Tourist arrivals in Hanoi soar as National Day celebrations approach

THE HANOI TIMES — The number of visitors to Hanoi in August surged by 27.5% year-on-year to nearly 3.2 million, reported the Hanoi Department of Tourism.

International arrivals grew by 43% on-year to some 709,000 during the month, thanks to a series of large-scale cultural and celebratory events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

Domestic travelers rose 24% on-year to 2.5 million people in August. Hanoi's tourism sector earned some VND12.5 trillion (US$474 million) during the month, up 32% on-year.

The department reported that the major activities drawing tourists' attention include training and preparation for the grand parade on September 2, and heritage showcases highlighting Hanoi’s rich historical tapestry.

In January-August period, Hanoi welcomed an estimated 21.6 million visitors, up 14% annually.

Of the figure, the city received nearly five million international guests, up 26% on-year. The figure included some 3.5 million international visitors opting to stay overnight in Hanoi.

In the eight-month period , domestic tourists gained 11% on-year to some 16.6 million people.

Tourism-related revenue reached an estimated nearly VND86 trillion ($3.3 billion), reflecting a 17% increase from the same period of 2024.

The city’s average hotel room occupancy rate in August added two percentage points from last year's figure to 59%.

According to Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city will see the number of visitors peak in September as the whole country comes together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2.

The National Day holiday, which runs from August 30 to September 2, will also benefit the city's tourism sector. The festive atmosphere is expected to continue until next weekend (September 5-6).

The tourism department's director forecasted that the number of visitors to Hanoi during the National Holiday may increase by 40%-50% compared to last year's celebrations. Local hotels have reported nearly full capacity ahead of the holiday.

In addition, Hanoi will finalize a project to innovate management and conservation practices at the Huong Son Complex and Huong Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most treasured national heritage sites. This initiative is expected to enhance cultural preservation while improving the visitor experience.

In line with the theme Hanoi Tourism - Convergence of Essence 2025, a range of new tourism products will be launched, with highlights including the Hanoi Beverage Festival 2025.

Hanoi will also represent Vietnam at several key international tourism events such as the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City, the International Tourismus-Börse India, and the International French Travel Market -Top Resa in France.

These events will be opportunities for the city to foster global partnerships and promote the capital as a vibrant travel destination.

In addition, Hanoi’s cultural calendar remains full in the coming months. The city will take part in nationwide events such as the Four-Way Food Exchange Festival in the central coastal city of Hue, the Thanh Tuyen Festival in Tuyen Quang Province, the Hanoi Autumn Festival 2025, and the Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2025.

All these festivals will be designed to celebrate Vietnamese heritages while appealing to both domestic and international audiences.

Local authorities will expand and diversify offerings in agricultural and rural tourism, night-time experiences, and community-based tourism tied to ethnic minority traditions.

A new tourism destination, the Hanoi Beer Museum, is now under development on expectations that it will be a unique addition to the city’s cultural landscape.