Vietnam’s infamous “cave rave” returns on April 7-9, 2023 for a weekend getaway reveling in nature’s cradle. For its fifth edition, Equation Festival stays true to its vision of bringing together top-notch regional and international acts with guests from all around the world.

Located in Mai Châu district, the venue is separated into two stages: the Garden and the Cave, each with its own distinct vibe, yet both highlighting the grandeur of their transcendent surroundings. The Garden offers panoramic views of verdant valleys and mountains while the Cave promises an immersive sensory and acoustic sensation that has earned the festival its acclaimed reputation. In cooperation with the local community, the festival is staffed by Mai Châu residents. Round-the-clock shuttle services transport guests to and from the venue.

In 2022, after a hiatus brought on by the global pandemic, Equation Festival laid the ground for its current format, establishing a new homebase in the rural foothills of Northern Vietnam. About 130km from the capital city, the 4-hour bus ride from Hanoi takes guests through the winding mountain ranges of Hòa Bình with lofty views of the countryside. Mai Châu City itself is an idyllic provincial town surrounded by breathtaking greenery, sweeping rice fields, limestone outcrops, and lotus ponds.

Last year’s sold-out event brought together artists and party-goers from across Asia and beyond to engage in a first-of-its-kind outdoor festival experience. Building on its previous success, Equation continues to celebrate regional talent as well as seasoned DJs with a wide-ranging lineup featuring a live set by MARKUS (US). Other highlights include Powder (JP), Wata Igarashi (JP), Skatebård (NO), Roman Flügel (DE), Trent (IT), Mez (US), Dusan (RS), DOTT (TH), Elaheh (TH), Emel Rowe (PH), Saint Guel (PH), as well as a raucously entertaining drag show takeover by Peach, Genderfunk, and Snug. Rounding out the powerhouse lineup are residents Cora (CH), Sunju Hargun (TH), Di Linh (VN), Tourguide (VN), and Ouissam (VN). Besides nonstop music, other activities include yoga and healing sessions.

Without a doubt, the festival’s main draw is its one-of-a-kind setting. High-quality sound systems provide the backbone for a deeply compelling audiovisual journey. The collaboration between local visual artists’ hypnotic video projections on the jagged cave wall along with mesmerizing lighting design by Bangkok-based Human Spectrum truly pushes the experience to otherworldly dimensions.

Outside of the festival, adventurous visitors can treat themselves to exploring Mai Châu’s wealth of traditional artisan and ethnic villages, cycling and hiking trails, as well as other outdoor excursions such as kayaking.