Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 official holiday schedule runs from February 16-20 (5 days). New Year's Day falls on February 17, 2026 (Tuesday). Compensatory days off apply when holidays fall on weekends. Students enjoy extended holidays from February 12-22.

Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 stands as an anticipated milestone, carrying hopes for reunification with family during these precious days. Many people wonder: How many days will Vietnamese New Year 2026 last? Will there be compensatory days off? And most importantly, how can we prepare thoughtfully for this meaningful holiday period?

The Lunar New Year 2026 holiday calendar is incredibly exciting (Photo: Phuc Huynh)

The Lunar New Year 2026 holiday calendar is incredibly exciting (Photo: Phuc Huynh)

Read this comprehensive guide from CHUS to get the most accurate and complete information about the Tet 2026 holiday schedule, helping you plan early for the most important celebration of the year.

Join the countdown: How Many Days Until Vietnamese New Year 2026?

When Does Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 Fall?

Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 marks the beginning of the Year of Bính Ngọ (Fire Horse) according to the lunar calendar. The first day of Tet (Mùng 1) officially falls on February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) in the Gregorian calendar.

This means:

  • New Year's Eve (29 Tet): February 16, 2026 (Monday)
  • Lunar New Year's Day 2026: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Zodiac Year 2026: Bính Ngọ (Fire element)

Image 01: New Year's Eve 2026 - the sacred moment of transition between two spring seasons

New Year's Eve 2026 - the sacred moment of transition between two spring seasons

Following Vietnamese tradition, this represents the most important time of year for family reunions, exchanging good wishes, and expressing gratitude to ancestors and loved ones.

Official Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 Holiday Schedule (Projected, Continuously Updated)

According to the 2019 Labor Code, workers are entitled to 5 consecutive days off for Lunar New Year. The Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 holiday schedule is expected to run from February 16 to February 20, 2026, corresponding to Monday through Friday.

1. Detailed Tet 2026 Holiday Schedule by Regulation

  • Monday, February 16: Holiday (29 Tet - New Year's Eve)
  • Tuesday, February 17: Day 1 of Tet - official holiday
  • Wednesday, February 18: Day 2 of Tet - official holiday
  • Thursday, February 19: Day 3 of Tet - official holiday
  • Friday, February 20: Day 4 of Tet - official holiday

2. Will There Be Compensatory Days Off for Tet 2026?

According to regulations, when official holidays coincide with weekend schedules, compensatory days off are granted on the following working days to ensure the legally mandated number of holiday days.

For 2026, the projected Tet holidays fall completely within the five weekdays, so no compensatory days are expected. However, workers will still benefit from weekend days, potentially extending the holiday period.

3. Comparing Tet 2025 vs Tet 2026 Holiday Schedules:

  • Tet 2025: 9 consecutive days off (January 25 - February 2)
  • Tet 2026: 5 days by regulation, though extended through weekend combinations

For example, if your company works Saturdays and rests Sundays, you'll have 6 days off from Sunday (February 15) through Friday (February 20). If you rest both Saturdays and Sundays, you could have up to 9 days off from Saturday (February 14) through Sunday (February 22).

Image 02: Though shorter than 2025, the Tet 2026 holiday remains long enough for meaningful family reunions (Photo: Ku Tít)

Though shorter than 2025, the Tet 2026 holiday remains long enough for meaningful family reunions (Photo: Ku Tít)

Tet 2026 Holiday Duration by Different Groups

1. How Many Days Do Civil Servants Get for Tet 2026?

The Tet 2026 schedule for civil servants follows general regulations: 5 official holiday days according to the Labor Code. The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue detailed official announcements.

  • Holiday period: February 16-20, 2026, plus unit weekend days
  • Return to work: February 23, 2026 (Monday)

2. Student and University Holiday Schedule for Tet 2026

Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 holidays for students typically last much longer than for workers. According to Decision 878 in Can Tho, students get holidays from February 12 to February 22, 2026. This is expected to be similar across many provinces.

  • Holiday begins: February 12, 2026 (25th day of final lunar month)
  • Holiday ends: February 22, 2026 (6th day of first lunar month)
  • Total duration: 11 days

3. Private Enterprise and Non-Government Unit Schedules

Private enterprises can flexibly arrange holiday schedules through agreements, but must adhere to the 5-day official holiday framework. Many companies may arrange longer breaks to create consecutive holiday chains.

Image 03: Different industries may have varying schedules suited to their work characteristics

Different industries may have varying schedules suited to their work characteristics

Important Milestones During Tet 2026 Holiday Period

Based on current information updates, here are the crucial milestones to remember for the 2026 holiday season:

1. Last Working Day Before Tet 2026

  • 28 Tet (February 15, 2026): Saturday - final working day
  • 29 Tet (February 16, 2026): Monday - official holiday begins

2. Tet 2026 Holiday Start Dates

  • Workers: February 16, 2026 (Monday)
  • Students: February 12, 2026 (Thursday)

3. Return to Work and Study Dates

  • Workers: February 23, 2026 (Monday) - 7th lunar day
  • Students: February 23, 2026 (after February 22)

Image 04: Preparing mentally to return to work after relaxing Tet holiday days

Preparing mentally to return to work after relaxing Tet holiday days

Essential Preparation Notes for Tet 2026 Holiday

To ensure a complete Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 celebration, prepare early:

1. Work and Schedule Management

  • Complete important tasks before February 14, 2026
  • Arrange family and friend gathering schedules
  • Book flights and transportation home early to avoid price increases

2. Space and Gift Preparation

  • Decorate homes and prepare Tet reception spaces
  • Choose meaningful gifts for family and relatives
  • Prepare business gifts for partners and clients if needed

You might also anticipate: Complete 2026 Vietnam public holiday schedule (Latest updates)

Meaningful Tet Preparation Suggestions - Thoughtful Gifts for Family and Partners

1. Tet Gifts for Family and Relatives

In the warm atmosphere of Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026, choosing gifts becomes especially meaningful. Handcrafted items and food products rich in sentiment will speak volumes:

For more detailed suggestions here: Meaningful Vietnamese Tet Gift Ideas

Image 05: Welcoming Tet is also an opportunity to prepare and exchange gifts overflowing with joy

Welcoming Tet is also an opportunity to prepare and exchange gifts overflowing with joy

>>>MEANINGFUL TET GIFTS FOR EVERYONE<<<

2. Corporate and Partner Tet Gift Boxes

Businesses also need to prepare Tet gifts to express gratitude to customers and partners:

>>>DISCOVER CORPORATE GIFTS TRUSTED BY MANY COMPANIES<<<

Conclusion

The Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 holiday schedule brings us 5 official days off for family reunions, rest, and energy renewal for the new year. These days allow us to fully experience the spring atmosphere, share love, and plan for new dreams.

Start preparing early to have the most meaningful and complete Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026 celebration. We hope this information about the Tet Nguyen Dan 2026 holiday schedule proves helpful.

If you want to buy unique, timely Tet 2026 gifts, don't forget to visit the universe of gifts for every occasion at CHUS!

Trent

Trent

Vietnam Culture & Life Writer

12:02 05/09/2025

Trent reads, meets, and learns to write about Vietnamese culture. His writings explore the diverse facets of life in Vietnam.

All articles by Trent

FAQs

  • How many days off is Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026?
  • Will there be compensatory days for Tet 2026?
  • How long do students get for Tet 2026?
  • When do we return to work after Tet 2026?
  • Must businesses follow the official holiday schedule?