Understanding Vietnam’s official national public holidays is essential for effective planning of work schedules, family gatherings, and travel arrangements throughout 2026. This comprehensive guide covers only confirmed nationwide holidays recognized by the Vietnamese government, ensuring you have accurate information for both business and personal planning purposes.
Official Vietnam Public Holidays 2026
Vietnam observes 11 official public holidays annually according to the Labor Code 2019. However, the total days off can extend significantly when holidays fall adjacent to weekends or when the government declares extended breaks. Moreover, employees in Vietnam benefit from these strategically placed holidays that create excellent opportunities for long weekends and extended vacation periods.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| Feb 16-21 | Monday-Saturday | Vietnamese New Year (Tet) |
| Apr 26 | Sunday | Hung Kings Festival |
| Apr 27 | Monday | Hung Kings Festival (Compensatory Day) |
| Apr 30 | Thursday | Reunification Day |
| May 1 | Friday | International Labor Day |
| Sep 2 | Wednesday | National Day |
Key Holiday Periods and Long Weekends in 2026
Several holidays in 2026 create exceptional opportunities for extended breaks that savvy planners can leverage for maximum time off. Furthermore, these strategic holiday alignments provide perfect windows for domestic travel, family reunions, and business planning.
Tet Holiday Extended Break: The Vietnamese New Year celebration extends from February 14-22, creating a remarkable nine-day consecutive holiday period. Meanwhile, this represents the longest break of the year, combining five statutory days with strategic weekend placement.
Spring Holiday Cluster: The Hung Kings Festival on April 26-27 leads directly into the Reunification Day and Labor Day weekend (April 30-May 1), consequently creating multiple opportunities for mini-vacations during Vietnam’s pleasant spring weather.
National Day Flexibility: September 2 falls on a Wednesday, allowing employers to provide either September 1 or September 3 as the additional statutory day off. Subsequently, this creates potential for either a mid-week break or an extended weekend depending on company policy.
Planning Tips for 2026
Smart planning around these holidays can significantly enhance your year. Specifically, booking accommodations and transportation well in advance for Tet period ensures availability and better rates. Additionally, consider that many businesses close completely during Tet, so plan essential services accordingly. For comprehensive time zone coordination when scheduling international meetings around these holidays, visit Current Local Times Around the World.
Business travelers should note that the April 30-May 1 period often experiences heavy domestic tourism. Consequently, popular destinations like Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang see increased demand and prices during this time.
Understanding Vietnam’s Holiday Regulations
Vietnam’s holiday system follows specific rules that determine actual days off. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, employees receive a compensatory day off on the following Monday. However, the government occasionally declares extended breaks for major holidays like Tet and National Day through special announcements.
Private companies may set their own holiday schedules for Tet and National Day, nevertheless they must announce these schedules at least 30 days in advance and ensure employee rights are protected. Government employees follow official announcements from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
For precise timing and scheduling around these holidays, particularly when coordinating across different time zones, utilize Timer Tools for accurate countdown tracking to important business deadlines.
Cultural Significance of Vietnam’s National Holidays
Each holiday carries deep cultural and historical significance that shapes Vietnamese society. New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the international calendar year, though it holds less cultural importance than Tet for Vietnamese families.
Vietnamese New Year (Tet) represents the most important celebration, honoring ancestors, family reunification, and renewal for the coming year. This period involves elaborate preparations, traditional foods, and spiritual observances that connect modern Vietnam with its cultural heritage.
The Hung Kings Festival commemorates Vietnam’s legendary founding monarchs, celebrating national origins and cultural unity. Reunification Day marks the end of the Vietnam War and national reunification, while Labor Day honors workers’ contributions to society. National Day celebrates Vietnam’s declaration of independence and national sovereignty.
Understanding these cultural contexts helps foreign visitors and business partners appreciate the significance of holiday closures and plan respectfully around Vietnamese traditions.
Business and Travel Considerations
International businesses operating in Vietnam must account for extended holiday periods when planning projects, deliveries, and communications. During Tet especially, supply chains may experience delays extending up to two weeks as businesses close completely.
Travel planning benefits significantly from early booking, particularly for domestic destinations during the April-May holiday cluster. Beach destinations experience peak demand, while cultural sites like Phu Tho Province (for Hung Kings Festival) see increased visitor traffic.
For comprehensive planning guides and cultural insights about Vietnamese holidays and business practices, explore detailed guides and resources that provide deeper context for successful navigation of Vietnam’s holiday calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Vietnam?
Vietnam recognizes seven official nationwide holidays: New Year’s Day, Vietnamese New Year (Tet), Hung Kings Festival, Reunification Day, International Labor Day, and National Day. These holidays are mandatory for all government employees and strongly encouraged for private sector employers.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays create extended break opportunities in 2026. The most significant is Tet (February 14-22) with nine consecutive days off. Additionally, the Hung Kings Festival compensatory day (April 27) creates a three-day weekend, while the April 30-May 1 combination provides a four-day break from Thursday through Sunday.
Are any holidays subject to change?
While the core holiday dates remain fixed, the government may announce additional days off or modify extended break periods, particularly for Tet and National Day. Private companies have flexibility in setting their own schedules but must notify employees at least 30 days in advance. Always check official government announcements for the most current information.
How do weekend holidays work in Vietnam?
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, Vietnamese law requires employers to provide a compensatory day off on the next working day. For example, since Hung Kings Festival falls on Sunday, April 26, employees receive Monday, April 27 off work as compensation.
Do private companies follow the same holiday schedule?
Private companies have some flexibility in setting holiday schedules, especially for Tet and National Day. However, they must respect minimum requirements under the Labor Code and announce any variations at least 30 days in advance. Most private companies align with government schedules to maintain employee satisfaction and operational consistency.