Ho Chi Minh City students to get 11-day Lunar New Year break in 2026

Under the decision, students from kindergarten through high school will begin their Lunar New Year (Tet) break on the 25th day of the 12th lunar month, which falls on Thursday, February 12.

The holiday will last until the end of the sixth day of the first lunar month, or Sunday, February 22.

The final day of classes before the holiday will be Wednesday, February 11, corresponding to the 24th day of the 12th lunar month.

Students are scheduled to return to school on Monday, February 23, the seventh day of the first lunar month.

The city’s administration has assigned the Department of Education and Training to issue detailed guidance to schools and educational institutions to ensure smooth implementation of the holiday schedule.

According to city officials, the academic calendar for the 2025-26 school year in Ho Chi Minh City follows the national framework set by the Ministry of Education and Training, officially starting on September 5, 2025, and concluding by May 31, 2026, ensuring a total of 35 weeks of actual teaching time.

The first semester is scheduled to start on September 5 and include 18 weeks of formal instruction, with the remaining time allocated to other educational activities.

The second semester will begin on January 19, 2026, and run for 17 weeks of teaching.

The academic year must end before May 31, in line with national regulations.

In comparison with previous years, the 11-day Tet break in 2026 is consistent with the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, when students in Ho Chi Minh City also had 11 days off.

However, in earlier years, Tet holidays for students in the city were longer, ranging from 14 to 16 days.

The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is Vietnam’s most important traditional holiday, marked by family reunions, cultural activities, and travel nationwide.

The confirmed holiday schedule allows families, schools, and education administrators to plan well in advance.