Make the Most of 2026 Public Holidays Without Upsetting Your Boss

This article is written in English for readers in Vietnam. Vietnamese and Japanese translations are available on our website. 

Planning your holidays around official public breaks is one of the smartest ways to recharge without harming your career reputation. With Vietnam’s 2026 public holiday calendar offering multiple long weekends and festive breaks, this guide helps you make the most of them — ethically.

📅 1. Know the Official Public Holidays in 2026 (Vietnam)

Here’s a quick recap of the official public holidays expected for 2026 (subject to the Government’s final decree):

Holiday	Date	Day	Notes
New Year’s Day	Jan 1	Thursday	1 day off
Tet (Lunar New Year)	Feb 16–20	Monday–Friday	Usually includes weekend bridging
Hung Kings’ Festival	Apr 26	Sunday	May be holiday leave on Monday (27th)
Reunification Day	Apr 30	Thursday
Labour Day	May 1	Friday
National Day	Sept 2	Wednesday	Possible 1 extra day off
Year-End	Dec 31	Wednesday	Often taken as annual leave

That means at least 11 days of rest (not including Saturday and Sunday), and with careful leave use, you can extend this to over 30 days of meaningful breaks.

🧭 2. Combine Smartly, Not Sneakily

Ethical leave planning is not about taking the longest break—it’s about showing responsibility.

✅ Discuss plans early (ideally before January).
✅ Avoid mass-absence periods if your team depends on you.
✅ Offer to handover tasks or be reachable for emergencies.
✅ Don’t “call in sick” to stretch Tet. It’s easy to spot, and it hurts trust.

Pro tip: If you’re aiming for an overseas trip, submit your leave request 2–3 months ahead to help HR plan coverage.

🧳 3. The Best Long Weekend Combos (2026)

Here’s how to stretch your rest time without overusing annual leave:

• April–May Mega Break: Take Apr 28–29 off to enjoy 9 consecutive days (Apr 26–May 4).

• Tet 2026: Combine Feb 14–15 weekend with Feb 16–20 official break = 9 days total.

• National Day Stretch: Take Sept 1 + 3–4 off for 6 days from Aug 30–Sept 4.

• Year-End Refresh: Book Dec 29–30 and Jan 2 for 5 consecutive days across 2025–2026 transition.

💼 4. Respect Team Priorities (and Your Boss’s Sanity)

Before applying:

• Check rotation rules: Some teams alternate peak-season leave.

• Plan project coverage: Show initiative by suggesting who can back you up.

• Keep documentation ready: Handover sheets = peace of mind.

Showing maturity in leave management can boost your image more than any “perfect attendance” record.

💡 5. Make Holidays Count for Career & Health

Use downtime to rest and grow:

• Join online courses via Coursera, Udemy, or VTC Academy.

• Schedule medical check-ups or wellness retreats.

• Reflect on your career goals for 2026 — or polish your LinkedIn profile.

You return sharper, not sluggish.

🌸 6. Culturally Mindful Leave Etiquette in Vietnam

In Vietnamese workplace culture, balance matters:

• Avoid long absences near Tet or quarter close unless pre-approved.

• Always inform colleagues, not just your boss.

• Say thank you when they cover for you—it strengthens goodwill.

🧠 7. Avoid Common Mistakes

🚫 Submitting leave during high workload with no backup plan.
🚫 Overlapping with other team leaders.
🚫 Failing to return on time after Tet (a frequent HR complaint).

Reeracoen Vietnam’s 2025 employer survey found that 31% of managers rank “leave misuse” among top 5 employee frustrations—so don’t let that be you.

🔍 FAQ

Q1. How many leave days do full-time employees in Vietnam get per year?

Under the Vietnam Labour Code, employees receive 12 paid days per year (increasing with tenure).

Q2. Can I carry unused leave to the next year?

Yes, but it must be mutually agreed with HR. Some firms compensate for unused days instead.

Q3. What’s the best time to travel affordably?

Avoid Tet and public peak weeks; May–July and September offer cheaper rates.

Q4. How early should I plan?

By January, when company holiday notices are finalised.

✅ Final Author Credit

• By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager)

• Published by Reeracoen Vietnam — a leading recruitment agency in APAC.

🔗 Related Internal Articles 

• [Calm Work – How to Beat Year-End Burnout]

• [5 Career Goals to Set for Yourself in 2026]

📚 References

• Reeracoen Vietnam Salary Guide 2025

• Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025

• Vietnam Ministry of Labour (MoLISA) Leave & Benefits Circular 2025

• Vietnam Government Gazette – Draft Decree on 2026 Public Holidays

• AON Southeast Asia Salary Report 2025

Disclaimer:
The information provided in our blog articles is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. 
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the ever-evolving nature of certain topics may result in content becoming outdated or inaccurate over time. Therefore, we recommend consulting with qualified professionals or experts in the respective fields for specific advice or guidance. Any actions taken based on the information contained in our blog articles are solely at the reader's discretion and risk. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences incurred as a result of such actions.
We may occasionally provide links to external websites or resources for further information or reference. These links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement or responsibility for the content or accuracy of these external sources. Our blog articles may also include personal opinions, views, or interpretations of the authors, which do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation as a whole. We encourage readers to verify the accuracy and relevance of information presented in our blog articles and to seek professional advice when needed. 
Your use of this website and its content constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.