Hanoi welcomed 187,000 visitors, marking a 17.4% increase year-on-year, from February 8 to 10, 2024 (or December 29 of the lunar calendar to the first day of the lunar calendar), according to the Hanoi Department of Tourism.

Calligraphy is a popular decoration for people's homes during the lunar new year. Photo: Ngo Minh/ The Hanoi Times

Among them, the number of international tourists showed significant growth, more than doubling compared to the same period in 2023, with 39,000 visitors (mainly from South Korea, China, Taiwan (China), the US, India, France, the UK, Germany, and Japan), while domestic tourists experienced a slight increase of 6% with 148,000 visitors.

The total revenue from tourism reached VND725 billion (US$29.7 million), representing a 32.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

As of 6:00pm on February 10 (the first day of the Lunar New Year), the average occupancy rate of hotel rooms in the one-five-star category was estimated at 50.4%, a 10.1% increase compared to the same period last year. 

A series of activities and events took place before and during the Lunar New Year, allowing visitors to experience the traditional Tet atmosphere of the Red River Delta region, the Hanoi Department of Tourism reported.

These included the art exhibition “Drawing the Dragon” at the special national historical site of the Temple of Literature, the "Tet Street 2024" program in the mural street of Phung Hung, the "Northwest Spring Fragrance" themed activities and the introduction of traditional spring games of ethnic groups in the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.     

Cultural activities and exhibitions showcasing traditional Tet celebrations were also held, such as the decoration and arrangement of traditional Tet spaces inside the Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street, the traditional Tet procession ceremony at Kim Ngan Communal House, and the organization of a space depicting the Tet activities of a traditional Hanoi family, including the making of traditional Chung cakes.

A new highlight that drew significant attention from both locals and tourists during this year's Tet holiday was the Hanoi Art Light Festival – Brilliant Thang Long, held on the night of the 30th day of the Lunar New Year in the West Lake area (Nguyen Dinh Thi - Trich Sai Street) under the direction and coordination of the People's Committee of Tay Ho District. 

The festival featured a light art performance using 2,024 drones with the theme “One Day in the Capital – A Thousand Years of History”.

Night-time tourism development

The image of the Temple of Literature depicted in the show themed "One Day of the Capital - A Thousand Years of History". Photo: Khanh Huy

Hanoi is experiencing strong and leading development in night tourism products, affirming its creative and effective direction in positioning the brand for the capital's tourism industry, local insiders.

Although there are many night tours, each tour is exploited from different and distinct aspects. Whether newly launched or operating for a long time, Hanoi's night tours attract tourists.

Ta Hien - Luong Ngoc Quyen Street is a magnet for people who come here to enjoy affordable dishes that are elaborately and delicately prepared, to immerse themselves in the nightlife of Hanoi's Old Quarter, and to socialize with friends.

Night tours at Hanoi’s museums and historical sites, such as Hoa Lo Prison, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Temple of Literature, and the Vietnam Literature Museum, although recently launched, are always crowded. Tour bookings are not only full for the week but also for the entire month, requiring reservations in other months, according to local insiders.

Nguyen Doan Van, Director of the Hanoi Management Board for Heritage Sites and Scenic Landscape, said that heritage, to create attraction and maximize the value of heritage, is necessary to transform it into cultural products, thereby contributing to the motivation for socio-economic development.  

Van said the introduction of night tours in Hanoi has significantly impacted tourism in the city. Following the city’s night tourism success, other localities in the country are now actively promoting the development of night tours. Numerous night tours are currently being adjusted or created to attract a larger number of visitors.

Professor Bui Hoai Son, a permanent member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Cultural and Education, believes Hanoi has impressive night tours, such as those at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoa Lo Prison, and Temple of Literature.

This demonstrates the capital's abundant creativity and potential in the cultural industry. He underlined that each new product should be further improved to meet the audience's needs.