As millions of Vietnamese enjoy the upcoming April 30 and May 1 national holidays, many workers are opting to stay on the job — and are being handsomely rewarded for it, earning up to three or four times their usual daily wages.
Financial Incentives Drive Holiday Labor
For laborers across Vietnam, particularly those in sectors like healthcare, energy, and manufacturing, the holidays present a rare opportunity to significantly boost income. Under Vietnam’s 2019 Labor Code, employees who work during public holidays are entitled to at least 300% of their regular wage, not including their standard holiday pay. Those working night shifts receive an additional 30% premium.
Tran Van Quynh, a petrochemical engineer in Thanh Hoa, said he earned nearly VND 3 million (approximately USD 117) per day working through the holiday, double or triple his usual rate. “With five official days off this year, working just three has earned me nearly a full week’s regular salary. It’s tiring, but worth it for the extra income,” he said.
In Hai Phong, thermal power plant worker Le Van Giap chose to work the two peak holiday days. “I didn’t take the full holiday break, but the extra earnings — three to four times my normal wage — make the effort worthwhile,” Giap said. His company also provided a modest bonus of VND 2 million (USD 78) to encourage participation during the holiday period.
Bonuses Offer Encouragement Amid Economic Challenges
While the most lucrative earnings come from holiday labor, some companies continue to offer direct holiday bonuses, albeit more modest than in previous years.
Le Thi Han, a hospital staff member in Hanoi, reported receiving a VND 2 million (USD 78) holiday bonus this year — a reduction from the VND 3-5 million (USD 117-196) range seen in earlier years.
Similarly, Le Van Huan, who works at a media firm in Hanoi, noted that his company’s holiday bonus had been halved compared to last year, dropping from VND 5-10 million (USD 196-392) to VND 3-5 million. “Even with the lower amount, in this tough business climate, the gesture still means a lot,” Huan said.
Under current labor regulations, bonuses may be provided in cash or non-cash forms and are contingent upon company performance and employee contributions. Bonus policies must be publicly disclosed and coordinated with local labor unions when present.
More Than Money: Strengthening Employer-Employee Bonds
Experts say holiday bonuses and the option to earn elevated wages during holidays do more than provide financial relief. They reinforce the employer-employee relationship by demonstrating care and fostering loyalty, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.
“These benefits send a message that workers are valued — even when companies are tightening budgets,” said a labor relations analyst in Hanoi.
As Vietnam prepares for its upcoming holidays, the choice for many workers is clear: skip the rest, and cash in on a rare opportunity to significantly boost their incomes.
