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Hanoi is stepping up efforts to welcome 12 million international visitors, supported by rising demand and targeted stimulus measures. In April 2026, total visitors to the capital were about 3.09 million, up 13.3% year-on-year. International visitors were around 780,000, while total tourism revenue was estimated at 12.65 trillion dong. Hotel occupancy averaged nearly 70% in April 2026, up more than 3 percentage points from the same period last year, indicating that tourism incentives are helping lift performance during the peak domestic and international travel season.
To further stimulate demand, Hanoi is offering 100% free bus and metro tickets for 7 days during the Hung Kings’ Festival and the 30 April–1 May holidays. The program covers all subsidized bus services and two metro corridors, aiming to reduce travel costs and encourage easier movement within the city, helping ease inner-city traffic.
From a demand perspective, removing transport costs can make travel decisions simpler—particularly for domestic travelers and younger visitors—and supports more flexible connections between destinations, from the city center to surrounding areas.
Alongside the transport policy, Hanoi has launched a series of new products to extend visitor stays and increase spending during the 30/4–1/5 holiday period. At the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hanoi Department of Tourism will coordinate with the Mausoleum Management Board to distribute free drinks, milk, and bread to residents and visitors on 30/4–1/5.
In the city center, exhibitions and craft experiences are planned, including an art exhibition themed “Lotus Remembering Uncle Ho,” displays on “Sơn ta’s legacy,” “From Dó to contemporary lacquer,” and “From Dó to today,” as well as a heritage experience space titled “Touching the depths of heritage.”
Night-tour programs around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple will guide visitors through five heritage spaces, including the Calligraphy Tower area, a ritual welcoming atmosphere at Huc Bridge and Dak Nguyet Tower, and a dramatized performance about Le Loi returning the sword on the lake.
At the 45 Trang Tien Exhibition Hall, nearly 90 historical works will be displayed, retracing 21 years of resistance until victory. Each photo includes a QR code to help visitors access detailed context and significance, with the aim of making history more accessible for younger generations.
With free bus and metro access, visitors can more easily reach other destinations such as Hoang Thanh Thang Long and join night tours like “Solving Hanoi Citadel” to explore the ancient sites under night lighting.
Cultural activities in the Viet Nam Ethnic Groups Culture and Tourism Village will feature highlights such as the Lai Chau Color Market and a Pony-themed festival at Sun World Ba Na. The West Lake Water Park and other venues are also upgrading services to ensure convenience and safety during the 30/4–1/5 holidays.
Hanoi’s tourism sector says it will continue positioning the city as a safe, friendly, high-quality, and attractive destination. Looking ahead, experts recommend focusing on deeper, higher-value tourism products rather than simply chasing visitor numbers. They also note that the Hoan Kiem Lake night-tour is a positive signal and should be expanded with consistent quality. The free public transport policy is also seen as a testbed for green and sustainable tourism, since easier and friendlier mobility can improve the overall travel experience.
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