Planning a trip to Vietnam involves more than choosing destinations and booking flights. Understanding Vietnam public holidays can help international travelers plan their journey better, avoid unexpected disruptions, and prepare important documents at the right time.
Vietnamese public holidays can affect many aspects of travel, including:
- Government office schedules
- Vietnam visa and eVisa processing timelines
- Flight and transportation demand
- Hotel availability
- Tourist attraction crowds
- Business operating hours
Some holidays in Vietnam follow the solar calendar, while others are based on the lunar calendar, meaning their dates change every year.
This guide provides an overview of Vietnam public holidays, including the holiday calendar, travel impacts, and important visa considerations for international visitors.
What Are Public Holidays in Vietnam?
Vietnam observes several official public holidays throughout the year. These holidays include traditional celebrations, historical events, and national occasions.
Vietnam has a combination of:
- Fixed-date holidays based on the solar calendar
- Traditional holidays based on the lunar calendar
The total number of days off may vary each year depending on government announcements and how holiday dates connect with weekends.
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, holiday arrangements may include compensatory time off according to the applicable working schedule.
For international travelers, this means that the practical holiday period can sometimes extend beyond the main holiday date.
Quick Overview of Vietnam Public Holidays
Complete Vietnam Public Holidays Calendar
New Year’s Day – 1 January
New Year’s Day is the first public holiday of the year in Vietnam.
Although it is usually a shorter holiday period, travelers should still consider:
- Possible changes to government office schedules
- Increased travel demand around major cities
- Possible changes to visa processing timelines
International visitors arriving around this period should prepare their travel documents in advance.
Lunar New Year – Tet Holiday
The Most Important Holiday in Vietnam
Tet Holiday, also known as Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the biggest and most important holiday in Vietnam.
Unlike New Year’s Day, Tet follows the lunar calendar, so the exact dates change every year. It usually occurs between late January and mid-February.
Tet normally lasts around 7–9 days and has one of the biggest impacts on daily life and travel in Vietnam.
During Tet Holiday:
- Government offices may close according to the official holiday schedule.
- Immigration-related processing schedules may be affected.
- Many local businesses may close temporarily.
- Domestic travel demand increases significantly.
- Flights, hotels, and transportation may experience higher demand.
For travelers planning to enter or leave Vietnam during Tet, early preparation of your Vietnam eVisa or other required visa documents is strongly recommended.
Related guide: Vietnam eVisa During Public Holidays: How to Avoid Processing Delays
Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day
Honoring the Founders of Vietnam
Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day takes place on the 10th day of the third lunar month.
Because it follows the lunar calendar, the corresponding solar-calendar date changes every year.
This holiday honors the legendary founders of Vietnam and is an important cultural occasion.
For travelers, its impact is usually smaller compared with Tet, but visa applicants and visitors should still consider possible schedule changes if their travel dates are close to the holiday.
Reunification Day – 30 April
A Major Travel Period in Vietnam
Reunification Day commemorates the reunification of Vietnam.
It is immediately followed by International Labour Day on 1 May, creating an important holiday and travel period.
During this period:
- Many Vietnamese people travel domestically.
- Tourist destinations become busier.
- Flights and accommodation may have higher demand.
- Popular destinations may require advance booking.
Travelers planning to visit Vietnam around this period should prepare their itinerary and visa documents early.
International Labour Day – 1 May
International Labour Day is an official public holiday in Vietnam.
Because it is connected with Reunification Day, these two holidays are usually considered together as one of the country’s busiest travel periods.
Visitors should expect:
- Higher domestic tourism activity
- Crowded attractions
- Increased transportation demand
Vietnam National Day – 2 September
Vietnam National Day celebrates the declaration of independence of Vietnam.
This holiday is an important national celebration.
During National Day:
- Cities may organize cultural events and celebrations.
- Tourist attractions may become more crowded.
- Domestic travel demand increases.
Travelers should ensure their visa and travel documents are prepared before arrival.
Vietnamese Cultural Day – 24 November
Vietnamese Cultural Day is included in this travel calendar as a cultural holiday on 24 November, promoting Vietnamese cultural values.
Although it is shorter than major holiday periods such as Tet, travelers should still consider possible changes to government and public service schedules when planning travel or administrative arrangements around this date.
Are Government Offices Open During Vietnam Public Holidays?
During official public holidays, many government institutions may be closed, including:
- Immigration authorities
- Government offices
- Banks
- Public administrative services
Private businesses may operate differently.
For example:
- Hotels and restaurants in tourist areas may remain open.
- Some shops may operate with reduced hours.
- Many businesses may temporarily close during Tet Holiday.
This is especially important for travelers who need visa-related assistance close to their departure date.
How Do Vietnam Public Holidays Affect Travelers?
1. Vietnam Visa and eVisa Processing
Public holidays can affect Vietnam visa planning because travelers may have fewer normal working days available before their departure date.
Travelers preparing:
- Vietnam eVisa
- Urgent Vietnam eVisa
- Emergency Vietnam visa
- Vietnam Visa on Arrival where applicable
should consider the holiday schedule when planning their application.
Submitting a visa application immediately before a public holiday may leave less time available before departure if additional review is required.
Travelers should carefully prepare:
- Passport information
- Visa application details
- Entry date
- Entry checkpoint
2. Flights and Transportation
Public holidays often create increased travel demand.
Travelers may experience:
- Higher flight prices
- Limited availability
- Crowded airports
- Increased road traffic
Booking transportation earlier is especially useful during:
- Tet Holiday
- Reunification Day and Labour Day
- National Day
3. Hotels and Tourist Attractions
Popular destinations such as:
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang
- Hoi An
- Nha Trang
- Phu Quoc
can become significantly busier during public holidays.
Visitors should consider booking accommodation, transportation, and popular tours in advance during major holiday periods.
Vietnam eVisa During Public Holidays: What Should Travelers Know?
Many travelers only check their Vietnam visa requirements shortly before departure. When your travel date is close to a holiday, however, preparation becomes more important.
Apply Early
Preparing your Vietnam eVisa before a holiday gives you more flexibility if your application requires additional attention.
Check Your Visa Information
Before submitting or traveling, make sure:
- Passport details are correct
- Entry date matches your travel plan
- Entry checkpoint is correct
Consider Urgent Options If Needed
If your travel date is approaching and you have not yet arranged the required visa, urgent Vietnam visa assistance may be available depending on your circumstances and current processing conditions.
If you have already submitted an eVisa application and it remains under processing, review the available Expedited Pending eVisa service rather than automatically submitting another application.
Available options depend on nationality, passport details, travel date, application status, and current immigration processing conditions.
Vietnam eVisa During Holidays and Weekends
Public holidays are not the only periods travelers should consider. Weekends can also affect visa planning, especially when applications are submitted close to departure dates.
Example:
- Visa application submitted close to Friday evening
- Weekend follows
- Flight departure is approaching
In these situations, travelers should allow enough time and review their options as early as possible.
Read more: Vietnam eVisa During Public Holidays: How to Avoid Processing Delays
Travel Tips for Visiting Vietnam During Public Holidays
Prepare Documents Early
Before traveling, prepare:
- Passport
- Vietnam visa or eVisa
- Flight information
- Accommodation details
Book Flights and Hotels in Advance
Major holiday periods can increase demand for flights, trains, buses, hotels, and other accommodation. Booking earlier can provide more options.
Expect Crowds
Popular tourist destinations may be significantly busier during long holiday periods, particularly Tet and the Reunification Day–Labour Day period.
Check Opening Hours
Especially during Tet Holiday, some restaurants, shops, attractions, and local services may temporarily close or operate according to different schedules. Check important services before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Public Holidays
What is the biggest holiday in Vietnam?
Tet Holiday, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the biggest and most important traditional holiday in Vietnam.
Are government offices open during Vietnam public holidays?
Government offices and many public institutions are generally closed according to official public holiday schedules. Travelers who need administrative or visa-related assistance should plan ahead.
Can I apply for a Vietnam eVisa during public holidays?
Vietnam eVisa applications can be submitted online during public holidays. However, online submission and immigration approval are different stages, and approval timelines may be affected by holiday schedules and processing conditions.
Should I apply for a Vietnam eVisa before a holiday?
Applying early generally gives travelers more flexibility and reduces the risk of having very little time available if additional review or corrections are required.
Do Vietnam public holidays affect flights and hotels?
Major holiday periods can increase domestic travel demand. Flights, hotels, transportation, and popular attractions may therefore become busier, particularly during Tet and longer holiday periods.
What should I do if my Vietnam eVisa is still pending before a holiday?
If you have already submitted an eVisa and your departure is approaching, prepare your application information, passport details, travel date, and entry information. Depending on your circumstances and current processing conditions, you can review the Expedited Pending Vietnam eVisa service.
Plan Your Vietnam Trip Around Public Holidays
Understanding Vietnam public holidays can help international travelers avoid unexpected problems and enjoy a smoother journey.
Whether you are visiting Vietnam for tourism, business, or a short return trip, planning your visa and travel documents before major holidays can provide more flexibility and reduce unnecessary last-minute stress.
Along with visa preparation, consider transportation demand, hotel availability, attraction crowds, business operating hours, and government schedules when planning your trip.
Need help with your Vietnam eVisa, urgent Vietnam visa, or holiday travel plans?
👉 Urgent & Emergency Vietnam Visa
