Visitors to the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi
Vietnam’s National Day holiday, which this year spans four days, is fueling a surge in domestic tourism. According to the latest data from travel platform Booking, Hanoi has climbed from seventh to first place in destination searches by Vietnamese users for the holiday period from August 29 to September 3, compared to the same time last year.
The capital city has seen growing interest across all traveler segments. It now ranks highest in searches among families (up from 14th place), groups of friends (up from 9th), couples (up from 7th) and solo travelers (up from 2nd).
The data, compiled between May 1 and June 15, reflects searches by Vietnamese users looking for domestic travel during the upcoming holiday period.
Hanoi will host large-scale events to mark the National Day on September 2, including a parade rehearsal on August 27, a full dress rehearsal on August 30, and the official celebration and military parade on September 2.
According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, hotel bookings for the holiday had already increased by 30 to 40 per cent year-on-year as early as May.
Capitalizing on rising demand, travel agencies are launching a variety of special holiday packages to attract visitors to Hanoi. Several companies reported growing interest and bookings for National Day tours.
Pham Van Bay, Deputy Director of Vietravel Hanoi, said the company has prepared 1,500 tour slots for the holiday and nearly 40 per cent have already been booked. “Compared to last year, tour bookings for September 2 have increased by around 20 per cent. This year, many customers are planning earlier thanks to the long break, favorable weather and a growing trend of combining domestic travel with cultural and nature-based experiences,” Bay said.
Saigontourist is offering a six-day, five-night National Day tour package priced at over VND 13 million (USD 510). Visitors can watch the military parade at Ba Dinh Square, explore historic landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda, among others.
The tour also includes excursions to Ha Long Bay, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Phat Diem Stone Church, Tam Dao Stone Church and Tay Thien tourist area.
Other popular destinations featured in Hanoi holiday tours include the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Bat Trang pottery village.