Vietnamese zodiac: the 12 animals, signs and meanings

The Vietnamese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a specific animal that reflects personality traits and characteristics. Although it closely mirrors the Chinese zodiac, Vietnam replaces the rabbit with a cat — a small but meaningful difference that reflects the cultural adaptation of the lunar calendar in Vietnamese tradition. The zodiac plays a role in birthdays, anniversaries, matchmaking, and fortune-telling, and most Vietnamese people know their animal sign and associated lucky colors.

This guide covers all 12 Vietnamese zodiac animals, their personality traits, and the years they govern. For the Western zodiac signs as understood in Vietnamese astrology, those are covered further down the page. If you’re visiting Vietnam and want to explore its cultural traditions in person, the Vietnam private tours page covers options across the country.

The 12 animals of the Vietnamese zodiac

The Vietnamese zodiac uses the same 12-year cycle as the Chinese zodiac, with one key difference: Vietnam uses the cat in place of the rabbit. The origins of Vietnamese astrology trace back to ancient Babylonian astronomy, which was later adapted through Chinese influence and eventually localized into Vietnamese culture by around 1645 BC. Each animal governs a full year in sequence, and the cycle repeats every 12 years.

Most Vietnamese people know their zodiac animal and the day of the week they were born, both of which connect to lucky colors, compatible signs, and astrological elements in Vietnamese tradition.

1. Zodiac of the Rat: quick-witted and clever

The Rat is the first animal in the Vietnamese zodiac. According to legend, when the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the order of the zodiac, the Rat won by riding on the Buffalo’s back and jumping ahead at the finish line. In Vietnamese astrology, those born in the Year of the Rat are regarded as quick-witted, intelligent, and resourceful. They are associated with yang energy and the early hours after midnight, symbolizing the start of a new day.

Born in the Year of the Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

2. Zodiac of the Buffalo: hardworking and reliable

Those born under the Buffalo sign are known for their work ethic and reliability. Honest and earnest, they often prefer working in the background without seeking attention or praise. Despite their modesty, they are consistently recognized for their contribution. The Buffalo came second in the legendary race, outsmarted only by the Rat.

Born in the Year of the Buffalo: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.

3. Zodiac of the Tiger: brave and competitive

The Tiger is deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural tradition, connected to zoolatry — the reverence of animals — that traces back over 2,000 years to influence from the Qin Dynasty in China. In the legendary race, the Tiger finished third despite being the most physically powerful, outsmarted by the Rat and outworked by the Buffalo. Tigers are fiercely competitive, known for their courage and ambition. They are also generous and driven by a strong sense of justice.

Born in the Year of the Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.

4. Zodiac of the Cat: talented and goal-oriented

The Cat is the 4th animal in the Vietnamese zodiac and the most distinctive difference from the Chinese system, which uses the Rabbit in this position. In Vietnam, cats are familiar household animals, while rabbits were historically seen primarily as livestock. The personality traits associated with the Cat are similar to those attributed to the Rabbit in Chinese astrology: calm, artistic, empathetic, and perceptive.

Born in the Year of the Cat: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.

5. Zodiac of the Dragon: ambitious and dynamic

In both Chinese and Vietnamese culture, the dragon is the most revered creature in the zodiac. According to the Mường tribes of northwest Vietnam, dragons were once real animals living underwater that were gradually deified over centuries. In Vietnamese zodiac beliefs, those born in the Year of the Dragon are seen as naturally gifted and ambitious, though they can also be arrogant. The dragon is historically linked to royalty, palaces, and imperial power.

Born in the Year of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024.

6. Zodiac of the Snake: charming and perceptive

While snakes are often associated with danger, they hold a valued place in Vietnamese traditional medicine and folklore. People born in the Year of the Snake are known for their charm, intuition, and natural luck — one of the most distinctive traits of this sign. Snakes are perceptive and often read situations and people more accurately than those around them realize.

Born in the Year of the Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025.

7. Zodiac of the Horse: independent and generous

Horses played a central role in transportation throughout Vietnamese history. People born under the Horse sign are known for their independence, energy, and wide social circles — they treat friends like family. Confidence is a defining trait, and Horse individuals tend to succeed in careers that allow freedom of movement and decision-making.

Born in the Year of the Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026.

8. Zodiac of the Goat: calm and compassionate

People born in the Year of the Goat tend to be calm, humble, and reserved. They may struggle in roles requiring constant public speaking or confrontation, but their compassion and readiness to help others are consistent strengths. Their kindness is often their most valued quality in both personal and professional relationships.

Born in the Year of the Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027.

9. Zodiac of the Monkey: cheerful and adaptable

Those born in the Year of the Monkey have a lively, cheerful personality that draws people to them. Monkeys are intelligent and curious, eager to explore new experiences and adapt to changing environments. They tend to perform well across a wide range of fields and remain content without needing to compete with others for status or wealth.

Born in the Year of the Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028.

10. Zodiac of the Rooster: diligent and confident

The Rooster holds significant importance in Vietnamese astrology and is commonly used in religious offerings during festivals and funerals. In Vietnamese religion and tradition, the Rooster represents diligence and alertness. People born under this sign can be mischievous and quick-tempered when provoked, but those who learn to manage their temper often excel across many areas of life.

Born in the Year of the Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029.

11. Zodiac of the Dog: loyal and trustworthy

The Dog is revered in Vietnamese zodiac tradition for its loyalty. Those born under this sign are among the most trustworthy of all the zodiac animals, and people frequently confide in them. Dog individuals can tend toward anxiety and overthinking, which can make them irritable. In relationships, they need time to build trust before fully opening up. Vietnamese tradition holds that Dog sign grooms should visit the bride’s home twice before the wedding to ensure a harmonious marriage.

Born in the Year of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030.

12. Zodiac of the Pig: generous and optimistic

People born in the Year of the Pig maintain a positive outlook and approach life with generosity and warmth. They are forgiving by nature and let go of grievances easily. Their honesty and optimism are consistent traits, though they may be less driven by ambition than other signs. Pig individuals are known for their contentment and are among the most kind-hearted in the zodiac.

Born in the Year of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031.

Western zodiac signs in Vietnamese astrology

Alongside the 12-year animal cycle, Vietnamese astrology also incorporates Western zodiac signs organized by the four classical elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Each element governs three signs. These are the 12 Western signs as referenced in Vietnamese horoscope tradition, with their associated traits, lucky colors, and best matches.

Aries: March 21 – April 19

Date of Birth: March 21 – April 19

• Strengths: hopeful, active, energetic, honest, brave, adventurous, passionate, generous, cheerful, curious
• Weaknesses: impulsive, naive, self-willed, impatient
• Symbol: Ram
• Element: Fire
• Sign Ruler: Mars
• Lucky Color: Red
• Lucky Number: 5
• Jewelry: Ruby
• Best Match: Leo, Sagittarius, Aries

Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Date of Birth: April 20 – May 20

• Strengths: romantic, decisive, logical, diligent, patient, talented in art, perseverant, benevolent
• Weaknesses: prejudiced, dependent, stubborn
• Symbol: Bull
• Element: Earth
• Sign Ruler: Venus
• Lucky Color: Pink
• Lucky Number: 6
• Jewelry: Emerald, Jade
• Best Match: Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus

Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Date of Birth: May 21 – June 20

• Strengths: versatile, perceptive, smart, cheerful, quick-witted, charming
• Weaknesses: fickle, gossipy, inconsistent
• Symbol: Twins
• Element: Air
• Sign Ruler: Mercury
• Lucky Color: Yellow
• Lucky Number: 7
• Jewelry: Opal
• Best Match: Aquarius, Libra, Gemini

Cancer: June 21 – July 22

Date of Birth: June 21 – July 22

• Strengths: intuitive, gentle, imaginative, careful, dedicated, perseverant, kind, caring
• Weaknesses: possessive, sensitive, overly cautious
• Symbol: Crab
• Element: Water
• Sign Ruler: Moon
• Lucky Color: Green
• Lucky Number: 2
• Jewelry: Pearl
• Best Match: Pisces, Scorpio, Cancer

Leo: July 23 – August 22

Date of Birth: July 23 – August 22

• Strengths: proud, charitable, loyal, enthusiastic
• Weaknesses: arrogant, vain, indulgent, wasteful
• Symbol: Lion
• Element: Fire
• Sign Ruler: Sun
• Lucky Color: Red, Gold, Yellow
• Lucky Number: 19
• Jewelry: Gold
• Best Match: Aries, Sagittarius, Leo

Virgo: August 23 – September 22

Date of Birth: August 23 – September 22

• Strengths: helpful, elegant, perfectionist, modest, practical, clear-headed
• Weaknesses: overly critical, nosey, rigid
• Symbol: Virgin maiden
• Element: Earth
• Sign Ruler: Mercury
• Lucky Color: Grey
• Lucky Number: 7
• Jewelry: Amber
• Best Match: Capricorn, Taurus, Gemini

Libra: September 23 – October 22

Date of Birth: September 23 – October 22

• Strengths: idealistic, fair, strong social skills, charming, artistic, kind-hearted
• Weaknesses: hesitant, narcissistic, lazy, indecisive
• Symbol: Scales
• Element: Air
• Sign Ruler: Venus
• Lucky Color: Brown
• Lucky Number: 3
• Jewelry: Coral, Amber
• Best Match: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra

Scorpio: October 23 – November 21

Date of Birth: October 23 – November 21

• Strengths: mysterious, rational, intelligent, independent, intuitive, dedicated, insightful, charming
• Weaknesses: suspicious, possessive, arrogant, extreme
• Symbol: Scorpion
• Element: Water
• Sign Ruler: Pluto, Mars
• Lucky Color: Purple, Black
• Lucky Number: 4
• Jewelry: Jasper, Black crystal
• Best Match: Cancer, Capricorn, Pisces

Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21

Date of Birth: November 22 – December 21

• Strengths: intelligent, reliable, generous, optimistic, persistent
• Weaknesses: stubborn, restless, suspicious
• Symbol: Archer
• Element: Fire
• Sign Ruler: Jupiter
• Lucky Color: Purple, Blue
• Lucky Number: 9
• Jewelry: Turquoise
• Best Match: Aries, Leo, Aquarius

Capricorn: December 22 – January 19

Date of Birth: December 22 – January 19

• Strengths: responsible, disciplined, self-controlled, good at managing others
• Weaknesses: pessimistic, greedy, stubborn
• Symbol: Seagoat
• Element: Earth
• Sign Ruler: Saturn
• Lucky Color: Grey
• Lucky Number: 6, 8, 9
• Jewelry: Garnet
• Best Match: Taurus, Virgo, Pisces

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18

Date of Birth: January 20 – February 18

• Strengths: original, tolerant, calm, friendly, charitable, independent, practical
• Weaknesses: unpredictable, rebellious, hasty
• Symbol: Water carrier
• Element: Air
• Sign Ruler: Uranus
• Lucky Color: Bronze
• Lucky Number: 22
• Jewelry: Black pearl
• Best Match: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Pisces: February 19 – March 20

Date of Birth: February 19 – March 20

• Strengths: compassionate, artistic, dedicated, kind, even-tempered
• Weaknesses: withdrawn, sentimental, indecisive, unrealistic
• Symbol: Fish
• Element: Water
• Sign Ruler: Neptune
• Lucky Color: White
• Lucky Number: 11
• Jewelry: Ivory stone
• Best Match: Scorpio, Cancer, Capricorn

How to calculate Vietnamese zodiac age (tuổi mụ)

In Vietnam, calculating a zodiac age — known as tuổi mụ — uses the lunar calendar (âm lịch) and the 12-animal zodiac cycle. This differs from Western age calculation, which follows the Gregorian calendar and counts from the birthday.

What is tuổi mụ?

In Vietnamese tradition, a baby is considered one year old at birth. This is based on the belief that life begins in the womb, making a person’s traditional age one year older than their Western age.

How to calculate zodiac age in Vietnam

1. Find the lunar birth year

Use a lunar calendar converter to determine the person’s lunar birth year. Each year aligns with a zodiac animal from the 12-year cycle: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.

2. Identify the current zodiac year

Each lunar year has a corresponding animal. Comparing the person’s birth year animal to the current year’s animal helps place them within the traditional age system.

3. Add one year to the Western age

Since a person is considered one year old at birth, the formula is: Vietnamese zodiac age (tuổi mụ) = Western age + 1.

Why tuổi mụ matters in Vietnamese culture

The traditional age calculation is used in astrology, fortune-telling, matchmaking, and ceremonial planning. It is a practical part of daily Vietnamese cultural life, not just a historical curiosity.

FAQ: Vietnamese zodiac signs