New Year's Day 2027 in Vietnam: holiday schedule and a 3-day trip plan

At midnight on January 1, 2027, Vietnam welcomes the new year after a Thursday evening of celebrations. New Year’s Day falls on a Friday, and Vietnamese labor law provides one paid public holiday. For people who normally have Saturdays and Sundays off, that creates a three-day break running through January 3.

1. When is New Year’s Day 2027 in Vietnam, and how many days off do people get?

New Year’s Day, known in Vietnamese as Tết Dương lịch, is celebrated on January 1 every year. In 2027, it falls on Friday, giving many office workers and families an opportunity to enjoy a long weekend without taking extra leave.

Here is the calendar:

Under Vietnam’s 2019 Labor Code, employees are entitled to one fully paid day off for New Year’s Day, observed on January 1.

That distinction matters. Vietnam has one statutory public holiday for New Year’s Day, not a nationwide three-day holiday for every employee.

A regular Monday-to-Friday workweek gives you three consecutive days off from January 1 to January 3. This applies to many civil servants, public employees, and private-sector office workers.

People who normally work on Saturdays may still need to report to work on January 2. Hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, hospitals, and retail businesses may also operate on different schedules.

On October 9, 2026, Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice concerning the 2027 Lunar New Year and National Day holidays. It did not establish a special working-day swap for New Year’s Day 2027.

There is therefore no reason to assume that every employee automatically receives three days off.

Should you take an extra day of annual leave?

You can work all of Thursday, December 31, and still travel that evening.

For example, someone living in Hanoi could travel to Hai Phong after work, check into a hotel, and join a countdown celebration later that night.

The difficulty is timing. After a full working day, getting to the station, traveling between cities, checking in, finding dinner, and reaching a crowded event can make the evening feel rushed.

Taking December 31 off gives you more breathing room. You can travel in the morning, explore the city in the afternoon, and have dinner before the crowds build.

2. Do students get three days off for New Year 2027?

Students at schools operating Monday through Friday may have three consecutive days off, from January 1 through January 3, 2027.

Students attending schools with Saturday classes may have a shorter break.

There is no separate nationwide announcement granting all students an identical three-day New Year holiday.

Vietnam’s school calendar framework follows the Labor Code and relevant holiday instructions. Provincial authorities and individual schools determine their schedules within those requirements.

For example, Hai Phong’s 2026-2027 school calendar was issued by the city People’s Committee on August 13, 2026.

The first semester of general education runs from September 5, 2026, through January 16, 2027. January 1 therefore falls in the middle of the semester, not during a school vacation.

For parents planning a trip, the practical distinction is simple:

• Schools with a five-day week: Students can generally enjoy a Friday-to-Sunday break.
• Schools with Saturday classes: January 2 depends on the school’s timetable or any additional holiday announcement.

International schools and private schools may follow different academic calendars.

Before booking nonrefundable train tickets or hotel rooms, check the school’s official calendar or parent communication platform. Having Friday off does not necessarily mean children are free for the entire weekend.

Families with younger children usually enjoy a nearby destination more than an ambitious itinerary involving several long journeys. Three days disappear quickly when the final afternoon is spent traveling home.

3. What is January 1, 2027, on the Vietnamese lunar calendar?

January 1, 2027, corresponds to the 24th day of the 11th lunar month in the Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ).

It is not the beginning of Vietnam’s lunar new year.

The first day of the next lunar year, the Year of the Goat (Đinh Mùi), falls on Saturday, February 6, 2027, exactly 36 days after New Year’s Day.

Although both holidays are called Tết in Vietnamese, they are quite different.

The 2027 Lunar New Year schedule gives civil servants and public employees seven consecutive days off, from February 4 through February 10, including statutory holidays and compensatory days off. Businesses must arrange their schedules according to the applicable rules.

That is a different holiday from January 1.

What is the difference for international visitors?

New Year’s Day in Vietnam feels much more like the international celebration familiar to visitors from Europe, North America, Australia, and many other countries.

On December 31, people meet friends, go out for dinner, attend concerts, or gather in public spaces for the midnight countdown.

On January 1, many tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping malls, and cafés continue operating.

Lunar New Year has a stronger family focus.

People travel to their hometowns, prepare traditional meals, clean and decorate their houses, visit relatives, give lucky money, and observe customs associated with welcoming a new lunar year.

Some family-owned businesses close for several days, and domestic transportation can become particularly busy.

January 1 is best thought of as a public holiday centered on modern New Year celebrations and short vacations.

4. How do Vietnamese people celebrate New Year’s Day?

Not everyone in Vietnam goes to a countdown concert.

Many families use New Year’s Day to sleep in, enjoy a meal together, take the children somewhere fun, or simply relax after a busy December.

In major cities, the celebrations often begin well before midnight on December 31. Shopping centers put up seasonal decorations, popular cafés become busier, and streets near event venues attract people arriving for live performances.

A countdown event usually combines music, lighting, a stage program, and a large screen showing the final seconds before midnight.

Fireworks are a separate matter. A city may organize a countdown without fireworks, or hold fireworks at locations away from the main concert stage.

Younger visitors often meet friends for dinner before heading to an outdoor concert. Families with small children may prefer an earlier event or a restaurant where everyone can sit comfortably.

Travelers seeking something quieter can book dinner at a hotel or choose accommodation with city views.

Some rooftop bars, restaurants, and hotels offer New Year’s Eve packages, but these do not necessarily include a fireworks view. The actual view, minimum spending requirement, and admission conditions need to be confirmed with each venue.

Check exactly what a hotel’s special countdown dinner includes. A room reservation does not automatically cover dinner, drinks, or admission to a private event.

5. Countdown 2027 in Hanoi: where should you go?

Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter are the first areas worth checking if you want to experience a lively New Year’s Eve in the capital.

However, the official locations, event times, and fireworks arrangements for December 31, 2026, have not been announced yet; they are usually published in December.

Last year’s celebrations provide a useful reference, but they should not be treated as the finalized 2027 schedule.

Where was the previous Hanoi countdown held?

On December 31, 2025, Hanoi organized its Countdown 2026 celebrations around Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the pedestrian streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake.

The main program ran from 7 p.m. until midnight.

This part of Hanoi is convenient for visitors staying in the Old Quarter.

You can have dinner nearby, walk toward the lake, and enjoy the atmosphere without arranging a long journey across the city.

If the 2027 celebrations return to the same area, staying within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake could make the evening much easier.

After midnight, the streets around a major event may be crowded, and vehicles may be restricted from entering certain areas.

That makes the walk back to your hotel more important than the short taxi ride you might normally take during the day.

You do not necessarily need to stand directly in front of the stage. If your priority is the live performance, follow the organizer’s layout and access instructions. If you mainly want to experience the atmosphere, a less crowded section of the pedestrian area may be more comfortable.

Will Hanoi have fireworks on December 31, 2026?

No official fireworks plan for New Year’s Eve 2026 has been announced yet.

At the previous New Year celebration, Hanoi launched fireworks for 15 minutes, from 11:45 p.m. on December 31, 2025, until midnight on January 1, 2026.

The city used five general locations with six launch sites:

1. Hoan Kiem Lake area, with separate launch sites in front of the Hanoi Moi newspaper headquarters and Hanoi Post Office.
2. Coconut Island at Thong Nhat Park, Hai Ba Trung area.
3. The Formula 1 racetrack complex, Tu Liem area.
4. Lac Long Quan Flower Garden, Tay Ho area.
5. Van Quan Lake, Ha Dong area.

Photo: Buileducanh

Some reports described six locations because they counted the two launch sites around Hoan Kiem Lake separately.

The essential detail is that there were six launch sites spread across five general areas.

Hanoi’s plan for the previous celebration became public in late December 2025. The main plan was announced on December 22, just nine days before New Year’s Eve.

That is why it is too early to assume the same locations will be used in 2027.

A hotel offering a view of last year’s fireworks does not guarantee the same experience this time.

What time should you arrive at Hoan Kiem Lake?

Until the 2027 program is confirmed, a flexible evening plan is more useful than a rigid schedule.

A reasonable approach would be:

1. 6-7 p.m.

   Dinner

   Have dinner before heading into the busiest streets.

2. 7:30-8:30 p.m.

   Head to the event

   Walk toward the confirmed event area.

3. 9-10 p.m.

   Pick your spot

   Find a suitable place to watch the show.

4. 11:30 p.m.

   Stay put

   Avoid unnecessary movement if the crowd is already dense.

5. After midnight

   Leave the crowd

   Walk away from the main gathering area before arranging transportation.

These are suggested planning times, not the official Countdown 2027 schedule.

Accommodation is worth choosing carefully.

A hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake can be convenient for walking, but it may also experience more noise and traffic restrictions. A hotel farther away may offer a quieter night’s sleep, although getting back after midnight can take longer.

6. Countdown 2027 in Hai Phong: where should you celebrate?

Hai Phong is another option for travelers who want to welcome the new year in northern Vietnam.

The city has hosted New Year’s Eve performances and fireworks, but the locations deserve careful attention, particularly following the administrative merger involving Hai Phong and the former Hai Duong province.

Official activities welcoming 2026 took place in two areas:

• Hai Phong Opera House Square, in the traditional city center.
• Xu Dong Cultural Center Square, on Ton Duc Thang Street in Le Thanh Nghi Ward, in the former Hai Duong area.

Photo: Cổng thông tin điện tử thành phố Hải Phòng

These are not neighboring squares.

You cannot simply walk between them during the same evening. They serve different parts of the enlarged city.

For New Year’s Eve 2025, the main arts programs started at 10 p.m. on December 31.

At Xu Dong Cultural Center Square, there was also a traditional chèo performance beginning at 8 p.m., followed by the main New Year program.

Hai Phong welcomed 2026 with fireworks at the two approved locations at midnight.

But the countdown and fireworks schedule for December 31, 2026, has not been announced yet; the city usually publishes it in the second half of December.

Where should you stay in central Hai Phong?

If you are visiting the traditional center of Hai Phong, the Opera House area is a practical base.

The theater stands in a central location surrounded by established streets, cafés, restaurants, and accommodation.

You can explore the area during the afternoon, have dinner, and then walk toward the event if the celebration is held there again.

There is little advantage in waiting until 11 p.m. to find dinner near a crowded concert.

Parents with young children should check when performances begin and whether there are earlier activities. Staying outside until midnight may be enjoyable for adults, but it can be tiring for younger children in winter weather.

Travelers staying in the former Hai Duong area should look for local celebrations instead of making the journey to central Hai Phong just for a few minutes of countdown.

The event locations may share the same city name, but that does not make them close together.

Is Do Son a good place for New Year’s Eve?

Do Son is worth considering if you would rather combine the holiday with a seaside stay.

For New Year’s Eve 2025, the Dragon Ocean Do Son tourism area hosted its own countdown music event, beginning at 7 p.m. at its seaside square.

That was a separate event organized within a tourism development, not necessarily the city’s main countdown program.

There is no confirmed guarantee that the same event will return for New Year 2027.

The sensible approach in Do Son is to choose your hotel or resort first and then check what that property or the surrounding tourism area is organizing.

Heading from central Hai Phong to Do Son late at night just to attend an unconfirmed event is a lot of effort.

7. Is three days enough for a New Year trip in Vietnam?

Three days can make a very enjoyable short vacation, particularly if you choose somewhere relatively close.

It becomes less attractive when most of the holiday is spent traveling between destinations.

The key question is not how many places you can fit into three days. It is how much time remains after transportation, hotel check-in, meals, and rest.

Option 1: stay in Hanoi for the countdown

This works well for people already living in Hanoi, international visitors arriving near the end of December, and families who do not want a complicated journey.

Spend December 31 working or exploring the city, depending on your schedule. Have dinner before heading to the confirmed countdown location.

On January 1, enjoy a slower morning followed by coffee, sightseeing, or a relaxed meal.

January 2 can be your main sightseeing day, while January 3 is left for packing, shopping, and preparing for the following week.

If you only want a short hotel stay, two nights may be enough. You do not need to book through Sunday unless that genuinely adds something to your trip.

Option 2: take the train from Hanoi to Hai Phong

Hai Phong is a practical destination for a short getaway from Hanoi.

It offers distinctive local food, historic streets, waterfront areas, and a city center that is easy to explore without constantly changing accommodation.

Traveling on December 31 allows you to arrive before the evening celebration. January 1 can be dedicated to central Hai Phong and its food scene, while January 2 leaves time for another nearby attraction.

Return to Hanoi on January 3.

If your holiday only starts on January 1, you can skip the countdown in Hai Phong, travel there that morning, and stay for two nights.

That still gives you a relaxed first afternoon, a full sightseeing day, and time for breakfast before returning home.

It is often a better trip than rushing to catch a late train immediately after work on New Year’s Eve.

Option 3: book a family-friendly resort

Staying in one place is usually easier than moving between hotels.

Look for accommodation with activities that are genuinely available during winter.

An indoor swimming pool, children’s play area, or restaurant on site may be more useful than an outdoor pool that is too cold to enjoy.

Before booking, verify which facilities will operate in early January.

Families should also check whether children have Saturday classes. A three-day break for the parents is not automatically a three-day school holiday.

8. Trains, buses, and transportation prices for New Year 2027

The train between Hanoi and Hai Phong is a useful choice for travelers who would rather avoid driving.

Hanoi Railway Station is on Le Duan Street, while Hai Phong Railway Station is on Luong Khanh Thien Street, close to the traditional city center.

Hanoi to Hai Phong train fares and schedules

As a reference, Vietnam Railways soft-seat tickets from Hanoi Railway Station to Hai Phong Railway Station start at VND 159,000 per person, one way, excluding the insurance fee.

Some trains on the sample timetable:

At the quoted one-way fare, a standard round trip would cost VND 318,000 per adult before any applicable additional charges.

For a New Year’s Eve trip, the afternoon LP5 is worth considering if a similar timetable operates on December 31.

Arriving in Hai Phong at 6 p.m. gives you some time to reach your hotel, check in, and have dinner.

The LP7, arriving at 8:55 p.m. on the sample timetable, leaves much less room for delays.

Your train may be scheduled to reach Hai Phong at 8:55 p.m., but dropping off your luggage, eating dinner, and reaching the countdown stage by 10 p.m. is a tight fit.

The return journey deserves just as much attention. Book a train that gets you home early enough to rest before Monday morning.

Are buses and limousines more convenient?

Buses and limousine vans can be practical when their pickup or drop-off points are close to your accommodation.

However, some services operate from fixed pickup locations rather than collecting passengers directly from their hotels.

Ask the operator for the exact pickup point, departure time, luggage allowance, and drop-off address.

Do not rely solely on a general claim such as "Hanoi to Hai Phong transfer."

Compare fares for your actual travel dates on December 31 and January 3. Different operators, vehicle types, and ticket conditions may produce different prices.

A cheap outbound ticket is not much help if you cannot find a suitable seat home on Sunday.

Before departure, send the operator your accommodation’s Google Maps location and ask them to confirm the boarding or drop-off point in writing. It is a small detail that can save you from dragging luggage between unfamiliar streets.

What about flying to another city?

Domestic flights make destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City possible within a three-day holiday.

But flight time is only part of the journey.

You also need to reach the airport, allow time for check-in and security, collect luggage, and travel to your hotel.

A flight landing at 10 a.m. does not mean you will be exploring the city center at 10 a.m.

Flying farther away makes more sense when you have convenient nonstop flights and plan to stay in one destination.

If your itinerary requires several transfers, much of your holiday may disappear before you reach the place you came to visit.

9. Will hotel prices increase for New Year 2027?

Hotel prices around December 31 and January 1 depend on location, room category, demand, and whether the property offers a special New Year’s Eve package.

There is no single holiday rate for Hanoi or Hai Phong.

A hotel’s ordinary weekday price should not be treated as its guaranteed New Year’s Eve price.

When comparing accommodation, enter the exact check-in and check-out dates.

The three nights most relevant to this holiday are:

• December 31, 2026: New Year’s Eve, when some properties may charge for special dinners or events.
• January 1, 2027: The official public holiday.
• January 2, 2027: Saturday night, when many travelers are still enjoying the long weekend.

Rates may differ significantly between nights.

Some hotels sell packages with dinner or entertainment, while others provide accommodation only.

Be careful with Hanoi hotels that promise a "lake view." Being close to Hoan Kiem Lake does not necessarily mean having an unobstructed view of fireworks.

The fireworks locations for New Year 2027 have not been confirmed.

In Hai Phong, staying near the Opera House can be convenient for exploring the traditional city center. It does not put you within walking distance of Xu Dong Cultural Center Square in the former Hai Duong area.

Before paying, check whether the price includes taxes, breakfast, extra-person charges, and any compulsory New Year’s Eve gala dinner.

Families should also confirm children’s age policies and extra-bed arrangements.

When the official countdown schedule is still uncertain, a room with a reasonable free-cancellation deadline gives you more flexibility than a cheaper nonrefundable booking.

10. Are restaurants, shops, and tourist services open on January 1?

Yes, many businesses remain open on New Year’s Day in Vietnam.

It is an official public holiday, but it is not a nationwide shutdown of restaurants, cafés, stores, and tourist attractions.

In central Hanoi, Hai Phong, and other tourist destinations, visitors can generally expect to find places to eat and spend the day.

That said, opening hours belong to each business.

A café that normally opens every Friday may decide to shorten its hours or close for January 1.

Eating out in Hanoi

In the Old Quarter, breakfast on January 1 might be a bowl of beef or chicken phở, bún thang, or steamed rice rolls known as bánh cuốn.

For lunch, bún chả is an easy choice. Dinner can be something more relaxed after a day of walking.

Streets around Ly Quoc Su, Hang Gai, Hang Bong, and Hoan Kiem Lake have plenty of food options, but holiday hours should be checked individually.

On December 31, eating before entering the countdown area is sensible.

Finding an empty restaurant table near a major stage late in the evening is less certain than finding one earlier.

Some late-night establishments may continue serving after midnight, but their kitchens can close before the advertised closing time.

A restaurant with its lights still on is not necessarily accepting new food orders.

Eating out in Hai Phong

Hai Phong has several dishes that work particularly well in cool weather.

Bánh đa cua, a local crab noodle soup made with distinctive brown rice noodles, is a classic breakfast choice.

Photo: Phương Huy

You can also look for bún cá (fish noodle soup), miến trộn (mixed glass noodles), nem cua bể (square crab spring rolls), and local seafood dishes.

Areas around Cau Dat, Lach Tray, Tran Phu, and the Opera House offer numerous places to eat.

A day in the center could start with bánh đa cua in the morning, then fish noodles or crab spring rolls for lunch, and coffee before an evening stroll.

Restaurants near a countdown event may be busier than usual on December 31.

Small family-run eateries may also adjust their opening hours.

Check an establishment’s own holiday announcement rather than relying entirely on its regular hours displayed in a map listing.

Banks, supermarkets, and public offices

Many government offices and banks that follow normal administrative working schedules will be closed on Friday, January 1.

ATMs, banking apps, and digital payment systems may remain available, although transactions requiring manual processing can take longer.

Supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping malls may open, but individual hours can vary.

If you are visiting Vietnam and need to handle paperwork, visit a government office, or arrange something directly with a bank, complete it before the holiday.

Do not leave an important administrative appointment until January 1 and assume someone will be available.

11. What is the weather like in Hanoi and Hai Phong at New Year?

Late December and early January are part of winter in northern Vietnam.

Hanoi can be cold, cloudy, or damp, especially in the morning and at night.

Standing outdoors for several hours during a countdown can feel much colder than walking around the city in the afternoon.

Hai Phong is also affected by coastal winds. Open spaces near the waterfront, including Do Son and areas around Cat Ba, can feel particularly chilly.

For an outdoor countdown, a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a wind-resistant outer layer are useful.

You do not need to dress for mountain snow, but light summer clothing is unlikely to be comfortable during a long northern winter evening.

Families should bring an extra layer for children and have a plan for returning to the hotel before midnight.

There is no reason to stay outside until the final countdown if someone is already tired or cold.

If you are considering Cat Ba Island or a seaside resort, remember that winter is not necessarily ideal for swimming.

Boat services and outdoor excursions may also depend on weather and sea conditions.

12. How should you organize the three-day holiday?

The period from December 31 to January 3 is short enough that a simple plan usually works better.

Choose one main destination and give yourself time to enjoy it.

If you only have January 1 off

A local celebration is probably the easiest option.

You can attend a countdown near home on December 31, sleep a little later on January 1, and spend the afternoon with friends or family.

You do not need a long journey to make the first day of the year feel special.

A good lunch, a walk around the city, or coffee somewhere you have wanted to visit can be enough.

If you work on Saturday, avoid turning Thursday night into a journey that leaves you exhausted for the rest of the weekend.

If you have January 1-3 off

A two-night trip works well when you do not need to attend the countdown at your destination.

Travel on Friday morning, check in, and keep the first afternoon relatively light.

Use Saturday for your main sightseeing activity.

On Sunday, enjoy breakfast, pick up a few things to take home, and travel back.

For Hanoi to Hai Phong, this gives you a reasonably relaxed stay without changing hotels.

Celebrate midnight at your destination and you will need to add December 31 to the trip or reduce the number of nights afterward.

If you are visiting Vietnam from overseas

You do not need to completely redesign your itinerary because of January 1.

Many businesses catering to tourists continue operating.

The services worth checking most carefully are intercity transportation, attraction opening hours, and any administrative appointments.

If you are arriving in Hanoi for the first time, staying in the city center on December 31 may be more enjoyable than immediately attempting another intercity journey.

Visitors already in Hai Phong can choose a celebration close to their accommodation and use the following days for food, sightseeing, and rest.

Travelers hoping for traditional Vietnamese Tet celebrations should consider returning in February.

13. What should you confirm before December 31?

The most frustrating New Year travel problems are often small details that were never checked.

A hotel booking may be correct, but the road outside may be closed for an event. Your train ticket may be valid, but your arrival time may leave no room for dinner before the concert begins.

A final check should cover:

1. Your actual holiday schedule: Do you work Saturday, and do your children have school on January 2?
2. Your return journey: Is your January 3 ticket confirmed, and will you be home at a reasonable hour?
3. Your accommodation: Does the quoted price include breakfast, taxes, and any compulsory New Year’s Eve charges?
4. The countdown program: Have the organizers confirmed the venue, starting time, fireworks, and traffic arrangements?
5. Dinner and transportation: Is your restaurant reservation confirmed, and can vehicles reach your hotel after midnight?

Official city government announcements and the organizers’ own channels tell you far more about countdown events than old promotional posters.

A poster advertising Countdown 2026 is not evidence that the same venue will host Countdown 2027.

Ask any hotel promising a fireworks view which display it means and what happens if the official location changes.

A clear written confirmation is more useful than a vague description in a booking advertisement.

With the holiday starting on Friday, January 1, 2027, you can arrange leave, compare hotels, and check transportation early, even though some official celebration details may not appear until December.

For a longer journey, booking transportation and accommodation should come before planning exactly where to stand for the countdown.

You can choose a fireworks viewing spot after the city announces its final plan.

Between Hanoi and Hai Phong, choose the city you would enjoy exploring even without a fireworks display.

That way, changes to the New Year’s Eve program will not determine whether the entire trip was worthwhile.

14. One last tip before your trip

Save your hotel’s address, train station, and pickup points for offline access, and keep a screenshot of your booking confirmation. Mobile networks can become crowded during a major countdown, and having everything saved makes finding your way back after midnight much easier.