Vietnam enters the Vietnam National Day travel rush, one of its busiest travel periods of the year.
The five-day National Day holiday begins on August 29.
Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi expects more than 125,000 passengers on August 28, making it the busiest predicted travel day of the holiday period. The airport also expects around 743 takeoffs and landings that day.
For travelers flying into or out of northern Vietnam, the message is simple: allow extra time, expect crowded terminals and do not leave your airport transfer until the last minute.
The National Day holiday runs from August 29 through September 2, 2026, giving Vietnamese travelers five consecutive days off and creating a major domestic travel rush.
Why Is Hanoi Airport Expecting 125,000 Passengers?
August 28 is forecast to be the busiest day.
The Vietnam National Day travel rush is expected to peak at Noi Bai International Airport.
During the Vietnam National Day travel rush, the airport expects more than 125,000 passengers this period. The figure indicates about 8% above normal passenger traffic, showing a noticeable rise in travel demand compared with typical days. It also represents a year-over-year increase, with the same period last year recording lower volumes.
The airport’s planning accounts for the higher volume, with staffing and facilities adjustments anticipated to manage the flow efficiently. The 125,000-passenger benchmark underscores the impact of the vacation period on air travel amid the Vietnam National Day travel rush.
Flight movements are also expected to reach approximately 743 takeoffs and landings, around 10% above normal levels and 18% higher year on year.
To handle the additional demand, Vietnam’s aviation authorities increased capacity.
They raised takeoffs and landings to 44 per hour.
This applied from 6:00 a.m. to 11:55 p.m.
Noi Bai is also increasing staffing and using additional check-in counters, boarding gates and baggage handling capacity during the peak period.
The airport has confirmed that biometric systems, self-service check-in kiosks and other technology will continue operating to help passengers move through the terminals more quickly.
When Is Vietnam’s National Day Holiday?
The 2026 National Day holiday lasts for five consecutive days:
- August 29, Saturday
- August 30, Sunday
- August 31, Monday
- September 1, Tuesday
- September 2, Wednesday — National Day
This creates a long domestic travel window, and many Vietnamese residents are using the break for short beach holidays, city trips and family vacations.
Popular destinations are therefore likely to be significantly busier than during a normal late-August week.
What Travelers Should Expect at Noi Bai Airport
If you are flying from Hanoi during the holiday period, the biggest difference will be the number of people inside and around the airport.
Check-in areas, security checkpoints, immigration and baggage collection can all take longer than usual when passenger numbers are high.
Noi Bai recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
That is especially important if your flight is scheduled around the busiest periods.
Passengers are also being encouraged to check in online where possible and use self-service or biometric facilities when available.
If you are unfamiliar with the airport, our Hanoi Airport to City Center Guide explains the main ways to get from Noi Bai into the city.
Flying Into Hanoi? Give Yourself Extra Time
Travelers staying in Hanoi during the National Day holiday should also remember that airport congestion is only part of the problem.
Traffic on the roads around Noi Bai and central Hanoi can become heavier during major holiday periods, particularly when large numbers of domestic travelers are arriving and departing at the same time.
If you have a hotel booking, restaurant reservation or tour scheduled shortly after landing, leave a generous buffer between your flight and the next activity.
It is better to arrive at your accommodation early than to spend the first hours of your trip stuck in traffic.
Where to Stay in Hanoi During the National Day Holiday
If you are visiting Hanoi during this unusually busy period, location becomes more important than usual.
Travelers who want to explore the main attractions on foot may prefer staying in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake.
That can reduce the number of taxi or car journeys you need to make when central roads are busy.
If you are looking for hotels in Hanoi, our Hanoi Hotels Guide covers several highly reviewed options.
For budget travelers, we also have a dedicated guide to affordable Hanoi hotels.
Another option is staying near the Old Quarter without being directly in the busiest streets. This can give you easier access to the city’s attractions while avoiding some of the evening noise and congestion.
If you are unsure where to stay in Hanoi, our Hanoi Starter Guide also explains which parts of the city work best for first-time visitors.
Free Public Transport in Hanoi During the Holiday
There is also some good news for travelers.
From August 29 through September 2, Hanoi is offering free travel on 128 subsidized bus routes as well as the city’s two metro services.
The free transport initiative is designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to move around the capital during the National Day celebrations while helping reduce pressure on the roads.
The two metro services included in the program are the Cat Linh–Ha Dong Line and the operating section of the Nhon–Cau Giay Line.
Depending on where you are staying, public transport may therefore be a particularly useful alternative to taxis and cars during the busiest days.
For other ways of getting around Vietnam, see our Vietnam Transport Guide.
Da Nang Is the Most Popular Destination Among International Travelers
Hanoi is not the only destination experiencing strong demand.
According to recent Trip.com booking data reported by Tuoi Tre News, Da Nang has overtaken Ho Chi Minh City as the most-booked Vietnamese destination among international travelers for this year’s National Day holiday.
Hanoi follows Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, with Nha Trang and Phu Quoc also among the leading destinations.
The data also shows that international visitors are showing a strong preference for higher-end accommodation, with four-star and above hotels accounting for more than 70% of international hotel bookings on the platform.
That makes Da Nang particularly interesting for travelers who are still deciding where to spend the holiday.
If you are staying in Da Nang, our existing guides can help you choose your area and accommodation before the busiest dates.
Travelers who want to book a hotel in Da Nang should consider booking as early as possible, especially if they want a beachfront property.
What About Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is also expecting strong demand during the National Day break.
The city remains one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations for both domestic and international travelers, although current booking data puts Da Nang ahead among international visitors for this particular holiday period.
Travelers staying in Ho Chi Minh City can expect a busy atmosphere around central areas and popular attractions.
If you are looking for hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, our Ho Chi Minh City Hotels Guide covers well-reviewed options.
Travelers arriving late or departing early may also want to stay near the airport. Our Ho Chi Minh City Airport Hotels Guide focuses specifically on accommodation close to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
Which Vietnamese Destinations Are Likely to Be Busy?
Coastal destinations are expected to attract a large number of Vietnamese travelers during the five-day break.
Recent accommodation search data has highlighted destinations including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat and Phu Quoc among the most searched domestic holiday destinations.
Vung Tau is another destination that can become particularly busy because of its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City.
If you are considering staying in Vung Tau, book early rather than waiting until the last few days before the holiday.
Our Best Hotels in Vung Tau guide can help you compare accommodation options.
Flights May Be Harder to Find at Convenient Times
Airlines have already added additional capacity for the National Day travel period, but demand remains extremely high on the most popular routes and dates.
This means that the problem is not necessarily finding a flight at all. The bigger issue can be finding a flight at a convenient time and at a reasonable price.
Popular domestic routes connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are particularly important during the holiday.
If your schedule is flexible, consider traveling very early in the morning or later in the evening, when demand may be lower than during the most convenient daytime periods.
Our Vietnam Domestic Flights Guide explains how domestic air travel works and what to expect when booking flights within Vietnam.
Should You Change Your Vietnam Itinerary?
If you are already in Vietnam, there is no need to cancel your plans simply because of the National Day rush.
However, it is worth changing the way you move around the country.
For example, staying in one destination for several nights can be more comfortable than changing hotels every day during a major domestic holiday.
Travelers who are staying around Hanoi could explore the capital and nearby attractions rather than spending several hours on busy roads.
Likewise, visitors who are staying near Da Nang can easily combine the city with Hoi An without having to make a long intercity journey during the busiest days.
If you are building a longer trip, our Two-Week Vietnam Itinerary provides a useful starting point.
Tips for Travelers During Vietnam’s National Day Holiday
- Arrive at Noi Bai at least two hours before a domestic flight.
- Allow three hours for international departures.
- Check in online before leaving your hotel.
- Use biometric or self-service facilities when available.
- Book accommodation before the holiday period rather than waiting until the last minute.
- Expect higher demand at popular beaches and resorts.
- Allow extra time for road journeys.
- Consider Hanoi’s free buses and metro services.
- Keep important travel documents easily accessible.
- If you have an airport transfer, leave a generous time buffer.
Is It Still Worth Traveling During the National Day Holiday?
Yes.
The National Day holiday can actually be an interesting time to experience Vietnam.
There will be decorations, flags, cultural activities and a strong festive atmosphere across the country.
The trade-off is that domestic travel demand will be much higher than normal.
If you prefer quiet beaches, empty attractions and the lowest possible hotel prices, this is not the ideal period.
But if you enjoy seeing Vietnam during an important national celebration, the atmosphere can be memorable.
Bottom Line
Vietnam’s five-day National Day holiday begins on August 29, and the country is already preparing for a major travel surge.
Noi Bai International Airport expects more than 125,000 passengers on August 28, while flight movements are expected to reach around 743 that day.
Da Nang is currently the most-booked Vietnamese destination among international travelers for the holiday, followed by Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
For travelers, the most important advice is simple: book accommodation and transport early, arrive at airports well ahead of departure and expect crowded roads and tourist attractions.
If you are staying in Hanoi, consider choosing accommodation in a walkable central area and using the city’s free public transport during the holiday.
If you are staying in Ho Chi Minh City, allow additional time for journeys through busy central areas.
And if you are still deciding where to stay in Hanoi, our existing Hanoi accommodation guides can help you choose an area and hotel before demand increases further.
Sources
- Vietnam Government News — Noi Bai Airport expects more than 125,000 passengers during the National Day peak.
- Noi Bai International Airport — National Day holiday operational plan and passenger forecast.
- SGGP — Passenger traffic at Noi Bai Airport to surge during National Day holiday.
- Tuoi Tre News — Da Nang tops Vietnam destinations for international travelers during National Day holiday.
- VnExpress — Vietnam’s most searched destinations for the National Day break.
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