- Aug 29, 2025
Complete Guide to Vietnam's Public Holidays 2026 (Latest Update)
In 2026, Vietnamese workers will enjoy a total of 11 official public holidays including New Year's Day (1 day), Tet - Lunar New Year (5 days), Hung Kings Commemoration Day (1 day), Liberation Day and International Labor Day on April 30th-May 1st (2 days), and National Day on September 2nd (2 days).
Planning for a new year always requires knowing the official holiday schedule. Especially for 2026 - the exciting Year of the Fire Horse - knowing these holiday dates in advance will help you arrange time for family reunions, plan trips, or organize meaningful activities. Let's go through each important holiday in 2026!
Detailed overview of Vietnam's 2026 public holidays according to current legal regulations
What's Special About Vietnam's 2026 Public Holidays?
According to Article 112 of the Labor Code 2019, Vietnamese workers are entitled to the following official holidays in 2026:
- New Year's Day (1 day)
- Lunar New Year - Tet (5 days)
- Hung Kings Commemoration Day (1 day)
- Liberation Day April 30th (1 day)
- International Labor Day May 1st (1 day)
- National Day September 2nd (2 days)
Total Number of Holiday Days
2026 features a total of 11 official public holidays with full pay. This is the fixed number according to Vietnamese law, though the actual days off may be more due to substitute holidays when official holidays fall on weekends.
Extended Holiday Periods
What makes 2026 special is the many long holiday breaks:
- Tet - Year of the Fire Horse: Expected 9-10 consecutive days off
- April 30th - May 1st Period: 4 consecutive days from Thursday to Sunday
- Hung Kings Day: 3-day break due to falling on Sunday with substitute day off
Plan early to fully enjoy the long holiday periods in the Year of the Fire Horse
Detailed Holiday Schedule for Each Occasion in 2026
New Year's Day 2026 Holiday Schedule
New Year's Day 2026 falls on Thursday (January 1st, 2026). According to current regulations, civil servants, public employees, and workers get 1 day off with full pay.
Although officially just 1 day off, since it falls on Thursday, many companies may arrange for employees to have a 4-day break from Thursday through Sunday, creating a perfect start to the new year.
This is also when major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City organize fireworks, countdown events, and vibrant New Year celebrations. Many families choose this time for short trips or to participate in early-year cultural activities.
Start 2026 with meaningful activities and memories with loved ones
Tet - Lunar New Year Holiday 2026
Tet 2026 - the first day of the Year of the Fire Horse - falls on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. New Year's Eve will be on Monday, February 16th, 2026 (the 29th day of the 12th lunar month).
Special Features of Tet 2026:
- 2026 has no 30th day of the 12th lunar month as this lunar month only has 29 days
- This is the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy and progress
- Expected holiday period may run from February 14th to 22nd (about 9 days), depending on the Prime Minister's specific decision
The Year of the Fire Horse carries deep meaning of new beginnings, perfect for fresh plans in the new year. Many families will use this extended break to return to their hometowns, visit relatives, and participate in traditional activities like temple visits and spring flower viewing.
The Year of the Fire Horse brings new opportunities and joy of family reunion
>>> Check out: How many days until Tet 2026? Complete Tet 2026 Guide
Hung Kings Commemoration Day Holiday 2026
Hung Kings Commemoration Day 2026 falls on Sunday, April 26th, 2026 (the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month). Since it coincides with the weekend, workers will get a substitute day off on Monday, April 27th, 2026.
Detailed holiday schedule:
- Saturday, April 25th: Weekend
- Sunday, April 26th: Hung Kings Commemoration Day
- Monday, April 27th: Substitute holiday
With a 3-day consecutive break, this is an ideal time to participate in ancestor commemoration activities at Hung Temple in Phu Tho province or take short trips to nearby scenic destinations.
Hung Kings Day - a sacred time to honor the contributions of our ancestors
>>> Read more: What Is Hùng Kings’ Commemoration Day? When Is It in 2025?
April 30th - May 1st Holiday Schedule 2026
April 30th and May 1st, 2026 fall on Thursday and Friday respectively. Workers get 2 consecutive days off and combined with the weekend, may enjoy a 4-day break from April 30th to May 3rd, 2026.
Special Significance:
- April 30th: Commemorating 51 years since the Liberation of South Vietnam and national reunification
- May 1st: International Labor Day
This is one of the most anticipated holidays in the 2026 public holiday calendar because late April to early May offers pleasant weather, perfect for travel, family visits, or outdoor activities.
The most anticipated holiday of the year
National Day September 2nd Holiday Schedule 2026
Vietnam's National Day September 2nd, 2026 falls on Wednesday. According to regulations, workers get 2 days off including September 2nd and one adjacent day before or after.
Possible holiday scenarios:
- If taking Tuesday September 1st off: 2 consecutive days break
- If taking Thursday September 3rd off: 2 consecutive days break
- Can combine with weekends for longer breaks
National Day 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of the country's founding, a time for every Vietnamese citizen to honor their roots and participate in meaningful commemorative activities.
Pride in national heritage on the sacred National Day
Other Special Days in 2026
Buddha's Birthday (Vesak)
- Buddha's Birthday is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month annually
- In 2026: Expected to fall in May
- An important spiritual day for the Buddhist community
International Women's Day March 8th
- Not an official public holiday but many companies organize commemorative activities
Vietnamese Teachers' Day November 20th
- A day to honor teachers nationwide
- Students typically have special activities at school
Special occasions that create the rich cultural tapestry of the nation
Substitute Holiday Regulations and Important Notes for 2026
Substitute Holidays When Falling on Weekends
According to Vietnamese Labor Law, if an official holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is considered a substitute holiday with full pay.
This clearly applies to Hung Kings Commemoration Day in the 2026 holiday schedule when it falls on Sunday, creating a 3-day consecutive break for workers.
Differences Between Civil Servant and Student Schedules
For civil servants and public employees:
- Strictly follow announcements from the Ministry of Home Affairs
- May have work day exchanges to create longer breaks
For students:
- Holiday schedules may be more flexible depending on academic calendar
- Some schools may grant additional days for longer breaks
Understanding legal regulations to maximize rest and relaxation time
Activity Ideas During 2026 Public Holidays
Travel and Cultural Experiences
During Tet - Year of the Fire Horse:
- Spring temple visits to sacred places: Hung Temple, Huong Pagoda, Yen Tu
- Explore flower festivals in Da Lat and Sa Pa during the cool spring weather
- Return home for family reunions and participate in traditional activities
April 30th - May 1st Break:
- Pleasant weather perfect for beach destinations: Nha Trang, Da Nang, Phu Quoc
- Explore northern mountains and forests: Mai Chau, Moc Chau, Tam Dao
- Visit historical sites: Independence Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels
Hung Kings Commemoration Day:
- Pilgrimage to Hung Temple in Phu Tho, participate in incense offering ceremonies
- Explore traditional culture at museums and historical sites
- Eco-tourism at Trang An - Ninh Binh
Discover wonderful destinations with family during public holidays
Family Gatherings & Gift-Giving
Every public holiday is a precious opportunity to strengthen family bonds. Preparing meaningful gifts not only shows care but also creates beautiful memories.
Gift suggestions for each occasion:
Tet - Lunar New Year: Traditional sticky rice cakes (banh chung), Tet candied fruits, folk paintings, traditional ao dai
Women's Day March 8th: Fresh flowers, perfume, unique handcrafted jewelry
April 30th - May 1st: Travel souvenirs, regional specialties
>>> Check out: Which Vietnamese Souvenirs Do International Friends Love Most in 2025?
For Businesses: Employee and Customer Appreciation Opportunities
The occasions in Vietnam's 2026 public holiday calendar are perfect times for businesses to show care for employees and connect with customers:
Employee Appreciation Programs:
- Tet gift baskets with traditional specialties
- Team building trips during long holiday breaks
- Shopping vouchers for various holidays throughout the year
Customer Strategies:
- Special promotion programs during Tet and major holidays
- Branded souvenir gifts on special occasions
- VIP customer appreciation events and gatherings
Especially with the Year of the Fire Horse considered auspicious for business, this is an ideal time for companies to invest in marketing activities and build strong relationships with partners and customers.
>>> You might also like: Complete A-Z Guide to Corporate Gifts: Do You Know It All?
Looking Forward to a Lucky 2026
2026, with its 11 official public holidays, promises many opportunities for everyone to enjoy time with family, explore the country, and experience meaningful activities. The Year of the Fire Horse is especially considered lucky for new beginnings.
Keep this 2026 public holiday calendar to proactively plan for a fulfilling year. From booking transportation early for Tet holidays to preparing meaningful gifts for loved ones, each holiday is an opportunity to create memorable experiences.
FAQs
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