Reunification Day & International Labor Day in Vietnam 2025: Everything Travelers Need to Know
- Faye Hilling
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
Vietnam’s spring double‑header holiday—Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labor Day (May 1)—is more than two days off.
For 2025, the government rolled out a five‑day break for public workers (April 30–May 4), swapped with April 26 as a working Saturday.
Private businesses are encouraged to join the fun, too, so you’ll find cafés, buses, and attractions buzzing (or blissfully closed) nearly everywhere.
But how will that affect your plans to eat banh mis, sip coconut coffees, and indulge in a cruise or motorbike tour? Well, read on to find out as this guide helps you avoid any travel issues around the holidays.
The Story Behind Reunification Day in Vietnam
What happened on April 30, 1975? North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces captured Saigon, ending the Vietnam War and paving the way for national reunification on May 2, 1976.
Why April 30? Known locally as “Ngày Giải phóng miền Nam” or “Ngày thống nhất đất nước,” it marks the moment tanks rolled into the Presidential Palace and the South Vietnamese government surrendered.
From battlefield to holiday: Since 1976, April 30 has been a national holiday celebrating unity, resilience, and the start of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
How It’s Marked in Vietnam
Military‑civilian parades: Feature tanks, marching contingents, and flag‑saluting performances in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Tribute ceremonies: Flowers and incense at memorials on April 29 to honor leaders Hồ Chí Minh and Tôn Đức Thắng.
Cultural performances: Patriotic musicals, drone shows (10,500 UAVs choreographed), and 3D mapping along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street.
The Origins of International Labor Day in Vietnam
Global roots: May 1 was proposed by the 1889 Second International to honor the Haymarket martyrs and the eight‑hour workday fight.
Vietnam’s first May Day: In 1930, under French colonial rule, the nascent Communist Party of Vietnam led workers in Hanoi and Saigon in rallies demanding fair wages, safer conditions, and the eight‑hour day.
Communist celebration: Today, May 1 remains a key holiday in Vietnam (as in other socialist countries), marked by parades, speeches, and cultural showcases honoring the workforce.
What’s Happening on Reunification Day & International Labor Day in 2025?
Official Holiday Schedule
Combined, that’s five consecutive days off for public workers—perfect for a mini‑vacay or hometown reunion.
50th Anniversary Celebration
So why the big 5 day fiesta this year? Well 2025 marks 50 years since 1975, and Vietnam is going all out:
National ceremony & parade: A 30‑minute art performance, official speeches, balloon and dove release, then a military‑civilian march down Lê Duẩn Street in HCMC at 6:30 AM. There is also a scheduled military parade near Củ Chi.
Fireworks everywhere: Ho Chi Minh City will launch displays at 30+ locations (two high‑altitude shows plus barges on the Saigon River) at 9 PM on April 30—preview shows on April 19 & 26. Meanwhile, Hanoi lights up the skies over Sword Lake at dusk.
Cultural extravaganza: Nguyen Hue Walking Street transforms into a folk‑dance and light‑installation zone; Hanoi hosts historical film screenings and exhibitions.
Transport surges: Domestic airlines have added ~120 flights/day, but seats fill fast—and prices jump up to 50% above normal.
Related article: 20+ Best Things to Do in Hanoi to Start your Vietnam Adventure on a High.
Planning Ahead: Tips for Travelers
Book Early
Accommodations: Popular spots (Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town, HCM City’s District 1) fill up 6–8 weeks ahead for this holiday stretch.
Transport: Trains on the North–South line and domestic flights spike in demand; reserve at least 30 days before departure.
Airfares: Expect a 50% surge around April 30–May 1.
Crowd‑Dodging Strategies
Off‑peak hours: Visit major museums (War Remnants, Hoa Lo Prison) right at opening (8 AM) to beat tour groups.
Hidden gems: Swap Ha Long Bay day‑trippers for Cat Ba Island kayaking or Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc boat ride—fewer selfie‑sticks, more serenity.
Packing & Prep
Weather: Hanoi sees mild 24–30 °C days with occasional spring showers—pack a light poncho and quick‑dry layers.
Essentials: Power bank for on‑the‑go Google Maps, small‑denomination VND notes for street eats, and a reusable water bottle.
Related article: Ha Giang Loop Weather: April to May.
Why Bong Hostel in Hanoi Is Your North Vietnam HQ
Prime Old Quarter Perch
Located at 2 Phố Thanh Hà, Hoàn Kiếm, Bong Hanoi Hostel sits steps from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the Water Puppet Theater, and Dong Xuan Market—meaning you can crawl back after late‑night fireworks on foot.
Comfy‑Cozy Bunks
Plush mattresses & privacy curtains: Say goodbye to hostel‑bunk squeaks—these memory‑foam beds are a traveler’s dream. They also come with not one but two pillows—TWO PILLOWS people—is this a hostel or a hotel?
Hot showers & modern amenities: Crisp linens, modern bathrooms with hot showers, hairdryers, and plush towels to warm up after a (potentially) rain‑soaked parade.
Community & Convenience
Multilingual, know‑it‑all staff: From smiley greetings to insider Hanoi tips, Bong’s crew doubles as your personal tour guides/new best friends.
Free buffet breakfast: Start your day with Vietnamese coffee, bánh mì and fresh fruit before hitting the streets.
Tours Offered by Bong Hostel
Hanoi City Tours (Including Bat Trang Ceramic Village): Taste‑test bún chả, bánh xèo, and chè across Hàng Buồm backstreets—complete with behind‑the‑scenes chef chats.
Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Adventure: A three‑day ride through northern limestone karsts, off‑road villages, and sunrise mountain passes—family‑run expertise included.
Sapa Trekking Tours: There are several treks to choose from, which all include adventuring through rice‑terraced valleys, staying at local village homestays, and views worth every step.
Ninh Bình Day Trip: Boat cruise through Tam Cốc’s limestone caves, visit Bích Động Pagoda, and cycle past emerald paddies.
Ha Long Bay & Cat Bà Island Cruise: Junk‑boat sail among karst islands, kayak hidden lagoons, and overnight aboard a traditional vessel—bookable on‑site.
All tours are bookable at Bong’s front desk; spots vanish faster than fireworks sparks!
Our Thoughts on Vietnam’s Reunification Day & International Labor Day 2025
Reunification Day & International Labor Day in Vietnam 2025 is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime mash‑up of history, culture, and pure festive flair.
From the 50th‑anniversary parades and pyrotechnics to the daily grind of Hanoi’s street‑food scene, this five‑day holiday is your ticket to Vietnam’s vibrant soul.
Lock in your dates (April 30–May 4), snag that Bong Hostel bunk, and get ready for non‑stop memories that’ll last far longer than your airport transfer.
Chúc một chuyến đi thật tuyệt vời (have an amazing trip)!
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