Hanoi waives admission fees at tourist sites on National Day

The free-admission policy and cultural activities are expected to give residents and visitors greater access to Hanoi's rich historical and cultural heritage during the National Day holiday.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a historical attraction drawing large crowds during holidays. (Photo: VNA)
Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a historical attraction drawing large crowds during holidays. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi will waive entrance fees to tourist attractions, historical sites and cultural facilities that normally charge admission on September 2, the National Day, under a decision by the municipal People's Committee.

The decision on August 25 follows a proposal by the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will coordinate with the Department of Finance and relevant agencies to implement the policy transparently and in line with regulations.

It has also been tasked with working with other agencies to advise the People's Committee on a permanent mechanism for free admission to city-managed tourist attractions, historical sites and cultural facilities during national and Hanoi's major holidays and events. The work is to be completed this year.

The five-day National Day break will last from August 29 to September 2. To welcome residents and visitors, the city is stepping up measures to ensure security, traffic safety, fire prevention, food safety and service quality at tourist destinations.

Authorities will also strengthen inspections of tourism businesses and crack down on touting, overcharging and arbitrary price hikes. Places of interest will arrange additional staff to assist visitors, make timely response to all circumstances and prevent overcrowding and congestion.

A long queue of visitors waiting to enter the Hoa Lo Prison Relic. (Photo: VNA)

A long queue of visitors waiting to enter the Hoa Lo Prison Relic. (Photo: VNA)

A wide range of cultural and artistic programmes and thematic exhibitions are scheduled to take place across the capital to mark the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

Notably, at the Hoa Lo Prison Relic, the thematic exhibition “Unwavering Heart, Iron Will” is running from August 19 to September 5, highlighting the contributions and sacrifices by the People's Public Security force in the cause of national defence.

The free-admission policy and cultural activities are expected to give residents and visitors greater access to Hanoi's rich historical and cultural heritage during the National Day holiday./.

VNA

See more

Resorts set along some of the world’s most beautiful beaches make a vacation in Phu Quoc even more rewarding. Photo: Premier Village Phu Quoc.

Thailand's newspaper spotlights Phu Quoc as luxurious vacation island for 2026

In an article highlighting islands suited to luxury vacations, Thairath placed particular emphasis on Phu Quoc’s appeal to Thai travellers. The newspaper described Vietnam’s largest island as an ideal choice for those seeking the privacy and comfort of a five-star retreat without spending hours in transit.

Karst limestone mountains in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, with large cave entrances opening amid the primeval forest, reflect a geological formation process spanning millions of years. (Photo: VNA)

Phong Nha - Ke Bang named among Vietnam’s 11 most beautiful destinations

According to the magazine, boat trips into Phong Nha Cave and strolls through Paradise Cave (both family-friendly) offer a tantalising glimpse of their astonishing scale, but the real adventure lies deeper within the park, where cavers wade through underground rivers and weave among stalagmites.

The Trang An Festival 2026 opens at Trang An Ecotourism Site in Ninh Binh province on May 3 (Photo: VNA)

Tourism seeks new growth momentum under Resolution 26

Tourism effectiveness should be measured not only by visitor numbers and revenue, but also by spending, length of stay, repeat visits, job quality, visitor satisfaction and environmental carrying capacity, said experts.

Vietnam welcomes nearly 2 million international visitors in August, up 19.7% from July and 18.4% year-on-year. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietnam tourism maintains strong growth, expands international markets

The National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance reported that Vietnam welcomed nearly 2 million international visitors in August, up 19.7% from July and 18.4% year-on-year. The figure represented 63.6% of the tourism sector’s full-year target of 25 million arrivals.

News website news.ru reports that the number of Russian visitors to Vietnam could reach a historic record of 1.5 million in 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Russian arrivals to Vietnam forecast to reach record high

Russian arrivals to Vietnam surpassed 1 million in the first eight months of 2026, representing a remarkable 165.7% increase year-on-year. This was the highest growth rate among Vietnam’s major international tourist markets.

Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam moves to make tourism a true new growth driver

Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW, issued on August 22, sets out a new vision, with a focus on fundamentally renewing the mindset, methods and approaches to tourism development and governance, shifting from quantity to quality and increasing the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

Tourists visit Golden Bridge in Da Nang city in the rainy season. (Photo: hanoimoi.vn)

Turning rainy season into tourism opportunity

Seasonality has long been a challenge for Vietnam’s tourism industry. In many localities, tourism peaks in summer but visitor numbers fall during the rainy months. Destinations are now seeking to restructure their tourism ecosystems and develop products that can operate year-round.

A pot of Mi Quang (Quang noodles). (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang promotes distinctive cuisine as key tourism attraction

As travellers increasingly seek authentic local experiences, the central coastal city of Da Nang is stepping up efforts to integrate cuisine into tourism itineraries, linking culinary promotion with destination branding and cultural preservation.

Flower vendors form a distinctive feature of Hanoi’s autumn. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi builds four-season tourism appeal

Hanoi’s tourism events are increasingly designed to inspire exploration beyond individual festivals. At the Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival, for instance, visitors can make handicrafts with artisans, explore destinations through virtual reality and discover new tours and tourism stimulus programmes.

A view of the Lo Lo Chai community tourism village in Tuyen Quang province (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam taps community tourism potential for sustainable development

The tourism market is shifting from sightseeing towards living and connecting with destinations. Visitors increasingly seek authentic and locally rooted experiences, interaction with local people, culture and nature, as well as small-group and personalised trips with limited environmental impact and clear benefits for communities.