Hanoi Historic Sites Welcome Tens of Thousands of Tourists During Tet Lunar New Year Festival

Hanoi, the cultural heart of Vietnam, experienced a massive tourism boom during the Lunar New Year (Tet Giáp Thìn). Tens of thousands of domestic and international travelers flocked to the capital's iconic historical landmarks to immerse themselves in traditional spring festivals, spiritual rituals, and unique cultural exhibitions. This surge in visitors marks a highly promising start for the capital's tourism industry.

One of the most popular destinations was the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Hoàng thành Thăng Long), which opened its doors on the second day of the Lunar New Year. The UNESCO World Heritage site welcomed approximately 50,000 visitors. For the first time, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center introduced a state-of-the-art 3D movie reconstructing the ancient 'Chính đán' ritual from the Lê Dynasty. This virtual court ceremony offered visitors an educational look into imperial history, symbolizing wishes for national peace and prosperity. Travelers also explored the traditional Tet decoration spaces, dressed up in beautiful historical costumes for photo shoots, and visited key historical spots like House D67 and Bunker D67, which served as the military headquarters during the war.

Meanwhile, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám), Vietnam's first national university, drew an astonishing 90,000 visitors over just four days of the Tet holiday. Long lines of locals and tourists gathered to pray for academic success and good fortune. A major highlight was the Spring Calligraphy Festival (Hội chữ Xuân), where visitors could request traditional calligraphic wishes from master calligraphers. Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Temple of Literature's Cultural and Scientific Activity Center, noted that despite the massive crowds, the organization went smoothly, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Other notable historical sites in the Hanoi area also reported impressive visitor numbers. The iconic Ngoc Son Temple, located on Hoan Kiem Lake, offered free admission during the initial days of Tet, drawing massive crowds of worshippers. Further out, the charming Duong Lam Ancient Village welcomed over 15,000 guests, including a special group of Danish and Norwegian tourists who participated in the traditional 'xông đất' (first-footing) custom. Local homestays in Duong Lam were fully booked with international and southern Vietnamese tourists enjoying traditional folk games and creative photo zones. Additionally, the sacred Huong Pagoda (Chùa Hương) welcomed tens of thousands of pilgrims daily, even before its official festival opening. This strong interest in heritage tourism highlights Hanoi's growing appeal as a premier cultural destination.

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