Vietnam is a country deeply rooted in tradition while rapidly emerging as a global economic powerhouse. For businesses operating in the region or travelers planning a visit, understanding the public holiday calendar is essential. In 2026, the holiday schedule features several extended breaks due to the alignment of the Lunar calendar and government-approved bridge days.
How Many Public Holidays are in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, there are 11 statutory public holidays per year, as mandated by the Labor Code of 2019. These 11 days are fully paid holidays for employees. Please note that for the Lunar New Year and National Day, the Prime Minister typically approves specific "bridge days" or weekend swaps to create longer consecutive breaks for civil servants, which most private companies also follow.
The breakdown of these 11 days is as follows:
| Holiday Name | Date (Solar Calendar) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 (Thursday) | 1 Day |
| Lunar New Year (Tet) | Feb 14 – Feb 22 | 9 Days |
| Hung Kings Festival | April 26 (Sunday) | 2 Days |
| Victory Day | April 30 (Thursday) | 1 Day |
| International Labor Day | May 1 (Friday) | 1 Day |
| National Day | Aug 30 – Sept 2 | 4 Days |
Important Note for Foreign Workers: Under Vietnamese law, foreign employees working in Vietnam are entitled to two additional paid holidays: one day for their traditional New Year and one day for their country’s National Day.
Detailed Look at Major 2026 Holidays
Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan)
The most significant festival in Vietnam, Tet 2026 officially begins on Tuesday, February 17. However, the government has approved a 9-day break running from Saturday, February 14, through Sunday, February 22. This is a time for family reunions, traditional foods like Banh Chung, and honoring ancestors. Businesses across the country will close, and logistics often slow down significantly two weeks before and after this period.
Hung Kings Commemoration Day
This holiday honors the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, April 26. Because it lands on a weekend, workers will receive a compensatory day off on Monday, April 27, creating a three-day weekend.
Victory Day and Labor Day
The combination of Victory Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1) creates a major spring break. In 2026, these fall on Thursday and Friday. This results in a 4-day holiday block (April 30 – May 3) when including the weekend, which is a popular time for domestic travel and tourism.
National Day
National Day marks the 1945 declaration of independence. Since 2021, this has been a two-day holiday. For 2026, the government has designated the break to include September 1 and September 2. Since these fall on Tuesday and Wednesday, businesses should prepare for mid-week closures.
Navigating Payroll and Compliance in Vietnam
Managing a workforce in Vietnam requires more than just knowing when the holidays fall. The Vietnamese Labor Code is strict regarding holiday pay:
- Employees working on a public holiday are entitled to at least 300% of their normal salary, excluding the paid holiday itself (effectively 400%).
- Overtime and night shift work during holidays carry additional premiums.
For international businesses, keeping track of these shifting dates and complex payroll calculations can be challenging. Our partners from RecruitGo can help you hire talent in Vietnam without the complexity of setting up a local legal entity.
RecruitGo’s comprehensive Employer of Record (EOR) and Payroll Management service can help you manage the following:
- Local Payroll: Ensuring all statutory holiday pay, social insurance, and taxes are calculated accurately and paid on time.
- Compliance Assurance: Staying up-to-date with the latest Vietnamese Labor Code changes so you don't have to.
- Onboarding & HR: Handling the entire employment lifecycle of your Vietnamese team, from contract signing to benefits administration.
Get in touch with RecruitGo’s local compliance experts for a free consultation.