Hanoi Thrives as 2.1 Million Visit During National Holiday

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Hanoi has outdone itself this National Day holiday, welcoming nearly 2.1 million visitors, a stark threefold increase from the previous year. This surge surpassed Ho Chi Minh City’s record during the Reunification holiday earlier in April, which drew 1.95 million visitors.

The capital city’s Department of Tourism reports that international arrivals topped 80,000, marking a 35% rise compared to last year. Remarkably, the tourism revenue is projected at nearly VND4.5 trillion (approximately 6.43 billion Thai Baht), reflecting an 80% year-on-year increase.

The four-day celebration, beginning on Saturday, 30th August, witnessed high hotel occupancy rates, particularly in the 3–5 star segment. Establishments like Novotel Thai Ha, Novotel Suites, and others reached full capacity on 1st September. Overall, hotel and tourist apartment occupancy averaged 83%, a significant jump of almost 23 percentage points from the previous year. The tourism department reassured that service standards in security, safety, and food hygiene were commendably maintained.

Hanoi orchestrated an array of activities in conjunction with the 80th anniversaries of the August Revolution and National Day. The city drew crowds with events showcasing its rich culture, history, and tourism potential. A prominent exhibition highlighting the nation's achievements over the past 80 years opened at the National Exhibition Center in Dong Anh Commune on 28th August, attracting over one million visitors in just three days, with 650,000 attending on 31st August alone.

Popular attractions experienced a similar boom. Hanoi Zoo welcomed around 33,000 visitors, while the Temple of Literature saw 18,000. Hoa Lo Prison Relic attracted over 26,000, and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel drew around 33,000 visitors. City tours and historical itineraries were in high demand, with many operators fully booked one to two months ahead. According to travel agencies, numerous tourists initiated their trips early and chose to remain in the city centre on 2nd September to witness the parade.

Domestic tours formed approximately 60% of the bookings. Industry experts noted that Hanoi's prominence in both visitor numbers and revenue was expected, given its role as the hub for the National Day celebrations. This trend mirrors that of Ho Chi Minh City during the Reunification holiday.

Overall, Hanoi’s success during this period underscores its appeal as a vibrant tourist destination, capturing both local and international interest. As the city continues to draw crowds with its historical and cultural offerings, it is poised to remain a key player in Vietnam’s tourism landscape.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-03