Hanoi tightens safety measures at Huong Pagoda Festival
Digital management tools streamline visitor services, enhance safety and transparency and help regulate flows while improving convenience for travelers and pilgrims.
THE HANOI TIMES — Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Dai Thang has directed city agencies and Huong Son Commune to ensure absolute safety throughout the Huong Pagoda Festival, which runs until May 11.
Pilgrims and visitors travel to the Huong Son complex, combining spring outings with sightseeing. Photo: Hong Thai/The Hanoi Times
During a February 19 inspection, Thang ordered stricter boat inspections and full compliance with inland waterway traffic rules, calling for tighter control of passenger transport to prevent accidents.
On service operations, he urged business households to uphold food safety standards, prevent overcharging or harassment of visitors and maintain environmental hygiene and the sanctity of the heritage site.
“Management must be systematic and professional, with synchronized technology applications, to deliver a civilized and safe festival that leaves a positive impression on domestic and international visitors,” Thang said.
According to Huong Son Commune authorities, the integrated use of digital solutions in management and services marks a key upgrade this year, improving transparency, convenience and safety.
At Yen Wharf, authorities have installed 10 automatic ticket gates, calibrated the system and prepared backup plans for power or network outages to ensure accurate ticket control.
Organizers have expanded cashless payments through QR codes, bank transfers and POS machines, while still accepting cash to serve all visitors.
Six centralized ticket counters and an additional point near Thien Tru Pagoda aim to ease congestion and improve access.
Along Yen Stream, nearly 3,700 boats, small craft and electric boats are set to serve visitors.
Each vessel displays an identification number and QR code and operators equip them with life jackets and safety gear. Boat fees are paid via bank accounts to enhance transparency.
Visitors queue at QR-code ticket gates, where the first checkpoint scans boat boarding passes. Photo: Dinh Hiep/The Hanoi Times
Officials have reinforced safety and service standards alongside digital management. AI cameras and flycams monitor activity along Yen Stream to detect and handle violations.
Waterway traffic police remain on duty at key wharves, while mobile patrols operate along the stream to address breaches promptly.
This year, the festival has waived entrance fees for visitors through February 22, the sixth day of the lunar new year.
From early today (February 20), visitors and pilgrims attending the festival no longer need to purchase scenic entrance tickets and only pay boat fares to access the complex.
Visitors having purchased entrance tickets to the festival will receive refunds until 0.00 AM on February 22 through both direct and online channels.
In addition to the entrance fee waiver, the festival offers free parking for all vehicles at lots under its management, helping reduce costs for visitors and reinforcing the event’s image as orderly and visitor-friendly.
