Vietnamese Maximize April Break to 9 Days with Two Leave Days

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Millions in Vietnam are planning to extend their April holidays into a nine-day break. This comes as Hung Kings' Commemoration Day creates a long weekend from April 25-27, followed closely by the Reunification Day and International Labor Day holidays from April 30 to May 3. Only two workdays, April 28-29, lie between these holidays, prompting schools and workers to find ways to bridge the gap.

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Universities are leading the charge, with Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade and Gia Dinh University extending breaks to cover the gap. Ho Chi Minh City University will suspend classes, making up for them on Saturdays in May. This extended holiday period helps students, many of whom live outside the city, return home more easily, according to Pham Thai Son of the university.

Office workers are also rearranging schedules. Thu Quynh in Hanoi adjusted her work to take April 28-29 off, allowing for family travel to Hue and Hoi An. Nguyen Thanh Luong in Hanoi, however, faces challenges as the two workdays interrupt long-distance travel plans. She described the difficulty of returning to work for only these days before resuming her holiday.

Public sector employees will work as usual on April 28-29 unless a government suggestion changes that. The private sector, following the Labor Code, can negotiate leave. While some businesses like Taekwang Vina cannot afford a full shutdown, they are considering allowing annual leave to cover the gap.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s current 11 official paid holidays may increase. Politburo Resolution 80 aims to establish Vietnam Culture Day as a paid holiday, adding to the calendar once the Labor Code is revised, reported VN Express.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 19 Mar 2026