Vietnam public holidays 2026 total 11 official paid days off across six events, spread between January and September — with the Tet Lunar New Year (Feb 16–20) and the back-to-back Reunification Day plus Labor Day (Apr 30–May 1) creating the year’s two longest national shutdowns. If you’re flying into Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, knowing these dates is the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating week of locked museums, sold-out trains, and tripled hotel rates.
This guide breaks down every holiday by date, what closes, what stays open, and which days are actually worth traveling on. We’ve cross-checked the calendar against Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) official 2026 announcement.
Key Takeaways
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam has 11 statutory public holidays in 2026 — the most since the 2025 Labor Code amendment added a second National Day.
- Tet (Lunar New Year) runs February 16–20, 2026, with the actual New Year’s Day on Tuesday, February 17 (Year of the Horse).
- There is NO nine-day April super-holiday in 2026 — Hung Kings’ Festival (Apr 26) and Reunification Day (Apr 30) are not bridged.
- Domestic flights, intercity trains, and homestay rates rise 50–200% during Tet and the April 30–May 1 break.
- ️ Government offices, banks, and most museums close on all 11 days; convenience stores, cafés in District 1, and tourist restaurants generally stay open.
- ️ For foreign visitors, the best non-holiday travel windows in 2026 are early March, mid-June, and late October.
Complete 2026 Vietnam Public Holidays Calendar
Below is the full official 2026 calendar published by MOLISA. Dates marked “observed” mean a weekend holiday is shifted to a weekday — Vietnamese law guarantees you don’t lose a paid day off when a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.
| Holiday | Vietnamese Name | 2026 Date | Day of Week | Paid Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Tết Dương Lịch | Thursday, January 1 | Thu | 1 |
| Lunar New Year (Tet) | Tết Nguyên Đán | February 16–20 | Mon–Fri | 5 |
| Hung Kings’ Festival | Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương | Sunday, April 26 (observed Mon, Apr 27) | Sun (Mon) | 1 |
| Reunification Day | Ngày Giải Phóng Miền Nam | Thursday, April 30 | Thu | 1 |
| International Labor Day | Ngày Quốc Tế Lao Động | Friday, May 1 | Fri | 1 |
| National Day | Quốc Khánh | September 1–2 | Tue–Wed | 2 |
| TOTAL | 11 days |
How Vietnam Public Holidays Are Decided
Vietnam’s public holiday system is set by Article 112 of the 2019 Labor Code and amended annually by Prime Ministerial decree. Unlike many countries, holidays that fall on a weekend are automatically shifted to the next working day — a practice known locally as nghỉ bù (“compensatory rest”). Foreign workers on Vietnamese employment contracts are entitled to all 11 days at full pay.
January 2026: New Year’s Day
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026 (1 paid day)
The Gregorian New Year is a quiet holiday in Vietnam — locals consider Tet the “real” new year. Expect a one-day shutdown of government offices and banks, but most restaurants, cafés, and shops in tourist districts open by mid-morning. Hotel rates rise modestly (10–20%) and only on December 31.
Foreign visitor tip: January 1 is one of the best Vietnam public holidays to actually be in the country. Streets are calm, the weather in Saigon is dry (28°C / 82°F), and you’ll find easy access to attractions like the War Remnants Museum and other District 1 sights without crowds.
Tet Lunar New Year 2026 (February 16–20)
Tet is the event of the Vietnamese year — a five-day statutory holiday that, when combined with the surrounding weekends, becomes a nine-day national pause from Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 22, 2026.
| Tet 2026 Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Lunar New Year’s Day | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
| Zodiac Year | Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ) |
| Official paid days | Feb 16–20 (Mon–Fri) |
| Effective shutdown | Feb 14–22 (9 calendar days) |
| Average hotel surcharge in HCMC | +80–150% |
| Domestic flight surcharge | +60–120% |
What Closes During Tet
- All government offices, embassies, courts, banks — closed Feb 14–22
- Most local restaurants and family-run shops — closed Feb 16–19 minimum
- Wet markets (Ben Thanh, Binh Tay) — reduced hours or closed
- Domestic museums — closed Feb 16–18
- Train ticket counters — open but heavily booked (book 60+ days ahead)
What Stays Open
International hotel chains, 24/7 convenience stores (Circle K, GS25, FamilyMart), Grab ride-hailing, ATMs, hospital emergency rooms, and most foreign-owned restaurants in District 1 of Saigon and the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Many of these establishments add a 10% Tet surcharge.
For first-time visitors, our complete Tet survival guide explains how to time your arrival, what to eat when local kitchens close, and which lucky-money customs to follow if invited to a Vietnamese home.
Spring 2026: Hung Kings, Reunification Day & Labor Day
The April–May cluster is where vietnam public holidays get interesting in 2026 — and where many travel blogs are getting the math wrong.
Hung Kings’ Festival — Sunday, April 26 (Observed Monday, April 27)
Honoring Vietnam’s mythological founding emperors, the Hung Kings’ Festival falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month each year. Because April 26, 2026 is a Sunday, the paid day off shifts to Monday, April 27, creating a natural three-day weekend.
External authoritative source: Read the full background on this holiday at Vietnam.gov.vn — the official government portal.
Reunification Day & Labor Day — April 30 & May 1
Reunification Day (also called Liberation Day or Victory Day) marks the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. The following day, May 1, is International Labor Day. In 2026:
- Thursday, April 30 — Reunification Day
- Friday, May 1 — Labor Day
- Saturday, May 2 + Sunday, May 3 — weekend
This produces a clean four-day weekend (Apr 30–May 3) but, crucially, NOT the nine-day mega-holiday that some outlets are predicting. Because Hung Kings’ Festival (Apr 27) and Reunification Day (Apr 30) are separated by two working days (April 28–29), the government has not issued a bridge-day decree for 2026.
Travel Impact: April 30 Long Weekend
Expect:
– Domestic flights from Saigon to Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang booked solid 30+ days out
– Beach resort rates +100–200%
– Saigon city itself emptier than usual (locals leave for the coast)
– Traffic gridlock on highways from Wednesday evening, April 29
This is paradoxically a great window to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City. With locals at the beach, restaurants stay open, traffic is light, and museums host special Reunification Day exhibitions. Check our Saigon 5-day itinerary for an April-30-aware schedule.
September 2026: National Day (Quốc Khánh)
Dates: Tuesday, September 1 + Wednesday, September 2, 2026 (2 paid days)
National Day marks Ho Chi Minh’s 1945 Declaration of Independence. Since the 2024 Labor Code amendment, Vietnam observes two consecutive paid days (Sept 1 and Sept 2) — making this the second-longest official holiday after Tet.
In 2026, Sept 1–2 falls on Tuesday and Wednesday, producing a split week with no automatic bridge. Many private employers grant an unofficial day off on Monday, August 31, to create a four-day weekend, but this is not legally mandated.
What to expect:
– Fireworks at the Saigon River (Bach Dang Wharf) and Hanoi’s West Lake — 9:00 PM
– 🇻🇳 Flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi) — 6:30 AM
– Free admission to many state museums on Sept 2
– Major shopping malls run “National Day Sale” with 30–50% off
National Day is the most foreigner-friendly of all the major vietnam public holidays. Public transport runs normally, English-speaking taxis are available, and the patriotic atmosphere is genuinely warm rather than commercialized.
Comparison: 2026 vs. Other Years
How does 2026 stack up against neighboring years? The table below summarizes the calendar weight of vietnam public holidays from 2024 to 2027.
| Year | Total Statutory Days | Longest Continuous Break | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 | Tet (7 days) | First year with 2-day National Day |
| 2025 | 11 | April super-bridge (9 days) | Hung Kings + Reunification stacked |
| 2026 | 11 | Tet (9 calendar days) | No April bridge |
| 2027 | 11 | Tet (projected 8 days) | Tet falls on Feb 6 |
How Foreign Visitors Should Plan Around These Holidays
Here’s a quick decision framework based on what kind of trip you want:
Best Months for Smooth Travel (Avoid Holidays)
- Early-to-mid March — post-Tet recovery, perfect weather, low rates
- Mid-to-late June — pre-monsoon, no holidays, great deals
- Late October to mid-November — dry season starting, no holidays
Best Holidays to Experience as a Tourist
- National Day (Sept 1–2) — patriotic atmosphere, fireworks, museums free
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1) — quiet, cheap, easy
- Hung Kings’ Festival (Apr 27) — cultural depth, light crowds in cities
Holidays to Avoid (If Possible)
- Tet (Feb 14–22) — most expensive, most closed, hardest logistics
- April 30–May 3 — domestic travel chaos, coastal resorts overpriced
For deeper context on each season, see our guide to the best time to visit Saigon, which maps weather data against the holiday calendar.
Banking, Visas & Practical Logistics
Banks observe every one of the 11 vietnam public holidays — including the compensatory weekday for weekend holidays. ATMs continue dispensing cash but often run low by day two of Tet. Currency exchange counters in Ben Thanh Market and at Tan Son Nhat Airport stay open with reduced hours.
Visa offices and immigration:
– Vietnam Immigration Department: closed all 11 holidays
– Visa-on-arrival approval letters: not processed during Tet or Apr 30–May 1
– E-visa portal: operates 24/7 (automated)
Currency conversion reference (June 2026): 1 USD ≈ 25,400 VND. A typical mid-range hotel meal costs 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–$10), rising to 300,000–500,000 VND ($12–$20) during Tet surcharge periods.
For US travelers, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam holiday schedule lists which American and Vietnamese holidays the embassy observes — relevant if you need consular services.
Where to Stay During Vietnam Public Holidays
Hotel pricing during vietnam public holidays follows three tiers:
| Period | Price Multiplier | Booking Window |
|---|---|---|
| Tet (Feb 14–22) | 1.8–2.5× normal | Book 90+ days ahead |
| Apr 30 + Sept 1–2 | 1.4–1.8× normal | Book 30+ days ahead |
| Hung Kings + Jan 1 | 1.1–1.3× normal | Book 7+ days ahead |
Homestays and boutique guesthouses in central Saigon hold rates better than international hotel chains during these periods because they cater primarily to independent travelers rather than tour groups. Properties in District 1 (Ben Thanh, Dong Khoi, Pham Ngu Lao) stay walkable to fireworks venues, food streets that remain open, and 24-hour pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Vietnam have in 2026?
Vietnam has 11 statutory paid public holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day (1), Tet Lunar New Year (5), Hung Kings’ Festival (1), Reunification Day (1), Labor Day (1), and National Day (2). When a holiday falls on a weekend, Vietnamese labor law shifts the paid day off to the next working day, so workers never lose entitled rest days.
When is Tet 2026 and how long is the break?
Tet 2026 officially runs Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20, with Lunar New Year’s Day on Tuesday, February 17 (Year of the Horse). When combined with the surrounding weekends, the effective national shutdown stretches nine calendar days from Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Will there be a long April holiday in Vietnam 2026?
No. Unlike 2025, the 2026 April calendar does NOT produce a nine-day mega-holiday. Hung Kings’ Festival (April 27) and Reunification Day (April 30) are separated by two working days. The government has not issued a bridge-day decree, so the longest April break is the four-day weekend from Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3.
Are banks and ATMs open during Vietnam public holidays?
Bank branches close on all 11 public holidays, including any compensatory weekday. However, ATMs remain operational and Vietcombank, Techcombank, and BIDV machines accept foreign cards throughout. During Tet, ATMs in tourist districts can run out of cash by day two — withdraw what you need before February 15, 2026.
Do museums and tourist attractions close during holidays?
Most state-run museums close on the actual holiday day but reopen the next day with extended hours. The War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Hanoi’s Vietnam Museum of Ethnology typically close only on Tet (Feb 16–18, 2026) and reopen February 19. Private attractions like Saigon Skydeck and Cu Chi Tunnels remain open year-round.
Is it expensive to travel in Vietnam during public holidays?
Yes, but only during Tet and the April 30–May 1 break. Tet sees hotel rates rise 80–150% and domestic flights 60–120%. The April long weekend pushes coastal resort rates up 100–200%. National Day (Sept 1–2), Hung Kings’ Festival, and New Year’s Day cause minimal price spikes — typically 10–30% above baseline.
Plan Your 2026 Vietnam Trip From a Central Saigon Base
Whether you’re arriving for Tet fireworks at Bach Dang Wharf, the September 2 National Day parade, or a quiet March getaway between holidays, basing yourself in central District 1 keeps you walking distance to every major Saigon attraction, food street, and rooftop bar — without paying international hotel chain Tet surcharges.
Book a District 1 homestay on saigonhomestay.com for transparent pricing, locally-owned hospitality, and same-day check-in even during Vietnam public holidays. Our hosts speak English, provide free Tet itinerary planning, and won’t add holiday surcharges to confirmed bookings.
For more pre-trip reading, browse our guides on Vietnamese street food for first-timers and the must-see District 1 attractions — both of which stay open during nearly every holiday on the 2026 calendar.
Last verified: June 8, 2026. Calendar based on the official 2026 holiday decree issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). Always reconfirm dates with your embassy before booking non-refundable travel.
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