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

Traveling to Vietnam in 2026 becomes much easier when you understand the key public holidays. These dates often bring busy travel periods, packed bus stations, and higher demand for hotels and flights. 

At the same time, public holidays offer a great opportunity to experience Vietnam’s culture, festivals, and traditional celebrations. With the right planning, you can avoid peak crowds and make the most of your trip.

Vietnam Public Holidays Overview

Here is a full list of Vietnam’s official public holidays in 2026, including what each holiday means and how it may affect travel around the country.

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

Best Tips for Visiting Vietnam During Public Holidays🚨

• Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) is the busiest period in Vietnam. Many families travel back to their hometowns, and shops may close for several days. Book all transport and hotels in Hanoi early.
• Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day often create a long holiday weekend, making it a popular time for domestic travel.
• National Day brings national parades and large gatherings in major cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Public Holidays Calendar

Knowing the public holiday dates helps you plan your routes, secure accommodation earlier, and avoid unexpected closures. These holidays also offer a chance to experience Vietnam’s cultural performances, local markets, and traditional ceremonies.

How Vietnam’s Public Holidays Can Affect Your Trip

Travel conditions in Vietnam change significantly during public holidays. Here’s what you should prepare for.

Transport Demand

• Flights, buses, and trains sell out quickly, especially during Tet and long weekends.
• Expect long queues at major stations such as Giap Bat, My Dinh (Hanoi), and Mien Dong Station (Ho Chi Minh City).
• Taxi and ride-hailing demand increases, which may lead to longer waiting times.
  
  

Accommodation Prices

• Hotel rates rise sharply during Tet, Reunification Day, and major weekends.
• Popular tourist areas such as Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc see higher booking demand.
• Staying slightly outside city centers can offer better prices.
  
  

Closures and Limited Services

• Government offices and banks close on all public holidays.
• During Tet (usually 7 days), many restaurants, small shops, and markets close or operate on reduced hours.
• Major malls, airports, and tourist attractions generally remain open.
  
  

Crowds at Popular Attractions

• Landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ha Long Bay, and Bana Hills can be crowded.
• Expect heavy foot traffic in central areas like Hanoi Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 during long holidays.
  

Travel Tips for Visiting Vietnam in 2026

Book Early

Secure your flights and hotels at least 1–2 months before Tet or long weekends to avoid price spikes.

Travel at the Right Time

Plan your intercity travel early in the morning or mid-week to avoid peak congestion.

Use Helpful Apps

Transport apps like Grab, Gojek, Google Maps, and local railway apps help you manage delays and find alternative routes.

Stay Near Key Transport Hubs

Staying close to Hanoi Old Quarter, Da Nang City Center, or District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City makes commuting much easier.

Explore Quieter Areas

Instead of crowded destinations, consider lesser-known places such as Quy Nhon, Moc Chau, or Ninh Binh for a calmer experience.

Choose Your Dates Wisely

Traveling on the holiday itself may sometimes be quieter than the days leading up to it, especially during Tet departures.

Major Holidays and Cultural Highlights in Vietnam 

Vietnam’s major holidays offer a deeper understanding of local life, traditional celebrations, and cultural values.

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

The most important holiday in Vietnam. Families gather, cook traditional dishes, and visit ancestral altars.

💫Travel Tip: Many shops close for several days, so plan meals and transport beforehand.

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

These two holidays form a long weekend. Large crowds travel to beaches and major cities.

💫Travel Tip: Book hotels early and expect heavy traffic on highways.

National Day (September 2)

Cities host parades, fireworks, and patriotic events.

💫Travel Tip: Arrive early at popular areas 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: Visit Hanoi Old Quarter for the best lantern streets and festive activities.

Closures and Disruptions to Expect During Vietnam’s Public Holidays

Transport and Traffic

• Expect traffic jams near bus stations and airports, especially before Tet and major weekends.
• Domestic flights and trains reach high demand.
  

Government and Public Services

• All government agencies, embassies, and banks close on national holidays.
• Postal services and administrative tasks pause until the next working day.
  

Shops, Malls, and Dining

• Convenience stores remain open in major cities.
• Family-run shops and small restaurants often close during Tet.
  

Tourist Attractions

• Attractions remain open but can be very crowded during national celebrations.
• Some areas may have road closures due to parades or cultural events.
  

Time to Plan Your Vietnam Trip

Understanding Vietnam’s public holidays in 2026 will help you prepare better, whether you enjoy lively festivals or prefer quieter travel periods.

Book ahead, monitor transport schedules, and choose your travel dates based on the experience you want. With the right planning, you can enjoy everything from cultural festivals to scenic nature escapes across Vietnam.