NEW YEAR DAY (January 1):
A global celebration of the beginning of a new year.
LUNAR NEW YEAR aka "TET" (February each year):
The most important holiday in Vietnam, Tet is a five-day celebration that follows the lunisolar calendar. The exact dates change every year because the lunisolar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. Tet is a time for families to reunite, visit temples, and celebrate new beginnings.
HUNG VUONG KING COMMEMORATION DAY (April 18):
A national holiday to honor the Hung Kings, who are believed to be the founders of the Vietnamese nation.
REUNIFICATION DAY (April 30):
Celebrates the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam.
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY (May 1):
A day to celebrate workers and their rights.
INDEPENDENCE DAY (September 2-3):
A two-day celebration to mark Vietnam's independence from France in 1945.
CHRISTMAS DAY (December 25):
Although not an official public holiday, Christmas is celebrated by some Christians in Vietnam.
SHOULD I TRAVEL TO VIETNAM DURING THESE DAYS?
Traveling in Vietnam during most public holidays (apart from Christmas and New Year's Eve) can be challenging. Firstly, these holidays are prime time for domestic travel as Vietnamese people reunite with families and celebrate. This means popular tourist destinations will be crowded, making sightseeing less enjoyable.
Secondly, transportation gets hectic with packed buses, trains, and flights. Booking tickets in advance becomes crucial, and prices often surge during these peak periods. Finally, some shops and restaurants might have limited hours or close entirely during the festivities, impacting your itinerary.
WHY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN VIETNAM IS A GREAT IDEA?!
Despite higher prices, Christmas and New Year's in Vietnam offer a unique and festive experience. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi transform with dazzling Christmas decorations, offering a taste of familiarity with a Vietnamese twist.
You can soak up the celebratory atmosphere at countdown parties, enjoy special holiday menus at restaurants, or even witness Tet flower markets bursting with vibrant blooms in preparation for the Lunar New Year that follows closely behind. It's a chance to experience the joy of these holidays alongside Vietnamese traditions, making for an unforgettable trip!
