Vietnam Public Holidays 2026: Full List, Calendar & Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026? Knowing the key public holidays is your secret weapon for a smoother journey. Keep in mind that these dates often mean bustling travel times, crowded bus stations, and higher demand for flights and hotels, so it pays to plan ahead!

At the same time, public holidays are a fantastic opportunity to dive into Vietnam’s vibrant culture, festivals, and traditional celebrations. With a little planning, you can dodge the peak crowds and make the absolute most of your trip.

A Guide to Vietnam's Public Holidays

Here’s your complete guide to Vietnam’s official public holidays in 2026, including the significance of each celebration and how they might shape your travel plans across the country.

*Tet 2026 dates are estimated based on the lunar calendar (official dates may shift slightly).

Top Tips for Visiting Vietnam During Public Holidays🚨

• Tet (Lunar New Year) is Vietnam's busiest time of year! With many families heading back to their hometowns, you'll find that shops may close for several days. Be sure to book your transportation and hotels in Hanoi well in advance to secure your spot.
• Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day often line up to create a long holiday weekend, making it a favorite time for travelers to explore closer to home.
• National Day brings vibrant parades and lively gatherings to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making it a fantastic time to experience the local culture.

Vietnam Public Holidays Calendar

Knowing the public holiday dates helps you plan your itinerary, book your accommodations early, and avoid any unexpected closures. These holidays are also the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s vibrant cultural performances, bustling local markets, and traditional ceremonies.

How Vietnam’s Public Holidays Can Impact Your Trip

Travel conditions in Vietnam can change quite a bit during public holidays. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for your trip!

Getting Around

• Flights, buses, and trains tend to sell out fast, so be sure to book ahead, especially during Tet and long holiday weekends!
• Be prepared for long lines at major hubs like Giap Bat and My Dinh in Hanoi, as well as Mien Dong Station in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Demand for taxis and ride-hailing services often spikes, so you might find yourself waiting a little longer for a ride.
  
  

Hotel Rates

• Keep in mind that hotel rates tend to spike during Tet, Reunification Day, and busy holiday weekends, so plan accordingly!
• Popular tourist hotspots like Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc are seeing a surge in bookings!
• Consider staying just outside the city center — you’ll often find better prices.
  
  

Closures and Limited Services

• Please note that government offices and banks are closed on all public holidays.
• During Tet (which typically lasts for about a week), keep in mind that many restaurants, small shops, and markets may close their doors or operate on limited hours.
• You'll find that major malls, airports, and popular tourist attractions generally stay open and ready to welcome you.
  
  

Bustling Crowds at Popular Attractions

• Iconic spots like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay, and Ba Na Hills can get pretty busy, so plan accordingly!
• Expect bustling crowds in central areas like Hanoi's Old Quarter and District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City during long holiday weekends.
  

Essential Travel Tips for Your 2026 Vietnam Adventure

Book in Advance

To avoid price spikes, be sure to book your flights and hotels at least 1–2 months before Tet or long holiday weekends.

Travel at the Perfect Time

Plan your intercity trips for early mornings or mid-week to breeze past the peak-hour crowds.

Make the Most of Helpful Apps

Transport apps like Grab, Gojek, Google Maps, and local railway apps are your best friends for navigating delays and discovering alternative routes on the fly.

Stay Close to Major Transit Hubs

Staying near Hanoi's Old Quarter, downtown Da Nang, or District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City makes getting around a breeze!

Discover Hidden Gems

Instead of hitting the usual crowded hotspots, why not venture off the beaten path? Consider exploring hidden gems like Quy Nhon, Moc Chau, or Ninh Binh for a much more peaceful and relaxing getaway.

Pick Your Dates Wisely

Traveling on the actual holiday can sometimes be a bit quieter than the days leading up to it, especially when you're heading out for Tet.

Major Holidays and Cultural Highlights in Vietnam

Vietnam’s major holidays offer a deeper look into local life, traditional celebrations, and the country's rich cultural values.

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

The most important holiday in Vietnam! It’s a time when families come together to cook traditional dishes and pay their respects at ancestral altars.

💫Travel Tip: Many shops close for several days, so be sure to plan your meals and transportation in advance.

Reunification Day & International Workers’ Day (April 30 – May 1)

These two holidays create the perfect long weekend, which means you'll find plenty of fellow travelers flocking to the beaches and major cities!

💫Travel Tip: Book your hotels early and be prepared for heavy traffic on the highways.

National Day (September 2)

Cities come alive with parades, dazzling fireworks, and spirited patriotic celebrations.

💫Travel Tip: Get an early start at popular spots like Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi) or Nguyen Hue Street (HCMC).

Mid-Autumn Festival (September 30, 2026 – not an official public holiday)

A beloved cultural festival featuring lanterns, mooncakes, and children’s parades.

💫Travel Tip: Head to Hanoi's Old Quarter to experience the most stunning lantern-lit streets and vibrant festive celebrations.

What to Expect: Closures and Disruptions During Vietnam’s Public Holidays

Getting Around

• Be prepared for some traffic congestion near bus stations and airports, especially leading up to Tet and busy holiday weekends.
• Domestic flights and trains are in high demand.
  

Government and Public Services

• Please keep in mind that government offices, embassies, and banks will be closed on national holidays.
• Postal services and administrative tasks will be on hold until the next business day.
  

Shopping, Malls, and Dining

• You'll be happy to know that convenience stores in major cities stay open, so you can easily grab whatever you need.
• Keep in mind that many family-owned shops and cozy local eateries often take a break and close their doors during the Tet holiday.
  

Must-See Sights

• While attractions stay open, keep in mind that they can get quite bustling during national holidays!
• Keep in mind that some areas might have road closures due to parades or cultural events.
  

It’s Time to Plan Your Vietnam Getaway

Getting to know Vietnam’s 2026 public holidays is the perfect way to prep for your trip, whether you’re looking to dive into vibrant festivals or hoping to find a quieter time to explore.

Book in advance, keep an eye on transportation schedules, and pick your travel dates based on the kind of experience you're dreaming of. With a little planning, you can soak up everything from vibrant cultural festivals to breathtaking nature escapes all across Vietnam.