Lunar New Year tourism boom sets new records
Hanoi emerged as a leading destination during the Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, recording 142,000 foreign arrivals, an increase of 15.8% over the previous year.
The capital played a leading role in the country's tourism boom, with its cultural heritage and festive programs attracting a total of 12.5 million domestic travelers across Vietnam, an increase of 19% over the previous year.
| Tourists enjoy a cyclo ride through the streets of Hanoi. Photos: Hoai Nam |
The influx of visitors generated $148 million in revenue, an increase of 7.85% from 2024. Other cities also saw strong tourism activity, with Ho Chi Minh City earning $322 million, the central city of Danang welcoming 228,000 arrivals (up 29%), and Quang Nam attracting 157,000 visitors (up 40%). These figures highlight the strength of travel in Vietnam and indicate a growing interest among international tourists to experience the country's rich traditions and modern attractions.
| International tourists explore the ancient Duong Lam Village in Son Tay. |
.png)
The Tet holiday provided an opportunity for Hanoi to showcase its cultural richness through a variety of special programs, including "Tet Viet - Tet Pho 2025" in the Old Quarter and "Tet Lang Viet" in the historic Village of Duong Lam, both of which featured traditional performances, handicraft demonstrations, and culinary experiences.
Meanwhile, Danang featured flower displays in the Ba Na Hills, fire and water shows at the Dragon Bridge, and scenic photo opportunities along the Han River. In the Mekong Delta, the southern city of Cantho and other provinces focused on cultural performances and festive experiences that celebrated regional heritage and customs.
Aside from festive events, strategic policies played a key role in Hanoi's tourism success. Vietnam's relaxed visa policy encouraged longer stays, while local governments worked with travel agencies to introduce promotional packages, including discounted flights and bundled travel experiences. The country also benefited from more air routes and improved travel connectivity, making it easier for international visitors to reach Vietnam's major tourism hubs.
| Danang's Spring Flower Street is bustling with visitors taking pictures. Photo: Ho Khanh |
Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, emphasized that blending traditional elements with modern travel services enhances the visitor experience. "We want visitors to feel the essence of Vietnamese Tet while enjoying smooth and convenient services," she said. The push for quality services and infrastructure improvements has been instrumental in elevating Vietnam's status as a top destination in Asia.
The economic impact of the tourism boom went beyond revenue figures, benefiting local shops, restaurants and service providers. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector reported increased foot traffic and customer spending.
Street vendors and traditional artisans in Hanoi's Old Quarter experienced a surge in demand as tourists sought authentic souvenirs and handicrafts. Hospitality businesses, from luxury hotels to budget accommodations, also posted high occupancy rates, further driving the sector's financial growth.
| Travel agencies and transportation companies operate at full capacity. |
With this momentum, Vietnam aims to attract 23 million international visitors in 2025. To sustain growth, further investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism diversification will be needed. Industry experts suggest that the expansion of ecotourism, high-end travel packages, and improved visa policies will be key to long-term success.
Extending promotional efforts beyond the peak holiday season may also help maintain steady growth in arrivals. Moreover, digital marketing and social media campaigns targeting specific source markets are expected to play a greater role in promoting Vietnam as a year-round destination.
| Trang An Ecotourism Complex crowded with visitors. |
Vietnam's performance during Tet underscores its growing reputation as a top tourist destination. With cultural assets, improved services and strategic initiatives, the country is on track to achieve its tourism goals.
Looking ahead, Vietnam will continue to innovate and enhance its allure for tourists from around the world. The performance observed during the Lunar New Year holiday strengthens the country's ability to compete with other top regional destinations, laying a solid foundation for the future of Vietnamese tourism.
