Quick answer: Vietnamese Women’s Day is celebrated on October 20 to honour Vietnamese women and recognize their important contributions to family, work and society. It is not an official public holiday, but flowers, gifts, greetings and small celebrations are common across Vietnam.
At a glance:
- 📅 Date: October 20 every year.
- 🎁 Traditions: Flowers, gifts, cards, congratulations and celebrations at workplaces, schools and homes.
- 🇻🇳 Meaning: A day celebrating Vietnamese women, their achievements and their role in society.
- 🌸 Also celebrated: Vietnam also observes International Women’s Day on March 8.
- 📚 History: Linked to the Vietnamese women’s movement and the Vietnam Women’s Union, founded in 1930.
- 🧳 For travelers: Expect flowers, gifts and special events, especially in larger cities.
Tip: If you are in Vietnam on October 20, look for flower shops, decorated cafés and local celebrations to see how Vietnamese people mark this special day.
Last updated in August 2026
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 20 |
| Vietnamese Name | Ngày Phụ nữ Việt Nam |
| Meaning | Honoring Vietnamese women and their contributions. |
| Traditions | Flowers, gifts, greetings and celebrations. |
| Public Holiday? | No, October 20 is not an official public holiday. |
| History | Linked to the Vietnam Women’s Union and the women’s movement in 1930. |
| Also Celebrated | International Women’s Day on March 8. |
1. What Is Vietnamese Women’s Day?
Vietnamese Women’s Day is a special annual celebration held on October 20 to honor Vietnamese women and recognize their contributions to society. It is not an official public holiday, but the occasion is widely observed throughout Vietnam with flowers, gifts, congratulations and various events.
The day is closely connected with the history of the Vietnam Women’s Union and the Vietnamese women’s movement. Today, however, October 20 is also a more personal and social occasion, when husbands, partners, children, friends and colleagues show their appreciation to the women in their lives.
Vietnamese Women’s Day is celebrated every year on October 20.
Flowers, small gifts and personal greetings are among the most common traditions.
The celebration has its own historical and cultural meaning within Vietnam.
💡 Good to know: Vietnamese women are also celebrated on International Women’s Day on March 8, so October 20 is one of two important women’s occasions observed in Vietnam each year.
For travelers, October 20 can be an interesting time to experience everyday Vietnamese culture. Flower shops become especially busy, businesses may organize small celebrations, and women often receive flowers, gifts or special attention from colleagues and family members.
2. When Is Vietnamese Women’s Day?
Vietnamese Women’s Day is celebrated every year on October 20. The date is fixed, so it falls on October 20 regardless of the day of the week. It is a widely recognized occasion for showing appreciation to women throughout Vietnam.
October 20 is often marked at workplaces, schools, businesses and family gatherings. Women may receive flowers, gifts, cards and congratulations, while companies and organizations sometimes arrange meals, performances or small celebrations.
Vietnamese Women’s Day is celebrated on the same date every year.
Flowers, gifts and congratulations are common ways to celebrate.
Vietnam also celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8.
💡 For travelers: If you are in Vietnam around October 20, you may notice busy flower shops, special promotions and small celebrations in cities, offices and schools.
3. Why Is Vietnamese Women’s Day Important?
Vietnamese Women’s Day is important because it recognizes the role and contributions of women in Vietnamese families, workplaces and society. The day is not only about giving flowers or gifts, but also about showing respect and appreciation for women and their achievements.
The celebration also reflects the long history of Vietnamese women, who have played important roles in family life, education, work and the development of the country. Historical figures such as the Trưng Sisters have become enduring symbols of courage and resilience.
The day recognizes women’s important roles in family life and Vietnamese society.
It celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in many areas of life.
The celebration is connected with the long history of Vietnamese women and their role in the country.
💡 Good to know: Vietnamese Women’s Day combines personal appreciation with a broader recognition of women’s contribution to Vietnamese culture, family and society.
4. History of Vietnamese Women’s Day
The history of Vietnamese Women’s Day is closely connected with the development of the Vietnamese women’s movement and the establishment of the Vietnam Women’s Union in 1930. October 20 became an important date following the establishment of the Vietnam Women’s Union in 1930 and has since been associated with recognizing Vietnamese women and their contributions.
Vietnamese women have played significant roles throughout the country’s history, including during periods of war and the struggle for independence. Figures such as the Trưng Sisters are remembered as symbols of courage, leadership and resistance, while women in later generations contributed to rebuilding and developing the country.
The Vietnam Women’s Union was established, becoming closely associated with October 20.
Women contributed to Vietnam’s independence, families and communities throughout history.
Today, the celebration also recognizes women’s achievements in education, business, work and society.
💡 Good to know: The October 20 celebration connects Vietnam’s history of women’s participation with the modern recognition of their achievements and contributions.
5. How Is Vietnamese Women’s Day Celebrated?
Vietnamese Women’s Day is usually celebrated with flowers, gifts, congratulations and small events organized by families, schools, companies and other organizations. The atmosphere is generally warm and social rather than formal, with people using the occasion to show appreciation for the women in their lives.
At workplaces and schools, celebrations may include special meals, performances, speeches, games or small ceremonies. At home, husbands, partners, children and other family members may give flowers or presents and spend time together.
Flowers are one of the most common ways to show appreciation on October 20.
Women may receive small gifts, cards, messages and congratulations from family and colleagues.
Companies and schools may organize meals, performances, games or small celebrations.
💡 For travelers: October 20 is a good opportunity to see a more personal side of Vietnamese culture. Flower shops and shopping areas can be especially busy as people look for gifts and flowers.
6. Vietnamese Women’s Day Gifts and Traditions
Flowers and small gifts are among the most common traditions on Vietnamese Women’s Day. People use October 20 as an opportunity to express appreciation to mothers, wives, partners, daughters, friends and female colleagues.
Popular gifts include flowers, chocolates, perfume, cosmetics, jewelry and other personal presents. In workplaces and families, gifts are often accompanied by congratulations, cards or a shared meal, making the occasion more social and personal.
Roses and other flowers are popular symbols of appreciation and affection.
Chocolates, perfume, cosmetics, jewelry and small personal gifts are common choices.
Families, couples and colleagues may celebrate with a meal or informal gathering.
💡 Good to know: The most important part of the tradition is not the value of the gift, but the gesture of appreciation and respect for women.
7. Vietnamese Women’s Day in Modern Vietnam
In modern Vietnam, Vietnamese Women’s Day remains a popular occasion for recognizing women’s achievements and contributions at home, at work and in the wider community. While the day has historical roots, today’s celebrations are often more personal, social and informal.
Vietnamese women now have an increasingly visible role in education, business, healthcare, politics and other professions. October 20 provides an opportunity to recognize this changing role while continuing to appreciate the importance of women in family and everyday life.
More Vietnamese women are pursuing higher education and professional careers.
Women contribute to business, healthcare, education, politics and many other fields.
The day increasingly combines traditional appreciation with recognition of modern achievements.
💡 Good to know: October 20 is both a cultural tradition and a modern opportunity to recognize the achievements and changing role of Vietnamese women.
8. Vietnamese Women’s Day vs. International Women’s Day
Vietnam celebrates women on two important dates each year: Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20 and International Women’s Day on March 8. Although both occasions recognize women and their contributions, they have different historical backgrounds and meanings.
Vietnamese Women’s Day has a distinctly Vietnamese connection, linked to the country’s women’s movement and the Vietnam Women’s Union. International Women’s Day, meanwhile, is a global occasion associated with women’s rights, equality and social, economic and political achievements.
Vietnamese Women’s Day, with a strong connection to Vietnamese history and culture.
International Women’s Day, celebrated in Vietnam and around the world.
Both occasions can include flowers, gifts, greetings and special celebrations.
💡 Good to know: If you are in Vietnam, you may see similar traditions on both dates, but October 20 has a more specifically Vietnamese historical and cultural identity.
9. Vietnamese Women’s Day for Tourists
For travelers visiting Vietnam around October 20, Vietnamese Women’s Day is an interesting opportunity to experience a small but visible part of everyday Vietnamese culture. You may notice more flowers in shops, special promotions in stores and restaurants, and celebrations in workplaces and schools.
The day does not normally change travel plans because October 20 is not an official public holiday. Most shops, restaurants, attractions and transport services generally continue operating as usual, although some businesses may organize special events or promotions.
Florists can become noticeably busier as people buy flowers for women in their lives.
Shops, cafés and restaurants may offer promotions or special menus for the occasion.
In larger cities, you may see celebrations, flowers and small events in public and business areas.
💡 Travel tip: If you want to experience the occasion, visit local markets, flower shops or cafés on October 20 and observe how families, friends and colleagues celebrate the day.
10. Vietnamese Women’s Day Travel Tips
If you are traveling in Vietnam around October 20, Vietnamese Women’s Day is easy to experience without changing your itinerary. A few simple tips can help you notice the local atmosphere and understand how the occasion is celebrated.
Flower shops are often busier around October 20 and offer plenty of colorful displays.
October 20 is not a public holiday, so most attractions, shops and transport operate normally.
Look for local celebrations, flower displays and special events, especially in larger cities.
When visiting workplaces, schools or private celebrations, observe local customs and avoid interrupting events.
💡 Travel tip: October 20 is mainly a cultural occasion rather than a tourist event, so the best way to experience it is simply to explore local neighborhoods and observe everyday celebrations.
❓ Vietnamese Women’s Day – Frequently Asked Questions
When is Vietnamese Women’s Day celebrated?
Vietnamese Women’s Day is celebrated every year on October 20.
What is Vietnamese Women’s Day in Vietnam?
It is a special day for honoring Vietnamese women and their contributions to society. It is known as Ngày Phụ nữ Việt Nam.
Is Vietnamese Women’s Day a public holiday?
No. October 20 is not an official public holiday in Vietnam.
How do people celebrate Vietnamese Women’s Day?
Common traditions include flowers, gifts, greetings, meals and small celebrations.
What gifts are common on Vietnamese Women’s Day?
Popular gifts include flowers, chocolates, perfume, cosmetics and jewelry.
What is the history behind Vietnamese Women’s Day?
The date is closely connected with the Vietnamese women’s movement and the Vietnam Women’s Union, established in 1930.
Is Vietnamese Women’s Day the same as International Women’s Day?
No. Vietnamese Women’s Day is October 20, while International Women’s Day is March 8.
Does Vietnamese Women’s Day affect tourists in Vietnam?
Usually not. Most shops, attractions and transport services operate normally.
What is Vietnamese Women’s Day called in Vietnamese?
It is called Ngày Phụ nữ Việt Nam.
