15 provincial teams compete
- Categories: traditional repertoire, contemporary fusion, youth ensembles
- Judged on technique, authenticity, stage presence
- Gold/Silver/Bronze awards announced at closing ceremony
Cultural performances:
- Traditional dances (elephant dance, harvest dance, gong dance)
- Folk singing (khoi, hmon, oi stories)
- Costume parades (ethnic dress from 47 recognized groups)
- Theater performances (folk tales, historical epics)
Traditional sports:
- Crossbow shooting (Ede, M’nong archery)
- Knife throwing (M’nong hunting skill)
- Buffalo racing (rare now, mostly ceremonial)
- Wrestling (traditional male competition)
Trade fair:
- Handicrafts (brocade, bamboo, woodcarvings)
- Local specialties (coffee, honey, medicinal plants)
- Food stalls (ethnic cuisine, com lam, can wine)
- Agricultural products (coffee, pepper, cashew)
Planning a visit
Accommodation:
- Book 3-6 months ahead (hotels fill fast)
- Prices double during festival (budget 500k-1M VND/night)
- Homestays alternative (book 2-3 months ahead)
- Consider nearby towns (Ban Ho, Ea Kar) if city is full
Transportation:
- Flights to Buon Ma Thuot (BMV) book early (prices rise)
- Motorbike rental: reserve ahead (150k-200k VND/day)
- Grab/GrabBike: expect surge pricing, longer wait times
- Public buses: additional services during festival
Festival schedule (typical):
| Day | Events |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (AM) | Opening ceremony, parade |
| Day 1 (PM) | Gong competitions (preliminary rounds) |
| Day 2 | Cultural performances, sports competitions |
| Day 3 | Gong finals, awards, closing ceremony |
Photography tips
- Main stage: good light morning and late afternoon
- Avoid flash during performances (distracts performers)
- Ask permission for close-up portraits
- Best shots: opening parade (colorful costumes), gong ensembles (dramatic lighting)
Alternative: smaller festivals
If you can’t make the Gong Festival:
Harvest festivals (mua mang):
- Village-level, November-December
- Authentic, less touristy
- Gong performances, rice wine, community meals
- Ask at Buon Akô Dhông or Dak Lak Museum for village contacts
Weekly performances:
- Dak Lak Museum: Saturdays 9am (40k VND)
- Buon Akô Dhông: on request (100k-200k VND)
- Lak Lake homestays: evening shows (included with stay)
Getting tickets
- Opening/closing ceremonies: free (open-air venue)
- Gong competitions: free (seating first-come, first-served)
- VIP seating: 100k-200k VND (book through tourism office)
- Trade fair: free entry
Contact for 2026 updates
- Dak Lak Tourism Department: www.daklak.gov.vn
- Buon Ma Thuot Tourist Information: 0262.3852133
- Vietnam National Tourism Office: www.vietnam.travel
Also asked
Related questions, answered.
When exactly is the 2026 Gong Festival?
Official dates not yet announced (as of May 2026). Typically mid-March, lasting 3-5 days. Check Dak Lak Provincial Tourism Department website or contact Buon Ma Thuot tourist information center (0262.3852133) for updates.
Is the Gong Festival worth planning a trip around?
Yes, if you're interested in ethnic culture. The festival gathers the best gong ensembles from all 5 Central Highlands provinces. However, it's crowded, accommodation prices double, and events can run behind schedule. For a more intimate experience, visit smaller village festivals (harvest ceremonies) Nov-Dec.
Where can I hear gong music outside the festival?
Dak Lak Museum (Buon Ma Thuot city) has weekly gong performances (Saturdays, 9am, 40k VND entrance). Buon Akô Dhông cultural village offers on-request performances (100k-200k VND). Some Lak Lake homestays include evening gong shows with overnight stay.
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