Vietnamese Holidays: What Every Importer Needs to Know

Colorful decorations celebrating Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, in bustling downtown Saigon.

If you’re importing from Vietnam, there’s one thing you need to know: Vietnamese holidays can mess with your production schedule if you don’t plan. I’ve learned this the hard way. Trust me, nothing ruins your sales faster than a shipment stuck because of Tet. But don’t worry—I’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to. Here’s a quick guide to navigating major Vietnamese holidays and keeping your supply chain on track. Whether you’re a seasoned importer or just starting, these tips will save you many headaches (and cash).

1. Major Vietnamese Holidays That Impact Manufacturing

Vietnam has its fair share of holidays; if you’re not careful, they can disrupt your well-planned operations. Here are the key dates that can affect your production schedule:

• Tet: The Big One: Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, is the holiday to watch out for. It’s not just a single day—it’s a week-long celebration where the entire country essentially hits pause. Factories shut down, workers head home, and production comes to a standstill. If you’re not prepared, your orders could be delayed for weeks. Pro tip: Plan well in advance!
• Hung Kings Commemoration Day (April)
• Reunification Day (April 30)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Independence Day (September 2)

And don’t forget—it’s not just the holiday itself. Workers often take extra time off to travel home, so expect production to slow down both before and after these dates. Trust me, factoring this in will save you a lot of headaches.

2. How to Plan for Vietnamese Holidays

Successfully navigating Vietnamese holidays is all about preparation. Here’s how I stay ahead of the game:

Mark Your Calendar

First, get a Vietnamese calendar and circle those major holidays in red. I keep mine pinned right above my desk so I’m always aware of Tet and the other big dates like Reunification Day and Labor Day.

Build in Buffer Time

Don’t just plan around the holidays themselves—give yourself some breathing room. I always add a week or two on either side of the holiday. Why? Because factories often slow down before the break and take time to ramp up afterward. Think of it as manufacturing jet lag.

Communicate Early and Often

A quick conversation with your suppliers can save you a world of stress later. Months before the holiday, I make it a habit to ask, “What’s your Tet plan?” This one question can help you avoid surprise shutdowns and delays. To understand more about negotiations, read our detailed guide on How to Negotiate with Suppliers: Product Sourcing Strategies for Cost Savings.

3. Tips for Mitigating Risks of Holiday Slowdowns

Holiday slowdowns are inevitable, but with some planning, you can minimize their impact. Here are my go-to strategies:

Plan Way Ahead

You’ve heard it before, but I can’t stress it enough—start planning for holidays months in advance. Knowing when factories will close and for how long helps you plan shipments and inventory much more effectively.

Keep Communication Open

Stay in regular contact with your suppliers. I always check in a few months before major holidays to confirm production schedules and shipping timelines. Clear communication will help you dodge unpleasant surprises.

Stock Up

Local vendor at a vibrant Vietnamese market, preparing for holiday celebrations.

I’ve learned the hard way that having a bit of extra stock on hand is better than being short. During the holiday season, I aim to keep additional inventory. This buffer has saved me more than once from unexpected delays.

Conclusion

If you’re importing from Vietnam, keeping an eye on the holiday calendar is crucial. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way! A little foresight and planning will save you from the chaos of unexpected factory shutdowns. Mark those holidays, plan, and communicate early. Do this, and you’ll be sailing smoothly through Vietnam’s holiday season without missing a beat. You’ve got this—now go forth and import with confidence!