Hanoi tops travel charts for Vietnam National Day
With vibrant parades, historic landmarks, and local flavors in full swing, Hanoi is the ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and urban explorers during the holiday.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is poised to be the epicenter of celebration and exploration during Vietnam’s upcoming four-day National Day holiday on August 29–September 3.
Built between 1900 and 1906, the Presidential Palace in the heart of Hanoi was originally the Palace of the Governor-General of Indochina.
According to the tourism website Booking.com, Hanoi has surged to the most sought-after destination for Vietnamese travelers, an impressive leap from 7th place in 2024.
This year’s National Day on September 2 will be a time of solemn commemoration and festivity in Hanoi. The city will host a series of state-level celebrations, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's rich culture.
Highlights include a parade rehearsal on August 27, a full dress rehearsal on August 30, and the grand National Day parade on September 2. National flags will adorn the city, music, and ceremonial processions will march through historic Ba Dinh Square.
According to Varun Grover, Country Head of Vietnam at Booking.com, while rooted in patriotic pride, the long weekend also offers a golden opportunity to discover Hanoi’s timeless charm.
The dreamlike tranquility of Hanoi in autumn.
“From the bustling Old Quarter and world-renowned street food to immersive museums and tranquil lakeside cafés, Hanoi offers a rich and multi-layered experience for every traveler,” he shared.
The website data reveals that Hanoi now ranks first in searches across all travel segments from families, friends, couples, to solo adventurers, reflecting its broad appeal as a cultural and recreational hub.
Visitors keen to delve into the country’s history can take a journey through time with iconic landmarks such as: Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945; the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; the Hanoi Flag Tower; the Long Bien Bridge; the Hoa Lo Prison; and the Vietnam Military History Museum , among many others.
Together, these sites tell the powerful story of Vietnam’s journey toward independence and resilience.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an iconic tourist attraction in Hanoi.
For a more immersive experience, travelers can join a vintage motorbike tour led by local guides that weaves through hidden alleyways, offers street food tastings, and cruises past historical landmarks.
It's an ideal activity for solo travelers or small groups wanting to truly connect with what makes Hanoi tick.
Beyond the festive atmosphere, travelers can explore Hanoi’s enduring cultural heritage and find experiences that connect the past with the present.
A must-see is the timeless water puppet show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form in which intricately carved wooden puppets glide across the water. Skilled puppeteers animate the puppets, and traditional live music accompanies the performance.
At the iconic Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, folklore and rural legends are brought vividly to life, offering a magical glimpse into the storytelling traditions of northern Vietnam.
Just a short journey from the city center lies Bat Trang Ceramic Village, a living testament to over 700 years of artistry. Wander through its maze-like alleys lined with ancient brick houses, smoke-swirled courtyards, and centuries-old kilns that are still in use today.
Foreign visitors to Hanoi's Old Quarter Area.
This riverside village is famed not only for its pottery but also for its sense of place, where craftsmanship and community go hand in hand. The bustling market has over 300 artisan stalls showcasing everything from traditional ceramics to modern designs while offering real experiences.
A recent report by Agoda's tourism website echoed Booking.com’s reflections, naming Hanoi the “epicenter of domestic tourism” for this year’s National Day and confirming the city's travel boom.
Agoda’s data revealed a striking 4,418% surge in Hanoi's accommodation searches compared to the same period in 2024. Domestic travel searches rose 135%, indicating a strong desire among Vietnamese travelers to rediscover their nation's soul.
Whether you’re drawn by patriotic celebrations, culinary delights, or historical exploration, Hanoi promises a memorable National Day holiday where the past meets the present on every street corner and in every story and celebration.
