One of the best ways to experience a country’s culture is by witnessing local festivals and when in Hanoi the Chem Temple Festival is one such colourful event worth seeing. The festival takes place at the Chem Temple which can be found in Thuy Phuong village, around 12 kms from the city centre. If you are looking for centrally located Hanoi accommodation from which to set off on your excursions to such sites, then Somerset Grand Hanoi is worth considering. These Hanoi serviced apartments are near the Central Business District and makes a great base for both business and leisure. If visiting during May, make your way to the Chem Temple which has a celebration dedicated to the legendary figure Ly Ong Trong from the 14th to the 16th day of the fourth month according to the lunar calendar. There are many traditions and customs carried out during the event including a lively water procession in order to get water that will be used to bathe statues. Accompanied by boats, the sound of gongs, drumbeats and chanting, the procession is truly a sight to behold. With other rituals including a procession involving such animals as horses and elephants, traditional folk games and a splendid ceremony that takes place at the communal house, the Chem Temple Festival is an event well worth being a part of.