THE HANOI TIMES — Following a robust start to 2026, Hanoi is intensifying tourism oversight in preparation for the Lunar New Year. The focus is on enhancing service quality, managing crowds, and ensuring visitor safety amidst the anticipated holiday surge.
Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, shared with Hanoimoi Newspaper that inspections will be heightened, inter-district coordination strengthened, and advanced visitor management systems implemented. These measures aim to encourage longer stays and increase visitor spending.
Geared Up for the Festive Season
Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism. Photo: Hoai Nam/ The Hanoi Times
How will Hanoi maintain its momentum after welcoming approximately 560,000 visitors during the 2026 New Year holiday—double the previous year’s figure—as the Lunar New Year approaches?
2026 marks a pivotal year for Hanoi’s tourism sector. The capital ushered in the New Year with a festive atmosphere, influenced by the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the implementation of Party resolutions across all levels.
The two-tier local government model has injected momentum and flexibility into cultural and tourism activities. Under the guidance of the City Party Committee, the People’s Council, and the People’s Committee, departments and localities have collaboratively launched celebrations, decorations, and events for the Party, the Spring Festival, and the Lunar New Year of the Horse.
With a nine-day Lunar New Year holiday and a meticulously planned calendar of diverse tourism offerings, Hanoi anticipates not only higher visitor numbers but also extended stays and increased spending.
Having welcomed around one million visitors during the Lunar New Year of the Snake in 2025, Hanoi is confident in solidifying its position as one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations during the Year of the Horse in 2026.
Cultural events and folk performances will enliven Hanoi’s celebration of the Lunar New Year 2026. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
What specific preparations is Hanoi’s tourism industry undertaking for the holiday period?
This year’s program emphasizes immersive experiences and cultural richness, introducing new tourism products tied to traditional crafts, intangible heritage, and interactive live art performances.
Both New Year and Lunar New Year celebrations are being expanded in scale and investment. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, Hanoi will host 32 fireworks displays across 31 locations, enhancing public access citywide. Tet-themed cultural activities will also take place at major heritage sites, including the Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the Hoan Kiem Lake-Ngoc Son Temple area.
Technology plays a significant role with innovative offerings such as the “Memories of the Flagpole” tour and 3D mapping performances at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Night-time tourism is expanding through heritage and Old Quarter tours, the “Hanoi Beautiful Sound” night cycling experience, and the “Hanoi – Touching the Realm of Memories” tour, which connects historical narratives with the Truc Bach Lake-Ba Dinh area.
Collectively, these initiatives aim to elevate Hanoi’s tourism offerings, encouraging longer stays and higher visitor spending.
The Bach Hoa Bo Hanh program features street processions in traditional costumes to mark the Lunar New Year. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
With a significant influx of visitors expected during Tet, how is the city managing congestion at popular sites?
Overcrowding during peak times is inevitable and reflects Hanoi’s growing appeal. However, the priority is to ensure safety while maintaining a positive visitor experience.
Tourism units and destination managers have been directed to implement timely crowd control measures and provide clear on-site guidance. Travel companies, especially those catering to international visitors, are encouraged to update itineraries and promote new destinations, including suburban areas, to distribute visitor flows more evenly.
Domestic travelers, particularly families, are advised to plan early, book services in advance, and explore attractions beyond the city center. Suburban destinations offer fresh experiences while alleviating pressure on traditional hotspots.
Striving for a Full-Year Target
Visitors explore the Dien Grapefruit Garden in Phu Dien Ward, Hanoi, ahead of the Tet holiday. Photo: Huy Pham/ The Hanoi Times
What steps is Hanoi taking to achieve its goal of welcoming nearly 36 million visitors in 2026, including over 8.6 million international tourists?
Since early 2026, Hanoi’s tourism sector has launched a comprehensive attraction plan extending beyond the Lunar New Year.
The year began with the “Green Journey” Hanoi Tourism Program at the Tay Ho Creative Cultural Space on Trinh Cong Son Street, followed by the “Happy Tet 2026” program from February 6 to 10 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, featuring diverse cultural activities.
Simultaneously, the city is investing in tourism infrastructure and seeking major investors for key areas such as Ba Vi, Huong Son, West Lake and its surroundings, and the Lai Cach Lagoon eco-tourism and entertainment zone in Da Phuc Commune.
Strategic projects are progressing, including reforms to the Huong Son complex management model, development of Red River waterway tourism, construction of the Hanoi Beer Museum, and preservation and enhancement of the West Lake area.
In terms of promotion, Hanoi is increasing its presence on leading international media platforms and collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on targeted campaigns in key markets, including Northeast Asia, India, and Europe. Long-term joint promotions with domestic airlines are also being expanded.
These efforts are supported by the development of a smart tourism ecosystem linked to digital transformation and a focus on training high-quality tourism personnel, underpinning Hanoi’s goal of sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness.
Thank you for your time!
“Horses in the City” Exhibition Showcases Vietnam’s Resilient Spirit in the Lead-Up to Tet
THE HANOI TIMES — The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Horses in the City,” celebrating the cultural and spiritual significance of the horse, the zodiac animal of the Lunar New Year 2026. The exhibition showcases Central Highlands wooden horse statues and lacquered horse statues by Lam Phong Studio. Photos: […]
Hanoi’s OCOP Exhibition Bridges Tourism and Handicrafts in Historic Pottery Village
THE HANOI TIMES — The ongoing exhibition at Bat Trang Pottery Village showcases the creativity of artisans through a diverse array of OCOP handicrafts and tourism-linked village products. Running from December 19 to 21, the three-day event features 80 booths and a dedicated display area highlighting traditional handicrafts from local communities. In his opening remarks, […]
Ho Chi Minh City Welcomes 2026 with Breathtaking Fireworks Extravaganza
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has announced its vision for the 2026 New Year festivities, featuring a spectacular fireworks showcase at various locations throughout the city.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Second International Photography Festival Showcases Innovation in Creative Technology
Ho Chi Minh City unveiled its second International Photography Festival 2025 on November 28 at the Youth Cultural House, embracing the theme “Photography Without Borders – Connecting Creative Technology.”
Hanoi Autumn Festival 2025: 150 Booths & Exciting New Experiences Await Visitors
Step into the enchanting embrace of Hanoi’s autumn at the third annual Hanoi Autumn Festival. Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of cultural, artistic, and tourism experiences, carefully curated to celebrate the season’s beauty and the city’s rich heritage.
