The approaching New Year holiday brings with it a flurry of tourist activities. Due to the current economic conditions, many people are opting for destinations near Hanoi that offer shorter travel times and are not too expensive for the three-day holiday. In addition to well-known attractions such as heritage sites, handicraft villages, resorts, tourist attractions, eco-tourism destinations, and entertainment areas, there are also options for capital residents and tourists to explore.
Nguyen Ha Thanh from Bac Tu Liem District plans to take her children to places on the outskirts of Hanoi. A day trip allows them to have a fun-filled day, save money, and still enjoy their vacation without feeling exhausted.
| Foreign tourists visit Quang Phu Cau, an incense-making village in Ung Hoa District. Photo: Le Giang/The Hanoi Times |
“As usual, tourist sites can get too crowded during holidays, and since our income is not great, we have decided to cut down on travel expenses,” she said.
During this festive season, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage has been beautifully decorated with flowers and ornamental plants in the front yard of Doan Mon, the area of Kinh Thien Palace, and the Hau Lau area. The entire historical site showcases the rich culture of Thang Long-Hanoi that spans 13 centuries, offering tourists a chance to experience and appreciate its cultural heritage.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel night tours, organized during the New Year holidays, are fully booked. In order to accommodate the high demand, the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center has increased the number of staff on duty during this period.
In Duong Lam Ancient Village, the Ancient Village Relics Management Board organizes a bustling night market in Mong Phu communal house yard to cater to tourists who choose to stay overnight. Here, visitors can experience local specialties made and sold by the villagers themselves.
The Ancient Village Relics Management Board holds a regular night market every Saturday night, which has become a highlight of ancient village tourism. During this special occasion, an art exhibition of Duong Lam Ancient Village will also be organized at the Mong Phu Community House.
Nguyen Dang Thao, head of the Ancient Village Relics Management Board, stated that Duong Lam has always been a popular destination for many tourists, especially during holidays. Therefore, enriching activities that focus on utilizing the cultural value of the ancient village will enhance the overall tourism experience for visitors and, at the same time, promote the unique value of this historical site.
Other popular destinations such as Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Relics, Hoa Lo Prison, Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Space, Son Tay Citadel Walking Space, Thu Le Zoo, Bao Son Paradise Theme Park, shopping malls, and resorts in the outskirts of Hanoi are also gearing up to welcome a large number of visitors.
Short trips that attract visitors
With a few days off, people in the capital prefer short trips to places near Hanoi, such as Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, Sa Pa, Moc Chau, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang.
| Tourists at Dong Mo Lake in Son Tay Town, Hanoi. Photo: VNA |
Pham Van Bay, the deputy director of Vietravel Tourism Company in Hanoi, mentioned that the company is offering many attractive incentives in their spring promotion program for customers who book tours in advance.
When it comes to foreign tours, tourists tend to choose destinations that offer reasonable prices, convenient routes, and new experiences. According to Nguyen Cong Hoan, the general director of Flamingo Redtours Joint Stock Company, many tourists are considering popular destinations like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia for the New Year holidays. These destinations not only offer convenience in terms of travel but also provide reasonable tour prices and a warm climate.
Moreover, places with a vibrant Lunar New Year atmosphere, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, are also attracting tourists who want to experience a different kind of Tet celebration.
Increased admission fees for tourist sites in the capital
The Hanoi People’s Council has recently decided to increase admission fees for scenic spots and tourist attractions starting from January 1, 2024.
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The new entrance fees for various destinations are as follows: – The Temple of Literature: VND70,000 (US$2.9); – Ngoc Son Temple: VND50,000 ($2); – Hoa Lo Prison Relics: VND50,000 ($2); – Thang Long Imperial Citadel: VND100,000 ($4.1); – Co Loa Citadel Relics: VND30,000 ($1.2); – Perfume Pagoda: VND120,000 ($5); – Quan Thanh Temple: VND10,000; – Duong Lam Ancient Village: VND20,000 ($1); – Thay Pagoda: VND10,000 ($0.5); – Tay Phuong Pagoda: VND10,000 ($0.5). |
With the implementation of this decision, most of Hanoi’s scenic spots, historical relics, and cultural spaces have become more expensive to visit.
The decision stipulates that the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and relics under the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Conservation Center (including relics of Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Co Loa Citadel) will retain 90% of the entrance fee income and contribute 10% to the State budget.
Meanwhile, the Perfume Pagoda will allocate 85% of the fee to the State budget, which will be used for the beautification and renovation of the relics, as well as the organization of festivals.
Quan Thanh Temple, Thay Pagoda, and Tay Phuong Pagoda will contribute 100% of the entrance fee revenue to the State budget, while Duong Lam Ancient Village will be allowed to keep 100% of its earnings.
Additionally, free admission will be granted on Heritage Day (November 23) and the 20th day of the 8th lunar month, as well as on the first days of each lunar month, to visitors at Ngoc Son Temple. Perfume Pagoda will offer free admission on Lunar New Year and Buddha’s Birthday (April 15 in the lunar calendar). Quan Thanh Temple, Tay Phuong Pagoda, Thay Pagoda, and Duong Lam Ancient Village will also provide free admission on Lunar New Year.
