Vietnam Holidays and Festivals

Vietnam Public holidays:
New Year's Day on January 1, it's an international holiday;
Tet/Lunar New Year, the 4-day state holiday that falls between late January and mid-February. Festivities include dancing, singing, and plenty of deliciously prepared foods. Celebrations are everywhere;
Saigon Liberation Day, on April 30, as the name suggests, this is a national holiday honoring the freeing of Saigon from the southern army;
International Labour Day, on May 1;
National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on September 2. This national holiday commemorates the birth of the independent nation of Vietnam as declared by Ho Chi Minh.

Government offices and tourists attractions are closed at these times.

During the time of the traditional holidays like Mid-Autumn Festival, the whole country pauses to delight in pastries, drum- beats, and children's dances.

While Tet, the Lunar New Year, Vietnam's biggest holiday, it's very much a family- oriented time, is something like American Thanksgiving. Folks travel far to get home for some of Mom's cooking. Traditional dishes differ from region to region, but always involve banh chung (pork and rice cakes) and are masterfully prepared in abundance. The colorful, artistic presentations are as appealing as the food is satisfying.

Beginning on the evening exactly from the Lunar New Year and lasting for 4 days, much of the country closes down, including stores, restaurants, and museums, and accommodations may be difficult to find.