Understanding Vietnam’s public holidays
Vietnam’s public holidays in 2026 play an important role in shaping travel patterns, business operations, and domestic movement throughout the year. For international travelers, understanding Vietnam’s national holidays and how they cluster into longer breaks makes planning flights, accommodation, and transport far easier.
In 2026, Vietnam officially observes 11 national public holidays, but the actual time off often feels longer due to weekend adjustments and combined holiday blocks. The most significant of these is Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), which creates the longest nationwide break of the year.
Vietnam Public Holidays 2026
Vietnam’s public holidays are defined by national law, with additional days off created when holidays fall near weekends. The table below reflects the latest confirmed 2026 schedule, including extended breaks as summarized by Vietnam Briefing.
| HOLIDAY | DAY/DATE | TYPE |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January | Public holiday |
| Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) | Sat 14 Feb – Sun 22 Feb | Public holiday + weekends |
| Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương (Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day) | Sunday, 26 April (make-up Monday, 27 April) | Public holiday |
| Reunification Day | Thursday, 30 April | Public holiday |
| Labour Day | Friday, 1 May | Public holiday |
| National Day | Sat 29 Aug – Wed 2 Sept | Public holiday + weekends |
Tết Nguyên Đán and Its Impact on Travel
During Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), Vietnam enters its most important holiday period. In 2026, Tet results in nine consecutive days off, running from 14 to 22 February, combining official public holidays with surrounding weekends.
Although the statutory public holiday lasts fewer days, the real-world impact extends beyond the official dates. In the days leading up to Tet, domestic travel demand increases sharply as millions of people return to their hometowns. During the holiday itself, major cities become noticeably quieter while transport hubs operate at full capacity.
For visitors, Tet offers a rare cultural experience. Homes and streets are decorated with flowers symbolizing luck and renewal, families gather for ancestral worship, and traditional foods are prepared nationwide. At the same time, many small local businesses close temporarily, particularly outside major tourist districts. Hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist-focused services usually remain open, but opening hours may be reduced during the first days of Tet.
Public Holiday Structure and Days Off in Vietnam
While Vietnam has a relatively modest number of public holidays on paper, the way holidays are grouped creates longer periods of disruption. Weekend substitutions and combined holiday blocks often turn single public holidays into extended breaks lasting several days.
In 2026, Tet alone accounts for nine days off, while National Day in early September creates a five-day break. A similar pattern occurs in late April and early May when Reunification Day and Labour Day fall next to each other. For travelers, these clusters matter more than the official holiday count, as they directly affect transport availability, pricing, and crowd levels.
Long Weekends and Peak Travel Periods in 2026
Vietnam’s public holidays tend to cluster into a few high-impact travel windows, rather than being evenly spread throughout the year. These periods shape flight availability, accommodation pricing, and crowd levels far more than the total number of holidays.
The most important travel periods in 2026 include:
- Mid-February:
The Tet holiday (Tết Nguyên Đán – Vietnamese Lunar New Year), creating nine consecutive days off. This is the busiest travel period of the year, with nationwide movement and limited transport availability. - Late April to early May:
The combination of Reunification Day (Ngày Giải phóng miền Nam) and Labour Day (Ngày Quốc tế Lao động) forms a four-day break, popular for domestic getaways and short international trips. - Late August to early September:
National Day (Quốc khánh) creates a five-day holiday block, especially busy for beach destinations and regional travel.
During these periods, travelers should expect higher fares, fuller hotels, and reduced flexibility, particularly for domestic routes.
What Remains Open During Public Holidays in Vietnam
Public holidays in Vietnam do not usually result in a complete shutdown, but operating hours vary depending on location and holiday type.
Generally open:
- Hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments
- Tourist-focused restaurants and cafés in major cities
- Shopping malls and convenience stores
- Ride-hailing apps and taxis
Often closed or operating with limited hours:
- Government offices and public services
- Banks and financial institutions
- Small family-run shops, especially during Tet
During Tet specifically:
- Many local businesses close for several days
- Tourist areas remain functional, but with reduced options
- Gradual reopening begins after the first days of the holiday
Seasonal Travel Considerations
Vietnam’s holiday calendar overlaps closely with seasonal weather patterns, making timing especially important for visitors.
January to March
- Cooler weather in northern Vietnam
- Tet brings cultural highlights but limited services
- Early booking essential for mid-February travel
April to June
- Warmer, drier conditions across much of the country
- Public holidays increase domestic travel
- Good balance between weather and accessibility
July to August
- Hot and humid, with regional rain patterns
- Peak season for domestic tourism
- Popular coastal destinations fill up quickly
September to October
- Excellent travel conditions in central Vietnam
- Fewer crowds after National Day
- Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities
November to December
- Cooler temperatures and quieter travel periods
- Festive atmosphere builds toward year-end
- Generally good availability and pricing
Staying Connected During Vietnam’s Holiday Periods
Holiday travel in Vietnam often involves crowded transport hubs and last-minute schedule changes. Reliable mobile data helps travelers manage navigation, bookings, and real-time updates.
An Eskimo Vietnam eSIM allows travelers to stay connected with:
- 500 MB of free global data to try before purchasing
- Data rollover on top-ups
- Easy data sharing with travel companions
- Global plans for multi-country trips across Southeast Asia and beyond
This is particularly useful during Tet, when purchasing physical SIM cards can be less convenient.
FAQs
How long is Tet holiday in Vietnam in 2026?
Tet in 2026 lasts nine consecutive days, from 14 to 22 February, combining public holidays with weekends.
What happens during Tet in Vietnam?
Families travel home, many small businesses close temporarily, and domestic transport reaches its busiest period of the year.
How many public holidays are there in Vietnam?
Vietnam observes 11 official public holidays, though weekend adjustments create longer breaks.
Is Tet a good time to visit Vietnam?
Tet offers deep cultural insight, but travelers should expect limited services and book transport well in advance.
