Hanoi: Tourist sites packed with visitors as social distancing order lifted

People hang out at Ly Thai To Park, next to Hoan Kiem Lake, in downtown Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Travel demand of Hanoians has started increasing again since the social distancing order was lifted in late April, giving the local tourism industry high hopes to recover its growth in the near future, particularly as the summer is approaching.

Many tourist sites in the capital city have re-opened after long closure in an effort to help contain the spread of the COVID-19.

Large crowds of tourists have flocked to famous sites on the outskirt of Hanoi, such as Duong Lam ancient village, Thien Son – Suoi Nga, Tan Da, Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien and Ao Vua sites to enjoy the National Reunification and May Day holiday last week.

Thien Duong Bao Son Park has welcomed more than 4,700 visitors since it was opened on April 30 while close to 8,500 tourists have visited Ba Vi National Park over the last week.

To ensure safety for travellers, the municipal Department of Tourism has requested site management boards to regularly disinfect public areas and install more hand-washing facilities or provide visitors with hand sanitisers, according to Deputy Director Tran Trung Hieu.

Many travel agencies in Hanoi are offering a wider range of tours by coach to destinations around the capital city as flights have yet to return to normal.

Domestic airlines resumed operation with a limited number of flights while it’s not safe to travel overseas during this time when the disease is still ravaging many foreign countries, so short-day tours have become a greater option for travellers.

The Hanoi RedTours recently launched various holiday packages, from 2 – 4 days, to popular destinations in Quang Ninh, such as Quan Lan, Co To, Cat Ba and Van Don, which only take a few hours by car from Hanoi.

Road trips to Sam Son (Thanh Hoa), Trang An (Ninh Binh), Hoa Binh and Quang Ninh are also preferred by families who own a car./.