According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, international arrivals reached approximately 178,500, marking a 48.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Domestic visitors totaled around 722,500, up 5.3% year on year. Total tourism revenue during the holiday was estimated at VND3.436 trillion, representing a 19.5% rise.

On February 19 alone (the third day of Tet), the capital welcomed roughly 132,800 visitors, up 14.1% from the previous year. Among them, 24,800 were international tourists, a sharp 46.6% increase, while domestic arrivals hit about 108,000. Revenue for the day was estimated at VND499 billion, up 20.9%.

Hotel occupancy averaged around 70% during the holiday. Many accommodation providers introduced Tet-themed packages featuring peach blossom decorations, red parallel sentences and traditional Vietnamese cuisine to attract guests, particularly international travelers seeking cultural experiences.

Throughout the Tet holiday, historical relics and tourist attractions across the city remained open. Cultural and festival activities were organised on an expanded scale, emphasising immersive and interactive experiences. Visitors were introduced to traditional craft village products, intangible cultural heritage performances and hands-on cultural activities.

Several destinations also showcased technological innovation. The “Flag Tower Memories” tour and a 3D mapping show at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long offered digital storytelling experiences. Night-time urban tourism products linked to heritage spaces in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake continued to draw interest.

Notably, the Co Loa Festival in the Year of the Horse 2026 piloted a digitalised model titled “Digital Heritage Site – Traditional Festival Space,” creating new interactive experiences for visitors.

At the Huong Pagoda Festival, organisers introduced improvements in service and site management, including e-ticketing, online ticket sales, automated ticket kiosks and QR code scanning systems. AI-powered cameras were deployed to help manage traffic flow, while a rapid-response team was established to handle inquiries via a hotline.

New tourism products were also launched, such as the night cycling tour “Hanoi Dep Sound” and the experiential tour “Hanoi – Touching the Realm of Memories,” connecting Truc Bach Lake and the Ba Dinh area. These innovations aim to enhance service quality, extend visitor stays and increase tourism spending.

The Hanoi Department of Tourism confirmed that inspections and monitoring were conducted regularly at tourist sites. Security and environmental hygiene were maintained, with no reports of overcharging, harassment or other violations during the peak holiday period.

With encouraging results in the first days of the new year, Hanoi’s tourism industry is expected to maintain strong growth momentum throughout 2026.

Ho Chi Minh City attractions see 20% surge in visitors during Tet

VOV.VN - Major entertainment venues in Ho Chi Minh City were filled with families and tourists enjoying the festive atmosphere on February 21, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year (Tet), with some destinations reporting a significant rise in visitor numbers compared to last year.