Hoi An ancient town packed with tourists during holiday

On the first days of the Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holiday, large crowds of domestic and international tourists gathered in Hoi An ancient town, now part of Danang City.

Major pedestrian streets including Bach Dang, Nguyen Phuc Chu, Hai Ba Trung, Nguyen Thai Hoc and Phan Chau Trinh were packed with visitors on April 30 and May 1.

Tourism services also saw a sharp surge in activity. At ticket counters for boat rides on the Hoai River, visitors queued in long lines, while souvenir shops, restaurants and night markets reported a significant increase in customer numbers compared with normal days.

Nguyen Tan Cuong, chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoi An Ward, confirmed that visitor numbers rose sharply from the first day of the holiday, with authorities compiling official ticket sales data.

To ensure a positive experience for tourists, local authorities have implemented coordinated measures on public security, environmental sanitation, traffic safety and service quality.

Price inspections have also been intensified to prevent overcharging and maintain Hoi An’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.

Le Thi My Hoa, 29, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, said this was her second visit to Hoi An.

“I am drawn not only by the scenery and diverse cuisine, but also by the friendliness and hospitality of local people. Prices here are also quite reasonable,” she said.

According to the Danang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, total visitor numbers during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and Reunification Day-International Workers’ Day holiday period from April 25 to May 3 are expected to rise by more than 15 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.

Average hotel occupancy across the city is estimated at 60 to 65 per cent, with four- and five-star hotels reaching 75 to 80 per cent.

Danang also ranked among the most searched destinations by Vietnamese travellers in April on the Booking.com platform.