Civil servants will enjoy a seven-day break for the Lunar New Year (Tet holiday), the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. 

Vietnam's longest traditional holiday will last from January 20 to 26, 2023. The five weekdays of celebration plus the weekend before the holiday make up the break seven days in total, according to a decision announced by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA). 

This holiday period applies to officials, public servants, and employees, working at administrative, non-business agencies, political organizations, and socio-political organizations.

Workers who are not officials or public servants will have their schedules arranged by their employers and will get compensatory leave if they need to work during the national holiday.

Peach blossom is usually the first image that comes to Vietnamese people's minds when talking about Tet holiday. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

In early September, MoLISA gave two options seven- and nine-day breaks for the New Year vacation. After seeking input from ministries and agencies, MoLISA proposed a seven-day break, which it considered reasonable because it would not be too long and citizens would have several days off before and after Tet to travel and prepare for the occasion. In addition, most ministries and agencies chose the first option.

MoLISA said all agencies and units are requested to reasonably organize personnel during the holiday to avoid disruption of operations. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control measures in localities should also be taken during the holidays.

During the long recess, government offices, state enterprises and schools across the country are asked to instruct employees to behave appropriately and ensure social order and traffic safety. In particular, they should not engage in illegal racing, gambling, or social evils.

There has been a long-lasting debate on whether Vietnam should merge the celebration of the Lunar New Year holiday with the Gregorian New Year, or the Tet holiday should be shortened.

Tet is the biggest and most important festival in Vietnam. Millions of migrant workers in major cities return to their homes before Lunar New Year's Eve. It is also a prolific season for retail and travel businesses as the consumption and excursion demand is high during this time of the year.