Hanoi beats 2025 tourism target early with record visitors

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has already surpassed its full-year tourism targets, welcoming more than 26 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025, fueled by record-breaking arrivals, bold campaigns and major incentives.

From cultural spectacles in the capital to booming coastal destinations, Vietnam’s tourism sector is pulling out all the stops to meet historic year-end goals.

Hanoi meets the whole year's tourism targets 

According to the latest report from the  Hanoi Department of Tourism, the capital has enjoyed a strong year for tourism. In September alone, Hanoi welcomed 4.17 million visitors, doubling the same period last year. This included 666,700 international arrivals, marking a 46.8% year-on-year increase, while domestic travelers totaled 3.5 million, more than doubling the figure from September 2024.

In the first nine months of 2025, Hanoi welcomed an estimated 26.07 million visitors, reflecting a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year. International arrivals reached 5.54 million, up 26% year-on-year. Tourism revenue rose to VND98.36 trillion (US$4.01 billion), showing a 20.7% growth. Hotel performance also indicated steady recovery, with an average occupancy rate of 62.6%, including 68.6% in September alone.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, attributed the growth largely to the city’s celebrations of the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2), the occasion when the city was home to ke events, including a grand parade at Ba Dinh Square, fireworks, exhibitions, music festivals and traditional performances that drew large crowds from across the country.

Meanwhile, other newly launched tour like “ The Hanoi Train - Hanoi’s Five Gates ” offers both locals and tourists a fresh perspective of the capital.

Additionally, Hanoi plans to develop the Huong Son Complex, a national historic and scenic site, while ensuring conservation efforts remain in place.

Several large-scale events will return, including the Hanoi Autumn Festival, Ao Dai Tourism Festival, and Tourism Gift Festival, among others. The city is also focusing on high-quality, market-driven tourism products such as agricultural and rural tours, ethnic community-based experiences, night tours, adventure travel, and virtual reality offerings.

Similar progress was seen in other major destinations. In the first eight months of 2025, the central city of Danang recorded five million international and 7.8 million domestic visitors, a notable increase from the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Nha Trang, a popular coastal destination in central Vietnam, received over 14.1 million overnight guests in the past nine months, fulfilling nearly 90% of its annual target. Tourism revenue reached more than VND56 trillion ($2.33 billion), up nearly 20% year-on-year. In September alone, the city welcomed 1.2 million visitors, a 16.86% increase, including 506,000 international arrivals, up 42.49%.

This upward trend is expected to continue through the final quarter, traditionally Vietnam’s peak season for international visitors drawn by warm weather and relaxed travel. At the same time, domestic tourism is being boosted by discounted airfares during the low season, adding further momentum as the year draws to a close.

“Unique and attractive” tourism stimulus programs

Hanoi is expanding its MICE and golf tourism segments, particularly at resorts, and will continue to host cultural, political, and international festivals.

Nearby, the northern province of Quang Ninh, home to Ha Long Bay, is launching an end-of-year tourism stimulus package with exclusive incentives. Tourists will receive complimentary local specialties such as beer and squid rolls, a 20% discount on the second night of accommodation, and a special seafood meal on the third night.

Individual hotels and service providers are also offering their own promotions, ranging from room discounts and unique dining menus to cruise experiences and reduced entertainment service rates. These efforts not only aim to draw more tourists but also promote Quang Ninh’s signature OCOP (One Commune One Product) items.

Adding to the appeal, airfare promotions are expected to further boost demand. Travelers can book zero-fare tickets from Hanoi to Nha Trang, or enjoy discounted fares starting from VND250,000 to VND350,000 ($10 - $15) with VietJet Air. Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines offers flights from Hanoi to Hue at approximately VND2.5 million ($104).

Hotel rates in destinations such as Danang, Hue, and Quang Ninh are also becoming more affordable during the fall-winter season. Many high-quality three- and four-star rooms are now available for under VND1 million ($41.67) per night, making travel more accessible to a broader range of visitors.

Vietnam’s tourism sector is striving to serve over 120 million domestic visitors and welcome 25 million international arrivals in 2025. As of August, the country had already hosted 13.9 million international tourists, up 21.7% year-on-year, achieving 56% of the year’s target. To meet the goal, Vietnam will need to attract approximately 10 million more international visitors in the final three months.

With favorable weather, competitive pricing and aggressive campaigns, Vietnam’s tourism industry is on track to cross the finish line successfully in 2025.