Popular Vietnamese Holidays
Vietnam’s national holidays aren’t just days off—they’re windows into the country’s soul. From ancient kings to modern independence, each one carries a unique blend of history, symbolism, and everyday meaning. Whether you’re learning Vietnamese, traveling through the country, or exploring Vietnamese culture from afar, knowing the official holidays will give you insight into how the nation remembers, celebrates, and comes together. Below is the list of popular Vietnamese holidays.
Table of Contents
- Solar Calendar vs. Lunar Calendar
- Where to find Vietnamese Lunar Calendar
- Vietnamese National Holidays
- Other Cultural and Special Days
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Solar Calendar vs. Lunar Calendar
Before we jump to the list of popular Vietnamese holidays, let’s talk about the difference between solar and lunar calendars and why they matter in determining the dates for some Vietnamese holidays.
What is the Solar Calendar? Solar calendar is called “lịch dương” in Vietnamese. Solar calendar is what we use every day. The calendar has 365 days, or 366 every 4 years, and is divided into 12 months. The name comes from the fact that the calendar is based on the position of the sun.
What is Lunar Calendar? Lunar calendar is called “lịch âm” in Vietnamese. Lunar calendar is based on the cycles of moon phases, hence the name.
Is lunar calendar more common in Vietnam? For daily use, Vietnamese people mainly use the solar calendar. Lunar calendar is only used to determine dates for certain holidays or celebrations.
Why does it matter which calendar to use when determining the dates for some Vietnamese holidays? The reason is that some Vietnamese holidays are based on the lunar calendar so they are on different dates each year on the solar calendar. Knowing which calendar the holidays are based on will help you determine the correct dates.
Where to find Vietnamese Lunar Calendar
You can find Vietnamese lunar calendar in several ways:
- Printed calendar. You can buy printed calendar in Vietnam, which includes both solar and lunar dates.
- Vietnamese mobile lunar calendar apps.
- Vietnamese lunar calendar websites.
- Online solar lunar conversion tools.
Vietnamese National Holidays
Below is the summary table for Vietnamese National Holidays that people are usually given time off from work or school.
| Date | Holiday | Calendar |
| January 1 | Tết dương lịch (New Year) | Solar |
| Late January to February (varies yearly) | Tết nguyên đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) | Lunar |
| April 30 | Ngày thống nhất đất nước (Reunification Day) | Solar |
| May 1 | Ngày quốc tế lao động (International Labor Day) | Solar |
| September 2 | Quốc Khánh (Independence Day) | Solar |
Other Cultural and Special Days
| Date | Name | Calendar |
| February 14 | Ngày lễ tình nhân (Valentine’s Day) | Solar |
| March 8 | Ngày quốc tế phụ nữ (International Women’s Day) | Solar |
| March or April (10th day of the 3rd lunar month) | Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương (Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day) | Lunar |
| June 1 | Ngày quốc tế thiếu nhi (International Children’s Day) | Solar |
| September or October (15th day of the 8th lunar month) | Tết trung thu (Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival) | Lunar |
| October 20 | Ngày phụ nữ Việt Nam (Vietnamese Women’s Day) | Solar |
| November 20 | Ngày nhà giáo Việt Nam (Vietnamese Teachers’ Day) | Solar |
| December 25 | Giáng sinh (Christmas Day) | Solar |
If you notice a Vietnamese holiday missing, please let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Vietnamese lunar calendar the same as the Chinese lunar calendar?
They are very similar, but not always identical. Some lunar dates and zodiac calculations may differ slightly between Vietnam and China.
Why do Vietnamese holiday dates change every year?
Because lunar months are based on the moon’s cycle, lunar holidays shift each year when converted to the solar calendar.
Do Vietnamese people use the lunar calendar every day?
No, Vietnamese don’t use the lunar calendar every day. The solar calendar is used for daily life, work, and school. The lunar calendar is mainly used for traditional holidays, ancestral rituals, and cultural events.
Can I use a regular calendar app to check Vietnamese lunar dates?
Yes, as long as the app supports the Vietnamese lunar calendar or clearly displays lunar dates alongside solar dates.
