Vietnam public holidays in April make it one of the most interesting months to visit, and Vietnam events in April add more reasons to go. The weather is becoming warmer across the country, the main Tet holiday is long over, and several important Vietnamese cultural and national dates fall during the month.
Vietnam holidays in April are easy to plan once you know which dates are fixed. Dates marked TBC are based on the lunar calendar or are not yet officially announced, so confirm them with the organizers or local operators before booking non-refundable travel.
The two biggest dates for travelers are Hung Kings Commemoration Day on April 16: What It Is and Reunification Day on April 30. Hoi An also has its monthly Hoi An lantern night around April 19–20, depending on the lunar calendar.
The end of April is especially important for travel planning because Reunification Day on April 30 is immediately followed by International Labor Day on May 1. In 2027, these dates create a major domestic travel period, with the holiday period extending into the following Monday.
For a broader overview of Vietnam’s seasons, see our Best Time to Visit Vietnam Guide and Vietnam Weather by Month Guide.
Vietnam Public Holidays in April: Quick Overview
| Event | Date | Location | Status | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hung Kings Commemoration Day | April 16 | Nationwide, especially Phu Tho | Confirmed (lunar calendar) | Important Vietnamese cultural and national holiday |
| Hoi An Lantern Night | Around April 19–20 | Hoi An | TBC, lunar calendar | Traditional lantern-lit evening in the Ancient Town |
| Reunification Day | April 30 | Nationwide, especially Ho Chi Minh City | Fixed date | Major national holiday and historical anniversary |
| International Labor Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Fixed date | Creates a major holiday period together with April 30 |
| Spring and local festivals | Throughout April | Various destinations | TBC locally | Traditional ceremonies and local cultural events |
Hung Kings Commemoration Day on April 16
Date: Friday, April 16, 2027
Vietnamese name: Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương
Location: Nationwide, with the main ceremonies associated with Hung Temple in Phu Tho
Hung Kings Commemoration Day is one of Vietnam’s most important traditional holidays.
The holiday is held on the 10th day of the third lunar month and honors the Hung Kings, the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation. Of all Vietnam public holidays, it is the one most tied to the lunar calendar, so its date moves each year.
In 2027, the holiday falls on Friday, April 16. It is a national public holiday, so travelers should expect increased domestic travel and some changes to normal business operations.
The main ceremonies take place at the Hung Temple complex in Phu Tho Province, where large numbers of Vietnamese visitors traditionally gather.
Should Tourists Visit Hung Temple?
If you are interested in Vietnamese history and culture, this can be a fascinating experience.
However, April 16 is not necessarily the easiest day for a casual sightseeing trip because the area can become very busy.
If you want to experience the festival itself, expect crowds and increased demand for transportation. If you simply want to visit Hung Temple without the largest crowds, consider visiting outside the main ceremony period.
Hoi An Lantern Night in April
Date: Around April 19–20, 2027 (lunar calendar, confirm locally)
Location: Hoi An Ancient Town
Type: Monthly cultural event
Hoi An’s monthly lantern night is another excellent reason to visit Central Vietnam in April.
The April 2027 lantern night falls around April 19–20, so confirm the exact evening with local operators. The event takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month, with the Ancient Town becoming particularly atmospheric after sunset.
Electric lighting is reduced in parts of the Old Town and traditional lanterns become the main visual feature. Visitors can walk through the historic streets, watch activities along the Thu Bon River and experience one of Hoi An’s most recognizable traditions.
What to Expect
- Lantern-lit streets.
- Traditional decorations.
- Activities around the Thu Bon River.
- Lantern boats and floating candles.
- Traditional music and performances.
- Street food and local restaurants.
- Large evening crowds in the most popular parts of the Old Town.
If you are staying in Da Nang, our Da Nang to Hoi An Guide explains the easiest ways to make the trip.
If you are deciding where to stay, compare the two destinations with our Da Nang vs Hoi An Guide.
Reunification Day on April 30
Date: Friday, April 30, 2027
Vietnamese name: Ngày Giải phóng miền Nam, thống nhất đất nước
Also known as: Liberation Day or Reunification Day
Location: Nationwide
April 30 is one of Vietnam’s most important national holidays.
The day commemorates the end of the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.
For visitors, the holiday is particularly noticeable in Ho Chi Minh City, where national flags, decorations and commemorative activities can be seen throughout central areas.
It is important to understand that this is both a historical anniversary and a major public holiday. It is not simply a tourist festival.
What Happens in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is the natural focal point for visitors interested in the historical significance of April 30.
Central streets are typically decorated with national flags and banners, while museums and historical sites provide context about the events commemorated by the holiday.
If you are interested in the history of the city, April can therefore be an especially interesting time to visit.
For a practical overview of the city, see our Vietnam for First-Timers Guide.
If you are deciding between Vietnam’s two largest cities, see our Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City Comparison.
April 30 and May 1: Vietnam Public Holidays in a Row
This is arguably the most important practical information in this article.
In 2027, Reunification Day falls on Friday, April 30, while International Labor Day falls on Saturday, May 1. The holiday period therefore extends into the following week, with Monday, May 3 expected as the observed day off for International Labor Day (to be confirmed by the official holiday notice).
For travelers, this means the end of April can be significantly busier than the rest of the month.
Expect Higher Demand for
- Domestic flights.
- Long-distance trains.
- Intercity buses.
- Hotels in popular destinations.
- Beach resorts.
- Popular tourist attractions.
Vietnamese families often use the holiday period to travel domestically, making coastal destinations and major tourist cities especially busy.
If you plan to move around Vietnam during this period, book transportation early. Our Vietnam Domestic Flights Guide explains the main things to consider when flying around the country.
For train travel, see our Reunification Express Train Guide.
Best Places to Be During the April 30 Vietnam Public Holiday
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the best choice if you want to experience the historical significance of Reunification Day.
Central areas are decorated and the city has a strong holiday atmosphere.
The downside is that popular attractions and restaurants can be busy, while traffic can become heavier than usual.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a popular choice for Vietnamese domestic travelers during the April 30 and May 1 holiday period.
The combination of beaches, restaurants and nearby attractions makes it an easy destination for a short holiday.
However, that popularity also means higher demand for hotels and transport.
Hoi An
Hoi An is another strong option, particularly if you want to combine the holiday atmosphere with historical sightseeing.
The Ancient Town can become very busy during Vietnamese public holidays, so early morning and later evening are often more comfortable times for walking around.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is attractive for travelers looking for a beach holiday.
April is generally warm and sunny in southern Vietnam, although it is approaching the wetter part of the year.
For a wider comparison of Vietnamese beaches, see our Best Beaches in Vietnam Guide.
Vietnam Public Holidays: The Full List
Vietnam has 11 national public holiday days a year. The government announces the exact days off, including any shifted working days, shortly before each holiday, so confirm the final schedule before you book.
- New Year’s Day: January 1, one day.
- Tet (Lunar New Year): five days in late January or February, the biggest holiday of the year.
- Hung Kings Commemoration Day: the 10th day of the third lunar month, April 16 in 2027.
- Reunification Day and International Labor Day: April 30 and May 1, together two days.
- National Day: September 2 plus one adjacent day, two days.
April holds two of these dates, so it is the month where Vietnam public holidays most affect travel. Expect crowded transport, fewer opening hours at some local businesses and higher prices around April 30.
April Weather in Vietnam
April is a transition month in Vietnam.
The country becomes warmer overall, but the differences between north, central and south become increasingly important.
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi and Northern Vietnam are generally warmer than in March.
Rain becomes more likely as the month progresses, but there are still many comfortable days for sightseeing.
Mountain areas such as Sapa can be cooler than Hanoi, particularly at night.
For regional planning, see our North Vietnam Travel Guide.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is often one of the best regions to visit in April.
Da Nang, Hoi An and nearby destinations can offer hot, sunny conditions that are excellent for beaches and outdoor sightseeing.
April is therefore a strong month for combining Hoi An’s historic centre with Da Nang’s beaches.
Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam remains hot in April.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta are still in the warmer part of the year, while the dry season is gradually coming to an end.
Phu Quoc can still offer excellent beach conditions, but travelers should be aware that weather becomes less predictable toward the end of the month.
See our South Vietnam Travel Guide for more information.
Other Vietnam Events in April
April is also part of Vietnam’s spring festival season, so smaller Vietnam events in April are easy to find.
Local communities continue to organize temple ceremonies, traditional festivals and cultural activities following Tet.
Many of these events are not major international tourist attractions and their exact programmes may be announced locally.
We therefore recommend checking local tourism authorities before traveling specifically for a smaller festival.
Vietnam Events April: Quick Calendar
| Date | Event | Location | Travel Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 16 | Hung Kings Commemoration Day | Nationwide / Phu Tho | High domestic travel demand |
| Around April 19–20 | Hoi An Lantern Night | Hoi An | Busy evening in the Ancient Town |
| April 30 | Reunification Day | Nationwide | Major public holiday |
| May 1 | International Labor Day | Nationwide | Major domestic travel period |
| May 3 | Expected observed day off for Labor Day (TBC) | Nationwide | Holiday period continues |
Should You Plan Around Vietnam Events in April?
Yes, April is an excellent month for a Vietnam trip, and the Vietnam events April brings are a good reason to go.
The first three weeks of the month are particularly attractive for travelers who want good weather without the major domestic travel pressure associated with the end-of-April holiday.
The period around April 30 is more complicated.
If you want to experience Vietnam’s national holiday atmosphere, it can be fascinating. If you want quiet beaches, cheaper hotels and predictable transport, avoid moving between destinations during the busiest holiday dates.
Best Time in April for Lower Crowds
Early to mid-April is generally the easier period for travelers.
You can experience Hoi An’s lantern night around April 19–20 and the Hung Kings holiday on April 16 without dealing with the much larger domestic travel surge at the end of the month.
Best Time for National Holiday Atmosphere
April 30 is the obvious choice.
Ho Chi Minh City is particularly interesting if you want to understand the historical importance of Reunification Day.
Travel Tips for Vietnam Public Holidays in April
- Book early for April 30 to May 3.
- Expect higher domestic flight demand around the holiday.
- Reserve popular beach hotels in advance.
- Expect busy tourist attractions during the public holiday.
- Check attraction opening hours before visiting.
- Carry sun protection because temperatures can be high.
- Pack a light rain jacket for northern and central Vietnam.
- Allow extra time for airport and road transfers during the holiday period.
For a complete packing checklist, see our Vietnam Packing List.
April Travel Costs Around Vietnam Public Holidays
The first half of April can be relatively straightforward for travelers watching their budget, even with Vietnam holidays in April on the calendar.
The biggest potential increase comes around the April 30 and May 1 holiday period, when domestic demand rises.
Hotels, flights and popular tours can become more expensive, particularly in coastal destinations.
For a realistic overview of typical daily expenses, see our Vietnam Cost Per Day Guide.
It is also useful to have both cards and Vietnamese cash available. See our Vietnam Currency: Cash or Card Guide.
Vietnam Events April: Best Experiences by Traveler Type
| Traveler Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Culture traveler | Hung Kings Festival and Hoi An |
| History traveler | Ho Chi Minh City around April 30 |
| Beach traveler | Da Nang, Hoi An or Phu Quoc |
| First-time visitor | Hanoi + Central Vietnam + Ho Chi Minh City |
| Food traveler | Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City |
| Photography traveler | Hoi An Lantern Night |
Bottom Line
Vietnam events April 2027 make it one of the strongest months on the country’s events calendar.
The month has three particularly useful dates for travelers:
- April 16: Hung Kings Commemoration Day.
- Around April 19–20: Hoi An Lantern Night.
- April 30: Reunification Day.
The most important practical warning about Vietnam events in April is the end-of-April holiday period. Reunification Day on Friday, April 30 is immediately followed by Labor Day on Saturday, May 1, with Monday, May 3 expected as the observed day off (to be confirmed by the official holiday notice). This makes the end of April one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the year.
If you want easier transportation and fewer domestic crowds, aim for the first three weeks of April.
If you want to experience Vietnam’s national holiday atmosphere and do not mind crowds, April 30 in Ho Chi Minh City can be a fascinating time to visit.
For a broader itinerary, start with our Best Places to Visit in Vietnam Guide, then use our Vietnam Transport Guide to plan your route.
Vietnam Events April: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main events in Vietnam in April?
Hung Kings Commemoration Day on April 16, the monthly Hoi An lantern night around April 19–20, Reunification Day on April 30 and International Labor Day on May 1, plus local spring festivals.
Is April a good time to visit Vietnam?
Yes. Weather is warm across the country, and the first three weeks of the month are easier for transport and hotels than the April 30 to May 3 holiday period.
When is Hung Kings Commemoration Day?
It falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month, which is Friday, April 16 in 2027.
Should I avoid traveling around April 30?
Not necessarily, but expect higher demand for flights, trains and beach hotels. Book early or plan to stay put during the holiday period.
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