Vietnam’s public holidays are a window into its history and vibrant traditions. In 2026, both citizens and visitors can look forward to a year that blends time-honored festivals with modern nationwide commemorations, plus a few generous long weekends. For workers and travelers, it’s a great time to plan PTO strategically, use “bridge days” around the holidays to turn them into extended breaks, coordinate early with your team, and keep your PTO tracking up to date since these dates are in high demand.
New Year’s Daya: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Vietnam rings in the Gregorian new year on January 1, a statutory public holiday across the country. Expect festive city squares, countdowns, and lighter traffic the following day as many people enjoy a quiet start to the year. Time and Date
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): Core Festival on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Tet is Vietnam’s biggest holiday, a time for family reunions, ancestral rites, debt settling, and cultural traditions that stretch back centuries. In 2026, Tet New Year’s Day falls on Tuesday, February 17. Most offices, banks, factories, and schools close for several days surrounding this date.
The Tet holiday block in 2026
Vietnam typically grants a multi day public break covering Tet Eve and several days after New Year’s Day. For 2026, the commonly referenced public-holiday window is Monday, Friday, February 16–20 (with some calendars also showing weekend days around it). Expect transport hubs to surge before the holiday and cities to quiet down as families gather.
Travel & etiquette tips for Tet
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Book transport well in advance; prices rise and tickets sell out.
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Many restaurants and shops close or run limited hours; tourist hotspots may be calmer than usual.
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If invited to a family gathering, bring small gifts (tea, sweets, fruit).
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Red envelopes (lì xì) with small bills are a customary gift for children.
Hùng Kings’ Commemoration Day: Sunday, April 26, 2026 (Observed Monday, April 27)
Held on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, this national holiday honors Vietnam’s legendary founders, the Hùng Kings. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, April 26; because it lands on a weekend, an observed day off on Monday, April 27 is typically granted, creating a convenient long weekend.
Reunification Day: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Also known as Liberation Day, this holiday marks the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. Expect patriotic displays, larger public events in major cities, and heavy domestic travel around this period
International Labor Day: Friday, May 1, 2026
Falling the day after Reunification Day, Labor Day extends many people’s break into a four day weekend (Thu–Sun). Public offices close; many private businesses take the long weekend as well.
National Day: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 (Two Days of Holiday)
National Day commemorates Vietnam’s declaration of independence in 1945. In recent years, the law provides two days off: September 2 and one adjacent day (often the day before or after). For 2026, many calendars show Tuesday, September 1 as the companion day, yielding a tidy two day break. Expect parades, flags on balconies, and family outings in parks and pedestrian streets.
Beloved Cultural Festivals (Not Standard Public Holidays)
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
A children’s favorite with lantern parades and mooncakes, Tết Trung Thu falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (mid-September to early October). It’s widely celebrated but not a nationwide paid day off. If you’re in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or HCMC’s District 5, lantern streets are magical in the evenings.
Western New Year’s Eve (December 31)
There are countdowns and fireworks in major cities, but December 31 is not a separate nationwide public holiday (the day off is January 1).
Planning Tips for Travelers and Residents
Book early around Tet and late April/early May. Trains, flights, and intercity buses sell out; prices often rise. Government offices and banks may close for several consecutive days over Tet, handle visa or banking needs in advance. For National Day, central districts in major cities can see street closures and large public events; plan alternate routes and expect festive crowds.
Quick Reference (What’s Official in 2026)
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Jan 1 (Thu): New Year’s Day
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Tet block: around Feb 16–20 with Tet Day Tue, Feb 17 (additional closures likely around the weekend)
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Apr 26 (Sun): Hùng Kings’ Day; Apr 27 (Mon) observed
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Apr 30 (Thu): Reunification Day
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May 1 (Fri): International Labor Day
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Sep 2 (Wed): National Day, with two days off total (commonly Sep 1–2)
(Exact confirmations are published by the government closer to the dates.)
Why These Holidays Matter
Each public holiday expresses a facet of Vietnam’s identity: family and renewal at Tet; origin and remembrance during Hùng Kings’ Day; unity on Reunification Day; solidarity on Labor Day; and sovereignty on National Day. Joining these moments, whether you’re Vietnamese or a guest, offers a richer connection to the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Vietnam’s 2026 Public Holidays
How many public holidays does Vietnam have in 2026?
Vietnam is expected to have around 11 official public holidays in 2026, depending on how the Tet (Lunar New Year) and National Day companion days are scheduled. The main confirmed holidays include New Year’s Day, Tet Nguyen Dan, Hung Kings’ Day, Reunification Day, Labor Day, and National Day.
What is the longest public holiday in Vietnam?
The Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is the longest and most important holiday in Vietnam. It usually lasts five to seven days, with most government offices, banks, and businesses closing for the entire period. Many workers extend their time off before and after the official dates to visit family or travel.
When is Tet (Lunar New Year) in 2026?
In 2026, Tet New Year’s Day falls on Tuesday, February 17. The public holiday block is expected to run from February 16 to 20, though additional days off may be added depending on government announcements closer to the date.
Is everything closed during Tet?
Nearly all government offices, banks, and factories close during Tet. Many shops and restaurants also close, especially in smaller cities. However, major tourist destinations like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City often have hotels, cafes, and attractions open with limited staff.
If you’re visiting during Tet, plan essentials in advance, transport tickets, cash, and accommodation.
What are the busiest travel times in Vietnam?
Travel peaks around:
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Before Tet (early to mid February 2026) as people return home.
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Late April and early May, covering Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1).
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National Day (early September), when locals take short domestic vacations.
Booking transport and hotels early during these periods is highly recommended.
What is Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, and why is it special?
Hung Kings’ Day honors Vietnam’s mythical founders, the Hung Kings, symbolizing national unity and gratitude to ancestors. It’s celebrated with traditional ceremonies, processions, and festivals, especially at the Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province.
In 2026, it falls on Sunday, April 26, with an observed day off on Monday, April 27.
Do private companies in Vietnam follow the same public holiday schedule?
Yes, most private companies observe the same official holidays declared by the government. However, the duration of days off, particularly for Tet or National Day, may vary slightly depending on company policies.
Is the Mid Autumn Festival a public holiday?
No, Tết Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival) is not an official public holiday, but it’s widely celebrated. Families exchange mooncakes, children carry lanterns in the streets, and communities host vibrant evening festivals. It typically falls in mid-September or early October each year.
Are there any double holidays in Vietnam?
Yes. Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1) occur back to back, often creating a four day weekend. Similarly, National Day (September 2) is now paired with a companion day (usually September 1 or 3), offering another extended break.
What should travelers know about visiting during public holidays?
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Book early: Hotels, trains, and domestic flights fill up quickly.
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Expect closures: Administrative offices and some attractions close, especially during Tet.
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Enjoy the atmosphere: Holidays like Tet and National Day bring colorful festivals, parades, and street decorations, fantastic for cultural photography and immersion.
How are public holidays determined each year?
The Vietnamese government issues an official public holiday calendar toward the end of each preceding year, based on lunar calendar calculations and weekday alignments. While dates like New Year’s Day and National Day are fixed, Tet and Hung Kings’ Day follow the lunar calendar and shift yearly.
Do foreigners working in Vietnam get the same public holidays?
Yes. Foreign employees are entitled to the same public holidays as Vietnamese citizens. If a holiday falls on a weekend, employees typically receive a substitute day off the following weekday.
Final Word
Vietnam’s 2026 holiday calendar promises plenty of chances to rest, celebrate, and explore, especially if you plan around Tet and the late April/early-May cluster. Keep an eye on the official holiday notice as the year approaches, secure travel and accommodation early, and leave room for serendipity: the lion dances in a neighborhood alley, a moonlit lantern stroll, a shared cup of tea on a quiet Tet morning.
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