Understanding Bank Holidays in Vietnam 2026
When planning a trip to Vietnam from the UK, understanding local public holidays is crucial. In Vietnam, these are known as ‘public holidays’ or ‘ngày lễ’, rather than ‘bank holidays’ as we call them in Britain. They result in widespread closures of businesses, government offices, banks, and some tourist attractions. Unlike UK bank holidays, which are mostly fixed Christian or secular dates, Vietnam’s include major lunar festivals like Tet, making dates variable year to year.
This guide lists all Vietnam bank holidays for 2026, tailored for British travellers. We’ll compare them to the UK’s 2026 bank holidays for easier planning. Whether you’re flying from Heathrow to Hanoi or doing business in Ho Chi Minh City, knowing these dates helps avoid disruptions. With context in April 2026, note spring holidays like Hung Kings and Reunification Day coincide with UK Easter.
Full List of Vietnam Public Holidays 2026
Vietnam typically observes around 10-11 public holidays annually, with Tet being the longest. Dates are confirmed by the government closer to the time, but based on the lunar calendar and official patterns, here’s the expected schedule for 2026:
1. New Year’s Day
Date: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (1 day)
A national holiday marking the Gregorian New Year. Banks, offices, and many shops close, but tourist areas in Hanoi and Saigon stay lively with fireworks. Similar to UK’s New Year’s Day bank holiday.
2. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Dates: Saturday, 17 January to Friday, 23 January 2026 (7 days)
The biggest celebration, akin to Christmas and New Year combined in the UK. Families reunite, streets fill with markets, dragon dances, and fireworks. Expect massive traffic jams, closed businesses, and soaring flight prices. Travel is chaotic – book trains or flights well in advance. Tet 2026 falls early, unlike 2025’s late January.
3. Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day
Date: Monday, 20 April 2026 (1 day)
Honours Vietnam’s legendary founders in Phu Tho province. Northern Vietnam sees temple visits; southern areas less affected. Perfect for cultural trips, but roads to sites get busy.
4. Reunification Day and International Labour Day
Dates: Thursday, 30 April to Friday, 1 May 2026 (2 days, often extended)
30 April marks Saigon’s fall in 1975; 1 May is Labour Day. Parades in Hanoi, flag-waving nationwide. With Thursday-Friday off, many extend to a 4-day weekend (including Sat-Sun). Hotels book up fast – ideal for beach escapes to Phu Quoc.
5. Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday
Date: Monday, 19 May 2026 (commemoration, half or full day in some areas)
Not always a full public holiday, but schools and offices may close. Mausoleum visits in Hanoi peak.
6. National Day
Date: Wednesday, 2 September 2026 (1-2 days)
Celebrates 1945 independence with fireworks, parades, and military displays. Ho Chi Minh Square in Hanoi is the spot. Midweek, so short break.
Other minor observances like International Women’s Day (8 March, half day) or Buddha’s Birthday (lunar) may not fully halt operations.
Vietnam Holidays vs UK Bank Holidays 2026
Vietnam has fewer fixed holidays but longer Tet break compared to the UK’s 8-10 bank holidays. Here’s how they align:
| Month | Vietnam Holiday | UK Bank Holiday (All UK unless noted) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 Jan, 17-23 Jan (Tet) | 1 Jan (Thu), 2 Jan (Scotland only, Fri) |
| Apr | 20 Apr (Hung Kings), 30 Apr-1 May | Good Friday 3 Apr (Fri), Easter Monday 6 Apr (Eng/Wales/NI) |
| May | 19 May (possible) | Early May 4 May (Mon), Spring 25 May (Mon) |
| Aug/Sep | 2 Sep | Summer: Scotland 3 Aug (Mon), Eng/Wales/NI 31 Aug (Mon) |
| Dec | None | Christmas 25 Dec (Fri), Boxing/Substitute 28 Dec (Mon) |
UK’s Easter (3-6 April) overlaps Vietnam’s April holidays, great for combined trips. Scotland’s extra 2 Jan and St Andrew’s (30 Nov) add regional variety, like Vietnam’s northern focus on Hung Kings. UK holidays often mean 3-day weekends; Vietnam’s cluster around lunar dates.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors During Vietnam 2026 Holidays
Best Times to Visit
Avoid Tet (17-23 Jan) for travel – airports overwhelm, prices double. Opt for post-Tet shoulder season (Feb-Mar) or after Labour Day (Jun-Jul). April 2026 context: Hung Kings (20 Apr) and Reunification (30 Apr-1 May) mean busy but vibrant south/north.
Flights from the UK
Direct from London Heathrow/Gatwick to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh via Vietnam Airlines or British Airways partners. Book 6 months ahead for holiday peaks. Expect £600-£1000 return. Check UK bank holidays too – e.g., Easter Monday 6 Apr might spike UK departures.
What Closes?
Banks, post offices, government shut fully. Supermers/big chains open limited hours; street food persists. Temples/hotels operate. ATMs work, but carry cash.
Visa and Entry
UK passport holders get 45-day e-visa. Apply online via Vietnam immigration portal. No issues during holidays.
Regional Advice
Hanoi: Tet markets magical. Ho Chi Minh City: Reunification fireworks epic. Hoi An: Lantern festivals year-round, less holiday impact. Phu Quoc: Beaches open.
Business Travel and Expats in Vietnam 2026
For UK firms in Vietnam (tech, finance hubs in Saigon), holidays mean pauses. Plan meetings outside Tet/Labour Day. Remote work viable, but internet slows in rural areas. UK expats note: Vietnam Labour Day echoes our Spring Bank Holiday (25 May), but hotter weather.
Tax year aligns loosely; check HMRC for dual-country work. Vietnam’s GDP grows fast – holidays boost tourism economy.
Cultural Etiquette During Holidays
Tet: Bring ‘lucky money’ (li xi) envelopes for kids. Red/gold colours auspicious. Avoid black/white. Reunification: Respect political sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are banks open on Vietnam holidays?
No, fully closed like UK bank holidays.
Does Vietnam observe Christmas?
No official holiday, but expat areas celebrate.
How does Tet compare to UK Christmas?
Longer (7 days vs 2-4), family-focused, no presents but food/gifts.
Impact on UK-Vietnam trade?
Minimal long-term; holidays short except Tet.
Planning ahead ensures smooth travels. For latest confirmations, check Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour site or UK FCDO travel advice. Safe journeys!
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