Son Tay - Xu Doai Tourism Year 2025 kicked off 

THE HANOI TIMES — The launch of the Son Tay- Xu Doai Tourism Year 2025 at the weekend was marked by an enchanting artistic performance with a series of events highlighting the city's rich cultural offerings and historical significance.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025), the event highlights Son Tay's tourism potential while honoring its rich historical and cultural heritage.

This year's celebration will include a comprehensive review of the Walking Street around the  Son Tay Ancient Citadel, which has been in the running for three years. The area has been dynamic with the combination of rich cultural heritage and modern tourism practices.

Since its inauguration in 2022, the pedestrian street has welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors, with an impressive average of 10,000 visitors per night, a number that can soar to 25,000-30,000 on busy evenings. This remarkable success underscores the growing appeal of the area, which has been carefully designed to integrate cultural experiences with natural beauty.

Major improvements to the area include the construction of scenic walking paths, the planting of trees around the Citadel, the introduction of nearly 200 pigeons, the placement of 250 lanterns along the walking street, and the restoration of the Citadel moat. In addition to drawing tourists, these features foster a welcoming environment that provides a venue for artistic expression and community cultural events.

In addition, the local Center for Culture, Information, and Sports, along with the Youth Union, art clubs, and other socio-political organizations, have organized numerous cultural activities in the area, adding to the charm of the pedestrian street. Highlights include the Phung Hung Nam Ethnic Wrestling Tournament, the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Ancient Citadel (to be held in 2022 and 2023), and the Doai Melody music event, as well as the Miss Ao Dai Vietnam Heritage Contest in 2024. These events have attracted tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors, helping to establish Son Tay as a premier cultural tourism destination.

In recognition of its outstanding achievements in preserving historical sites and fostering sustainable tourism, the Son Tay government was awarded the Second Class Labor Medal by the President in 2024.

The launch of the Son Tay - Xu Doai Tourism Year 2025 is expected to raise the region's profile as a cultural and tourism hub, contributing to the broader goal of socio-economic development. 

As the Son Tay - Xu Doai Tourism Year unfolds, it offers an exciting opportunity to explore the region’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both cultural enrichment and scenic beauty.