Searches for Hanoi on National Day festival surge nearly five times

THE HANOI TIMES — Domestic searches for Hanoi during Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) soared 370% annually, while international searches rose 84%, according to booking platform Agoda.

The surge is fueled by large-scale celebrations, including the military parade slated for September 2 at Ba Dinh Square, cultural performances, and fireworks at five sites across the city.

Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda’s Country Director in Vietnam, said that the increase proves the appeal of Hanoi’s cultural activities to international guests and reiterates the city as a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.

He added that the 80th National Day offers visitors a unique chance to experience Hanoi’s cultural and historical depth.

He advised that visitors arrange early booking, especially at hotels near parade routes such as Hung Vuong–Nguyen Thai Hoc–Hang Chao, Le Duan–Nguyen Thai Hoc, Cua Nam, Kim Ma–Lieu Giai, and Hoan Kiem’s Hang Khay–Trang Tien.

There is growing interest in heritage-rich areas like the Old Quarter, Ba Dinh Square, and Thang Long Boulevard, with boutique and contemporary hotels drawing strong demand, Lam said.

Many hotels along the parade route are already sold out, with rates climbing to US$200 per night for balcony views.

Premium hotels such as Pan Pacific and Daewoo reported occupancy above 80%–90%, driven largely by travelers from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces.

Hanoi in August welcomed 3.2 million travelers, up 27.5% on-year. That includes 709,000 international arrivals, which increased by 43% on-year.

The Hanoi Department of Tourism expected that the upcoming celebrations of the 80th National Day will be a huge boost to the city with tourist numbers going up by 40%-50% compared to the event last year.