Hanoi waives entry fees at heritage sites during Tet holiday
The free admission to 17 historical and cultural sites during the Lunar New Year holiday is part of a broader program to promote tourism and showcase the capital’s heritage.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has waived entrance fees at 17 key historical and cultural sites during the Lunar New Year holiday to spur tourism demand and reinforce the capital’s positioning as a leading heritage destination at the start of Vietnam’s peak travel season.
Visitors gather at Bach Ma Temple, one of the four sacred temples traditionally regarded as guardians of the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Pho Co Chat
The initiative, led by the city’s Department of Culture and Sports, running from February 20 to 22 - the fourth to sixth days of the first lunar month in the Year of the Horse.
The fee waiver applies to major landmarks and cultural venues managed by the city, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison and the Co Loa Relic Site.
Also included are the Huong Son Scenic Area, the Hanoi Museum, Bach Ma Temple, Kim Ngan Communal House, Quan De Temple, the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, Quan Thanh Temple, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda, among others.
City officials said the move is designed to expand public access to cultural assets, enhance traditional education and strengthen Hanoi’s appeal as a heritage tourism destination.
Authorities are also expanding the scale and scope of Lunar New Year programming, with increased investment in experiential, immersive and revenue-generating activities. Organizers plan to feature traditional craft products, intangible cultural heritage showcases and live performances of folk arts, alongside hands-on activities for visitors.
The interior of Quan De Temple lit up by a lantern exhibition. Photo: Pho Co Chat
At the Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street, an exhibition will recreate a traditional Hanoi family’s Tet living space. The Temple of Literature will host the Spring Calligraphy Festival, offering calligraphy writing and cultural performances. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel will stage reenactments of year-end and New Year ceremonies, as well as water puppetry and traditional theater performances.
The Hanoi Museum is set to unveil a special exhibition titled “Long Ma Khai Van” to mark the start of the new year.
New tourism products tied to the holiday include a tour linking Ngoc Son Temple with the capital’s Four Guardian Temples, a heritage train route passing five historic city gates and expanded cultural programming around Hoan Kiem Lake.
The city hopes the fee exemptions and expanded festivities will draw both residents and tourists, boosting visitor flows during one of Vietnam’s peak travel periods.
