January 7, 2026 — Vietnam is set to introduce a new annual public holiday on November 24, known as Vietnam Culture Day, starting in 2026. The ruling Communist Party’s Politburo just approved Resolution No. 80‑NQ/TW, asking the National Assembly to turn it into law. The holiday is supposed to be a paid day off for employees in both the public and private sectors.
The move comes as Vietnam continues to adapt to rapid economic change. According to World Bank data, the country’s GDP per capita has increased more than fivefold since the late 1980s, following market‑oriented reforms and growth in export‑driven manufacturing.
Officials say Vietnam Culture Day is intended to encourage participation in cultural activities and support social cohesion as urbanization and globalization reshape daily life, similar to the extended time off for Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán).
While the holiday is awaiting its legal addition to Vietnam’s Labor Code, the Ministry of Home Affairs has already added the holiday to the national calendar alongside existing public holidays.