Hanoi and its various regions have rolled out a vibrant array of cultural, sports, and entertainment events that have drawn crowds of visitors who are eager to celebrate.

The Ao Dai Connecting Tourism and Heritage 2024 parade is cheered by the people of Hanoi. Photo: Khanh Huy

As the nation's capital and a vibrant cultural and tourism hub, Hanoi welcomed a bustling crowd during the September 2 celebrations.

Popular attractions such as Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh Historical Site, the scenic pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake, the charming Old Quarter, the historic Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel have captivated locals and tourists alike.

Tran Thi Ngoc Anh, a resident of Pham Hung Street in Hanoi, said her family has a tradition of attending the flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square every year, immersing themselves in the festive spirit of Independence Day. Afterwards, they explore various historical sites and recreational spots around the city to make the most of their holiday.

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city has prepared for National Day (September 2) with an impressive lineup of some 20 vibrant cultural, sports and entertainment events.

On September 1, the department, in cooperation with the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center and the Vietnamese Village Club, hosted the exciting parade entitled "Ao Dai Connecting Tourism and Heritage 2024", which is estimated to have attracted over 100 enthusiastic participants.

This lively parade passed by some of Hanoi's most iconic tourist sites, including the majestic Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Monument to Fallen Heroes, Ba Dinh Square, the National Assembly Building, the Presidential Palace, the historic North Gate, Hang Dau Water Tower, Long Bien Bridge, O Quan Chuong, Dong Xuan Market, and the Hanoi Flag Tower.

Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, said that this event is designed to be a spotlight among Hanoi's various tourist attractions and to act as a catalyst to boost tourism during the celebrations.

In addition, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center will enchant visitors with free water puppet performances on September 1 and 2, adding a unique cultural experience to the holiday flair.

Nguyen Minh Thu, Head of the Guiding and Interpretation Department at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, reported that about 1,200 visitors attended the first day of the water puppet show. The total number of visitors to the Imperial Citadel during the holiday is expected to exceed 5,000 per day.

Crowds line up to see the relics of Hoa Lo Prison. Photo: Hanoimoi Newspaper

At the Hoa Lo Prison and the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, long lines of eager guests formed to buy tickets and enjoy the experiences from the first day of the holiday.

West Lake Water Park welcomed about 3,000 visitors in the first two days of the National Day holiday, a significant increase compared to recent days. The total number of visitors is expected to exceed 10,000 for the entire holiday, according to a park representative.

Meanwhile, the Hanoi Zoo is also experiencing a surge in visitors during the holiday. Zoo officials expect to welcome around 60,000 to 70,000 guests during the festive period.

Exciting tourist attractions draw crowds

A large number of visitors attend the Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week. Photo: Hanoimoi Newspaper

During the September 2 holiday, many provinces and cities across the country are hosting vibrant cultural and tourism "specialties" to attract visitors seeking unique experiences.

In the northern province of Son La, the Moc Chau Culture and Tourism Week runs from August 28 to September 4, featuring an array of fascinating cultural activities from the Mong ethnic group. This festival has become a must-see highlight of the region's Independence Day celebrations.

Ha Long City in the northern province of Quang Ninh is making waves with its first hot air balloon festival on September 1-2, attracting a flood of domestic and international tourists. Many hotels and homestays in the area are already fully booked, reflecting the excitement surrounding the holiday.

Ho Chi Minh City is expecting an influx of visitors, with the number of visitors expected to increase by 20-25%. Popular attractions such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Saigon Zoo and Suoi Tien Amusement Park are ready to welcome enthusiastic guests during this festive period.

Meanwhile, the beach city of Danang is ramping up the fun with exciting activities along Bach Dang Walking Street, vibrant scenes at Son Tra Night Market, and the mesmerizing fire-breathing displays at Dragon Bridge, enchanting both tourists and locals alike.

Travel companies are reporting an increase in tourists for this year's September 2 holiday, but things aren't quite as sunny. There are plenty of tourist attractions without any traffic or overcrowding.

Some of the most sought-after destinations include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh Province), Moc Chau (Son La Province), Sa Pa (Lao Cai Province), Cat Ba (Haiphong), Danang, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa Province), Ha Giang and Thanh Hoa provinces, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Family groups and self-guided travelers continue to dominate the scene and make up a significant portion of visitors, said Nguyen Huu Cuong, Director of Trang An Travel, adding that domestic tourism is on the rise in destinations known for their exceptional service. 

Meanwhile, outbound travelers are flocking to popular tours in China, Thailand and Singapore, showcasing a diverse range of travel options, he added.