Many schools in Ho Chi Minh City grant students a 16-day Tet holiday

Numerous schools are extending the Binh Ngo Tet holiday to 16 days, rather than the standard 11, enabling students to travel home with their parents or enjoy a longer break.

According to a decision by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, students are granted an 11-day Binh Ngo Tet holiday, from 12/2 to 22/2 (the 25th of the twelfth lunar month to the end of the sixth day of the first lunar month). As 12/2 falls on a thursday, principals have the authority to grant students an additional three days off before that (9/2-11/2), provided the curriculum content and progress are maintained. With the two preceding weekend days, students can enjoy a Tet holiday extending up to 16 days.

A series of schools are implementing this extended holiday schedule, including Tan Dong Hiep Primary School, Bui Thi Xuan Primary School, Tan Binh Secondary School (Tan Dong Hiep Ward), Vo Truong Toan Secondary School, Di An Secondary School (Di An Ward), Dinh Bo Linh Primary School (Tan My Ward), Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, and High School for the Gifted - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

Tran Thi Thanh Truc, Principal of Tan Binh Secondary School, explained the rationale, stating that Tan Dong Hiep Ward (formerly Binh Duong) has a concentration of workers from the northern and central regions. The Lunar New Year is almost the one occasion for them to visit their hometowns. In previous years, about 300-400 students, representing 20-25% of the school's student body, requested an additional three days off before and after the Tet holiday due to long distances and the desire to reduce travel pressure and ticket costs.

"Since late 12/2025, even before the school announced the schedule, many parents had already requested early leave for their children," Ms. Truc stated.

In contrast, To Thanh Liem, Principal of Dinh Bo Linh Primary School in Phu My Ward, noted that to ensure 35 weeks of study as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training, the school began the second semester immediately after the first, rather than allocating a week for review as in the previous year.

Meanwhile, many other schools have indicated they will only observe the standard 11-day holiday period as per the Department's schedule. Students with reasons, such as traveling home with parents or taking a spring trip, will still receive approval for additional leave.

"Students receive 45 days of leave. This year's Tet does not coincide with the semester exam period, so teachers are not overly strict, provided students keep up with their studies," Mr. Hoang Cong Phu, Vice Principal of Vinh Loc B High School, explained.

To date, about 10 localities have announced their Tet holiday schedules for students, with most ranging from 11 to 14 days. Hanoi has the shortest break, with nine days.