Vietnam public holidays are a vibrant reflection of the country’s culture, history, and traditions. From Lunar New Year (Tet) to National Day, each celebration offers a glimpse into the Vietnamese way of life and its deep-rooted values. Whether you’re planning your trip or simply curious about local customs, understanding Vietnam’s public holidays will help you experience the nation’s festive spirit at its best. Let’s explore this topic together with Asian Link Travel in this article.
List of Official Vietnam Public Holidays
Vietnam currently observes several national public holidays, many of which are based on either the Gregorian calendar or the lunar calendar. Here are the major ones recognized nationwide:
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Tet is the most important celebration in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the lunar new year — usually in late January or early February. It’s a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, and welcoming good fortune. Streets bloom with yellow apricot and pink peach flowers, while homes are filled with the scent of traditional dishes like banh chung and gio lua.
Most businesses close for at least a week during Tet, and cities become quieter as people return to their hometowns. For visitors, this is a magical time to experience Vietnamese hospitality and age-old customs.
Hung Kings’ Temple Festival (10th day of the 3rd lunar month)
This festival honors the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province to pay tribute. The celebration includes solemn ceremonies, folk games, music, and local food fairs — all reflecting the deep gratitude of the Vietnamese people toward their ancestors.
Reunification Day (April 30)
Known as “Ngày Giải Phóng Miền Nam,” this day commemorates the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975. The country celebrates with patriotic parades, fireworks, and cultural performances, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Many locals use this long weekend to travel, so it’s wise to book transportation in advance if you plan to explore during this time.
International Labor Day (May 1)
Following immediately after Reunification Day, Labor Day is a time to recognize the contributions of workers across the nation. This two-day holiday period is often combined for vacations, beach trips, and family gatherings.
National Day (September 2)
On this day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi. It’s one of the most important Vietnam public holidays, celebrated with national flags, fireworks, concerts, and public events. Major cities become lively with cultural shows and street activities symbolizing freedom and unity.
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Is Today a Vietnamese Holiday?
If you’re living in or visiting Vietnam, you might often ask, “Is today a Vietnamese holiday?” — especially when you notice closed shops or unusually festive streets. The best way to check is by consulting Vietnam’s official government calendar or reliable online sources.
During major public holidays, government offices, schools, and most private businesses are closed. However, tourist services such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation often remain open to cater to visitors. Keep in mind that during Tet, even some essential services may operate on limited schedules.
Cultural Significance of Vietnam Public Holidays
Vietnamese holidays carry deep cultural and historical meaning. They are not merely breaks from work but moments to strengthen family ties, honor ancestors, and celebrate national pride.
For example:
- Tet represents renewal, gratitude, and hope for prosperity.
- Reunification Day symbolizes peace and unity after years of division.
- National Day reminds citizens of independence and sovereignty.
Beyond these examples, each holiday serves as a reminder of shared values and collective memory. Families use these occasions to teach younger generations about respect, loyalty, and gratitude — virtues deeply rooted in Vietnamese society. Temples, pagodas, and ancestral altars become central gathering places where people express reverence for their roots and wish for harmony in the coming year.
In rural areas, traditional games, folk songs, and communal meals turn small villages into vibrant cultural hubs. In cities, large public events, parades, and performances blend modern entertainment with age-old customs. Together, these activities preserve national identity while embracing contemporary life.
These celebrations help maintain social cohesion and transmit moral values from one generation to another — a core aspect of Vietnamese identity that continues to thrive even in an era of globalization.
Regional and Cultural Festivals Worth Experiencing
Beyond official public holidays, Vietnam is home to countless regional and cultural festivals that showcase the nation’s diversity and vibrant traditions. These events take place throughout the year, reflecting the unique heritage of each region and community.
- Hue Festival
Held every two years in the ancient capital of Hue, this grand event celebrates the art, culture, and history of Vietnam’s royal past. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, áo dài shows, calligraphy exhibitions, and colorful parades across the Imperial Citadel and Perfume River. - Hoi An Lantern Festival
On every full moon, the ancient town of Hoi An transforms into a sea of glowing lanterns. Locals turn off electric lights and release paper lanterns into the river to bring good luck and happiness. The festival also features folk games, traditional music, and street performances that make it one of Vietnam’s most magical nights. - Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hanoi)
Taking place from January to March (lunar calendar), the Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of Vietnam’s largest Buddhist pilgrimages. Thousands of visitors travel by boat through scenic limestone mountains to Huong Tich Cave, praying for peace, prosperity, and good fortune. - Kate Festival (Ninh Thuan)
This traditional festival of the Cham ethnic group honors their ancestors and deities. Women wear vibrant costumes, music fills the air, and ancient rituals are performed at Po Klong Garai towers. It’s an unforgettable experience of Cham culture, distinct from mainstream Vietnamese traditions. - Lim Festival (Bac Ninh)
Known for its quan ho folk singing, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Lim Festival brings together singers from across northern Vietnam. It’s a celebration of art, love, and community spirit.
Each of these festivals adds color and meaning to Vietnam’s cultural landscape. Attending them allows travelers to go beyond sightseeing and truly connect with the heart of local life, tradition, and joy.
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Travel Tips for Visitors During Vietnam Public Holidays
- Plan ahead: Book flights, trains, and hotels early, especially around Tet or National Day. Prices often rise, and tickets may sell out quickly as both locals and tourists travel extensively during these peak periods.
- Expect closures: Some museums, banks, or local businesses might close during major holidays, particularly during Tet. Government offices usually pause operations for several days, so plan any administrative tasks or visa extensions before the holidays begin.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: Take part in local parades, street markets, food festivals, and cultural shows to experience the real spirit of Vietnam. Each region offers unique traditions—from lion dances in Ho Chi Minh City to water puppet performances in Hanoi.
- Respect customs: During family-oriented holidays, dress modestly, be polite, and avoid loud or disruptive behavior at temples and ancestral homes. Offering small New Year greetings like “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) is appreciated during Tet.
- Avoid peak traffic days: Roads, airports, and train stations become extremely crowded in the days before and after Tet, as millions travel home. If possible, plan your trips outside these dates to save time and reduce stress.
- Try local experiences: Sample traditional holiday foods such as banh chung, gio lua, or mut tet, and join cultural activities like lantern lighting or flower market visits.
- Stay connected: Check local news or travel apps to confirm which attractions remain open, as hours may vary across cities and provinces.
By keeping these tips in mind, visitors can make the most of their trip during Vietnam public holidays, blending cultural exploration with comfort and authenticity.
Conclusion
From sacred rituals to nationwide festivities, Vietnam public holidays offer an authentic window into the country’s soul. Each celebration — whether it’s Tet, Reunification Day, or National Day — tells a story of unity, gratitude, and resilience.
So next time you wonder, “Is today a Vietnamese holiday?”, remember that behind every special date lies a beautiful tradition waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a traveler exploring new cultures or a local cherishing your roots, Vietnam’s public holidays are moments to celebrate life, family, and freedom.
