Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi is entering its busiest tourist season of the year as the capital city is preparing for celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).
Hotels report record occupancy rates
Hotel bookings have risen 40-50% compared with the same time last year. Small and mid-sized hotels, as well as homestays in downtown areas such as Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Hai Ba Trung, have been fully booked well in advance. High-end hotels have also reported record occupancy rates.
Interest is rising not only among domestic travellers but also among overseas Vietnamese and international visitors. According to Saigontourist Travel Service Company, the appeal of the upcoming parade has prompted the company to expand its tour schedules, with a sharp increase in overseas Vietnamese registering for tours of the capital and northern provinces.
Data from Agoda also showed that Hanoi is leading the country in accommodation searches for the National Day holiday, up 44 times from 2024.
To meet demand, the city and travel operators are offering a variety of new experiences. Several museums, including the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Vietnam National Museum of History, will open free of charge from September 1-3, alongside themed exhibitions such as “Autumn of Independence” and “Children of the Fatherland”. Night tours remain popular, including “Discover the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long”, while a new night cruise on the “Five Gates of Hanoi” route will be launched on August 19.
Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said the 80th National Day anniversary offers a major opportunity for the capital’s tourism sector to accelerate and reinforce its position as the country’s cultural and travel hub.
She noted that the department is developing self-guided tours, integrated digital maps, and multilingual AI applications to enhance visitor experiences. The holiday allows residents and tourists to engage with heritage in new ways while supporting sustainable local business growth, she added.
Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said this year’s promotion will leverage transport and river links to connect Hanoi with neighbouring provinces, while encouraging visits to suburban areas such as Ba Vi, My Duc, and Soc Son to extend stays and increase spending.
Special tours and holiday services
Tour operators have designed packages combining sightseeing with parade events. Vietravel offers the “In rhythm with the national concert” series, while Hanoitourist focuses on heritage tours, cycling trips, culinary experiences, and night tours. Captour has introduced itineraries exploring historic Hanoi neighbourhoods in Ba Vi and Phuc Tho.
Hotels have also launched special National Day packages. Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha and Novotel Suites Hanoi report higher bookings than last year, with discounts on buffets and free stays for children under 16. Movenpick Living West Hanoi offers “Independence Day Rise & Dine” package, while Dolce by Wyndham Golden Lake and Lotte Hanoi Hotel provide premium options for viewing the parade and enjoying dining and gifts.
By combining heritage, agriculture, community experiences, river tourism, culinary festivals, and night-time attractions, Hanoi is not only making the most of this peak holiday period but also advancing its long-term goal of developing a smart, diverse, and high-quality tourism ecosystem./.
