Vietnam's 2026 Holiday Calendar Fact-Check: Exact Tet Dates and False Rumors Debunked
By Alexander Ross
What are the exact dates for the 2026 Vietnam Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year begins officially on Lunar New Year's Eve on Monday, February 16, 2026. The First Day of Tết (Mùng 1) falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and primary celebrations continue through Saturday, February 21, 2026.
How many days off are guaranteed under Vietnam's Labor Code?
Article 112 of the Vietnam Labor Code guarantees exactly five paid days off for the Lunar New Year. For public sector employees, these five days combine with surrounding weekend days to create an unbroken 9-day statutory break from Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Do banks in Vietnam close during the entire 9-day Tết period?
Yes, physical bank branches, currency exchange windows, and manual wire processing desks close for the full 9-day public sector break (February 14, 22, 2026). Digital banking transfers via the NAPAS 24/7 network and automated teller machines remain functional throughout the period.
Can private companies require staff to work during Tết?
Private companies can schedule work during public holidays only with explicit employee consent. Employees working on statutory holiday days are legally entitled to holiday overtime pay of at least 300% of their standard daily wage, excluding normal night-shift premiums if applicable.
When should companies execute pre-Tết invoices and payroll runs?
Companies should settle all domestic supplier invoices, salary transfers, and international wire payments no later than Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Processing after that date risks funds getting frozen in payment gateways until bank clearing resumes on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
