The 6 Most Important Public Holidays of Vietnamese People

Same like other countries, Vietnam has several public holidays when the workers get their paid annual leave. Before 2007, the total number of days on Vietnamese public holidays was 8. On March 28, 2007, the government decided to add Hung King Commemorations in the list, raising the number to 10. Below are some Vietnam holidays that visitors should know before traveling to Vietnam in order to have better preparation and itinerary for their trips. Important to know is that during those holidays it will be still possible to travel in Vietnam for tourist who visit those periods, however planning in advance will be advised!

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip, please feel free to contact Vietnamism.

Calendar 2022

  • Sat, Jan 1, 2022: New Year Holiday – 01 Day
  • Mon, Jan 31, 2022 to Sat, Feb 5, 2022: Lunar New Year
  • Sun, Apr 10, 2022: Hùng Kings’ Festival – 02 Days
  • Apr 30, 2022: Reunification Day – 01 Day
  • May 01, 2022: International Labor Day – 01 Day
  • Sept 02, 2022: Independence Day – 02 Days

Calendar 2023

  • Sun, Jan 1, 2023: New Year Holiday – 01 Day
  • Sat, Jan 21, 2023 to Fri, Jan 27, 2023: Lunar New Year
  • Sat, Apr 29, 2023: Hùng Kings’ Festival – 02 Days
  • Sun, Apr 30, 2023: Reunification Day – 01 Day
  • Mon, May 01, 2023: International Labor Day – 01 Day
  • Sat, Sept 02, 2023: Independence Day – 02 Days
  • Mon, Sept 04, 2023: Independence Day Holiday – 01 Day

International New Year’s Day – The First Public Holiday in Vietnam

Like other modern cultures of the world, Vietnamese people celebrate International New Year’s Day on the first of January as one of the main Vietnam holidays. The day marks the transition from the old year to the New Year. The history of New Year dates back to the 18th century when Vietnam was under French colonization. The day has gradually been accepted by local people. Nowadays, people often have a day off and say farewell to the past year and welcome a new one. Coming to Vietnam on this public holiday, the weather is so pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. Also, there are lots of special programs broadcasted on TV or countdown parties in big cities.

Time: 1st of January every year – 1 day
Purpose: Say farewell to the previous year and welcome a new one
Activities: Travel, hang out, party

 

Tet Holiday – One of the Most Important Vietnam Public Holidays

Tet holiday is among the most important festivals in Vietnam, which often falls on the first three days of Lunar New Year (or between late January and early February observed by Gregorian Calendar). Workers and students often have one week off to celebrate the festival. Visiting Vietnam on this public holiday, you will see the streets decorated with various kinds of vivid lights and flowers like peach or apricot blossom, kumquat trees, tulip, and daisy flowers. People clean their houses, streets and prepare lots of food with the hope that they will achieve prosperity, happiness, and wealth in the following New Year. The peaceful air and uncrowded street with some festivals around Tet would be perfect for travelers coming to Vietnam this time.

Date: 10 of February 2021 (7 days+)
Date: 31st of January 2022 (7 days+)
Purpose: Welcome a new better year
Activities: Travel, party, visit friends and relatives

Hung King Festival – One of the Most Sacred Holidays in Vietnam

The Hung King Temple Festival is held between the 8th and the 11th of the third lunar month in honor of Hung King, who was the founder of the Hong Bang Dynasty in 2879 BC. The festival is taken place on Nghia Linh Mountain, Phong Chau District, Phu Tho Province, which is about 85km to the northwest of Hanoi. The ceremony may last for several days, but the most important day is the 10th. People start the ceremony at the foot of the mountain and finish at small temples before reaching the High Temple. The pilgrims often incense to their ancestors and wish the best things.

Date: April 21st, 2021 – 2 days
Date: April 10th, 2022 – 2 days
Purpose: Worship ancestors
Activities: Pray and worship

Liberation Day / Reunification Day

On the 30th of April every year, Vietnamese people all around the country celebrate the reunification of the country, which dates back to 1975 when the north and the south reunify into one: one count