List of 12 public holidays in Vietnam for 2026, including International New Year, Lunar New Year's Eve, Vietnamese New Year and more.
Vietnam's holiday culture is a vibrant tapestry of ancient lunar traditions and modern national pride, deeply rooted in family gatherings and ancestral worship. The most significant celebration is Tet (Lunar New Year), which transforms the nation into a sea of red and yellow decorations, peach blossoms, and festive street markets.
During Tet, major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City experience significant closures of shops and restaurants for at least three to five days. Public transportation, including domestic flights and trains, often sells out weeks in advance as locals travel to their hometowns. Travelers should book accommodations and transit well ahead and expect higher prices and limited services during this period.
In the weeks leading up to Tet, business activities typically slow down as companies host year-end parties and focus on closing accounts. It is customary to offer small gifts, such as fruit baskets or premium tea, or 'Li Xi' (lucky money in red envelopes) to business partners to wish them prosperity. Avoid scheduling important meetings or deadlines during the Tet week itself, as most offices will be completely closed.
To experience the peak of Vietnamese festivities, visit during Tet (typically late January or early February), though you must plan for logistical hurdles. For those preferring to avoid major closures and heavy crowds, the best times are March to April or September to October, which offer pleasant weather across the country and fewer holiday-related disruptions.
The most common phrase during the Lunar New Year is 'Chúc Mừng Năm Mới' (Happy New Year). You may also hear 'Cung Chúc Tân Xuân,' which is a more formal way to offer gracious wishes for the new spring.