Vietnam Public Holidays 2026 & 2025: A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Understanding the country’s public holidays and traditional festivals is essential for a smooth and culturally enriching experience. This knowledge helps you avoid unexpected closures, plan around peak travel periods, and immerse yourself in local celebrations.

Vietnam observes two main types of holidays: traditional festivals where families gather to celebrate cultural heritage, and national public holidays that commemorate significant historical events. This comprehensive guide covers both to help you plan your perfect Vietnamese adventure.

Vietnam Holiday Calendar 2026 & 2025

For travelers, knowing the exact dates of long weekends and holiday periods is crucial. Here are the confirmed and expected holiday schedules:

2025 Vietnam Public Holidays

Holiday	Dates	Day of the Week	Duration
Tết (Lunar New Year)	Jan 25 – Feb 2	Saturday – Sunday	9 days
Hung Kings’ Day	Apr 5 – Apr 7	Saturday – Monday	3 days
Reunification & Labour Day	Apr 30 – May 4	Wednesday – Sunday	5 days
National Day	Aug 30 – Sep 2	Saturday – Tuesday	4 days

2026 Vietnam Public Holidays

Holiday	Dates	Day of the Week	Duration	Travel Impact
Tết (Lunar New Year)	Feb 14 – Feb 22	Sat – Sun	9 days	⚠️ High
Hung Kings’ Day	Apr 25 – Apr 27	Sat – Mon	3 days	Low
Reunification Day	Apr 30	Thursday	1-2 days**	Low
Labour Day	May 1	Friday	1 day**	Low
National Day	Sep 2	Wednesday	2 days***	Medium

*Falls on Sunday (Apr 26), observed on Monday (Apr 27) as substitute holiday
**Combined creates 4-day weekend (Apr 30 – May 3)
***Typically includes Sep 1 or Sep 3 as additional day off

🔔 Important Travel Tips

About Holiday Impacts:

Apart from Tết, other public holidays are actually excellent times to experience Vietnam. During Tết, expect widespread closures for the first 3-5 days. For other holidays, you’ll witness authentic local celebrations while most tourist services remain operational. However, be prepared for:

• Higher accommodation rates during long weekends
• Crowded domestic tourist destinations like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc
• Busy transportation as locals travel to their hometowns
• Festive atmosphere with parades, decorations, and cultural events

Pro Tip: Book flights and hotels 1-2 months in advance for major holidays (except Tết, which requires 2-3 months advance booking).

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Traditional Vietnamese Festivals

These festivals are deeply woven into Vietnamese culture and offer unique cultural experiences for visitors.

Tết Nguyên Đán – Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Official Date: 1st day of the 1st lunar month (late January – mid-February)
2025: January 29 (Year of the Snake)
2026: February 17 (Year of the Horse)
Holiday Duration: 7-9 days (officially 5 days + weekends)
Status: Vietnam’s most important festival

Tết is far more than just a New Year celebration. It’s a sacred time for family reunions, ancestor worship, and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead. Most Vietnamese return to their hometowns, making this the longest and most significant holiday period.

What to Expect:

• Days 1-3: Most shops, restaurants, and businesses close
• Days 4-5: Gradual reopening begins
• Major cities become surprisingly quiet as residents travel home
• Hotels and tourist attractions in major cities remain open but at reduced capacity
• Street vendors and some restaurants reopen after Day 3

Travel Recommendations:

• Visit just before or after Tết for cultural immersion without major closures
• Stay in international hotels which maintain full services
• Keep sufficient cash as ATMs may run out during peak withdrawal periods

Tết Trung Thu – Mid-Autumn Festival

Official Date: 15th day of the 8th lunar month (September – October)
Holiday Duration: Not a public holiday
Status: Important cultural celebration, especially for children

Known as the “Children’s Festival,” this enchanting celebration features colorful lantern parades through streets, moon viewing gatherings, and the tradition of sharing Bánh Trung Thu (Vietnamese mooncakes). While not an official day off, it’s a wonderful time to experience Vietnamese family culture.

Visitor Experience:

• Evening lantern processions in old quarters and ancient towns
• Special mooncake displays in shops and markets
• Traditional lion and dragon dances
• No impact on business operations

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National Public Holidays

These officially mandated holidays commemorate pivotal moments in Vietnamese history.

International New Year’s Day (Tết Dương Lịch)

Date: January 1
Duration: 1 day

While less significant than Tết, New Year’s Day is a public holiday with official time off. Major cities host countdown events with fireworks, and it’s a popular time for domestic short trips.

Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương)

Date: 10th day of the 3rd lunar month
2025: April 7 (Monday)
2026: April 26 (Sunday, observed April 27)
Duration: 1 official day (often becomes 3-day weekend)

This day honors the legendary Hung Kings, who are considered the founding fathers of Vietnam. They established the first Vietnamese state over 4,000 years ago. The holiday celebrates national identity and ancient roots.

Celebrations:

• Main festivities at Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province
• Incense offerings and prayers at temples nationwide
• Cultural performances and traditional ceremonies
• Minimal disruption to tourist activities

Reunification Day (Ngày Giải phóng miền Nam)

Date: April 30
Duration: 1 day (often combined with Labour Day)

Also known as Liberation Day, this holiday marks April 30, 1975. On this date, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), ending the Vietnam War and paving the way for national reunification.

What Happens:

• Grand military parades in Ho Chi Minh City
• Vietnamese flags displayed throughout the country
• Patriotic songs and speeches
• Popular time for domestic tourism

International Labour Day (Ngày Quốc tế Lao động)

Date: May 1
Duration: 1 day

Falling immediately after Reunification Day, these two holidays almost always create an extended 4-5 day weekend, making it one of the busiest travel periods for Vietnamese families.

National Day (Lễ Quốc Khánh)

Date: September 2
Duration: 2 days (September 2 + 1 adjacent day)

Vietnam’s most patriotic holiday commemorates September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh declared independence from France in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi.

Celebrations:

• Spectacular fireworks displays in major cities
• National parades and ceremonies
• Visits to historical sites and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
• Streets decorated with red flags and banners

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FAQ: Vietnam Public Holidays

Q: Can I travel to Vietnam during Tết?
A: Yes! However, the first 3-5 days see widespread closures. Visit just before or after the main Tết period for a cultural experience without major inconveniences. International hotels and major tourist sites remain open.

Q: Are tourist attractions open during public holidays?
A: Most major attractions, museums, and historical sites remain open except for Tết Days 1-2. Some may have modified hours.

Q: When is the best time to visit Vietnam to avoid holiday crowds?
A: March, June, October, and November offer pleasant weather and fewer domestic tourists. Avoid late January/early February (Tết) and late April/early May.

Q: Do prices increase during public holidays?
A: Yes, accommodation and domestic flights typically cost 30-50% more during Tết and other long weekends. International flights are less affected.

Q: Will I experience visa processing delays during holidays?
A: Yes. Vietnamese immigration offices close during public holidays. Apply for your visa at least 2 weeks before major holidays, especially Tết.

Q: Are restaurants and shops open during holidays?
A: Outside of Tết, most tourist-area restaurants and shops remain open. During Tết Days 1-3, expect 60-70% of establishments to be closed in major cities.

Q: Is it culturally appropriate to travel during Tết?
A: Absolutely! Vietnamese people welcome tourists warmly during Tết. Just be respectful of family gatherings and temple ceremonies.

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Best Times to Visit Vietnam

Peak Holiday Seasons (Expect crowds & higher prices):

• Tết Period: Late January – Mid February
• April 30 – May 1 Weekend
• National Day Weekend (September)

Ideal Months (Good weather, fewer crowds):

• March: Pleasant nationwide
• June: Good for Northern Vietnam
• October: Excellent for Central Vietnam
• November: Perfect for Southern Vietnam

Consider Your Preferences:

• Want cultural immersion? Visit during minor holidays (Hung Kings, National Day)
• Prefer fewer crowds? Avoid Tết and April-May
• Budget-conscious? Travel in March, June, or November
• Festival enthusiast? Time your visit with Tết or Mid-Autumn Festival

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Planning Your Visit

For the best Vietnam experience:

1. Check the holiday calendar before booking flights
2. Book accommodations early for holiday periods (2-3 months for Tết)
3. Keep sufficient cash during Tết as ATMs may run low
4. Embrace the festivals – they’re incredible cultural experiences
5. Stay flexible with your itinerary during major holidays

Vietnam’s public holidays offer unique opportunities to witness authentic cultural celebrations. With proper planning, they can enhance rather than hinder your travel experience!