Hanoi prioritizes safety in Tet 2026 tourism drive

THE HANOI TIMES — Safety anchors Hanoi’s Tet 2026 tourism plan as the capital opens its most intimate holiday under tighter safeguards.

With stricter price controls, transport inspections and 24/7 hotlines in place, the city is reinforcing service standards before launching immersive hotel programs and citywide festivals, positioning Tet as a safe, well-managed and culturally rich destination experience.

Ensuring safety and service quality

Apart from promotional efforts, authorities are prioritizing visitor protection and service standards during the Tet peak season.

Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asian Tourism Development Institute, notes that price gouging - particularly targeting foreign tourists - has occurred in recent years, calling for stricter control of street vendors and tougher enforcement against violations.

From the management side, Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, says the department has instructed tourist sites, accommodation providers, shops and restaurants to improve service quality and comply fully with regulations throughout the holiday.

Hotlines are being set up at tourist sites to provide timely information and handle complaints, while travel firms and transport providers are required to ensure security, safety and full compliance with the 2017 Tourism Law.

Local authorities have warned that exploiting stimulus programs while delivering poor service or engaging in profiteering will be strictly prohibited.

Meanwhile, road and inland waterway transport operators must undergo mandatory inspections of vehicle safety and driver qualifications, with full adherence to traffic regulations.

“To ensure service quality during the peak Tet season, we have asked travel agencies, accommodation providers and destinations to review standards, publicly post prices and refrain from illegal surcharges,” Tran Trung Hieu said.

Experiential travel takes center stage

Tourism companies report a shift in Tet travel behavior, with visitors seeking immersive cultural experiences rather than traditional sightseeing.

Branavan Aruljothi, Country Director for Vietnam at Booking.com, said that attracting Lunar New Year travelers requires more than promotions, urging hotels and tour operators to design culinary and accommodation experiences that reflect the cultural meaning of Tet.

In response, five-star hotels in Hanoi are rolling out coordinated holiday programs. At Grand Mercure Hanoi, guests can join traditional banh chung-making sessions, an activity designed to recreate the atmosphere of a Vietnamese family preparing for the new year, according to Nguyen Thuy Bich Van, the hotel’s Director of Business and Communications.

Hotels across Hanoi are aligning their Tet offerings around curated cultural and culinary experiences.

Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha is presenting traditional holiday dishes with a modern touch, creating an elegant setting for family reunions and early-year gatherings.

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel has introduced a “Tet Side By Side” package that combines relaxation with guided engagement in local traditions, including a holiday-themed Hanoi exploration itinerary, according to its marketing representatives.

At InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72, guests can join hands-on banh chung workshops alongside an expanded festive dining program, from seasonal buffets, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation.

Park Royal Serviced Suites Hanoi is rolling out a Year of the Horse package through February 28, 2026, including breakfast and Tet-themed welcome gifts, which aim to offer families and couples a relaxed, private space to celebrate and begin the new year with meaningful moments, according to General Manager Humayoon Shaikhzadeh.

Beyond hotel walls, the Hanoi Department of Tourism is organizing cultural activities, festivals and artistic spaces to showcase the capital’s distinctive Tet traditions to both domestic and international visitors.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said that through the ninth day of the first lunar month, the department is coordinating citywide Tet events with local authorities.

At the heritage house at 87 Ma May Street in the Old Quarter, visitors can explore a recreated traditional Hanoi Tet living space, alongside handicraft displays, art exhibitions and interactive activities.

In partnership with the Temple of Literature, the city is also hosting the Spring Calligraphy Festival 2026, where visitors can request auspicious characters symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Earlier in the season, major festivals such as the Dong Da Hill Festival, the Hai Ba Trung Temple Festival, the Huong Pagoda Festival and the Soc Temple Festival have drawn crowds to historical and spiritual sites across the capital and its surrounding districts.

Nguyen Thi Van, General Director of Hanoi Tourism Corporation, said the corporation is partnering with districts such as Hoan Kiem, Bat Trang and Hong Van to develop tours highlighting the capital’s cultural and historical depth, including Red River journeys, pottery village experiences, heritage sites and ethnic culture itineraries.

The move aims to position Hanoi as a Tet destination rather than merely a transit point.

As the Year of the Horse begins, the capital is seeking a careful balance, expanding its holiday appeal to visitors while preserving the traditions at the heart of Tet.