Day of Reunification in Vietnam
Vietnam observes the Day of liberating the South for national reunification on April 30, a public holiday tied to the events of 1975. It commemorates the end of the Vietnam War and the country’s reunification, and gives workers a paid day off under national labor law.[1][2]
A public holiday under Vietnamese law
Vietnam’s Labor Code lists April 30 as Victory Day, a one-day public holiday when employees are entitled to time off with full pay. May 1, International Workers’ Day, is a separate public holiday immediately after it.[1]
If a public holiday falls on an employee’s weekly rest day, the Labor Code provides a compensatory day off on the next working day. The effect depends on the employee’s weekly schedule; it is not a separate, fixed substitute date for everyone.[1]
The events remembered on April 30
On April 30, 1975, the liberation army entered the Presidential Palace in Saigon, and the Saigon government surrendered. The Government’s account describes the date as marking the end of the Vietnam War and national reunification.[2]
The day’s Vietnamese name refers to the liberation of the South and national reunification. A government account of the 1975 anniversary describes the event as a major turning point, after which the country entered a period of national construction.[2]
Commemorations and public life
For the 45th anniversary in 2020, Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony at Reunification Hall, with additional viewing points at city government offices.[3]
Government reporting has also described younger Vietnamese people associating April 30 with pride, remembrance and gratitude for those who died.[4]
Planning around the holiday
The Labor Code guarantees employees the holiday, but it does not set one nationwide opening schedule for shops, banks, restaurants or transport services. Travelers should check directly with individual providers for holiday hours and service arrangements.[1]
April 30 is followed by the separate May 1 public holiday. Depending on the calendar and a person’s usual weekly rest days, the break may extend beyond the two statutory dates; the exact arrangement varies.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is the holiday observed?
It is observed every year on April 30.[1]
Do workers get the day off?
Employees are entitled to one day off with full pay. If April 30 coincides with their weekly rest day, the law provides a compensatory day off on the next working day.[1]
Are shops, banks and transport closed?
The Labor Code does not prescribe one opening schedule for every business or transport service. Check the hours and arrangements of the specific provider you plan to use.[1]
What does the holiday commemorate?
It commemorates the events of April 30, 1975, associated in Vietnam with the end of the Vietnam War and national reunification.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Day of liberating the South for national reunification in Vietnam:
- Nghị quyết số 45/2019/QH14 bộ luật Lao động.- Công báo điện tử Chính phủ (Government Gazette)
- Reunification Day- Viet Nam Government News
- Bước ngoặt vĩ đại đưa nước ta vào kỷ nguyên mới- Báo Điện tử Chính phủ, Ho Chi Minh City section
- Hào khí lịch sử 30/4 thắp sáng lý tưởng sống cho thế hệ trẻ Việt Nam hôm nay- Cục Thông tin và Truyền thông Chính phủ (Government Information and Communications Department)