Hanoi hotels see record bookings ahead of National Day celebrations

THE HANOI TIMES — As the 80th anniversary of  Vietnam’s August Revolution and National Day  approaches, Hanoi is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom, with most hotels in the capital fully booked from August 20 to September 2.

Golden opportunity

In anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), Hanoi is set to host one of its largest and most elaborate parades in decades.

According to the latest official plan released on August 13, the city will implement a full traffic ban from August 21 to September 2 on several key roads where parades and marches will take place. These include major thoroughfares such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Kim Ma, Lieu Giai, and Van Cao, among others.

The centerpiece of the celebrations will be a grand parade featuring thousands of participants, including members of the military, youth organizations, artists, and cultural troupes.

The event will showcase marching formations, traditional performances, and patriotic displays, all designed to honor the historic achievements of the August Revolution and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945.

The main parade route will wind through the political heart of the city, passing prominent landmarks such as Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the National Assembly Building. Large LED screens and spectator areas will be set up along the route, allowing visitors to witness the spectacle up close.

Hotels located along or near these restricted streets have become prime real estate for tourists, offering convenient access to the parade route and excellent viewing points. Properties in these areas are reporting record demand, with many already fully booked weeks in advance.

Breaking record

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, hotel bookings for the National Day period have soared by 40% to 50% compared to the same time last year.

Meanwhile, online booking platforms have reported a complete sell-out of rooms in many central Hanoi hotels between August 30 and September 3, particularly those located along or near the main parade routes. These areas have become hotspots, drawing domestic and international tourists eager to witness the celebrations up close.

At the Pullman Hanoi Hotel, all 237 rooms are fully booked for the holiday period. Situated on Cat Linh Street, a prime location just 10 minutes from the Old Quarter, the hotel offers ideal access to the celebration hotspots, with room rates ranging from VND2.8 to VND3.2 million or (US$114 to $131)/night.

Nearby, the Grand Mercure Hanoi Hotel, located near the Temple of Literature, has reported occupancy levels of 60% on September 1 and 50% on September 2, with expectations of reaching up to 90%. The hotel has launched festive packages, featuring themed culinary experiences and patriotic decor, adding to the celebratory spirit.

Meanwhile, Pan Pacific Hanoi, with its scenic views and proximity to West Lake, has recorded 73% occupancy, mostly from domestic travelers hailing from Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces. With room packages starting at VND4.3 million ($175)/night, the hotel anticipates reaching up to 90% during the holiday.

Even hotels not directly on the parade routes are enjoying the surge. Patrick Verove, General Director of InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72, shared with The Hanoi Times that room bookings for the upcoming National Day holiday on September 2 have seen a sharp increase over the past month and are expected to rise steadily as the holiday approaches.

“Although our hotel is not directly located along the parade route, many of our rooms offer stunning views of My Dinh Stadium, where the fireworks display will take place,” he noted.

Compared to the same period last year, the number of individual room bookings has surged by over 200%, driven primarily by strong demand from the domestic market. To meet this growing interest, the hotel has launched a range of promotional accommodation packages tailored for couples, families, and holiday travelers.

“We’ve made thorough preparations in both services and staffing to ensure guests enjoy a truly memorable and seamless holiday experience,” Verove affirmed.

The Mövenpick Living West Hanoi, although located in Cau Giay District, a bit further from the central parade areas, has seen bookings soar since early August.

“Our location offers a peaceful yet accessible base for visitors wanting to explore both the celebrations and the city,” said Le Kim Thu, the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

Similarly, the A25 Hotel chain, with 40 locations across the capital, has reached 90% capacity, with remaining availability in districts further from the city center such as My Dinh and Cau Giay. Despite the high demand, A25 has kept room rates stable, ranging from VND500,000 ($20) to 4 million ($163) per night-stay, catering to a wide range of travelers.

At Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha and Novotel Suites Hanoi, occupancy has already surpassed 60%, with steady growth expected leading up to the holiday. Combined, the two properties offer nearly 500 rooms, proving that even hotels outside the direct celebration zones are benefiting from this tourism wave.

Hanoi is poised to deliver an unforgettable holiday atmosphere this month. Whether drawn by the spectacle of the 80th anniversary parade, the opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, or simply to soak in the festive energy, travelers will find this the perfect time to experience Vietnam’s capital at its most dynamic and spirited.