Are you considering a Vietnam trip in 2024? Discover snippets of Vietnamese holiday customs, the 2024 public holiday schedule, and valuable travel tips for your vacation days.
Overview of Vietnam Public Holidays 2024
Vietnam has a total of 6 public holidays in 2024. These holidays are observed by both the government and private sectors, so it is important to plan accordingly if you are visiting the country during these dates.
- New Year’s Day – January 1st (Sun)
- Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) – January 24th to 30th (Fri – Thur)
- Hung Kings Commemoration Day – April 2nd (Thur)
- Reunification Day – April 30th (Tue)
- International Labor Day – May 1st (Wed)
- Independence Day – Sep 2nd (Mon – Tue)
Since the Tet Holiday and Hung Kings Commemoration Day follow the Lunar Calendar, their dates may vary slightly each year. It’s essential to check the updated information annually for accurate scheduling.
How to Make the Most of Vietnam Public Holidays 2024
Now that you have an overview of the public holidays in Vietnam for 2024, let’s discuss how you can use them to your advantage during your trip.
Plan Your Trip Around the Holidays
Public holidays are joyous occasions for the Vietnamese people. Instead of working, they use these days to visit family, travel, and participate in festive activities.
When traveling during holidays, it is essential to consider a few factors:
- Many establishments will be closed, so it is crucial to have all necessary paperwork prepared in advance.
- Expect an increase in service costs and hotel rates.
- On the positive side, the festive ambiance in Vietnam is incredibly vibrant and captivating. You can actively participate and become a part of the celebrations.
For example, Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) is the most important holiday in Vietnam, and it is a time when families come together to celebrate and pay respects to their ancestors. You can witness colorful parades and decorations, dragon dances, enjoy traditional food during this festive season, etc.
Book Accommodation and Transportation in Advance
As these public holidays are observed by both the government and private sectors, it is important to book your accommodation and transportation in advance. Many locals also take this opportunity to travel within the country, so there may be a surge in demand for flights and hotels. By booking in advance, you can avoid any last-minute hassles and secure the best deals.
Attend Festivals and Events
Apart from the Vietnam Official Holidays 2024, there are many festivals and events that take place throughout the year in Vietnam. These include the Hue Festival, Hoi An Lantern Festival, and Da Lat Flower Festival, to name a few.
These events showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and are a great way to immerse yourself in the local traditions. Make sure to check the dates for these festivals and plan your trip accordingly.
Examples of Vietnam Public Holidays 2024
To give you a better understanding of how these public holidays are celebrated in Vietnam, here are some examples:
- New Year’s Day: In Vietnam, the celebration of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar is not as grand as the Lunar New Year. During this holiday, people often enjoy fireworks and festivities, visit family and friends, or go on trips.
- Tet Holiday: During this holiday, the Vietnamese typically enjoy a 5-7 day break. You will witness a significant migration of people from urban areas to rural regions at the beginning and end of the holiday period.
During Tet, Vietnamese individuals engage in shopping for necessities, ancestral worship items, and decorative items, along with buying flowers for display. Families come together for festive meals, exchanging visits, and extending well wishes to relatives, friends, and neighbors. There are numerous events and activities such as fireworks displays, music events, performances, and traditional games.
Please note that most shops and offices will be closed during the initial days of the new lunar year, from the 1st to the 4th day according to the lunar calendar.
- Hung Kings Commemoration Day: Though the entire country observes this holiday, the focal point of the celebration is in the ancestral land of Phu Tho, where the sacred temples of the nation’s founding kings stand. As it is believed to bring good luck, many people participate in this grand festival.
The event features traditional processions, elaborate rituals, and solemn ceremonies, preserving the essence of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
- Reunification Day and International Labour Day: Because they are adjacent, these two holidays are always closely linked. Reunification Day marks the event of liberating South Vietnam and unifying the nation. To commemorate this day and boost the spirits, people often hang flags in front of every house.
This is also one of the occasions when a large number of people travel across the country.
- Independence Day: This occasion marks Vietnam’s Independence Day in 1945 and serves as a remembrance for former President Ho Chi Minh, who passed away on the same date. It is a day when people nationwide typically hoist the national flag.
Tips and Advice for Visiting Vietnam During National Holidays
- Plan your trip well in advance and book accommodation and transportation early.
- Be prepared for crowded streets and tourist attractions during the holidays.
- Respect local customs and traditions when attending festivals and events.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing as the weather can be hot and humid.
FAQs
Q: Are all businesses closed during public holidays in Vietnam?
A: Most government offices, banks, and schools are closed during public holidays, but some restaurants and shops may remain open.
Q: Can I still travel within Vietnam during national holidays?
A: Yes, you can still travel within the country, but it is best to plan your itinerary around the holidays to avoid any disruptions.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Vietnam during public holidays?
A: Yes, Vietnam is generally a safe country to visit, but it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Q: Are there any special customs or traditions during official holidays in Vietnam?
A: Yes, each holiday has its own unique customs and traditions as I indicated above.
Q: Are there any specific dress codes for attending festivals and events during national holidays?
A: You can dress as usual. If you plan to visit significant sites and temples, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Vietnam during public holidays in 2024 is a great way to experience the country’s vibrant culture and traditions. By planning your trip around these holidays, you can make the most of your vacation and create unforgettable memories. We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of Vietnam’s public holidays and how you can use them to plan your perfect trip. Happy travels!
