Travelling Vietnam During Victory Day (30 April) The Ultimate Guide: What to Expect 🎇🏞️🛥️

Leanne Gayle
Apr 20
4 min read

Planning a trip to Vietnam around the end of April? You might be landing smack in the middle of one of the country’s biggest national holidays: Victory Day, also known as Reunification Day.

Celebrated every 30 April, this public holiday marks the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the official reunification of North and South Vietnam. It’s followed by International Labour Day on 1 May, giving locals a 2-day break—and many turn it into a long weekend getaway.

What does this mean for you as a traveller? In short: bigger crowds, longer queues, fully booked cruises… and a whole lot of colour and excitement.

Let’s break it down so you can enjoy the experience without the chaos 🇻🇳✨

What Happens on Victory Day in Vietnam? 🎆

Victory Day brings Vietnam to life. Streets are decorated with red banners, patriotic music plays in public squares, and fireworks light up the night in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Families take advantage of the time off to travel together—meaning roads, trains, and airports get BUSY.

What to expect:

🛑 Government offices and banks closed
🎇 Fireworks and parades in city centres
🧳 Families travelling nationwide—often in big groups

Should You Travel During Victory Day? Pros & Cons 🤔

✅ Yes, If You’re Into:

Cultural energy and vibrant public celebrations
Seeing Vietnam through a local lens
Unique holiday moments like firework displays over lakes or beaches

❌ Maybe Not, If You:

Prefer quiet, slow-paced travel
Dislike queues, crowds, or traffic
Haven’t booked anything in advance

What’s It Like to Travel During Victory Day? 🛫

Let’s be real—it’s not the easiest time to wing it. But if you plan ahead, it can still be an incredible trip.

🚗 Transport = Booked Out

Flights, trains, buses, and even private cars get snapped up early—especially routes to Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Da Nang.

If you want to avoid the headache, plan your itinerary and transport in advance. (We can help!)

🛥️ Ha Long Bay = Popular with Locals

This is a favourite spot for Vietnamese families during the holiday, so it gets busy. 1-day Ha Long Bay cruises are often fully booked. Overnight cruises sell out fast too—especially the higher-end options.

If you’re keen to soak in the full experience, check out our 2D1N Ha Long cruises—they give you more time to enjoy the bay and usually include kayaking, cave visits, and sunset parties (with a lot less rush).

🏨 Hotels = Pricey or Sold Out

In popular areas like Cat Ba, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, accommodation fills up fast and prices climb. Booking last minute? Expect fewer choices and higher rates.

Where to Go (And Where to Avoid) During Victory Day🧭

🌆 For Festive Vibes:

Hanoi – Great energy in the Old Quarter and cultural events around Hoan Kiem
Da Nang – A family beach favourite, expect packed but happy vibes
Hue – Historical sites, minus the mega crowds

While in Hanoi, consider adding a Hanoi city tour to learn about Vietnam’s history right in the heart of the action.

🌿 For Peace & Quiet:

Pu Luong / Mai Chau – Rice terraces, homestays, and fresh air
Mekong Delta – River life away from the crowds
Ha Giang – Remote, rugged, and stunning

🧭 Popular Places That Get Busy — But We've Got You Covered

Ha Long Bay day cruises – Yes, it gets popular fast — but with our insider access and early check-ins, you can skip the queues and still enjoy the best views
Ninh Binh – A local favourite during the holidays, but we tailor visits to quieter times and off-the-beaten-track spots for a more peaceful experience
Sapa town – Busy streets and limited hotels are common, but we organise smooth transfers, great guides, and well-located stays that keep you ahead of the crowds

🎯 Want to explore without the stress? Our guided Ha Long tours and customised itineraries help you make the most of Vietnam’s hotspots—even during the busiest weeks.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Victory Day Trip 🧠

🗓️ Book in advance – Transport, cruises, and accommodation

🚐 Go private – Private cars or drivers help you skip queues and delays

💸 Budget for higher prices – It’s a national holiday; expect surcharges

📱 Use local apps – Grab, MoMo, and Zalo will be your best friends

☕ Be flexible – Traffic jams, delays, and queues are part of the adventure

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? 🤷‍♀️

Yes—if you’re prepared.Victory Day is a fascinating time to be in Vietnam, and with the right planning, it can be both exciting and rewarding. You’ll witness how locals celebrate, enjoy public festivities, and experience Vietnam’s cultural pride firsthand.

No—if you’re winging it.This is not the week to arrive without a plan. Hotels fill up, tours are packed, and prices spike across the board.

Travelling Over Victory Day? We’ve Got You.

At Few Days Ha Long, we help travellers navigate Vietnam’s busiest seasons with smooth itineraries, reliable bookings, and honest advice.

Whether you’re:

Looking for a 1-day cruise to fit a tight schedule
After a scenic overnight Ha Long escape
Planning a longer route with Ha Long or Hanoi tours included

We’ll make sure you travel smart—without the stress.

📩 Message us to start planning your holiday. We’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun.

🔥 Victory Day Vietnam Travel 🚀

Travelling to Vietnam during Victory Day (30 April)? 🇻🇳 You’re not alone. It’s one of the busiest weeks of the year, with thousands of local and international tourists heading to hotspots like Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh. Whether you’re looking to book a 2D1N Ha Long Bay cruise, squeeze in a 1-day boat tour, or enjoy a guided Hanoi city tour, it’s essential to plan early.

Victory Day in Vietnam means packed transport, sold-out cruises, and higher hotel prices—but also unforgettable experiences, cultural celebrations, and festive energy. At Few Days Ha Long, we make Victory Day travel easy with custom itineraries, private transport, and handpicked Ha Long cruises that beat the crowds. Avoid the stress—book your Ha Long Bay tour, Hanoi excursion, or Vietnam holiday now and explore the North the smart way.