Planning around public holidays in Vietnam is about more than marking dates on a calendar. Public holidays influence staffing, production schedules, customer support, travel, and government services, making them an important consideration for businesses operating locally or expanding into the country.
Whether you’re opening a local office, managing a distributed workforce, or coordinating regional operations, understanding Vietnam public holidays helps you avoid unnecessary disruptions and plan with greater confidence. This guide explains the official public holidays 2026, highlights major national holidays, and explores how businesses can prepare for holiday periods throughout the year.
What You'll Learn
What Are Public Holidays in Vietnam?
Public holidays are officially recognized days when eligible employees are generally entitled to paid time off under Vietnamese labor regulations. While many countries have similar systems, the public holiday calendar in Vietnam reflects the country’s history, cultural traditions, and national identity.
For employers, understanding public holidays in Vietnam supports better workforce planning, helps maintain compliance with statutory employment requirements, and reduces operational disruptions during major holiday periods.
What qualifies as a public holiday?
An official public holiday is a government-recognized day during which eligible employees are generally entitled to paid leave. These holidays are established by Vietnamese labor legislation and are observed nationwide.
Unlike company leave or annual vacation, public holidays are fixed national observances rather than employer-specific benefits.
Typical examples include:
- New Year’s Day
- Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
- Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day
- Reunification Day
- International Labour Day
- National Day
These holidays commemorate important historical events, cultural traditions, and milestones that continue to shape modern Vietnam.
Who is entitled to public holidays?
Most employees working under Vietnamese employment arrangements are entitled to statutory paid holidays.
This generally includes:
- Vietnamese citizens
- Foreign employees working under local employment contracts
- Eligible employees working across different industries
Employers should ensure holiday entitlements are reflected in employment policies and workforce planning.
Why public holidays matter for employers
Public holidays affect much more than employee schedules. They also influence customer demand, supply chains, government processing times, and cross-border collaboration.
Businesses should prepare for:
| Business Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Workforce scheduling | Employees may be unavailable during official holidays |
| Customer support | Response times may be reduced |
| Manufacturing | Production schedules often pause during major holidays |
| Logistics | Shipping and customs processing may slow |
| International operations | Overseas teams should account for Vietnamese holiday periods |
| Government offices | Administrative services may be temporarily unavailable |
Official Public Holidays in Vietnam for 2026
Vietnam observes several nationally recognized holidays throughout the year. While some occur on fixed calendar dates, others, particularly Tet follow the lunar calendar, meaning their exact holiday dates vary each year.
The table below provides an overview of the expected public holidays 2026.
| Public Holiday | Expected Date (2026) | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | 1 day | Official public holiday |
| Tet (Vietnamese New Year) | February (estimated) | Multiple days | Largest annual holiday |
| Hung Kings' Commemoration Day | April | 1 day | Honors Vietnam's legendary founders |
| Reunification Day | April 30 | 1 day | Marks the reunification of the country |
| International Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | National labor observance |
| National Day | September 2 | 2 days (subject to official schedule) | Celebrates national independence |
Why holiday dates sometimes change
Unlike fixed-date holidays such as New Year’s Day, Tet follows the lunar calendar, so the exact timing changes every year.
In addition, if an official holiday falls on a weekend, employees may receive an additional day off on the following Monday or another designated working day, depending on the government’s official schedule.
Businesses should review confirmed holiday announcements each year rather than relying solely on previous calendars from 2025 or planning assumptions for [next_year].
What Are Vietnam's National Holidays?
Vietnam’s national holidays commemorate the country’s history, independence, and cultural traditions. They are observed nationwide and are among the most significant events on the annual calendar.
Many of these holidays recognize milestones in Vietnam’s development while reinforcing national identity and cultural heritage.
National holidays explained
National holidays typically commemorate:
- Historical achievements
- National independence
- Cultural heritage
- Traditional celebrations
- Important historical figures
These occasions often include public ceremonies, parades, cultural activities, and community celebrations throughout the country.
Which holidays are celebrated nationwide?
| National Holiday | Purpose | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Beginning of the calendar year | Global celebration |
| Tet Holiday | Vietnamese New Year | Family reunions and cultural traditions |
| Hung Kings' Commemoration Day | Honors Vietnam's legendary founders | National heritage |
| Reunification Day | Celebrates the reunification of the country | National unity |
| International Labour Day | Recognizes workers | Social progress |
| National Day | Marks the declaration of independence | National pride |
Tet Holiday in Vietnam
Among all public holidays in Vietnam, none has a greater cultural or economic impact than Tet. Also known as the Vietnamese New Year or Lunar New Year, Tet marks the beginning of the new lunar calendar and is considered the country’s most important holiday.
For businesses, Tet is often the most significant planning period of the year because employee leave, supplier closures, and reduced commercial activity can extend beyond the official holiday period.
What is Tet?
Tet celebrates the arrival of the Lunar New Year and symbolizes new beginnings, family reunions, and prosperity.
During this traditional holiday, many Vietnamese people:
- Travel to their hometowns
- Visit relatives
- Honor ancestors
- Participate in religious ceremonies
- Decorate homes with flowers and Vietnamese flags
- Exchange gifts and festive meals
Across cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cultural festivals, fireworks, and light shows often accompany the celebrations.
How long is the Tet holiday?
The official Tet holiday generally spans several consecutive days of public holiday, although many businesses experience reduced operations before and after the official dates.
Employers should anticipate:
- Extended employee leave
- Higher travel demand
- Temporary supplier shutdowns
- Slower logistics
- Increased consumer activity before the holiday
How businesses prepare for Tet
Forward planning is essential during Tet.
Practical preparations include:
- Completing important projects early
- Confirming supplier availability
- Scheduling inventory deliveries in advance
- Communicating holiday operating hours
- Planning customer support coverage
- Preparing for slower approval timelines
International businesses should also coordinate regional teams well ahead of the holiday period to minimize delays.
Weekend Rules and Holiday Substitutions
Public holidays occasionally fall on weekends. When this happens, Vietnam may provide substitute leave to ensure employees still receive their statutory holiday entitlement.
Understanding these rules helps employers create accurate work schedules and communicate expectations clearly.
When does a substitute holiday apply?
If an official public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the government may designate the following Monday or another working day as a replacement holiday.
The exact arrangement is announced through official government guidance for each calendar year.
Examples of holiday substitutions
| Scenario | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| Holiday falls on Saturday | Substitute holiday may be provided |
| Holiday falls on Sunday | Additional day off may be scheduled |
| Holiday already spans multiple days | Government confirms official schedule |
| Long holiday periods | Working-day adjustments may occasionally be announced |
How Public Holidays Affect Business Operations
Public holidays influence far more than employee attendance. They also affect production schedules, government services, transportation, banking, and international collaboration.
Understanding these operational impacts helps businesses maintain continuity while respecting local practices.
Government offices
Many government offices close during official public holidays.
This may affect:
- Business registrations
- Licensing applications
- Immigration appointments
- Document certification
- Administrative approvals
Companies planning important regulatory activities should allow additional time around major holiday periods.
Banks and financial institutions
Banks may operate on reduced schedules during certain holidays, particularly around Tet.
Businesses should plan ahead for:
- Vendor payments
- Customer refunds
- International transfers
- Cash flow management
Manufacturing and logistics
Factories, ports, warehouses, and logistics providers often experience reduced capacity during major holiday periods.
Potential impacts include:
- Longer shipping times
- Delayed customs processing
- Supplier closures
- Inventory shortages
Planning inventory and production schedules in advance can reduce disruption.
Retail and hospitality
While many industries slow down during holidays, retail, tourism, restaurants, and hospitality often experience increased demand.
Businesses in these sectors may:
- Extend operating hours
- Hire temporary staff
- Increase inventory
- Prepare for higher customer traffic
International companies operating across time zones
Cross-border teams should account for Vietnam’s public holidays when scheduling meetings, project deadlines, or product launches.
A shared global calendar that includes public holidays 2026 helps multinational organizations coordinate effectively while respecting local observances and maintaining strong collaboration across regions.
Planning Around Public Holidays
Public holidays are predictable, but their business impact depends on how well you prepare. Whether you manage a local workforce or operate across multiple countries, planning ahead helps reduce scheduling conflicts, avoid service interruptions, and maintain a positive employee experience.
For employers expanding into Vietnam, incorporating public holidays in Vietnam into annual business planning is just as important as budgeting or resource allocation.
Workforce scheduling
Employees often make travel arrangements well before major holiday periods, particularly during Tet. Planning staffing levels early helps businesses maintain essential operations while allowing employees to enjoy their statutory leave.
Consider planning for:
- Peak leave requests before major holidays
- Shift coverage for essential business functions
- Temporary staffing where necessary
- Internal approval deadlines for leave requests
Customer communication
Holiday periods can affect customer expectations, particularly if your business serves international markets.
Communicate in advance by:
- Publishing holiday operating hours
- Notifying customers of potential service delays
- Updating automated email responses
Informing suppliers and business partners of temporary closures
Supply chain planning
Major holiday days may affect manufacturing, shipping, customs processing, and supplier availability.
Businesses should:
| Planning Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Inventory | Increase stock before major holidays |
| Suppliers | Confirm production and delivery schedules |
| Logistics | Build additional transit time into deliveries |
| Procurement | Place orders earlier than usual |
| Customer orders | Set realistic delivery expectations |
Travel considerations
Business travel may become more expensive and transportation networks significantly busier during national holidays.
If employees or executives need to travel during the upcoming year, book flights and accommodation early especially around Tet and the National Day Holiday.
Cross-border project management
Global teams should avoid scheduling critical milestones during major Vietnamese holiday periods.
Simple adjustments such as moving deadlines or assigning regional backups can minimize delays while respecting local observances.
Public Holidays vs Company Leave
Public holidays and company leave serve different purposes, yet they are often confused. Understanding the distinction helps employers develop clearer leave policies and communicate employee entitlements more effectively.
While a public holiday is established by law, company leave is determined by an employer’s internal policies.
| Public Holiday | Company Leave |
|---|---|
| Government-recognized | Employer-defined policy |
| Generally statutory paid leave | May be paid or unpaid depending on company policy |
| Observed nationwide | Varies by organization |
| Same holiday dates for eligible employees | Flexible scheduling |
| Includes official national observances | Includes annual leave, wellness days, or company shutdowns |
Cultural Etiquette During Public Holidays
Understanding local customs is just as valuable as knowing the holiday calendar. Respecting Vietnamese traditions helps international businesses build stronger relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and government stakeholders.
Business etiquette
During major holidays, particularly Tet, business activity often slows considerably.
It is good practice to:
- Avoid scheduling important meetings during holiday periods.
- Send greetings before major holidays.
- Confirm reopening dates with business partners.
- Respect employees’ family commitments.
Gift giving
Small corporate gifts are commonly exchanged before Tet as a gesture of appreciation.
Appropriate gifts may include:
- Premium food hampers
- Tea or coffee
- Fruit baskets
- Company-branded gifts
The emphasis is on expressing goodwill rather than monetary value.
Office closures
Many organizations close completely during Tet, while others operate with reduced staffing.
International businesses should verify:
- Supplier operating schedules
- Customer support availability
- Office reopening dates
- Regional differences in business activity
- Employee celebrations
Major holidays are an opportunity for Vietnamese workers to reconnect with family, participate in community events, and celebrate national traditions.
Employers that acknowledge these occasions often strengthen employee engagement and workplace culture.
Cultural significance
Many of Vietnam’s holidays commemorate defining moments in the country’s history.
Examples include:
| Holiday | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|
| Tet | Celebrates the Vietnamese New Year and new beginnings. |
| Hung Kings' Commemoration Day | Honors Vietnam's legendary founders in Phu Tho, home to the historic heritage site dedicated to the Hung Kings. |
| Reunification Day in Vietnam | Marks the events of April 30th, often referred to as Liberation Day, commemorating the reunification of the country following the conflict between South Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. |
| National Day | Celebrated on September 2nd, recognizing the declaration of independence and Vietnam's journey toward political independence after the end of colonial rule and independence from France. |
Public Holiday Planning Tips for Global Employers
For multinational companies, public holidays influence much more than local employee schedules. They can affect project delivery, customer service, procurement, and collaboration across multiple countries.
Building a holiday strategy into your global workforce planning helps reduce disruption while improving the employee experience.
Coordinate global teams
Maintain a shared holiday calendar that includes all locations where your business operates.
This makes it easier to:
- Schedule meetings
- Plan product launches
- Allocate project resources
- Avoid unnecessary delays
Plan project deadlines
Avoid setting major deliverables immediately after long holiday periods, particularly following Tet or other extended closures.
Building additional flexibility into project timelines allows teams to return to work without unnecessary pressure.
Adjust customer support coverage
If your customers operate internationally, consider rotating support teams or using regional coverage to maintain service during Vietnamese public holidays.
Prepare supplier schedules
Ask suppliers about holiday operating hours well in advance.
This is particularly important for businesses relying on:
- Manufacturing
- Import and export operations
- Warehousing
- Logistics providers
Communicate early with employees
Clear communication reduces confusion and supports better planning.
Share:
- Annual holiday calendars
- Office closure dates
- Leave request deadlines
- Business continuity plans
Early communication helps everyone prepare for each public holiday a year while maintaining operational continuity.
Public Holidays in Vietnam [next_year] Preview
Although this guide focuses on public holidays 2026, many businesses plan workforce schedules, budgets, and operational calendars well in advance. Looking ahead to [next_year] helps organizations prepare for future staffing and business activities.
While the official list of public holidays for [next_year] will be confirmed by the Vietnamese government closer to the calendar year, employers can generally expect the same nationally recognized holidays to be observed.
Expected public holidays in [next_year]
The expected Vietnam public holidays include:
| Expected Holiday | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| New Year Holiday | January 1 |
| Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) | Based on the lunar calendar |
| Hung Kings' Commemoration Day | April |
| Reunification Day in Vietnam | April 30th |
| International Labour Day | May 1st |
| National Day Holiday | Around September 2nd |
Because Tet follows the lunar calendar, the exact dates change each year. Likewise, substitute holidays may be announced if an official holiday falls on a weekend.
Businesses should monitor official government announcements before finalizing schedules for [next_year].
What Should Businesses Remember About Public Holidays in Vietnam?
Understanding holiday in Vietnam goes beyond simply knowing the calendar. Public holidays influence workforce planning, customer service, supply chains, travel, and business operations throughout the year. Preparing early allows employers to support employees while minimizing operational disruption.
Some of the most important points to remember include:
- Vietnam observes several statutory national holidays each year, including Tet, Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, Reunification Day, International Labour Day, and National Day.
- Tet is the country’s longest and most significant holiday period, requiring additional business planning.
- Substitute holidays may apply when an official public holiday falls on a weekend.
- Government offices, banks, and many businesses operate on reduced schedules during major holidays.
- Early planning helps businesses manage staffing, suppliers, customer expectations, and international projects more effectively.
- Companies should review official holiday announcements annually, particularly when planning for [next_year] and beyond.
If you’re expanding into Vietnam, understanding local holidays is only one part of building a compliant and successful workforce. Empleyo helps businesses hire, manage, and support employees through Employer of Record (EOR), global payroll, Professional Employer Organization (PEO) support, and mobility solutions. Explore our services on the Empleyo homepage or contact our team to discuss how we can simplify your expansion into Vietnam with compliant workforce solutions tailored to your business.
