Under the ministry's preferred option, public-sector employees would take Monday, November 23, off and make up the working day on Saturday, November 28. Combined with the existing weekend and the public holiday on Tuesday, November 24, the arrangement would create a four-day holiday from November 21 to November 24.

The second option would leave the holiday schedule unchanged, with employees taking only November 24 off as provided by law.

Aimed at promoting culture and domestic spending

The ministry said a longer holiday would give people - particularly civil servants, public employees and government officials - more opportunities to participate in cultural activities marking Vietnam Culture Day.

It also expects the extended break to stimulate domestic tourism, retail spending and consumer demand.

According to the proposal, swapping a single working day would not reduce the total number of working days required under current regulations while allowing government agencies to maintain normal operations.

Private companies encouraged to consider similar arrangements

For employees in the private sector, the ministry noted that November 24 is a paid public holiday under Vietnamese law.

Businesses are encouraged to consider adopting a similar four-day holiday schedule if production and business conditions allow, while ensuring employees' legal rights are fully protected.

The ministry also encouraged employers to negotiate arrangements that provide even more favorable benefits for workers where possible.

New public holiday takes effect in 2026

The proposed holiday schedule follows legal amendments that took effect on July 1, 2026, adding Vietnam Culture Day to the country's list of paid public holidays.

The ministry said an early decision on the 2026 holiday schedule would help government agencies, businesses and other organizations prepare staffing plans and operational arrangements.

For 2027, however, no workday swap has been proposed because November 24 falls on a Wednesday. Under the ministry's proposal, employees would simply observe the holiday on that date.

Earlier, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour also recommended moving the November 23 working day to November 28 to create a four-day holiday, arguing that a longer break would allow workers more time to rest, participate in cultural activities and support tourism and consumer spending.

Vu Diep