How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Vietnam?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Street food and shops operate 7 days a week, but government offices close on weekends and Tet (Lunar New Year) causes near-total closures for 1–2 weeks.
2What You Need to Know
Most tourist-facing businesses — restaurants, markets, shops, and transport — operate every day of the week without reduced hours. Government offices, banks, and post offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, typically January–February) is the most significant holiday: businesses close for 1–2 weeks, transport is packed weeks before, and many services are unavailable. National public holidays such as Reunification Day (April 30) and National Day (September 2) also cause closures.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Avoid travelling in Vietnam during Tet unless you specifically want to experience the festival — book all transport and accommodation months in advance.
- 2Exchange money and stock up on cash before public holidays, as ATMs can run out and banks will be closed.
- 3Many pagodas and markets are busier and more atmospheric on weekends — this is when local Vietnamese families visit.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Banks close on weekends.
Most shops, malls, and restaurants are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Buddhist holidays cause alcohol bans and some closures.
Singapore is open 7 days a week. Malls are open daily. Sunday is a normal shopping day. Public holidays see some closures but major malls stay open.
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