2026 Vietnam Public Holidays Travel Guide: Essential Itineraries & Tips

Robbin

2026-02-05

🇻🇳 Plan Ahead to Avoid Disappointment: A Guide to Traveling During Vietnam's Holidays

Why should you pay attention to Vietnam's public holidays?

Major holidays in Vietnam are typically accompanied by a massive rush of locals returning home or traveling domestically. For international tourists, this significantly impacts transportation, accommodation prices, and crowd levels at popular attractions. If you plan to travel during these dates, booking in advance is crucial to prevent any disruptions to your journey.

Overview of Major Public Holidays in Vietnam

1. Vietnam Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán)

The most important traditional festival in Vietnam is Tet (Tết Nguyên Đán). It usually falls around the first day of the Lunar New Year, with a public holiday lasting 5-7 days.

During this time, families gather for reunion dinners, decorate their homes with red couplets, and prepare peach blossoms and kumquat trees to pray for good luck and pay respects to their ancestors. The streets come alive with vibrant lion dances, lantern decorations, and colorful fireworks, immersing the entire city in a celebratory atmosphere.

For Travelers: While you may encounter traffic congestion, sold-out tickets, and some shop closures, this is the best time to understand Vietnamese culture. You can visit Tet markets, taste special holiday dishes like Bánh Chưng (Square Sticky Rice Cake) and fermented pork rolls, or participate in traditional temple festivals to experience the warmth and customs of the local New Year.

Travel Tip: If you plan to visit during this period, plan your accommodation and transport well in advance and keep your itinerary flexible. Avoid traveling on peak transit days. Instead, enjoy the quiet streets of the ancient towns or join a local family's Tet gathering for a deep cultural experience that is hard to find at other times of the year.

2. International New Year (January 1)

Although International New Year is only a 1-day public holiday in Vietnam, the atmosphere in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang rivals that of any other country. On Vietnam New Year’s Eve, city centers host massive countdown parties featuring live bands and fireworks. The streets are packed with young people welcoming the new year with friends and family.

For Travelers: This is a great opportunity to experience Vietnam's urban nightlife. You can join the countdown in crowded plazas to feel the joy or hop on a Saigon River Cruise to watch the spectacular fireworks from the water—a truly romantic experience. Since demand for popular restaurants and hotels is high, advance booking is highly recommended to ensure a perfect New Year's celebration.

3. Liberation Day & International Labor Day (April 30 - May 1)

This is one of Vietnam's most significant national holidays (Vietnam Liberation Day & International Labor Day), typically resulting in a 2 to 4-day long weekend. During this period, major cities hold grand celebrations, parades, and street performances, filling the air with festivity.

For Travelers: This is a peak season for domestic tourism. Be aware that tourist attractions and beach resorts (such as Da Nang and Nha Trang) will be extremely crowded, and hotel and transport prices often surge. Despite the crowds, you can experience a unique national atmosphere, including fireworks, street music, and folk performances, offering a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history and traditions. Crucial: Book early and avoid traveling between cities during peak hours to ensure a smoother trip.

4. National Day (September 2)

Vietnam National Day commemorates President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence in 1945. It is one of the country's most symbolic holidays. Every year on this day, grand fireworks, concerts, and parades are held nationwide. Plazas, parks, and historical sites bustle with excitement.

For Travelers: This is an excellent time to experience Vietnam's festival culture and urban energy. You can watch folk dances and traditional instrument performances in city centers or capture colorful street scenes. To avoid the worst of the crowds, check the event schedules for each city and plan your accommodation and routes beforehand.

5. Mid-Autumn Festival (Lunar August 15)

Although the Vietnam Mid-Autumn Festival is not a public holiday, it offers travelers a fantastic opportunity to dive into Vietnamese traditions. Streets are adorned with colorful lanterns, and children perform lion dances, creating a joyous and lively vibe. You can also taste traditional Mooncakes (Bánh Trung Thu) to get a literal taste of the festival's sweetness.

For Travelers: This period is perfect for photography, capturing the vivid blend of traditional culture and city celebrations. For a deeper experience, visit a temple festival or a street workshop to learn about the history and customs behind the festival. Even without an official day off, culture lovers will find this day incredibly charming.

📅 2026 Vietnam Public Holidays Summary

Date	Holiday Name	Public Holiday?	Travel Suggestions
Jan 1	International New Year	✅ 1 Day	Fireworks in major cities (Hanoi, HCMC). Book hotels early.
Jan 28 - Feb 3 (Lunar Jan)	Tet Holiday (Tết Nguyên Đán)	✅ 5-7 Days	The most important holiday. Heavy traffic, some shops closed. Great for lion dances & temple vibes.
Apr 30	Liberation Day	✅	Combined with Labor Day. Beach cities are crowded; prices rise.
May 1	International Labor Day	✅	Peak travel for long weekends. Book tickets 1 month ahead.
Sept 2	National Day	✅ 1-2 Days	Fireworks and parades nationwide. Good for city celebrations.
Sept 7 (Lunar Aug 15)	Mid-Autumn Festival	❌	Lantern parades and mooncake markets. Excellent for cultural experience.

📱 Mobile users: Swipe left/right to view the full table

Holiday Travel Tips

1. Book Transport & Accommodation Early

Train, bus, and flight tickets sell out frequently, especially during Tet and Liberation Day. It is highly recommended to plan at least one month in advance.

2. Avoid Peak Travel Times

Traffic is worst on the day before a holiday starts and the last day of the holiday. If you can shift your travel dates slightly, your journey will be much more relaxing.

3. Embrace Local Experiences

Even if some businesses are closed, you can still experience authentic Vietnamese culture through temple fairs, street activities, and local celebrations

Conclusion: How to Enjoy Vietnam During the Holidays?

By mastering this holiday information and preparing in advance, you can avoid the worst of the crowds and peak prices while gaining a deeper experience of Vietnam's traditions. Whether it's the bustling Tet Holiday, the solemn National Day, or the heartwarming Mid-Autumn Festival, traveling during these times will add unforgettable memories to your trip.

Vietnam Holiday FAQ (Q&A)

Q1：Is Vietnam's Tet Holiday (Tết Nguyên Đán) suitable for tourists?

Tet is the most important national holiday. The atmosphere is lively, and you can experience temple fairs and lion dances. However, be aware of heavy traffic, price surges, and shop closures. If you want a deep cultural dive, visiting during Tet is absolutely worth it.

Q2：Will the Liberation Day (Apr 30) & Labor Day (May 1) holiday affect my trip?

Yes! These days often form a 3-4 day long weekend. Locals travel extensively, meaning beach cities like Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc will be very crowded. Book tickets and hotels at least a month ahead.

Q3：Is the Mid-Autumn Festival important in Vietnam? What can tourists do?

While not a public holiday, the cultural vibe is strong. Streets feature lantern parades and mooncake markets. It is particularly suitable for family trips or travelers interested in culture.

Q4：What celebrations happen on International New Year (Jan 1) in Vietnam?

Although Tet is the main event, International New Year is celebrated with countdowns and fireworks, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation near popular spots fills up fast, so book early.

Q5：What are the special events for Vietnam National Day (Sept 2)?

National Day features flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and fireworks. The atmosphere is most intense in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It's a great chance to experience Vietnam's patriotic spirit.

Need Assistance?

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