Every year, April 30 and May 1 are a major holiday in Vietnam.Southern Liberation Day (Liberation Day) and International Workers' Dayが連続し、2026年はこれに4月27日（月）の振替休日も絡んでベトナム全土が賑わうシーズンを迎えている。
Vietnam's April 2026 holiday calendar
| Date | Holiday name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4月27日（月） | Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (substitute holiday) | 本来4月26日（旧暦3月10日） |
| Thursday, April 30 | Southern Liberation Day | The 51st anniversary of the liberation of Saigon |
| Friday, May 1 | International Workers' Day | May Day |
April 30 and May 1 in particular form consecutive holidays, so many Vietnamese and foreign travelers travel domestically and abroad. Transportation to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang is often fully booked as of March.
How Vietnamese people spend the holidays
For Vietnamese people, this holiday is a "Golden Week for domestic travel." On social media, posts like "Đặt phòng chưa? (Booked a room yet?)" and "Đi đâu dịp lễ 30/4? (Where are you going for the 30th?)" overflow even before the holidays. The main destinations are:
- Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Nha Trang (domestic beach resorts)
- Thailand, Bali, Korea (the overseas-travel crowd)
- Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (conversely, the cities empty out and become hidden gems)
Impact on Japanese travelers and a hidden-gem strategy
During this period, which overlaps with Japan's Golden Week, flights to Vietnam see demand concentrate from both Japan and Vietnam. But clever travelers can turn this holiday to their advantage.
Hidden gem 1: Hanoi's Old Quarter
During the holiday when Vietnamese people head to the southern beaches, Hanoi is relatively empty. It's the perfect time to stroll leisurely through the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the 36 streets of the Old Quarter.
Hidden gem 2: Hoi An in central Vietnam
Tourists disperse more easily than in Da Nang, and Hoi An's old quarter, with its swaying lanterns, has a dreamlike atmosphere. It's especially beautiful when the Lantern Festival (the 14th of each lunar month) falls in this period.
Hidden gem 3: The Mekong Delta region
The My Tho and Ben Tre area, reachable as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, has few tour groups and lets you experience a real Vietnamese rural village. April to May is fruit season, so you can enjoy fresh mango and dragon fruit.
A guide to travel costs (from Japan, per person)
Travel costs in this period are peak-season rates, but here's a guide by budget:
- Economy travel: 50,000-80,000 yen (LCC ticket + backpacker hostel)
- Standard travel: 100,000-180,000 yen (JAL/ANA-type + 3-4 star hotel)
- Resort travel: 200,000-400,000 yen (direct flight + luxury resort hotel)
For detailed information, from vietnam-gift.com'sTravel guideTo prepare for a Phu Quoc trip, also refer to thesightseeing guide page. If you want to enjoy coffee locally, be sure to check thecoffee featuretoo.
