Understanding Vietnam Bank Holidays 2026
Vietnam does not have ‘bank holidays’ in the exact same way as the UK, where specific Mondays are designated as public holidays across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Instead, Vietnam observes public holidays (known locally as ‘ngày lễ’) tied to historical, cultural, and international events. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close on these days, impacting travellers, expats, and businesses. For UK visitors planning a 2026 trip—especially around April, with key holidays like Hung Kings’ Day and Reunification Day—this guide provides a complete list of Vietnam bank holidays 2026, comparisons to UK dates, and practical advice.
Whether you’re a British expat in Ho Chi Minh City, a tourist exploring Hanoi, or a business professional, knowing when services halt is essential. Vietnam’s holidays often extend into long weekends, similar to UK bank holidays, leading to crowded transport and tourist sites.
Full List of Vietnam Public Holidays and Bank Closures 2026
Here’s the official roster of Vietnam public holidays 2026, when banks like Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank typically close. Note that private businesses may vary, but public sector and ATMs remain operational with limited services.
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New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026. A one-day national holiday marking the Gregorian New Year. Banks reopen Friday.
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Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): Tuesday, 17 February to Monday, 23 February 2026 (7 days). Vietnam’s biggest celebration, akin to Christmas and New Year combined in the UK. Expect nationwide closures, family gatherings, and fireworks. Travel peaks beforehand.
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Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day: Saturday, 18 April 2026. Honours Vietnam’s legendary founders. A one-day holiday; if on weekend, no extension typically.
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Reunification Day: Thursday, 30 April 2026. Commemorates the fall of Saigon in 1975. Often combined with Labour Day.
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International Labour Day: Friday, 1 May 2026. Creates a four-day weekend (Thu-Fri holidays + Sat-Sun), boosting domestic travel.
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National Day: Tuesday, 2 September 2026. Celebrates Vietnam’s 1945 independence declaration. Parades in Hanoi; one-day closure.
These dates follow Vietnam’s Labour Code and government decrees. Unlike UK bank holidays, Tet’s length is fixed by lunar calendar, announced annually. For April 2026 context, note the 18 April and 30 April-1 May cluster—ideal for UK Easter timing but expect Vietnamese crowds.
Vietnam Bank Holidays 2026 Calendar Overview
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Thursday | 1 day | Standard closure |
| 17-23 Feb | Tet Nguyen Dan | Tue-Mon | 7 days | Peak travel season |
| 18 Apr | Hung Kings | Saturday | 1 day | Cultural focus |
| 30 Apr | Reunification Day | Thursday | 1 day | Historical |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Friday | 1 day | Long weekend |
| 2 Sep | National Day | Tuesday | 1 day | Patriotic events |
This table helps UK planners sync with flights from London Heathrow or Manchester. Book Tet travel early—prices soar like UK Christmas fares.
How Vietnam Holidays Compare to UK Bank Holidays 2026
For British audiences, contrasting Vietnam’s dates with UK ones highlights overlaps and gaps. UK 2026 bank holidays (per gov.uk) are:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (all UK).
- Scotland: Friday, 2 January 2026.
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (all UK).
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland).
- Early May: Monday, 4 May 2026 (all UK).
- Spring: Monday, 25 May 2026 (all UK).
- Summer (Scotland): Monday, 3 August 2026.
- Summer (England, Wales, NI): Monday, 31 August 2026.
- St Andrew’s Day: Monday, 30 November 2026 (Scotland).
- Christmas: Friday, 25 December 2026; Boxing Day substitute: Monday, 28 December 2026.
Key Comparisons:
- January Sync: Both nations start with 1 Jan off, easing global New Year plans.
- Easter vs April Cluster: UK Good Friday (3 Apr) and Easter Monday (6 Apr) precede Vietnam’s 18 Apr and 30 Apr-1 May. UK travellers could chain Easter break with Vietnam’s long weekend for a two-week trip.
- May Overlap: UK’s 4 May bank holiday aligns closely with Vietnam’s 1 May, though weekdays differ.
- No Tet Equivalent: UK’s festive periods (Easter, Christmas) pale against Tet’s week-long shutdown—plan business around it.
- Summer/Autumn: Vietnam lacks August bank holidays; UK’s provide breathing room absent in Hanoi.
Scotland-specific dates add nuance for Scottish travellers, but Vietnam treats all uniformly.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors During Vietnam Bank Holidays 2026
As a UK traveller, Vietnam bank holidays 2026 amplify tourism. Here’s tailored advice:
Around April 2026
With context on April, expect:
- Hung Kings (18 Apr): Visit Phu Tho province; UK Easter visitors (3-6 Apr) can extend.
- 30 Apr-1 May: Massive domestic tourism to beaches like Da Nang, Phu Quoc. Book trains/buses early via Baolau.com.
General Tips:
- Tet (Feb): Avoid if possible—hotels up 200%, streets empty then crowded. Fly mid-holiday for deals.
- Flights: British Airways, Vietnam Airlines from LHR to SGN/HAN. Monitor for holiday surcharges.
- ATMs & Cards: Banks closed, but international cards work at major ATMs (HSBC, Citibank). Carry GBP/VND cash.
- Visas: UK citizens get 15-day e-visa; apply via Vietnam Immigration portal.
- COVID/Health: Check FCDO travel advice; vaccinations standard.
Pro tip: Use UK bank holidays like 4 May to bridge Vietnam’s 1 May for extended stays.
Business and Banking Impacts for UK Expats
UK firms in Vietnam (e.g., HSBC, Unilever) halt operations on holidays. Remote work viable, but Tet disrupts supply chains—stockpile like pre-UK Christmas.
- Banking: Transfers via Wise or Revolut bypass closures. Local apps like Momo function.
- Stock Markets: Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) closes, mirroring LSE on UK bank holidays.
- Contracts: Note force majeure clauses for holiday delays.
For April 2026, 30 Apr-1 May slows logistics—plan imports/exports around UK’s 4 May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do banks in Vietnam close on UK bank holidays?
No, only Vietnamese public holidays affect local banks.
Is Tet 2026 a good time to visit Vietnam?
Challenging due to closures and crowds; opt for post-Tet shoulder season.
How do Vietnam bank holidays 2026 affect UK tourists?
Limited services, but tourist sites open. Budget for premium transport.
Any additional 2026 holidays?
Government may add lunar events; check Vietnam News Agency.
This comprehensive guide ensures you’re prepared for Vietnam bank holidays 2026. For UK bank holiday details, visit gov.uk. Safe travels!
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