Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) is the biggest holiday of the year, and takes place in late January or early February. Travellers should be aware that most businesses and restaurants shut down during this holiday, as Vietnamese travel home to be with their families. Public transport hubs are full to overflowing in the days leading up to Tet. Any transportation booked over the Tet period should be confirmed well in advance.

You can find a full list of public holidays in Vietnam here, and a round-up of Vietnam’s best festivals here.

Government agencies work eight hours a day from 8am to 5pm, with a one-hour lunch break. Working days are from Monday to Friday. 

Most banks in Vietnam open from 7:30am or 8am to 4:30pm, with a break for lunch. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings from 8am to 11:30pm.