Vietnamese Zodiac: What It Means + How to Find Your Sign in 2026

The myth behind the origins of Vietnamese zodiac

Legend tells of the Jade Emperor assigning names to each animal, representing a year. The Mouse, aided by the Water buffalo (Ox), won first place with wit. The Cat agility earned fourth, while the Dragon's altruism delayed it. The Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, and Chicken claimed 6th to 10th. The Dog's love for water placed it 11th. Lastly, the Pig, known for indulgence, arrived last.

The Vietnamese Zodiac follows this order: Rat, Water buffalo , Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and Pig. The Cat, who used to pick on the Rat, was left behind after being tricked at the start. One version says the Rat pushed the Cat into a river - why cats hate water and don’t get along with mice.

How the Vietnamese zodiac works

In Vietnam, the zodiac is based on 12 animals, and each animal represents one year in a repeating cycle.

These animals are linked to what we call the terrestrial branches, or Chi in Vietnamese. Traditionally, this system was used to keep track of time and to describe different personality traits. The 12 animals are the Rat, the Water Buffalo, the Tiger, the Cat, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig.

In the past, people believed that a person’s zodiac sign could influence not only their character, but also farming seasons and the well-being of the whole community. Today, things are more relaxed, but the zodiac still appears naturally in daily life, especially when people talk about personality, marriage, or important decisions.

When Vietnamese people look more closely at a zodiac sign, they usually do not rely on the animal alone. They also consider the heavenly stems called Can, the balance between yin and yang, the five elements, and even the date and time of birth.

It may sound complicated at first, but for locals, this way of thinking feels quite natural and is mostly used as cultural guidance rather than strict belief.

What is your Vietnamese zodiac sign and what does it mean?

1. Character of the Rat

Birth year: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

Thrive on activity and adaptation, Rats are resourceful and clever. They set ambitious goals and bring energy to any situation. While excelling in careers, they can struggle to express emotions. In relationships, Rats find harmony with Monkey and Dragon, but communication with Horse, Cat, and Rooster might be trickier.

Opposites attract, as diligent Oxen, who value communication and loyalty, find compatibility with Rats. However, the Water buffalo 's reserved nature might clash with the Rat's social butterfly tendencies.

• Rat's strengths: Adaptable, quick-witted, optimistic, considerate, versatile, and extroverted.
• Rat's weaknesses: Stubborn, picky, lack of perseverance.

2. Character of the Water Buffalo

Birth year: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033

Known for their diligence and persistence, Water buffalo individuals are reliable workers who excel at tasks requiring focus and perseverance. Their dedication earns them respect from colleagues, but communication and expressing emotions can be a hurdle. While not the most romantic, they are fiercely loyal partners. Compatibility with Snake and Rooster is high, while Dragon, Dog, and Goat may pose challenges.

• Water buffalo 's strengths: Cautious, calm, diligent, persevering, and honest.
• Water buffalo 's weaknesses: Too cautious, unsociable, not very good at communicating.

3. Character of the Tiger

Birth year: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Tigers, the bold leaders of the zodiac, radiate confidence and crave control. Their fierce independence and ambition fuel their relentless pursuit of goals. Despite their strong communication skills, impatience can mar their interactions. While Tigers find kinship with the loyal Horse and Dog, the Monkey, Pig, and Snake may present relationship challenges.

• Tiger's strengths: Loyal, brave, loyal.
• Tiger's weaknesses: Impatient, arrogant, dominating.

4. Character of the Cat

Birth year: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Cats, the zodiac's gentle souls, possess a charming tenderness but can be prone to sensitivity and selfishness. They value peace, shying away from conflict, yet exhibit loyalty and dedication in relationships. Responsible and professional at work, they seek harmony, finding it with Pig and Goat, while Rat, Horse, and Rooster may pose challenges.

• Cat's strengths: Gentle, friendly, virtuous.
• Cat's weaknesses: Indecisive, shy, selfish. 

5. Character of the Dragon in Vietnamese zodiac

Birth year: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Dragons, the imperial figures of the zodiac, embody intelligence, ambition, and a fiery enthusiasm for their dreams. Despite their courage, encountering difficulties can deflate their drive. While they find rapport with Monkey and Rat, communication with Dog, Water buffalo , and Goat might be more challenging.

• Dragon's strengths: Energetic, confident, ambitious, romantic, intelligent.
• Dragon's weaknesses: Unstable, lack of perseverance.

6. Character of the Snake

Birth year: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Snake: Calm and reserved, those born in the Year of the Snake show passion among close friends. They adapt easily but approach relationships cautiously due to their natural suspicion. Snakes have their own unique pace and may be misunderstood by others. They get along well with the Water buffalo and the Rooster but may clash with the Tiger, Monkey, and Pig.

• Snake's strengths: Graceful, eloquent, sense of humor, determined.
• Snake's weaknesses: Isolated, jealous, skeptical.

7. Character of the Horse

Birth year: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Those born in the Year of the Horse are dedicated and sociable, enjoying popularity among peers. They are active, cheerful, and talkative, making many friends easily. With their talents and unstoppable spirit, they often achieve success from a young age. However, they may struggle with saving money for the future. Horses have good compatibility with the Tiger and the Dog but may find challenges in relationships with the Rat, the Cat, and the Rooster.

• Horse's strengths: Warm, patient, stable, independent.
• Horse's weaknesses: Extravagant, inflexible.

8. Character of the Goat

Birth year: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Goat: People born in the Year of the Goat are very graceful in public and gentle. Sometimes they tend to be sensitive, pessimistic, and may have a submissive personality. With upright and warm friends, goats are generous in helping them. In some circumstances, goats can become brilliant artists and even creative pioneers. For them, family is precious. Goats harmonize with the Cat and the Pig, yet they do not get along with the Dragon, the Dog, and the Water buffalo .

• Goat's strengths: Gentle, considerate, reliable, hardworking, and economical.
• Goat's weaknesses: Indecisive, shy, pessimistic.

9. Character of the Monkey

Birth year: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Monkey: Those born in the Year of the Monkey are intelligent, inventive, and courageous, resembling humans. They adapt easily, wholeheartedly pursue their interests, and are sincere friends. With a curious nature and a taste for adventure, they seek new experiences. Monkeys have good compatibility with the Rat and the Dragon but may have less compatibility with the Tiger, Snake, and Pig.

• Monkey's strengths: Intelligent, enthusiastic, confident, and adaptable.
• Monkey's weaknesses: Jealous, arrogant, impatient, lack of perseverance, opportunistic.

10. Character of the Rooster

Birth year: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Rooster: In the Vietnamese zodiac, Roosters are flamboyant and expressive, dedicated workers who dislike routine. Highly sociable, they influence others with their warmth and kindness and enjoy travel and adventure. Roosters have a sense of humor and good compatibility with the Snake and the Water buffalo but may struggle to communicate with the Rat, Cat, and Horse.

• Strengths of the Rooster: Ambitious, responsive, confident, extroverted, independent
• Weaknesses of the Rooster: Selfish, impatient, overly critical, and confident

11. The Dog sign

Birth year: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Dog: In the Vietnamese zodiac, Dogs are loyal and just, known for their loyalty to friends. They prioritize helping others over their own interests but may struggle to express themselves clearly. Dogs have good compatibility with the Tiger and the Horse but may not get along with the Dragon, Water buffalo , and Goat.

• Strengths of the Dog: Courageous, loyal, responsible, reliable, intelligent, perceptive
• Weaknesses of the Dog: Impatient, poor communicator, stubborn, emotional

12. Character of the Pig

Birth year: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Pig: Intelligent and loyal, those born in the Year of the Pig are focused on tasks and have many supportive friends. While trusting, they can be disappointed. Pigs get along well with the Cat and the Goat but may not harmonize with the Tiger, Monkey, and Snake.

• Strengths of the Pig: Warm, sincere, honest, optimistic, generous
• Weaknesses of the Pig: Shy, credulous, jealous 

How does the Vietnamese zodiac sign influence daily life?

From ancient times to today, many Vietnamese people take zodiac sign compatibility seriously, especially in marriage and important partnerships like starting a business. A strong match between signs is believed to bring happiness, harmony, and success. On the other hand, mismatched signs are thought to bring trouble or bad luck in relationships or work.

The 12 zodiac animals are divided into four compatibility groups, each forming a “harmonious trio.” These trios are believed to support good relationships, marriage, health, and success. Meanwhile, certain signs naturally clash, often leading to tension or conflict due to contrasting personalities.

The year 2026: the Year of the Horse

The year 2026 corresponds to the Year of the Horse, known in Vietnamese as Bính Ngọ. It begins on February 17, 2026, and ends on February 5, 2027, according to the lunar calendar. The Horse stands in the seventh position of the Vietnamese zodiac and is often associated with movement, independence, and a strong desire for freedom.

In 2026, both the Heavenly Stem Bính and the Earthly Branch Ngọ belong to the Fire element. This creates a Fire–Fire combination known as Lưỡng Hỏa thành Viêm, which is traditionally linked to enthusiasm, creativity, and the motivation to move forward or start something new.

At the same time, strong Fire energy can also bring impatience, tension, or rivalry if not well balanced. In Vietnamese culture, these interpretations are considered traditional beliefs rather than scientific predictions.

Explore Tết 2026 and read our practical travel tips: A Traveler’s Handbook for Tet Holiday in 2026

FAQs

1. According to the Vietnamese zodiac, when does the Year of the Horse 2026 begin?

In Vietnam, the Year of the Horse 2026 begins on February 17, 2026, the first day of Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), and ends on February 5, 2027. Zodiac years in Vietnam follow the lunar calendar, not January 1.

2. In the Vietnamese zodiac, is the Year of the Horse considered lucky?

In the Vietnamese zodiac, the Year of the Horse is traditionally seen as energetic rather than calm. It often favors people who are active, creative, and ready to take initiative. However, this period can also feel intense, so balance and patience are important.

3. Is it a good time to travel to Vietnam during Tết 2026?

Tết 2026 is a special time to experience Vietnamese culture, when families come together, temples are busy with visitors, and festive traditions fill the streets. However, during this period, transport and many services may run on limited schedules.

4. Which Vietnamese zodiac signs are most compatible with the Horse?

In Vietnamese tradition, the Horse is most compatible with the Tiger and the Dog, forming a harmonious trio. These signs share similar values of loyalty, independence, and action. Compatibility beliefs remain cultural references rather than fixed rules.

5. Why does the Vietnamese zodiac have the Cat instead of the Rabbit?

According to Megan Bryson, a religious studies professor at the University of Tennessee, the difference comes from language. The Chinese word mǎo (卯), which refers to the Rabbit, sounds very similar to mèo, the Vietnamese word for Cat. When the zodiac was adopted in Vietnam, this pronunciation led to the Cat replacing the Rabbit.

• Vietnam Institute of Culture – Lunar calendar references
• Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
• University of Tennessee – Megan Bryson, Religious Studies

Conclusion

Here is a traditional overview of Vietnamese zodiac signs. Currently, taking reference to the partner's sign is less common among young couples. They increasingly view this custom as outdated and not appropriate to modern society. However, the Vietnamese zodiac sign remains an essential element of culture in many aspects of daily life.

Remember that happiness depends on your personal choices, not superstitions. Regardless of your sign, we wish you a happy and healthy life!

Source: Vietnam Tourism, Vietnam.vn.

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