Ha Noi, Huong Pagoda, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel See a Record Surge in Tourism During Tet Holiday – Everything You Need to Know About Vietnam’s Thriving Travel Scene

During the nine-day celebration of the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday from February 14 to February 22, 2026, Ha Noi, Vietnam’s capital, experienced a remarkable influx of tourists, with approximately 1.34 million visitors arriving. This surge in tourism represents a 36.3% increase compared to the same period last year, reinforcing Ha Noi’s growing stature as a sought-after travel destination in Southeast Asia.

Diverse Tourists Drive Strong Growth in Ha Noi

Ha Noi’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and expansion in the early months of 2026. Among the 1.34 million travelers, 217,000 were international visitors, while the remaining 1.13 million came from domestic destinations. These figures represent an impressive 55% rise in foreign tourism and a 33.2% increase in domestic tourism. The total revenue generated during this period soared to 4.87 trillion VND (over 187.5 million USD), marking a robust 40.2% increase from the previous year.

The rise in foreign tourists highlights the expanding appeal of Ha Noi to international travelers, particularly from markets such as China, South Korea, India, France, the UK, the US, Germany, and the Philippines. The city’s appeal seems to resonate with a variety of international travelers, making it a prominent destination on the global tourism map.

Tourism Appeal of Ha Noi: Cultural Richness and Modern Innovations

A significant factor contributing to Ha Noi’s tourism growth is the city’s ability to blend traditional cultural experiences with modern technological innovations. During Tet, Ha Noi’s heritage sites, museums, and cultural spaces were alive with activities that embodied the essence of Vietnamese traditions, from folk art performances to celebrations of traditional crafts. These cultural initiatives not only highlight Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage but also provide visitors with an immersive experience that blends past and present.

For those seeking a more contemporary experience, the city introduced a range of digital innovations in its tourism offerings. Notable additions included 3D mapping performances at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a “digital historical site” at the Co Loa Festival. These cutting-edge technologies enhanced the appeal of Ha Noi’s cultural spaces, making them more accessible and engaging to both local and international visitors. Additionally, visitors were able to enjoy e-ticketing, QR code control, and AI-powered cameras at key festivals, providing an enhanced level of convenience and efficiency for tourists.

Booming Hotel Occupancy and Extended Stays

The accommodation sector in Ha Noi also experienced a boost during the Tet holiday. The city’s hotel occupancy rate reached about 66.8%, reflecting a 1.2 percentage point increase compared to the previous year. The luxury hotel segment, particularly 4–5-star properties, witnessed even higher occupancy rates, exceeding 72%. Many hotels across the capital city reported strong early bookings and longer stays throughout the Tet period. Some establishments even rolled out exclusive Tet-themed promotional packages, offering complimentary room upgrades and access to local cultural experiences in an effort to encourage extended stays.

Popular Tourist Sites: A Surge in Visitors

Ha Noi’s key tourist attractions saw an influx of visitors throughout the Tet holiday. Among the most visited locations was Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) and Quoc Tu Giam (Vietnam’s first university), which attracted nearly 120,000 visitors. Other popular sites, including the Huong Pagoda, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Co Loa Citadel, also saw significant foot traffic during the holiday period. The presence of 17 heritage sites offering free admission allowed both tourists and locals to explore Ha Noi’s rich cultural heritage at no cost, enhancing the overall accessibility of the city’s historic treasures.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience with Cultural and Urban Tourism

Ha Noi has embraced the concept of night-time urban tourism, offering night cycling tours and other cultural experience activities to further engage visitors. These unique experiences help extend tourists’ stays and boost spending, allowing travelers to explore Ha Noi’s vibrant culture after dark. Additionally, the city has prioritized the creation of new, interactive tourist experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer and immerse themselves in the cultural fabric of the capital.

As part of the city’s efforts to continue its tourism growth, Ha Noi has also focused on improving its services, particularly in tourism management and service quality at major tourist sites. The municipal Department of Tourism issued guidelines for improving the quality of services at national relics and other important tourist locations, including the organization of various Tet-related festivals. Additionally, local accommodation establishments, shopping centers, and restaurants have been actively preparing for the influx of tourists by decorating their spaces in Tet themes and organizing special events like rural-style markets, food fairs, and traditional art performances.

Tips for Tourists Visiting Ha Noi During Tet

For travelers planning to visit Ha Noi during the Tet holiday season, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to make the most of the experience:

1. Plan in advance: With the surge in tourism during Tet, it’s advisable to book accommodations and tours early to secure the best deals and spots.
2. Embrace cultural experiences: Ha Noi’s cultural events during Tet are not to be missed. Be sure to visit heritage sites and participate in local festivals.
3. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations: While popular sites like the Temple of Literature and Huong Pagoda attract large crowds, Ha Noi also offers hidden gems and quieter spaces to explore.
4. Enjoy local cuisine: Tet is a fantastic time to indulge in Vietnamese food, with seasonal dishes and street food stalls scattered across the city.
5. Respect local customs: Tet is a deeply traditional holiday, so it’s important to be mindful of local customs, especially when visiting cultural and religious sites.

Sustainable Tourism in Ha Noi: A Step Towards Growth

As Ha Noi continues to thrive as a tourist destination, the city is also working towards sustainable tourism practices. In 2026, there is a significant push to ensure that tourism growth remains balanced with environmental conservation efforts. The focus is on promoting responsible travel, supporting local artisans, and minimizing the environmental impact of tourism-related activities. As part of this vision, the Department of Tourism is promoting eco-friendly travel options, such as bike tours, eco-hotels, and more green tourism initiatives.

With its vibrant culture, rich history, and innovative tourism offerings, Ha Noi is poised for continued growth as a premier travel destination in Southeast Asia.

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