Holidays and festivals in Vietnam
Vietnam celebrates a mix of official public holidays and traditional festivals throughout the year. Some are nationally recognized days off work, while others are cultural and religious events rooted in centuries of history.
Many traditional celebrations follow the lunar calendar, meaning their dates change every year. The busiest period is usually from January to April (lunar spring season), right after Tet.
Below is a simplified overview to help you understand what happens during the year.
Official public holidays in Vietnam
These are nationwide holidays when government offices, banks, and many businesses close.
| Holiday | Typical Date | Type | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Public holiday | Short break, city celebrations |
| Tet (Lunar New Year) | Late Jan – Feb | Public holiday | Major national celebration, long closures |
| Hung Kings’ Festival | 10th day of 3rd lunar month | Public holiday | Pilgrimage to Hung Temple |
| Reunification Day | April 30 | Public holiday | Parades, domestic travel |
| International Labor Day | May 1 | Public holiday | Often combined with April 30 |
| National Day | September 2 | Public holiday | Fireworks and public events |
Major festival seasons in Vietnam
Beyond official holidays, Vietnam has hundreds of traditional festivals. Most are community-based and tied to temples, pagodas, or local legends.
Spring festival season (January–April)
This is the most active festival period of the year.
Notable events include:
- Festival at Huong Pagoda
- Pilgrimage to Yen Tu Mountain
- Lim Festival (folk singing tradition)
- Giong Festival (national hero commemoration)
Expect large crowds, spiritual rituals, and strong local traditions.
Mid-year and autumn festivals
| Festival | Typical Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Autumn Festival | 15th day of 8th lunar month | Children, lanterns, mooncakes |
| Vu Lan (Ghost Festival) | 7th lunar month | Ancestor worship, Buddhist rituals |
| Local harvest festivals | Various | Ethnic minority traditions |
These festivals are less disruptive to travel compared to Tet.
Lunar calendar and changing dates
Many traditional festivals follow the lunar calendar, which means:
- Dates change every year on the Western calendar
- Spring (lunar January–March) is peak festival season
- Planning ahead is important
If attending a specific festival, check the lunar date conversion for that year.
When is the busiest time?
The busiest periods for travel are:
- Tet holiday
- Late January to March (spring festival season)
- April 30 – May 1 holiday period
- National Day (September 2)
During these times:
- Transportation may sell out
- Accommodation prices increase
- Popular destinations become crowded
Should you plan your visit around festivals?
It depends on your travel style.
Festival periods offer:
- Authentic cultural experiences
- Spiritual and community events
- Unique photo opportunities
However, they can also bring:
- Heavy crowds
- Traffic congestion
- Service interruptions
Understanding Vietnam’s holiday and festival calendar allows you to plan accordingly — whether you want to join the celebrations or avoid peak travel times.
See also:
