Hanoi is at the forefront of developing its night-time economy, launching new services to attract more visitors to the capital. The city is tapping into its unique cultural offerings and historical landmarks to create a vibrant and captivating night-time experience.
Dao Ngoc – Ngu Xa in the Ba Dinh District, recently designated as a city-level tourist destination, is one such example. This area offers exciting and distinctive experiences for both domestic and foreign visitors. One of its key features is the incorporation of Hanoi’s subsidy period into the design of the space, including a movie-theater-like event area with department stores and trams as backdrops. It evokes a sense of the country’s special historical periods.
The “Truc Bach Night” is a highlight, with specially designed theme shops and Tram Line No. 6 – the “Hanoi Street Museum.” Each of the four trams showcases a typical culinary theme of Hanoi and Vietnam, such as rice paddy, vermicelli noodles, and kitchen cupboard trays. They serve as “mini-museums” of the city’s culture and cuisine, offering tourists a unique insight into the capital’s rich heritage.
Local leaders, officials, and residents of Ba Dinh District participate in experiential activities at “Truc Bach Night.” This event showcases the area’s cultural and historical significance. Photo: VGP |
Nguyen Dan Huy, Chairman of the Truc Bach Ward People’s Committee, shared their vision for the trams: “We wanted to create a miniature museum on wheels, bringing to life the stories of Hanoi’s culinary and cultural heritage. The positive response from locals and tourists alike has been overwhelming, and we’re now expanding our offerings. Each tram not only showcases culinary delights but also depicts the culture, occupations, and lifestyles of the people of Trang An-Hanoi.”
Tram Line No. 6, dubbed the “Hanoi Street Museum,” is a dynamic and ever-changing open museum. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive activities, gaining a deep understanding of the city’s culture and its people.
Ba Dinh, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, is home to 74 relics, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site and the Presidential Palace Special Relics Site. The district has also recently seen the Voi Phuc and Quan Thanh temples designated as city-level tourist sites, further enhancing its spiritual and tourist appeal.
Ta Nam Chien, Chairman of Ba Dinh District, emphasized their efforts to boost tourism: “We are proud custodians of a unique urban architecture, natural landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. In recent years, we’ve launched dedicated websites and digital marketing campaigns to promote our district. We’ve also focused on preserving our traditional cultural identity by upgrading urban infrastructure, such as our iconic flower beds and trees.”
“Truc Bach Night” in Ba Dinh District is a cultural and historical hotspot, attracting visitors with its unique layers of the city’s past. Photo: VGP |
Fostering Night-Time Economic Growth
Hanoi’s master plan for 2030, with a vision towards 2045, emphasizes the development of a vibrant and distinctive night-time economy. The city aims to create unique night-time economic models for each locality, building a strong brand for the capital and reaffirming its competitiveness.
The government has directed Hanoi to allocate spaces for cultural and entertainment industries, prioritizing tourism as a spearhead. This includes preserving and promoting cultural landmarks such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Old Quarter, and traditional craft villages. Additionally, there are plans to develop modern and unique cultural symbols for the new era.
According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, a range of activities will be organized to expand night-time services and develop Hanoi’s night tourism. Dang Huong Giang, Director of the department, highlighted the success of festivals and cultural events in boosting the night economy and promoting the city’s cultural industry. She also emphasized the need for more comprehensive strategies to develop night tourism and create appealing experiences for foreign visitors.
The Temple of Literature Tour utilizes advanced 3D mapping technology to showcase vivid images and stories of the country’s educational tradition, offering tourists a unique and immersive experience. Photo: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times |
Giang mentioned the introduction of night activities in pedestrian streets and night tours of iconic sites like Hoa Lo Prison, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Temple of Literature. She suggested adapting water puppet performances to appeal to foreign audiences and creating night tours of the ancient streets in the Old Quarter. Additionally, the department plans to organize a workshop on developing night tourism services and launch an online review titled “Hanoi Night Welcomes You.”
Nguyen Thi Mai Anh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Promotion Agency, emphasized the importance of developing and networking the night-time economy beyond the Old Quarter. She suggested that focusing on night-time culinary tourism could provide households with opportunities to expand their businesses and contribute to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Hanoi, along with 11 other localities, is part of a project by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to establish models for night tourism development by 2025. This initiative aims to attract more tourists, increase their spending, and extend their stay. To achieve this, Hanoi will continue to cooperate with tourism enterprises, creating night and experience-based tourism services that showcase the city’s rich traditional values.
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