Understanding Weekly Rest Days Under Vietnamese Labor Law
Many employers and employees in Vietnam assume that Sunday is the default weekly rest day. However, under Vietnamese labor law, rest days are not automatically assigned to Sundays—they are determined by the employer. At DEDICA Law Firm, we help businesses and employees navigate these regulations to ensure compliance and fair labor practices.
Legal Basis: What Does the Law Say?
According to Article 111 of the Labor Code 2019, employers must provide at least one full day off per week, but they have the flexibility to determine which day that will be:
"Each week, an employee is entitled to at least 24 consecutive hours of rest. The employer has the discretion to arrange this rest day on Sunday or any other fixed day of the week, based on operational needs."
This means that Sunday is not automatically the weekly rest day—it depends on the employer's policy and the nature of the business.
Common Practices in Vietnam
Government & Office Jobs: Most follow a five-day workweek, with Saturday and Sunday as rest days.
Manufacturing & Retail: Often operate a six-day workweek, with a designated rest day that may vary by shift.
Hospitality & Service Industries: Rest days are often scheduled based on rotating shifts, meaning employees might have rest days on weekdays instead of weekends.
Can an Employer Require Employees to Work on a Rest Day?
Yes, but overtime pay applies. If an employee is required to work on their designated weekly rest day, they must receive overtime wages:
At least 200% of the standard wage (as per Article 98 of the Labor Code 2019).
For night shifts or public holidays, additional compensation applies.
Key Takeaways
✅ Employers decide the weekly rest day based on business needs.
✅ Sunday is not mandatory—it depends on company policy.
✅ Employees working on their rest day must be paid overtime under labor law.
Contact DEDICA Law Firm today for expert legal advice!
Phone: (+84) 39 969 0012 (We are available on WhatsApp, WeChat and Zalo)
Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: Monday–Friday (8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
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