Taking a trip to Vietnam during one of its public holidays is an excellent way to get a chance to experience the country’s traditions and customs. In addition to allowing you to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and gain a deeper understanding of it, Vietnam’s public holidays are perhaps the best time to visit the country. In this article, we have prepared a detailed guide for your Vietnam travels during public holidays so that your holiday is as enjoyable as possible.
How Many Public Holidays are There in Vietnam?
There are six public holidays in Vietnam every year. Although there are only a few public holidays in Vietnam, these holidays have played an important role in the country’s cultural identity and are celebrated enthusiastically.
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Date varies (usually late January to early February) | Lunar New Year |
| 10th day of the third lunar month (March or April) | Hung Kings Commemoration Day |
| April 30 | Reunification Day |
| May 1 | International Workers’ Day |
| September 2 | National Day |
Discover the Details of each Vietnam Public Holiday
Vietnam, like many other countries, has a large number of holidays during the year. Unlike other countries, Vietnam observes its holidays according to both the lunar and solar calendars. This makes Vietnam’s festivals different from others in the world. If you want to choose the best time of the year for your trip to Vietnam, then take a look at the six major holidays of the year.
1. New Year’s Day
Vietnam celebrates New Year’s Day, or “Tết Dương Lịch,” on January 1st of each year, following the Gregorian calendar. It symbolizes the start of a new calendar year and is a time for people to gather, reflect on the previous year, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Tết Dương Lịch is a public holiday in Vietnam, with celebrations taking place nationwide. Cities are decorated with colorful decorations, and public spaces frequently host activities like fireworks displays, concerts, and cultural shows. Many people take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, whether at home or public events.
Tết Dương Lịch, like New Year’s celebrations globally, represents renewal and optimism. It’s time to make goals, create targets, and look forward to positive improvements in the next year. Many businesses and schools may be closed on New Year’s Day, allowing residents to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit.
2. Lunar New Year – The Longest Public Holiday in Vietnam
The Lunar New Year or Tet, is the most important celebration on Vietnam’s holiday calendar. Traditionally, it marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is a time to celebrate traditions, family, and renewal. Numerous customs, rituals, and joyous gatherings are associated with this fantastic holiday, which usually lasts several days and is Vietnam’s longest public holiday.
In the weeks leading up to Tet, households prepare meticulously, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. In celebration of new beginnings, homes are meticulously cleaned and festively decorated. In honor of the auspicious occasion, families buy new clothes, prepare traditional foods, and ensure every detail is perfect.
Tet focuses on family reunions. During this time, people frequently travel long distances to be with their families, which fosters togetherness and strengthens family bonds. Ancestral worship is important, with families visiting gravesites and building elaborate altars at home to honor lost loved ones. These rites have great cultural significance, representing thanks for the past and requesting benefits for the future.
Tet is a culturally rich holiday that includes various rituals and traditions. The exchange of “Li Xi,” or fortunate money, in bright red envelopes represents good luck and wealth for the recipients. Traditional foods like “banh chung” (square sticky rice cake) and “gio lua” (Vietnamese pork sausage) are carefully cooked and contain symbolic meanings relating to prosperity, longevity, and good fortune.
The festive spirit of Tet pervades the entire country. Streets are converted into colorful displays with lanterns, flowers, and traditional ornaments. Cultural events, parades, and stunning fireworks illuminate the night sky, bringing public spaces to life. This collective jubilation reflects the Vietnamese people’s common cultural identity and cohesiveness.
3. Hung Kings Commemoration Day
The Hung Kings’ Temple Festival is a prominent and historic ceremony in Vietnam that honors the nation’s famous founders, the Hung Kings. The celebration, held on the tenth day of the third lunar month, is a significant cultural and historical event. The festival’s focal point is the Hung Temple in Phu Tho Province, which is located approximately 85 kilometers northwest of Hanoi. According to Vietnamese mythology, the Hung Kings played an important part in establishing the country’s sovereignty, promoting agriculture, and setting the groundwork for Vietnamese culture. As such, Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day is more than a holiday; it is a holy occasion that respects the Vietnamese people’s ancestral heritage and collective identity.
One of the festival’s highlights is the magnificent parade, which brings everyone together to celebrate the Hung Kings. Colorful processions meander across the temple grounds, decked with traditional costumes, symbolic offerings, and bright decorations. The solidarity is obvious as participants, residents, and visitors engage in collective veneration for Vietnam’s founding fathers.
This festival is more than just a historical memory; it represents Vietnam’s enduring spirit, instilling community pride in its heritage and a deep feeling of identity. As a symbol of Vietnam’s enduring cultural tapestry, the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival combines the past, the present, and the future, and invites all to experience reverence for its mythical origins and its values that continue to shape its vibrant identity.
It is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Vietnam if you are in Vietnam during this anniversary by attending this festival. There is a very interesting activity you can participate in, namely wrapping and cooking banh chung and pounding banh giay contests.
It honors Vietnam’s traditional cultural values by recapturing the contest of offering offerings to ancestors since Hung Vuong founded the country, contributing to preserving and promoting Phu Tho’s unique cultural heritage values.
4. Reunification Day
Reunification Day, celebrated on April 30th, is historically significant in Vietnam since it commemorates the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975, officially ending the Vietnam War. This historic anniversary, also known as Liberation Day or Victory Day, commemorates the Vietnamese people’s decades of struggle and sacrifice in their quest for national freedom and reunification.
Reunification Day symbolizes a nation’s relentless quest for freedom, resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit. It marks the triumph of the human spirit and the reaffirmation of Vietnam’s values of solidarity, patriotism, and national pride.
A national parade or show may also take place for locals and visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere on this important day. One of the biggest celebrations occurs in Ho Chi Minh City, named after the greatest Vietnamese leader, Uncle Ho. Come early in the morning to Le Duan Street, in front of Thong Nhat Square, to participate in this Vietnam holiday on April 30th.
5. International Workers’ Day
International Workers’ Day, often known as Labor Day or May Day, is celebrated on May 1st in Vietnam, like in many other nations worldwide. This official holiday recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of workers and the labor movement.
International Workers’ Day is celebrated in Vietnam to commemorate workers’ dedication and hard work from various industries. It recognizes their contributions to the nation’s growth and prosperity and offers an opportunity to promote workers’ rights, fair working practices, and social justice.
Many businesses and government offices in Vietnam are closed on International Workers’ Day, allowing employees to relax, spend time with their families, or attend celebrating events. It is also customary for employers to give their employees bonuses, gifts, or other types of recognition as a symbol of thanks for their efforts throughout the year.
6. Vietnam National Day
Vietnam celebrates National Day (Independence Day or Quốc khánh) on September 2nd every year. This significant public holiday celebrates President Ho Chi Minh’s historic declaration of independence from French colonial rule in 1945.
National Day has enormous historical and patriotic significance for the Vietnamese people. It represents the country’s struggle for independence, sovereignty, and national unity. On this day, Vietnam’s streets are decorated with national flags, banners, and patriotic decorations, creating a celebratory mood of national pride and solidarity.
Many Vietnamese families celebrate National Day with reunions, feasts, and cultural activities that unite loved ones to honor the spirit of freedom and national pride.
Visitors and locals can enjoy various events, such as admiring the majestic fireworks displays, watching the magnificent parades, or visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This will allow you to see a large march in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, where the Declaration of Independence was read to the crowd.
Overall, National Day in Vietnam is a cheerful occasion that recognizes the country’s history, honors its heroes, and celebrates the Vietnamese people’s perseverance in their struggle for freedom, independence, and prosperity.
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Where to Go and What to Do on Vietnam Holidays 2024
Various options are available if you are looking for a destination for your next holiday during Vietnam’s public holidays. If you are planning to travel to Vietnam during your holiday, here are a few recommendations for places to visit and things to do:
Ha Long Bay: With its emerald waters and limestone karsts, Halong Bay is breathtakingly picturesque. You’ll find plenty to do if you want to take a cruise, go kayaking, or relax on the deck.
Hanoi: Tour Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, to immerse yourself in history and culture. You won’t want to miss exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex or sampling the street food in the Old Quarter, with its narrow streets and bustling markets.
Sapa: Trekking adventures are available in Sapa, in the northern highlands. On a hike, you can explore terraced rice fields, interact with local ethnic minority groups, and visit picturesque villages.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Discover the stunning karst landscapes and extensive cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Discover the famous Phong Nha Cave on a boat tour or trek in the jungle around it.
Hue: Visiting Hue is a great way to taste Vietnam’s imperial past. Discover the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the royal tombs along the Perfume River.
Hoi An: Wander through Hoi An’s ancient streets, lined with lanterns and historic buildings. Discover the UNESCO-listed town’s rich history, take a cooking course, and buy tailor-made clothing.
Nha Trang: Relax on Nha Trang beaches and enjoy snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping. Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers and bathe in one of the famous spas.
Mui Ne: Located along the coast, this beach resort town is renowned for its white and red sand dunes. Surfing, sandboarding, and enjoying the laid-back vibe by the sea are just a few of the water sports you can try.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Experience the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s largest city. Visit historic landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, shop at bustling markets, and eat delicious Vietnamese food.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about Vietnam’s wartime history. Explore the Viet Cong underground network during the Vietnam War.
How to Travel In Vietnam on Public Holidays
Traveling in Vietnam on public holidays may be both exciting and difficult due to increased crowds and likely transportation difficulties. Here are some tips for navigating public holidays in Vietnam:
- Plan Ahead: Public holidays in Vietnam, such as Tet (Lunar New Year) and National Day, are popular occasions for domestic travel. Plan your plan, including accommodation, transport, and tour activities. Popular places may become fully booked rapidly, so make reservations as soon as possible.
- Date Flexibility: Modify your travel dates to avoid peak holiday periods. Traveling before or after public holidays allows you to avoid crowds and get better rates on transportation and accommodation.
- Expect Crowds: During public holidays, expect heavy crowds at famous tourist destinations, transportation hubs, and lodging alternatives. Arrive early at popular attractions to beat the crowds, and try visiting off-the-beaten-path locations to avoid crowds.
- Use Alternative Transportation: Public transit, such as buses and trains, may be in higher demand over the holidays. To move around more easily, consider using other modes of transportation, such as private shuttles, taxis, or ride-hailing services like Grab. Renting a motorcycle or bicycle can also be a convenient way to explore cities and rural areas.
- Stay Informed: Stay current on holiday schedules, transportation schedules, and any travel warnings or road closures that may impact your plans. Examine local news sources, official government websites, and your lodging or tour operator for the most up-to-date information.
- Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications, especially if you expect long waits or delays. Use a map or navigation app on your smartphone to navigate unfamiliar areas.
- Practice Patience and Respect: Remember to be flexible and patient during public holidays, as delays and interruptions may occur. Be positive and respectful of local customs and traditions during cultural celebrations and festivals. You can experience Vietnamese culture firsthand and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Keeping informed, planning, and flexible will help maximize your travel experiences in Vietnam during public holidays.
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In Conclusion
Visiting Vietnam during the country’s public holidays is an exciting experience that gives you a unique opportunity to observe the culture and traditions of the local people during this exciting time of year. This trip will also give you a chance to experience Vietnam at its most vibrant and liveliest. Nevertheless, it is essential to book accommodations and plan your schedule in advance due to the fact that many places may close during Vietnam public holidays.
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