Vietnam National Holidays 2025–2027: 15 Key Dates to Know

Vietnam National Holidays

Vietnam National Holidays 2025-2027: 15 Key Dates for Smart Travelers

Planning a Vietnamese adventure? Understanding the country’s holiday calendar is crucial for making the most of your trip. Here’s your complete guide to Vietnam’s vibrant celebrations, traditions, and travel strategies for 2025-2027.

Vietnam National Holidays
Vietnam National Holidays

Vietnam’s Holiday Calendar Structure: What You Need to Know

Vietnam’s holiday calendar blends two distinct worlds – following both the internationally recognized Gregorian calendar and the traditional lunar calendar. This unique approach creates a rich tapestry of celebrations that showcase the country’s cultural depth and historical significance.

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The Dual Calendar System Explained

Vietnam’s dual calendar approach means holidays fall into two categories:

  1. Fixed Gregorian dates: Holidays like National Day (September 2) and Reunification Day (April 30) occur on the same date each year.
  2. Lunar calendar celebrations: Holidays such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and Mid-Autumn Festival change dates annually according to the lunar calendar.

Understanding this distinction helps travelers anticipate how holiday dates shift across different years. For instance, Tet might fall in late January one year and mid-February the next, significantly impacting travel plans

Vietnam National Holidays
Vietnam National Holidays

Official vs. Cultural Celebrations

Vietnam distinguishes between official public holidays (when businesses close and employees receive time off) and cultural celebrations (observed but not necessarily with time off). The country officially recognizes 10 public holiday dates annually, but when accounting for adjacent weekends and compensation days, some holidays create extended breaks of up to 9 days.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs typically announces the official holiday schedule in November for the following year, with particular attention to how weekends affect the overall holiday structure.

15 Vietnam National Holidays (2025-2027): Complete Calendar

Major Public Holidays with Nationwide Impact

  1. New Year’s Day

  • 2025: Wednesday, January 1
  • 2026: Thursday, January 1
  • 2027: Friday, January 1

While less culturally significant than Tet, January 1st marks a day of relaxation across Vietnam. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City host countdown events with fireworks displays attracting thousands of spectators. Most government offices close, but tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers typically remain open with festive promotions.

  1. Tet Holiday (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

  • 2025: January 29 (Eve) to February 4 (7-day holiday)
  • 2026: February 17 (Eve) to February 23 (7-day holiday)
  • 2027: February 7 (Eve) to February 13 (7-day holiday)

Tet represents the most important cultural event in Vietnam, extending far beyond a simple holiday. The entire country transforms during this period as families reunite, homes undergo thorough cleaning, and streets burst with decorative flowers and kumquat trees.

During Tet, expect transportation systems to operate at maximum capacity, with train and plane tickets selling out weeks or even months in advance. Hotels in popular destinations often implement holiday surcharges of 20-30%. Many businesses close for the entire week, though tourist areas maintain limited services.

For visitors lucky enough to experience this cultural phenomenon, highlights include flower markets, pagoda visits, and the exchange of lucky money in red envelopes. The first visitor to enter a home during Tet (known as “xông đất”) is believed to influence the family’s fortune for the entire year.

  1. Hung Kings Commemoration Day

  • 2025: April 8 (10th day of 3rd lunar month)
  • 2026: March 28
  • 2027: April 15

This patriotic holiday honors the legendary Hung Kings, considered the founders of the Vietnamese nation. The most significant celebrations occur at the Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province, approximately 85 km northwest of Hanoi, where elaborate processions, traditional games, and cultural performances take place.

The holiday represents Vietnamese ancestral respect and national identity. Visitors interested in experiencing authentic traditions should consider a day trip from Hanoi to witness the elaborate ceremonies and colorful processions at the main temple complex, which spans 1,000 hectares of sacred grounds.

  1. Reunification Day
  • 2025: Wednesday, April 30
  • 2026: Thursday, April 30
  • 2027: Friday, April 30

Marking the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1975, this holiday commemorates the end of the Vietnam War and the country’s reunification. The date holds significant historical importance, especially in Ho Chi Minh City where locals and tourists gather at Reunification Palace and along Nguyen Hue Walking Street to watch military parades and cultural performances.

When combined with the following Labor Day holiday, it creates a popular travel period with domestic tourism rates increasing by approximately 30-40% nationwide.

  1. International Labor Day
  • 2025: Thursday, May 1
  • 2026: Friday, May 1
  • 2027: Saturday, May 1 (likely observed on Monday, May 3)

Vietnam celebrates Labor Day in solidarity with workers worldwide. The holiday frequently combines with Reunification Day, creating a “mini holiday” that sees beaches like Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc experience occupancy rates of 90%+ as domestic travelers take advantage of the break.

Urban centers host labor-themed exhibitions and events celebrating worker achievements. The extended holiday often sees hotel rates increase by 15-25% in popular tourist destinations.

  1. National Day
  • 2025: Tuesday, September 2
  • 2026: Wednesday, September 2
  • 2027: Thursday, September 2

Commemorating Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, this patriotic holiday features impressive displays of national pride. Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, where the original declaration was read, becomes the center of ceremonial activities.

Visitors can witness the flag-raising ceremony at the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where guards in pristine white uniforms perform precise military drills. The evening typically features spectacular fireworks displays in 63 provinces and cities across Vietnam, with the most elaborate shows in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, often lasting 15-20 minutes with high-altitude pyrotechnics.

Important Cultural Celebrations (Non-Public Holidays)

Vietnamese Women’s Day

2025: Monday, October 20
2026: Tuesday, October 20
2027: Wednesday, October 20

While not an official day off, this celebration honors the contributions of Vietnamese women to society. Expect to see flower markets bustling with activity as men purchase gifts for the important women in their lives. Many restaurants offer special promotions, and schools organize events to recognize female teachers and students.

Vietnamese Teachers’ Day

2025: Thursday, November 20
2026: Friday, November 20
2027: Saturday, November 20

This beloved tradition celebrates the respect for education deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture. Schools nationwide host ceremonies where students present flowers (typically purple chrysanthemums and red roses) to their teachers. While not a public holiday, educational institutions often organize special events, with some schools closing for half or full days.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)

2025: Monday, September 8 (15th day of the 8th lunar month)
2026: Monday, September 28
2027: Friday, September 17

Often called the “Children’s Festival,” this beloved celebration features colorful lantern parades, lion dances, and mooncake exchanges. The holiday is particularly magical in ancient towns like Hoi An, where thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminate the streets and floating lanterns adorn the Thu Bon River.

The Old Quarter of Hanoi transforms with lantern-making workshops and traditional toy vendors, while children parade with star-shaped lanterns singing traditional songs. Mooncake production surges, with bakeries crafting both classic bean paste fillings and modern versions with chocolate or durian.

Ghost Festival (Vu Lan)

2025: Sunday, August 10 (15th day of the 7th lunar month)
2026: Wednesday, August 26
2027: Monday, August 16

Also known as the “Second Mother’s Day” in Vietnam, Vu Lan centers on filial piety and ancestor worship. People wear roses—red if one’s mother is alive, white if deceased—and visit pagodas to pray for departed loved ones.

The most atmospheric celebrations occur at temples like Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, where monks conduct elaborate ceremonies to release souls from purgatory. Many Vietnamese observe vegetarianism during this period, and temporary vegetarian food stalls appear nationwide.

Christmas Day

2025: Thursday, December 25
2026: Friday, December 25
2027: Saturday, December 25

Though not an official public holiday, Christmas is increasingly celebrated in Vietnam, especially in urban centers. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City dazzle with elaborate light displays and festive decorations. Notable religious sites such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi draw large crowds for special Masses.

Shopping malls run major sales, and many restaurants serve special Christmas menus. Travelers will find a vibrant fusion of Western holiday cheer and Vietnamese cultural flair.

Vietnamese Family Day

2025: Saturday, June 28
2026: Sunday, June 28
2027: Monday, June 28

Established in 2001, this day emphasizes the importance of family bonds in Vietnamese society. While not a public holiday, it encourages communities to host events centered around traditional family values and intergenerational connection, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s deep cultural emphasis on kinship and unity.

Buddha’s Birthday

2025: Monday, May 12 (15th day of the 4th lunar month)
2026: Saturday, May 2
2027: Wednesday, May 19

This major Buddhist celebration is marked by vibrant ceremonies at pagodas across Vietnam. Temples are adorned with lanterns and fresh flowers, while devotees release floating lanterns into the sky or rivers as symbolic acts of prayer and peace.

Major celebrations take place at sacred sites such as Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh—the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia—and Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. These events often include chanting, vegetarian feasts, and candlelight processions.

Liberation/Reunification Anniversary of Local Cities

  • Ho Chi Minh City: April 30 (coincides with National Reunification Day)

  • Hanoi: October 10

  • Da Nang: March 29

  • Hue: March 26

Each city commemorates its individual liberation anniversary with cultural festivals, parades, and historical exhibitions. These events reflect regional pride and local identity. While not official days off nationwide, they often involve increased public activity, especially in city centers, with possible traffic delays due to celebrations.

Independence Day of Vietnam

2025: Tuesday, September 2
2026: Wednesday, September 2
2027: Thursday, September 2

This national holiday marks Vietnam’s declaration of independence from France in 1945. The most iconic celebrations occur at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, where Ho Chi Minh made his historic proclamation.

The day includes military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and fireworks in major cities. It’s a patriotic celebration that unites the country in remembrance and pride.

Strategic Travel Planning Around Vietnam National Holidays (2025-2027)

Best Times to Visit Vietnam During Holidays

Experiencing Vietnam during its holidays offers unparalleled cultural immersion, but requires strategic planning. Consider these holiday-specific travel opportunities:

Tet Holiday Experience: While challenging logistically, Tet provides a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into authentic Vietnamese traditions. For visitors brave enough to navigate this period:

  • Recommended locations: Smaller cities like Hue and Hoi An offer more accessible Tet experiences than major metropolitan areas. In Hue, the Imperial City hosts special traditional performances, while Hoi An’s Ancient Town becomes adorned with colorful lanterns and flower displays.
  • Advance planning required: Book accommodations 3-4 months ahead and secure transportation at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel. Expect price premiums of 30-50% during this peak period.

Mid-Autumn Festival Magic: This child-focused celebration creates magical atmospheres in ancient towns and cities:

  • Best viewing spots: Hoi An Ancient Town transforms with thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminating its 15th-century architecture. The Thu Bon River becomes dotted with floating candles, creating a mesmerizing reflection against the ancient buildings.
  • Lantern-making experiences: Many local artisans offer workshops where visitors can create their own silk lanterns, providing both a cultural experience and a meaningful souvenir.

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Vietnam National Holidays to Approach with Caution

While certain holidays enhance the travel experience, others present significant logistical challenges:

Tet Holiday Challenges: During the 7-day Tet period, travelers should be aware that:

  • Transportation systems operate at reduced capacity with inflated prices
  • Up to 70% of restaurants and shops close completely
  • Banking services become limited
  • Tourist sites may operate with reduced hours

Reunification Day/Labor Day Congestion: This popular domestic travel period sees:

  • Coastal destinations experiencing 90%+ occupancy rates
  • Domestic flights selling out weeks in advance
  • Popular attractions becoming overcrowded with 30-50% more visitors than usual

If your schedule requires travel during these periods, consider exploring less-frequented destinations. While most tourists flood coastal areas during these holidays, the mountainous regions of Ha Giang or Cao Bang remain relatively peaceful with their spectacular landscapes of terraced rice fields and limestone formations.

For a truly unique experience during busy holiday periods, our 3-day Ninh Binh and Halong Bay package offers a perfect escape from crowded destinations while experiencing Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes.

Month-by-Month Holiday Impact Assessment (2026)

January: Tet preparations begin in late January, affecting transportation and accommodation availability. Expect prices to increase by 20-30% as the holiday approaches.

February: Early February sees Tet celebrations in full swing. While challenging, witnessing traditional customs like ancestral offerings and lion dances provides unparalleled cultural insights.

April: The combined Hung Kings Day, Reunification Day, and Labor Day create increased domestic tourism. Beach destinations become particularly crowded, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 90-95%.

September: National Day celebrations offer impressive displays of patriotism without significantly disrupting travel plans. Evening fireworks displays in major cities provide dramatic photo opportunities.

December: Though not an official holiday, Christmas and New Year create festive atmospheres in urban centers. Hotels in major cities often host New Year’s Eve galas with traditional performances and special menus.

Cultural Etiquette for Travelers During Vietnam National Holidays

Understanding and respecting local customs during holidays will significantly enhance your experience while showing respect for Vietnamese traditions.

Tet Holiday Customs & Etiquette

The most important holiday period demands specific cultural awareness:

  • First-day visitors: Being invited to someone’s home on the first day of Tet is a significant honor. Bring gifts wrapped in red or gold (premium fruit, quality tea, or cookies are appropriate).
  • Lucky behaviors: Smile and express positive thoughts, as Vietnamese believe the first days of the year set the tone for the months ahead.
  • Color significance: Wear bright colors, especially red and yellow, which symbolize luck and prosperity. Avoid black or white clothing, which are associated with funerals.
  • Photography etiquette: Always ask before photographing Tet family altars or ceremonial offerings, as these hold deep spiritual significance.

During this important celebration, visitors may notice families gathering to play traditional games like bầu cua (a dice game) or exchanging red envelopes containing “lucky money.” Joining these activities when invited offers authentic cultural immersion.

Respectful Participation in Religious Celebrations

Many Vietnamese holidays have strong spiritual components requiring appropriate behavior:

  • Temple and pagoda visits: Remove shoes when entering worship areas, speak softly, and ask permission before photographing Buddha statues or worshippers.
  • Ancestral altars: Never touch or move offerings on family or public ancestral altars.
  • Incense rituals: When offered incense at religious sites, hold it with both hands at chest level while making wishes before placing it in designated containers.

Gift-Giving Protocols During Festivals

Gift exchange is central to many Vietnamese celebrations:

  • Appropriate gifts: Quality fruit, cookies, tea sets, or Vietnamese coffee make excellent gifts. International visitors might consider bringing small items representing their home country.
  • Presentation matters: Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts, and don’t expect recipients to open gifts immediately (it’s customary to open them privately later).
  • Numbers to avoid: Gifts should never be given in sets of four, as the word “four” sounds similar to “death” in Vietnamese.

Experiencing Regional Holiday Variations Across Vietnam

Vietnam’s holiday celebrations feature fascinating regional differences that provide travelers with diverse experiences as they journey through the country.

Northern Vietnam Holiday Traditions

The northern regions, including Hanoi and surrounding provinces, maintain some of Vietnam’s most traditional holiday customs:

  • Tet in Hanoi: The capital embraces Tet with elaborate flower markets at Quang Ba and Hang Luoc, where approximately 70 types of flowers and ornamental trees are displayed. The city’s Old Quarter becomes particularly festive with peach blossom trees (the northern symbol of Tet) adorning nearly every home and business.
  • Unique northern foods: Holiday tables feature distinctive dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), which symbolizes the earth. Families often spend 6-8 hours preparing these traditional cakes wrapped in dong leaves.

For travelers wanting to combine northern cultural experiences with natural wonders, our 3-day luxury cruise through Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay offers perfect timing to witness how coastal communities celebrate important holidays.

Central Vietnam’s Distinctive Celebrations

The ancient imperial region maintains unique traditions linked to its royal history:

  • Hue’s royal influence: The former imperial capital continues traditions from the Nguyen Dynasty era, with ceremonial reenactments at the Imperial City during major holidays. During Tet, elaborate royal ceremonies feature actors in traditional Nguyen Dynasty court attire performing ancestral rituals.
  • Hoi An’s magical festivals: Beyond the famous lantern festival, Hoi An celebrates unique events like the “Cau Bong” festival, where bright puppets represent ancestors returning home, illuminating the Thu Bon River with hundreds of floating candles.

Southern Vietnam’s Vibrant Interpretations

Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region bring their own flair to holiday celebrations:

  • Tet in Saigon: The southern metropolis celebrates with vibrant flower markets along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where approximately 120,000+ potted plants and flowers create a spectacular 720-meter floral display. Southerners prefer yellow apricot blossoms over the northern peach flowers as their Tet symbol.
  • Mekong Delta water festivals: Southern provinces celebrate with distinctive floating markets and boat races, particularly during harvest festivals, where hundreds of sampans decorated with colorful flags participate in competitive races.

FAQs About Vietnam’s Holidays (2025-2027)

How many official public holidays does Vietnam observe annually?

A: Vietnam officially recognizes 10 public holiday dates throughout the year. However, when including adjacent weekends and compensation days, some holidays—like Tet (Lunar New Year)—can extend to 9 consecutive days off.


Will tourist attractions remain open during Tet?

A: Major tourist attractions remain open during Tet, though often with reduced hours. Historical sites, museums, and commercial centers in tourist areas typically continue operating, albeit with limited staffing. In contrast, many family-owned businesses, local restaurants, and markets close completely for 3–5 days during the holiday.


What’s the best way to experience authentic Vietnamese holiday traditions?

A: To experience authentic Vietnamese traditions, visit smaller cities or rural areas where customs are more deeply rooted. Places like Hoi An, Hue, or the Mekong Delta often offer more immersive celebrations. While hotels may organize cultural programs during major holidays, exploring local neighborhoods with a guide provides more genuine and personal experiences.


How far in advance should I book accommodations for holiday travel in Vietnam?

A: For major holidays like Tet or the Reunification Day/Labor Day break, book as early as possible:

  • Premium accommodations: 3–4 months in advance

  • Mid-range options: 2–3 months ahead

  • Budget accommodations: Minimum of 6–8 weeks

During peak periods, expect rate increases of 30–50%, especially in popular tourist destinations like Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.

Q: Are there any holidays when it’s actually advantageous for tourists to visit Vietnam?

A: Absolutely! Holidays like Mid-Autumn Festival, Buddha’s Birthday, and National Day offer cultural richness without completely disrupting travel infrastructure. These celebrations provide authentic cultural immersion with impressive public displays, special foods, and festivities, while still maintaining reasonable tourist services.

Conclusion: Embracing Vietnam National Holidays

Vietnam’s holiday calendar offers travelers a window into the country’s soul—revealing its values, history, and traditions through vibrant celebrations throughout the year. Whether you’re witnessing the family-centered reverence of Tet, the patriotic pride of National Day, or the magical atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival, these special dates provide unparalleled opportunities for cultural understanding.

For travelers planning visits in 2025-2027, incorporating holiday awareness into your itinerary isn’t just practical—it’s an opportunity to experience Vietnam at its most authentic. By respecting traditions, understanding cultural nuances, and planning strategically around the holiday calendar, you’ll transform a simple vacation into a meaningful cultural journey.

Maximize your Vietnamese adventure by embracing these celebration periods with appropriate expectations, cultural sensitivity, and advance planning. The rewards—unique photographs, unforgettable memories, and deeper connections with local people—will enrich your travel experience immeasurably.

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