Expanding into Vietnam offers substantial business opportunities. However, understanding the public holiday schedule is essential for compliance, productivity, and respecting cultural norms. Vietnamese public holidays often reflect important historical and cultural events, which can impact work schedules and employee availability.
Key Public Holidays in Vietnam for 2025
Vietnam’s holidays in 2025 include national celebrations, traditional observances, and cultural events. Here’s an overview of the official public holidays:
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Marks the beginning of the calendar year, celebrated with family gatherings, festivals, and parties across the country. |
| February 8-14 | Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) | Vietnam’s most significant holiday, celebrating the Lunar New Year. This period involves family reunions, ancestral worship, and traditional festivities across the nation. |
| April 10 | Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day | Honors the legendary Hung Kings, the founders of Vietnam. People participate in ceremonies and festivals to pay tribute to their heritage. |
| April 30 | Reunification Day (Victory Day) | Commemorates the fall of Saigon in 1975, marking the reunification of North and South Vietnam. Celebrations often include patriotic displays and historical reflections. |
| May 1 | International Labor Day | Celebrates workers’ rights and contributions with various parades, demonstrations, and community events, similar to global Labor Day traditions. |
| September 2 | National Day | Marks Vietnam’s independence from French colonial rule, celebrated with official parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and public festivities honoring national pride and independence. |
Additional Regional and Cultural Observances in Vietnam
In addition to public holidays, Vietnam has several observances that, while not official days off, influence cultural practices, social activities, and may impact employee availability.
| Date | Observance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 15 (Lunar Calendar) | Tet Nguyen Tieu (Lantern Festival) | Marks the first full moon of the lunar year. Celebrations include lantern festivals, prayers for peace and luck, and gatherings at temples. |
| April 19 | Vietnam Book Day | Encourages a culture of reading, featuring book fairs, reading activities, and school events nationwide. |
| Mid-August (Lunar Calendar) | Mid-Autumn Festival (Children’s Day) | Known as the “Children’s Festival,” it is celebrated with mooncakes, lion dances, and lantern parades to honor children and family togetherness. |
Employer Considerations for Managing Public Holidays in Vietnam
Understanding the differences between national holidays and cultural observances is crucial for smooth operations, employee morale, and workforce planning.
National vs. Cultural Observances
While cultural observances are not official holidays, recognizing them can positively impact employee morale. Understanding local traditions around holidays can also help foster a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
Managing Public Holidays with EOR/PEO Services
For international employers, partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) or Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in Vietnam can simplify holiday management by:
- Ensuring Compliance: EOR/PEO services ensure compliance with Vietnamese labor laws, including holiday pay, leave entitlements, and contractual obligations.
- Payroll Adjustments: Holiday overtime, premium pay for holiday work, and substitute leave are handled efficiently with EOR/PEO support.
- Efficient Leave Tracking: An EOR/PEO helps track holiday leave, manage leave requests, and adjust schedules seamlessly.
Holiday Pay and Compliance in Vietnam
Vietnamese labor law provides the following guidelines for public holidays:
- Paid Leave: Employees are generally entitled to paid leave on official public holidays. If they work on these days, they typically receive additional compensation, often at double or special rates, as stipulated in the employment contract.
- Substitute Holidays: If a public holiday falls on a weekend, companies may offer a substitute day off to employees, although this is subject to the terms outlined in the employment contract.
Productivity and Holiday Planning Tips
To maintain business continuity during holiday seasons, businesses can consider the following strategies:
- Advance Communication: Sharing holiday schedules with employees early on helps everyone plan their leave and workload effectively.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering remote work options or flexible hours can support productivity during holiday periods.
- Project Scheduling: Adjusting project timelines around holiday dates can help maintain momentum and ensure that key deadlines are met without disruption.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam’s public holiday calendar for 2025 offers insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage, and understanding these holidays allows global employers to plan effectively. Recognizing both official holidays and cultural observances can strengthen workforce management, boost employee engagement, and foster an inclusive work environment.
GlobainePEO – Your Trusted Partner
At GlobainePEO, we help employers navigate the complexities of managing public holidays and employee leave in Vietnam. From compliance with labor laws to streamlined holiday management, we support your business in thriving while respecting local customs. Let us manage your workforce, so you can focus on growth.