Co Co River Festival 2026 features Hoi An’s living heritage

Under the theme "Co Co -The Flow of Heritage", the festival celebrates the revival of the historic Co Co River, once a vital waterway linking the ancient trading port of Hoi An with Da Nang centre. More than a transportation route, the river has long shaped the area's ecology, local livelihoods and cultural identity.

The event aims to showcase the river's heritage while introducing new tourism experiences centered on community culture, traditional occupations and sustainable development.

A performance of "ba trao" (“firmly grasping the paddle” singing), composed by fishermen in Central Vietnam.

A riverside celebration of culture and sustainability

Festival visitors will be invited to explore the ecological beauty of the Co Co River through a variety of outdoor experiences designed to highlight environmental conservation alongside local traditions.

Exhibition spaces will feature traditional fishing tools, ceramic lanterns, locally made handicrafts and specialty products. Visitors can also discover unique collections, including Hoi An's iconic decorative wooden door ornaments, driftwood artworks and bamboo-root sculptures, offering fresh perspectives on the area's artistic heritage.

A countryside market will showcase regional agricultural products, OCOP-certified specialties, popular Tra Que vegetables, fresh seafood, handmade crafts and community tourism products.

More than a marketplace, the fair recreates the atmosphere of a traditional riverside village, allowing visitors to experience local cuisine and everyday life.

Traditional crafts meet community experiences

A central feature of the festival is the revival of traditional occupations closely connected to the river. Visitors can watch demonstrations of fishing-net casting, net weaving, pottery making and the preparation of local dishes, alongside performances of folk music, "bai choi ", "ho khoan " singing and other traditional art forms.

The opening ceremony of the festival will trace the river's historical journey through music, storytelling and performance. Symbolic rituals, including the ceremonial raising of sails, floating lanterns on the river and the departure of traditional boats, are expected to become highlights of the festival's opening night.

Taking advantage of the riverfront setting, the festival also offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, sailing and kayaking demonstrations, riverside dining aboard large boats during the "Co Co Moonlight River" experience, as well as traditional folk games such as clay-pot breaking and fishing-net weaving competitions.

Families and children will have opportunities to participate in community activities throughout the festival. On August 2, young participants can join a traditional kite-painting competition under the theme "I Love My Co Co River," encouraging environmental awareness and appreciation for local heritage among younger generations.

Running over two days, the festival is expected to become a new cultural tourism attraction, connecting history, ecology, traditional crafts and community life.

By transforming a historic waterway into a living cultural space, the festival offers visitors not only an authentic riverside experience but also a deeper understanding of the values that continue to shape Hoi An's evolving identity.