International arrivals to Hanoi during  the National Day holiday (August 31-September 3) rose 36% year-on-year to 59,000 visitors, the Hanoi Department of Tourism reported.

Foreign travellers take a bike taxi around the city. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times

Tourists from India, South Korea, China, Japan and Taiwan (China) accounted for the largest number of arrivals.

Domestic tourism also increased by 3.6% to a total of 614,000 visitors, with many opting to relax at resorts and attractions on the outskirts of Hanoi.

The total number of tourists to Hanoi during the holiday reached nearly 673,000, up 5% from 2023, generating over VND2.18 trillion (US$87.6 million) in revenue, up 8.3% year-on-year.

Hotel occupancy averaged 61.2%, with several 4-5 star hotels such as the Pullman Hanoi and the Sheraton Hotel operating close to or at full capacity. Shopping malls, entertainment venues and restaurants all reported significant increases in footfall and sales during the holiday.

With safety a priority, tourism service providers strictly adhered to fire prevention and food safety regulations. Businesses carried out self-inspections and maintained fire safety equipment to ensure compliance.

Accommodation providers were also committed to maintaining high food safety standards and to following proper procedures for reporting temporary stays.

In a joint effort,  the Hanoi Department of Tourism and the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum distributed 28,000 gifts to tourists visiting the Mausoleum, reinforcing the commitment to hospitality. This initiative also helped to reinforce Hanoi's image as a welcoming tourist destination.

An ao dai bicycle parade through Hanoi during the National Day holiday. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times

To further promote the capital as a "Safe - Friendly - Quality - Attractive" destination, the Hanoi Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Thang Long Heritage Conservation Center and the Vietnam Village Club, organized a bicycle parade on September 1.

To further brand the capital as a "safe - friendly - quality - attractive" destination, the Hanoi Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Thang Long Heritage Conservation Center and the Vietnam Village Club, organized a bicycle parade on September 1.

The parade rolled past major landmarks such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Long Bien Bridge. This unique event combined tourism and heritage, highlighting both traditional and modern aspects of Hanoi while promoting sustainable tourism.

During the holiday, tourist attractions were decorated and a series of events were held, including activities around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, performances at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, and exhibitions at the Temple of Literature.

The Hanoi Department of Tourism conducted safety inspections at several crowded tourist sites, including the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Hoan Kiem Lake.

The inspection results showed that these sites were well prepared for the influx of visitors, ensuring public safety, traffic order and environmental sanitation, with no negative incidents reported.

At the Hoan Kiem Walking Zone, pedestrians enjoy their holiday. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times